City staff presented interim findings from a detention and retention basin study prepared for the task force, based on prior USGS analysis of Cox Creek and other local data. The consultant’s summary (final report due in early August) identified potential modifications to existing subdivision basins and possible new basin locations that could increase storage and reduce peak flows into Cox Creek.

Staff said the basin work was intended to stretch limited public funds and that preliminary analysis suggested modified basins could materially reduce peak flows. One city engineer summarized that the report identified potential storage that, when aggregated, could substantially reduce pressure on the channel; staff quoted an estimated “50% increase in retention” for certain modifications.

Task force members debated how to allocate limited funds. Consultants previously presented a comprehensive stormwater management master plan with an original price around $1.5 million. After discussions with staff the consultants returned a smaller “light” plan priced at about $300,000; staff said the light plan would study all nine watersheds and provide a shorter‑term deliverable but would likely make the city ineligible for certain large federal grant programs that expect a full master plan.

Chair Joe Farmer said the city faces a choice: spend limited capital on priority projects (including basin modifications) or spend funds on a broader master plan that could support a ballot measure for a parks/stormwater tax. “I have a hard time spending several $100,000 on another report when your house is caving in and your neighborhood is caving in,” Farmer said, reflecting a common sentiment in the discussion.

After discussion the task force voted to instruct staff to: 1) seek a revised, reduced‑scope proposal from the master plan consultants that emphasizes streamlined public engagement and links to potential funding strategies, 2) consult communication experts about outreach and ballot strategy, and 3) gather lessons learned from peer municipalities that have implemented parks/stormwater taxes. The motion passed by voice vote.

Separately, the task force also voted to move forward — contingent on receiving detailed final numbers from the detention/retention study — with budgeting recommendations so projects could be considered in the 2026 capital process if the final report supported immediate action.

Staff and members emphasized that MSD and other partners would be critical to large projects and that some private property repairs might be eligible for partial reimbursement only after engineering and permitting steps were completed.