Title
Storm and Surface Water Plan
Recommended Action
Information only. Recommendation to City Council in September 2017.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the status of Storm and Surface Water Plan update.
Staff Contact:
Susan Clark, Senior Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8321
Presenter(s):
Susan Clark, Senior Planner, 360.753.8321
Joe Roush, Environmental Services Supervisor, 360.753.8563
Eric Christensen, Water Resources Engineering and Planning Manager, 360.570.3741
Background and Analysis:
The City’s Storm and Surface Water Utility (the Utility) was formed in 1986 with the following mission: To provide services that minimize flooding, maintain or improve water quality, and protect or enhance aquatic habitat. While the mission still holds true, the past decade has seen changes in stormwater management technology and techniques, increased state regulatory oversight, and shifts in weather and climate change impacts.
Currently, the work of the Utility is guided by a masterplan approved in 2003 and amended in 2010. The current Storm and Surface Water Plan can be viewed at www.olympia.wa.gov/plan
There is no regulation requiring the Utility to have a Plan, but because it informs the Utility’s programs and projects and ensures they are managed efficiently and effectively and due to new regulations, infrastructure and development having occurred, an update of the Plan is needed.
Olympia’s Comprehensive Plan, updated in 2014, provides a strong vision and substantial guidance on the community’s aspirations and expectations for Olympia’s water resources and natural environment. A subset of storm and surface water related goals and policies from the plan are attached (Attachment 1).
In May 2014, staff and the UAC took the first steps in initiating an update to the Storm and Surface Water Plan by developing a list of policy questions to address during the Plan update process (Attachment 2).
To provide a way for community members to weigh-in on the priorities for the Utility’s work and to inform Plan development, an online survey was conducted in May 2016.
In July 2016, a focus group consisting of community members and environmental organizations met with Utility staff to provide feedback for the development of the Aquatic Habitat components of the Plan and in August 2016 a community open house was held.
During the May 4, 2017 UAC meeting, we anticipate discussing the Plan’s analysis of key issues and challenges facing the Utility as well as the Utility’s current responsibilities, core services and programs. The Plan’s recommendations, including proposed capital improvements and financial impacts will be presented to the UAC during an upcoming meeting.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Utility conducted a survey, held an open house, hosted an aquatic habitat stakeholder group, and maintains a city webpage.
Options:
Not applicable.
Financial Impact:
Updating the Plan should improve Utility efficiency. The Utility has contracted with a financial consultant to update the financial strategy for the Utility, to evaluate the impacts of projected operating costs, capital needs, and policy initiatives on rates, and to evaluate the existing stormwater rate structure and present alternatives.
Attachments:
Hyperlink to the City’s current 2003 Storm and Surface Water Plan
Comprehensive Plan Storm and Surface Water Goals and Policies
Key Policy Issues, May 2016