Title
Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) recommends forwarding the Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan to Council for a briefing, public hearing and approval.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to forward the Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan to Council for a briefing, public hearing and approval.
Report
Issue:
Whether to refer the Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan to City Council for briefing and public hearing.
Staff Contact:
Susan Clark, Senior Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8321
Presenter(s):
Joe Roush, Environmental Services Supervisor, Public Works Water Resources,
360.753.8563
Background and Analysis:
A team of Storm and Surface Water Utility (Utility) staff members from Planning and Engineering, Environmental Services and Operations 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 necessary to guide the Utility in operating, maintaining, and improving its built infrastructure and city-wide natural elements for the next 20 years. The Draft Plan also explains the challenges the Utility faces and the Utility’s current responsibilities, core services and programs. (See the attached link to review the Draft Plan and three of the plan’s eight appendices.)
The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) played a key role in evaluating the Draft Plan. In May 2014, Utility staff and the UAC took the first steps in initiating an update to the 2003 Storm and Surface Water Plan. A list of policy questions were developed to address during the update process. Staff discussed the scope of the Draft Plan with the UAC in March 2016. In addition, staff briefed the UAC on the key issues and challenges facing the Utility in May 2017. Staff presented the Draft Plan to the UAC in September 2017, November 2017 and January 2018.
Public input was gathered through a survey, open house, aquatic habitat stakeholder group and a Draft Plan public comment period. SEPA (State Environmental Protection Act) review will occur prior to City Council approval.
In November 2017, staff briefed the Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) on the Utility’s regulatory environment and the key challenges facing the Utility. During the January 18 meeting we plan to present the Draft 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, hosted an aquatic habitat stakeholder group and held a public comment period on the Draft Plan. Survey results, and comments received through the open house, aquatic habitat stakeholder group and public review period are included in Appendix 6.
Options:
Option 1. Forward the Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan to Council for a briefing and public hearing. This will allow the Plan to continue in the process towards final adoption by the City Council.
Option 2: Redirect staff efforts to address LUEC preferences. This option will address LUEC concerns and would potentially delay the Plan’s adoption.
Financial Impact:
The Draft Plan enhancement strategies will have utility rate implications. Appendix 5 contains the financial analysis conducted for the Draft Plan by the Utility’s financial consultant, including the rate increases necessary to fully fund all recommended strategies as presented.
Attachments:
Draft SSW Plan Link
Appendix 3 Water Quality Data and Analysis
Appendix 5 Stormwater Management Plan Financial Analysis
Appendix 6 Public Review
2017 Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan Summary Booklet
Core Services Enhancement Strategies Table