Title
Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan Briefing
Recommended Action
Review Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan and provide input to staff.
Report
Issue:
Staff requests UAC input on the Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan, which sets the strategic direction for the Storm and Surface Water Utility for the next ten years.
Staff Contact:
Susan Clark, Senior Planner, Public Works Water Resources
Presenter(s):
Susan Clark, Senior Planner, Public Works Water Resources
Joe Roush, Environmental Services Supervisor
Eric Christensen, Water Resources Engineering and Planning Manager
Marcus Goodman, Operations Supervisor
Background and Analysis:
A team of Storm and Surface Water Utility (Utility) staff members from Planning and Engineering, Environmental Services and Operations have worked collaboratively to update the current Storm and Surface Water Plan. There is no regulation requiring the Utility to have a master plan, but because it informs the Utility’s programs and projects and ensures that the Utility is managed efficiently and effectively and due to new regulations, infrastructure and development having occurred, an update of the Plan was necessary.
The Utility’s mission is to prevent flooding, improve water quality, and protect and enhance aquatic habitat. The Draft Plan contains the policy and financial direction to guide the Utility in operating, maintaining, and improving its built infrastructure and city-wide natural elements. The Draft Plan also explains the challenges the Utility faces and the Utility’s current responsibilities, core services and programs.
In May 2014, Utility staff and the UAC took the first steps in initiating an update to the 2003 Storm and Surface Water Plan by developing a list of policy questions to address during the update process. The scope of the Draft Plan was discussed with the UAC in March 2016, a briefing on the key issues and challenges facing the Utility was held in May 2017 and staff presented the Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan to the UAC in September 2017.
The Draft Plan can be reviewed by clicking on the link provided on the UAC’s November 2nd meeting materials.
During the November 2, 2017 UAC meeting, we anticipate discussing the Draft Plan’s key recommendations and obtaining UAC comment.
Following input from the UAC, the Draft Plan will be presented to the Land Use and Environment Committee in November, 2017 and January, 2018. Additionally, the Utility will announce the availability of the Draft Plan and establish a public comment period in November, 2017. Public comment received will be provided to the UAC.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Utility conducted a survey, held an open house, and hosted an aquatic habitat stakeholder group. The Utility will announce the availability of the Draft Plan and establish a public comment period in November, 2017.
Options:
Provide input to staff on the Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan prior to the closure of the proposed public comment period.
Provide input to staff on the Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan at the closure of the proposed public comment period.
Financial Impact:
The Draft Plan enhancement strategies will have utility rate implications.
Attachments:
No attachments.