Title
Final Deliberation on Proposed Reclaimed Water Code Amendments
Body
Issue:
The Planning Commission will deliberate and vote on a recommendation regarding proposed amendments to Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) 4.04.010 Engineering Fees, OMC 4.24.010 Utility Charges, OMC 4.44.040 Uniform Civil Enforcement, and OMC 13.24 Reclaimed Water.
Committee Recommendation:
The Utility Advisory Committee has provided a letter of support for adoption of the proposed code amendments. The Community Planning & Development Department has issued a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Determination of Non-Significance. The Council Land Use & Environment Committee also supports moving the proposed code amendments forward in the adoption process to City Council.
City Manager's Recommendation:
Move to recommend the Planning Commission recommend City Council adopt the proposed code amendments to OMC 4.04.010, OMC 4.24.010, OMC 4.44.040, and OMC 13.24.
Staff Contact:
Donna Buxton, Senior Program Specialist, 360.753.8793
Presenter:
Donna Buxton, Senior Program Specialist, 360.753.8793
Background and Analysis:
The proposed code amendments support public safety by closing regulatory gaps; generate revenue consistent with existing development and utility models (by adding engineering fees, service charges, and rates); and eliminate redundant and inconsistent language. The code amendments reflect extensive reorganization of the current code for improved ease of use, such that OMC 13.24 Reclaimed Water would be repealed and replaced.
Staff briefed the Commission about the Reclaimed Water Program and proposed code amendments on Monday, May 20. The Commission held a public hearing about the proposed code amendments on Monday, July 15, 2013. At the hearing, the Commission asked questions, provided input, and directed staff to present a final draft amendment for deliberation on August 5. A final draft amendment is attached and addresses the following edits:
- OMC 4.24.010 Utility Charges. Sections B. WASTE WATER (SEWER), C. WASTE RESOURCES, and D. STORM AND SURFACE WATER were added to more clearly depict the proposed new Section E. RECLAIMED WATER.
- OMC 13.24.020 Definition of Air gap. The definition of air gap was not changed because an air gap is installed to protect the potable water supply.
- OMC 13.24.035 and 13.24.040(A): Text was edited to clarify when the duties and authorities of the City Engineer and the Director would be exercised in terms of construction versus operation and maintenance of the reclaimed water system.
- OMC 13.24.070: The last sentence was edited to omit the word Note.
- OMC 13.24.015: The Coordinated Water System Plan was identified more clearly as the North Thurston Coordinated Water System Plan.
Neighborhood/Community Interests:
No public comment was received at the public hearing. Prior to the public hearing, staff responded to a question from the Olympia Master Builders/Building Industry Association of Washington (OMB/BIAW) about the proposed $200 reclaimed water service connection fee. Since the public hearing, staff received additional input/questions from OPC members, which will be addressed at the deliberation.
Options:
- Recommend to City Council to amend OMC 4.04.010 Engineering Fees, OMC 4.24.010 Utility Charges, OMC 4.44.040 Uniform Civil Enforcement, and OMC 13.24 Reclaimed Water with or without additional further amendments.
- Do not recommend to City Council to amend OMC 4.04.010 Engineering Fees, OMC 4.24.010 Utility Charges, OMC 4.44.040 Uniform Civil Enforcement, and OMC 13.24 Reclaimed Water, and provide direction to staff.
Financial Impact:
The proposed code amendments can be implemented with existing staff resources; no additional Utility funds are needed.