Title
Storm and Surface Water Plan Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the update and concur with the process and timeline.
Report
Issue:
Whether the planning timeline and process for the update to the Plan are appropriate.
Staff Contact:
Laura Keehan, Senior Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8321
Presenter:
Laura Keehan, Public Works Water Resources
Background and Analysis:
The City's Storm and Surface Water Utility, formed in 1986, has the following mission: "To provide services that minimize flooding, maintain or improve water quality, and protect or enhance aquatic habitat”. Since 2003 the City of Olympia Storm and Surface Water Plan has guided the Utility. While the mission still holds true, the past decade has seen changes in stormwater. Changes include management technology and techniques, increased state regulatory oversight, and shifts in weather and climate change impacts. A new Storm and Surface Water Plan will guide the Utility over the next ten years.
In 2014, staff and the Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) took the first steps to update the Storm and Surface Water Plan by developing a list of policy questions to address in the Plan (Attachment 1). The questions are complex and will require input from the community regarding their preferences and priorities. The overarching questions posed for this plan are:
• Given the amount of work that is required by State and Federal regulations, what are the community’s expectations in the three areas of the Utility’s mission for the next decade?
• How would those affect stormwater utility rates?
The recently updated Comprehensive Plan provides a strong vision and substantial guidance on the community’s aspirations and expectations for Olympia’s water resources and natural environment. This guidance will also help shape the new Plan.
The Utility is prepared to update the Storm and Surface Water Plan, including a financial strategy, over the upcoming year and anticipates Council review in early 2017 (See Timeline, Attachment 2).
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Staff proposes an online survey and open house during development of the Plan to obtain feedback from the community on Utility priorities and preferences for the next ten years.
The UAC will play an important role in advising staff on policy direction and review of the draft plan.
The updated Plan will better address the stormwater issues our community is facing now and for the next decade.
Options:
1. Concur the planning process and timeline as proposed.
2. Modify the planning process and timeline to reflect Council’s priorities or preferences.
Financial Impact:
The total budget to update the Plan is $130,000. There is sufficient budget to cover the cost.
Attachment(s):
1. Policy Questions
2. Timeline