Norton approves $6,700 joint funding agreement with Interior/USGS for stream gauges

The Norton Board of Control voted Feb. 2 to enter a joint funding agreement with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Geological Survey for water-resource investigations, in an amount not to exceed $6,700. Councilmembers said the city's share will be approximately $5,200.

Staff explained the gauges were installed in 2019 and that there is about a $1,000 annual maintenance cost per gauge. One gauge was identified as needing a substantial rebuild, estimated at roughly $3,000. Councilmembers asked whether the gauges provide historical streamflow data that could help when applying for grants; staff said historical data could be accessed or requested.

The board also discussed operational uses of the gauges: they alert staff when a stream is rising and approaching roadways, which allows the city to pre-position resources or notify affected businesses. When asked who receives alerts, staff said notifications currently go to service staff and the service assistant director; the council discussed whether and how to notify the public or individual businesses.

A councilmember moved to approve the joint funding agreement and another seconded; the clerk called the roll and recorded unanimous approval by members present.