Engineers present second-draft stormwater master plan; council to review development charges next year

Battle Ground — Emily Stevens of Windsor Engineers presented the city's second-draft comprehensive stormwater master plan at the Dec. 1 council meeting, outlining long-term goals, a 20-year capital improvement plan and recommended actions for program staffing and permit compliance.

Stevens told the council the plan supports required permitting, including Phase II NPDES compliance, and provides a capital improvement plan that is intended to inform budgeting over the next two decades. The draft adds a fish passage and protection section and incorporates a recent stormwater development charge assessment in an appendix.

Councilmembers asked about the development charge recommendation and timing. Staff said they were not making a recommendation that night; the slide shown listed $1,879 as the maximum justifiable amount but the city plans a holistic review of impact fees and system development charges next year to evaluate affordability and the combined effect on housing costs.

The mayor opened the public hearing on the stormwater plan; no public testimony was received and the hearing was closed. Council and staff agreed to return next year with the combined fee recommendations so council can see the bigger picture rather than piecemeal adjustments.

Council also noted that stormwater issues raised during the public hearing (including a resident's request about ditch maintenance north of 199th Street) will be followed up by staff.