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City updates commission on stormwater utility planning as population approaches MS4 threshold
Summary
Staff briefed the commission on multi‑year work to inventory impervious surface, model stormwater needs and evaluate billing approaches as Livingston nears federal MS4 regulatory thresholds; a consultant-led analysis funded by a private grant will return to the commission this fall.
City staff provided an update on ongoing work to evaluate a stormwater utility and identify capital projects to manage stormwater across Livingston.
City Manager Shannon Gager and public works staff summarized the history: a 2018 drainage study, the 2022–23 stormwater preliminary engineering report and a 2024–25 feasibility review supported by Headwaters Economics and consultant AE2S. Staff said the work aims to prepare Livingston for mounting regulatory requirements (the municipal separate storm sewer system, “MS4,” designation) once local population plus commercial lodging counts cross the regulatory threshold. The city’s most recent American Community Survey update puts Livingston near the census-derived population trigger; staff said added short‑term rental and hotel bed counts also factor into the MS4 threshold calculation.
Using a $50,000 private grant from a Headwaters-affiliated foundation, AE2S will complete a spatial analysis of impervious surface across the city (a full inventory for commercial, industrial and multifamily parcels, and a representative sample for single-family parcels). The work also includes review of billing system compatibility and draft ordinance language for a potential utility. Staff said the consultant’s report is expected in late October to early November; the commission will be asked to direct next steps on whether to proceed with an implemented utility and how to structure the fee (flat fee, impervious-surface-based fee, or a hybrid gross + impervious approach).
Public commenters and multiple commissioners stressed neighborhood-level flooding concerns and urged prompt action on problem locations such as K Street/Geyser Ave and downtown underpasses; a resident provided photographs showing standing water in residential driveways after a small rain, and public works said crews are doing targeted maintenance. Several commissioners and attendees encouraged continuing the public outreach, and staff said they will return with analysis results and recommended code and ordinance language later this year.
Ending: The commission received the update and directed staff to continue the AE2S analysis, public outreach and draft code language; commissioners noted the urgency of planning before MS4 requirements take effect and encouraged pursuing funding and operational designs that spread cost fairly across property classes.
