Authority approves stormwater inventory and septic/sump‑pump studies to tackle inflow and mapping gaps

The board approved a task order to continue stormwater inventory and mapping work and separately approved a consultant task order to evaluate costs for septic system elimination. Both actions are aimed at identifying and reducing inflow and infiltration (I&I) and improving the city’s records for stormwater assets.

Staff said BFNS will continue mapping and assessing the south watershed and annexed areas under a 2026 task order; staff indicated the task order keeps the prior budget authority and the board approved the task order as presented. The board also approved task order number 12 — a one‑time evaluation to estimate septic elimination costs and to set baseline reimbursement or subsidy options for homeowners; the packet recorded the maximum amount as $91,391.00.

Separately, staff and a consultant walked the board through the proposed task order to study a voluntary sump‑pump disconnection program (task order #13). The consultant said the scope would include policy guidance, guidance on detection methods (smoke testing, household inspection, CCTV), public education and options for incentives or regulatory measures. Board members asked questions about detection accuracy, the tradeoff between incentives and enforcement, and how to prioritize neighborhoods for work.

Given open questions about detection methods and program design, the board voted to table the sump‑pump study motion and asked staff and the consultant to return with a draft tailored to Hobart’s needs and with options for phased implementation and cost estimates.