Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 05-01-2007 workshop agenda — reading text

aTYOFFORTWALTONBEACH City Council Workshop Agenda - May 1, 2007 - 5: 30 P.M City Council Chambers 107 Miracle Strip Parkway, SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Anderson 1. Presentation and discussion regarding the development of a Stormwater Utility Plan. ( Utilities Director) (See Backup) ADJOURN Any person who decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. (FS286.0105). The City of Fort Walton Beach adheres to the American with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable modifications for access to this meeting upon request. Please call City Clerk Helen Spencer at 850- 833-9509 to make a request. For Hearing Impaired dial the City Hall TDD #850-833-9925 or 1- 800-955-8771 ( TDD) or 1- 800-955-8770 (Voice). Requests must be received at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting in order to allow the City time to provide requested service. Lisa Absher, Finance Director Stormwater Utility Workshop - May 1, 2007 1 Lisa Absher, Finance Director Stormwater Utility Workshop - May 1, 2007 2 Lisa Absher, Finance Director Stormwater Utility Workshop - May 1, 2007 3  CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH MEMORANDUM To: Joyce Shanahan, City Manager From: Sam Wilson, Environmental Specialist Through: John Hofstad, Utilities Director Date: April 25, 2007 Subject: Stormwater Presentation Background: In June prepared a preliminary report detailing the need for a Stormwater of 2003, staff Implementation Plan. The report concluded that serious consideration should be given to establishing a stormwater utility based on water quality, flooding, and regulatory issues. Key elements of the report included stormwater program requirements, control measures, best management practices, stormwater utility survey results, stormwater utility implementation methodology, and organizational responsibilities. As a result of this report,the following measures were taken: FY 04- 05 CIP (# 5220) developed with a budget of $65, 000 approved by Council Coordination with County on future direction ( one- cent sales tax idea introduced) October 2005: Okaloosa County officials suggest a collaborative stormwater management approach between the County and the municipalities ( ultimately, shifted away from the stormwater utility approach and pursued a sales tax increase to fund stormwater and road improvements) October 2005: City of FWB CIP (# 5220) placed on hold waiting outcome of one- cent sales tax referendum September 2006 - Voter referendum for one- cent sales tax defeated October 2006 - Staff directed to continue with CIP # 5220 January 2007 - Staff issued RFP forStormwater Utility Study February 2007 - Staff received six proposals for RFP April 2007 - Staff completes interview process with interested consulting firms for development of a Stormwater Utility Plan and prepares staff report requesting Council authorization to enter into negotiations with the top- ranked firm Discussion: Since 1937, when Fort Walton Beach was chartered as a municipality, the area has seen great changes to its natural landscape. With these changes the need for stormwater management has evolved. Over the past several years, the City has developed an extensive inventory of stormwater infrastructure, which includes: 34 miles of underground stormwater pipe, 61 outfalls to a receiving body of water, 11 stormwater retention ponds, three ( 3) miles of ditches and streams, and over 1, 300 curb and surface inlets. This infrastructure is in place to collect and convey stormwater runoff and to protect the property of the 20,000 plus residents of Fort Walton Beach. The stormwater infrastructure, some of which was originally installed in the 1930s, networks through 29 local drainage basins that cover more than 4,789 acres ( 7.4 square miles). The need for maintenance, rehabilitation, and new construction is a costly endeavor, especially for an aging stormwater system. Along with maintenance and infrastructure needs, regulations placed on water quality by State and Federal entities have increased the need for funding. According to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) enforced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection FDEP), the City has five ( 5) years to implement a multitude of Best Management Practices (BMPs). The requirements of the NPDES program put pressure on a budget that is already strained by other programs. The City of Fort Walton Beach has reached a point, through aging infrastructure and regulations, where additional means to generate revenue, specifically for stormwater needs, are required. The presentation accompanying this report details the regulatory oversight placed upon the City, the driving legislation requiring the City to take action (NPDES), a number of key projects which, require funding, the total estimated cost to address all stormwater needs within the City, the stormwater utility development process, and the stormwater master planning process. This presentation is designed to shed light on the out- year financing needs facing the City regarding stormwater management and to gain direction from Council as to how best to proceed. Recommendation: This report and accompanying presentation are being provided to Council as supporting documentation detailing the need to address stormwater issues facing the City. Contingent upon Council direction, Staff will proceed with development of a Stormwater Utility. Submitted By: 01 1 ,~ s:. V1' Date Reviewed and Concur: 1, ~ 1 Date 2