Title
Approval of Stormwater Storage Agreement with Holiday Hills Recreation Association
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve and authorize the City Manager to sign the Stormwater Storage Agreement with the Holiday Hills Recreation Association.
Report
Issue:
Whether to authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement for Stormwater Storage with the Holiday Hills Recreation Association. The agreement allows the City to store stormwater during emergency flooding in a privately-owned, undeveloped area in the Holiday Hills subdivision.
Staff Contact:
Andy Haub, Water Resources Director, 360.753.8475
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Item
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia and the Holiday Hills Recreation Association (HHRA) entered into a legal agreement in 1997 to use the subdivision's Recreation Area #1 for emergency stormwater storage during major rainfall events. The old agreement expired and staff negotiated a new 15 year agreement with the HHRA (see attached).
The recreation area is a low-lying grassy area used by association members for open space and outdoor recreation (see attached map). During major floods, runoff from upstream developments and City streets can discharge to the recreation area and infiltrate into the ground. The agreement between the City and HHRA defines the terms for using the recreation area to manage stormwater.
Without the agreement, the City will have to upgrade the stormwater systems in Cain Road. That upgrade will be a considerable expense. The recreation area provides an excellent stormwater management option for the City and the neighborhood. The agreement specifies the City will pay the HHRA $3,000 for every major event that discharges to the recreation area. Over the past 16 years, the City has only used the recreation area for stormwater storage a few times.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Holiday Hills Recreation Association has formally approved the agreement and authorized their President to sign it.
Options:
Option 1: Move to Approve and Authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement. The Storm and Surface Water Utility will monitor City use of the recreation area. This option provides a cost-effective way to manage stormwater during major flooding events.
Option 2: Suggest modifications to the agreement or an alternative flood management response. Staff would need to evaluate upgrades to the stormwater system with impacts to budget and rate payers.
Financial Impact:
The Storm and Surface Water Utility will provide compensation of $3,000 as needed for major stormwater discharges to the recreation area.
Attachments:
Holiday Hills Stormwater Agreement
Recreation Area