Title
Update on Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the briefing and provide guidance or concur with the recommended review process.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan.
Staff Contact:
Susan Clark, Senior Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8321
Presenter(s):
Susan Clark, Senior Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8321
Eric Christensen, Water Resources Engineering and Planning Manager, 360.570.3741
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 Plan. There is no regulation requiring the Utility to have a master plan. The plan informs the Utility’s programs and projects, ensuring that the Utility is managed efficiently and effectively. In addition, new regulations and development which have occurred, make an update of the plan necessary.
The Utility’s mission is to prevent flooding, improve surface 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.
Staff discussed the scope of the Draft Plan with the Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) in March 2016 and with the Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) in April 2016. A briefing on the key issues and challenges facing the Utility was held in May 2017 with the UAC. Staff presented the Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan to the UAC in September 2017 and November 2017.
Following the November 16, 2017 LUEC meeting, the Utility will announce the availability of the Draft Plan and establish a public comment period. Staff will provide public comment received to the UAC in January 2018. Staff is also requesting UAC’s recommendation on the plan.
During the November 16, 2017 LUEC meeting, Staff anticipates discussing the Utility’s regulatory environment and key challenges. In January 2018, Staff anticipates presenting the Plan’s key recommendations, public comment received and the UAC’s recommendation.
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 Plan at the closure of the proposed public comment period and following receipt of the UAC recommendation.
Financial Impact:
The Draft Plan enhancement strategies will have utility rate implications.
Attachments:
Link to Draft Report
Core Services Enhancement Strategies
Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan Summary Booklet
Storm and Surface Water Plan Strategies
20-Year Capital Improvement Program
Map