Title
Public Hearing on the Draft 2017 Storm and Surface Water Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Utility Advisory Committee and the Land Use and Environment Committee recommend forwarding the Draft 2017 Storm and Surface Water Plan to Council for a briefing, public hearing and approval.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing. Upon closing the hearing, move to approve the Draft 2017 Storm and Surface Water Plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold a public hearing and then approve the Draft 2017 Storm and Surface Water Plan.
Staff Contact:
Susan Clark, Senior Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8321
Presenter(s):
Susan Clark, Senior Planner
Background and Analysis:
Unlike the City of Olympia’s other water-related utilities (drinking water and wastewater), the Storm and Surface Water Utility is not required by State regulation to have a master plan. With no mandate, the Utility has the flexibility to develop and format a City-initiated plan as an internally-focused tool for guiding its work in meeting community expectations. A team of City staff from throughout the Utility worked collaboratively on this effort.
The Utility’s mission is to prevent flooding, improve surface water quality, and protect and enhance aquatic habitat. How we address our mission is complex and relies on partnerships forged with others, including our customers. A large percentage of our work is directed toward meeting the requirements of our National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
The Draft 2017 Plan contains the policy and financial direction necessary to guide the Utility in operating, maintaining, and improving its built infrastructure and city-wide natural elements for the next ten years. It also explains the challenges the Utility faces and the Utility’s current responsibilities, core services and programs.
The Draft 2017 Plan includes an implementation strategy. A key component of the strategy is an annual review of priorities, staff workloads, budget requirements and funding limitations.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Utility Advisory Committee reviewed the Draft 2017 Plan and recommended approval (see attached letter). The Utility conducted a survey, held an open house, hosted an aquatic habitat stakeholder group and held a public comment period on the plan. Survey results and comments received through the open house, aquatic habitat stakeholder group and public review period are included in Appendix 6 of the plan.
Options:
Option 1. Hold a public hearing and approve the Draft 2017 Storm and Surface Water Plan. Implementation of the Plan will ensure the needs of our community are addressed.
Option 2. Recommend revisions to the Draft 2017 Storm and Surface Water Plan. This option will delay Plan implementation.
Financial Impact:
The Storm and Surface Water Utility funds the Storm and Surface Water Plan. The Draft 2017 Plan has utility rate and general facilities charge (GFC) implications. However, the implementation of future rates and GFCs is addressed during Council’s annual budget decisions.
Chapter 12 and Appendix 5 contains the financial analysis conducted for the Draft 2017 Plan by the Utility’s financial consultant, including the rate increases necessary to fully fund all recommended strategies as presented.
Attachments:
UAC Letter of Support
Link to Draft 2017 Plan and Appendices
Draft 2017 Storm and Surface Water Plan Summary Booklet