Council hears stormwater plan update; adoption targeted for May–June

Finance and planning staff and consultants presented an updated stormwater management plan that the city is targeting for adoption in May–June. Jody Behr of YSM Solutions told the council stakeholder comments have been received and addressed and that next steps include coordinating with Willamette Partnership planners to draft code language and developer guidance templates. Behr outlined recommended projects to support future funding, including education, water-quality testing and treatment, mitigation of direct pipe discharges to Mosier and Rock Creeks through potential county and ODOT partnerships, and capturing downtown spring water for vegetation and development use.

Councilors pressed for clear distinctions between mandatory and recommended measures, cost comparisons, and specific project labeling. Planner Jaime Crawford noted this was her first notice that Willamette Partnership would draft code changes; Special Projects Coordinator Colleen Coleman said the partnership was funded to prepare draft code language and conduct outreach within grant constraints. Behr agreed to coordinate a site visit for councilors to view high-priority locations and to provide project examples and cost information. Council consensus was to proceed toward adoption but to schedule workshops and review draft code language before final decisions.

The plan applies citywide to new development and encourages voluntary retrofits for existing development; Behr indicated the Washington Street project would serve as a test case. Councilors requested the draft code be examined for nexus and proportionality standards and asked staff to prepare clear guidance and cost estimates prior to any formal adoption vote.