Hurricane staff present MS4 stormwater plan and new hires; council asked to consider adoption

City staff told Hurricane council members the city is finalizing its stormwater management plan for the state’s MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) program and recommended the council consider adopting the plan at the March 20 meeting, including holding a public hearing.

Staff reported recruiting and hiring several positions to support MS4 implementation. The council heard that Weston has been hired as assistant public works, Roger Blazer (a streets foreman) will take on MS4 coordination work, and Sam Lytle was offered the street superintendent position. Staff said the hires will help organize MS4 tasks and implement the plan’s timelines.

Arthur (city staff) summarized construction and technical items included in the plan and asked that the council receive the plan in advance rather than being asked to approve it the day before a meeting. The document is roughly 34 pages and contains milestone dates and tasks that staff consider realistic. Arthur said if the council requests edits or does not adopt the plan by the targeted date, staff will request additional time from the state.

Staff asked permission to email the plan to council members for review prior to the packet posting. The council agreed to have the plan sent out so members have two weeks to review it. No formal adoption occurred at the pre‑meeting; staff will place the MS4 stormwater management plan and associated public hearing on the March 20 council agenda.

Council comments also touched on broader implementation: staff emphasized the need for cross‑department coordination and that some deadlines in the plan reflect realistic staffing and procurement timelines. No formal motions or votes were taken during the pre‑meeting.