09/07/2010 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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needs. These needs include an increase of $90,000 in improvement funding and $58,000 annually for equipment debt service. A comparison of the existing budget (including fund numbers) and estimated storm water utility budget is attached. Ordinance Changes Staff is proposing modification to the ordinance based on comments received at the public hearing. We are hoping that these additions provide additional clarification. Section 404.01 (2) - defines the components of the storm water system. Section 404.01 (3) - limits the funding solely for the operation, maintenance, repair and replacement of the system. Section 404.01 (4) - states that the funds shall not be used for expansion of the system to accommodate new development. Section 404.01 (5) - states that an operating budget will be adopted annually by the city. Credit Policy The city has received requests to include a credit process for residential properties. The draft Storm Water Utility policy establishes the procedural requirements for obtaining credits. A single family residential "rain garden" credit has been incorporated into the policy. A 50% credit ($15 /year) is available for implementation and maintenance of a residential rain garden that accepts runoff from public property and reduces the amount of runoff entering the storm system. The rain garden must be approved by the city to receive the credit. This policy is intended to assist property owners that are maintaining approved BMP's that are part of the city's storm water management system. However, it is not applicable to residential property owners with "private" on -site rain garden facilities. When considering the credit process, benefit to the system or "system cost" was evaluated. System Cost. The city operates a storm water management system and there is a cost to maintaining that system. Under the proposed credit system a rain garden that is part of the "City's" system needs to be maintained and represents a cost to the city. Maintenance of the rain garden, in this case, by a resident is a benefit to the system and qualifies for a credit. Alternatively a private residential rain garden, while supported by the city, does not directly relieve the city of any existing costs or responsibilities. Staff believes the city should continue to promote private on -site BMP's. We will continue to evaluate programs either through our education component or through other governmental partnerships to assist residents who want to undertake these projects.