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Plan Commission recommends stormwater ordinance update, selects scenario balancing water-quality targets and feasibility
Summary
After a public hearing and technical presentation, the commission recommended a citywide post-construction stormwater ordinance (Chapter 14) using Scenario 5 (TSS targets aligned to Sawyer Creek needs) with a friendly amendment increasing redevelopment TP requirement to 34.5%; the amended motion passed 8-0.
The Plan Commission on June 3 reviewed a proposed update to Municipal Code Chapter 14 on post-construction stormwater management and recommended a scenario intended to reconcile Department of Natural Resources watershed nutrient targets with local feasibility and cost.
Chuck Beam of Brown and Caldwell, with support from city staff, presented analyses showing the city currently regulates total suspended solids (TSS) but lacks an explicit total phosphorus (TP) reduction target. The presentation summarized DNR Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) targets for local watersheds (including Sawyer Creek, which has the most stringent requirements) and modeled how various scenarios would affect new development and redevelopment sites.
Beam and staff outlined five scenarios with differing TSS and TP reduction targets. Commissioners debated trade-offs between environmental ambition and development feasibility. Multiple advisory groups had weighed options: the Sustainability Board favored a more stringent scenario, while commissioners and development-interested members emphasized cost, practicability and uniformity across the city.
After public comment — a contractor urged stronger enforcement of existing plans and attention to maintenance — a motion to recommend Scenario 5 passed. Commissioners also approved a friendly amendment setting the redevelopment TP reduction requirement to 34.5 percent (amendment passed on roll-call); the amended motion passed 8-0.
Staff and the commission noted that the Common Council will receive competing advisory recommendations and will decide the final ordinance language; staff said the city’s DNR permit requires adding a TP element to the ordinance and that the permit had been delayed but is expected soon.
