Committee approves $598,776 feasibility study on green stormwater infrastructure

Staff presented a two-part feasibility study scope and urged the committee to recommend approval of an engineering agreement with George Butler Associates, Inc. (GBA) for a green stormwater infrastructure feasibility study. The study will evaluate (1) the potential benefits and costs of public ownership and maintenance of stream corridors, and (2) the feasibility of regional stormwater treatment facilities (STFs) as an alternative to onsite facilities. Staff told the committee the city has roughly 150 stream-corridor segments dedicated since a 2003 ordinance, totaling just under 600 acres and about 27 miles of stream.

Staff said many private STFs are out of compliance with maintenance and certification requirements; the study will review regulatory requirements (including MS4 permit obligations), examine facility types and locations, estimate capital and ongoing maintenance costs, and propose a 10-year implementation timeline. Staff recommended approval of the selection and agreement with GBA for engineering services for a fee not to exceed $598,776, and the committee voted unanimously to forward the recommendation to the city council.

Committee discussion included clarifying whether existing private facilities would remain in place, how "dedication" currently works (private ownership with recorded maintenance agreements), and whether the study could recommend shifting some corridors to public ownership. Staff said feasibility analysis will determine tradeoffs, costs and administrative implications.