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Planning is extremely important according to Nelson (1995), both from a land use and a surface water management perspective. Of particular importance within the water resources management plan is the capital improvements element (CIE) and the capital improvements program (CIP) that implements the CIE. For improvements to be funded in part through SDCs, the CIE should offer an adequate policy foundation. In essence, the CIE serves to strengthen the relationship between SDCs and public policy by clearly stating those policies and the role of impact SDCs have in effecting them. CIE's normally include a three step planning process. 1. Preparation of an inventory and assessment; 2. Determination of policies and needs; and 3. Development of an implementation strategy. To adequately address the issue of Storm Drainage Trunk Charge for New Development or SDCs, a comprehensive review of the existing water resources management plan would be conducted to consider the elements discussed above. Next, a CIE would be refined from the existing document. Work with legal counsel would be undertaken to establish the legal basis for SDCs. Finally, the SDC determination will be developed based on development needs, land use and total systems cost. Lastly, a public information element will be used to introduce the system to the community. The public information element will illustrate the approach as equitable and will dispel any myths or criticisms that may exist. 2.4 User Charges or Storm Water Utility User charges, which support storm water utilities, are a mechanism by which Lino Lakes can generate funds through billings similar to water and sewer billings. The principle is to charge for services rendered to properties generating runoff, as well as the service to properties being protected from the effects of runoff, without consideration to an increase in market value of the property. Implementation of a storm water utility consists of three phases: Concept Development, Implementation and Billing. Concept Development involves research and analysis of funding options and funding needs. This feasibility report contains a summary of all findings and recommendations, including a preliminary implementation plan. During the implementation phase, action plans for each component of the utility implementation program are developed. The action plans identify tasks, resources, responsibilities, schedules and measurements. A link between the recommended rate structure and the database is also developed during Implementation. The public involvement component can be implemented prior to presenting a draft ordinance to Council. With public support in place, the Storm Water Utility ordinance is finalized prior to the billing phase. The billing phase applies adopted rates to individual accounts, resulting in an interface between real estate records and the City billing system. Standard operating procedures are developed to document the process for updating the Feasibility Study A- LINOL0602.00 City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota Page 9