Council receives annual stormwater report; contract monitoring and Measure W funding questioned

City staff presented the annual municipal stormwater report required under the MS4 permit, explaining the July 1'June 30 reporting year, required submittal deadlines and what the report covers (expenditures, funding sources, minimum control measures, outfall screening, and trash monitoring). McGowan Consulting has spent roughly $9,300 preparing the report to date; final costs will rise slightly to complete edits and secure signatures for submittal to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Councilmembers pressed staff about monitoring in Sepulveda Canyon and whether the water board might relieve the city of ongoing monitoring if flows remain low. One councilmember said the city should preserve the contractual option to terminate a consultant unilaterally; staff and the city attorney confirmed the proposed agreement permits termination without cause on seven days' written notice, addressing that concern.

Staff clarified that annual reporting costs are not eligible for Measure W funds because the MS4 reporting requirement predates Measure W; staff explained Measure W guidance (example: 70% new-effort / 30% ongoing-effort split described by staff) and said the city will continue to prioritize wildfire mitigation and preventive work that also improves water quality.

The council received the report and filed it; staff said they would include additional monitoring details in future staff reports if needed.

Ending: The council received and filed the annual stormwater report; staff will return with any needed contract clarifications and monitoring updates.