CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM

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Department:

Public Works Department

Commission Meeting Date:  July 11, 2017

Staff Contact:

Matt Bond, P.E., Stormwater Engineer

Recommendations/Options/Action Requested:

 

Adopt on first reading Ordinance No. 9371, amending Section 16-504 of the Code of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, 2015 Edition, and amendments thereto, pertaining to the equivalent residential unit (ERU) rate in determining the stormwater drainage charge.

 

Executive Summary:

Ordinance No. 9371 adjusts rates for the stormwater utility, increasing three percent per year, as part of a multi-year funding plan attached. Stormwater fees are charged by the equivalent residential unit (ERU). The rate per ERU will increase $0.12 per month, or $1.44 per year. An ERU represents 2,366 square feet of impervious surface (roof, pavement). All parcels of land in Lawrence are subject to this user fee, including City and other tax-exempt properties.

 

The Stormwater Utility was created in 1997. The 1996 Stormwater Master Plan identified 41 total projects to be completed. The master plan sub divided these projects into three Groups (#1, #2 & #3) with Group #1 being the highest priority. These projects identified areas with recurring residential or commercial structure flooding by surface runoff. There were 11 projects designated as Group #1 projects and eight of these projects have been completed to date.  Some of the major projects completed to date include the Carolina Project between 21st and 23rd Streets, 21st Street from Stewart Avenue to Naismith Drive and the 13th and Oregon Project.  The Maple Street Pump Station was completed in 2016, from an alternative funding source.

 

Upcoming priority stormwater projects planned in the Capital Improvement Program include the following:

  • 23rd and Ousdahl intersection (2017)
  • 13th Brook drainage improvements
  • Naismith Drainage Channel
  • 17th and Alabama drainage improvement
  • Concrete channel west of Arrowhead, Princeton to Peterson
  • 19th Street, Maple Lane to Brook Street

 

In addition, the Stormwater Utility supports an engineer, enforcement staff, and an active maintenance crew. In 2017, the crew is adding video detection equipment and operators.  The department is developing an annual culvert lining program based on video data. In the coming years, a new stormwater Master Plan including condition assessment of the existing system should be considered.

 

Primary cost drivers for the Stormwater Utility include construction costs, personnel costs, and heavy equipment. Stormwater Utility fees pay for equipment and personnel to support all stormwater management and stormwater quality functions, including backhoes, a jet/vac truck and street sweepers. The fund also supports the street maintenance program, for a portion of curb replacement.  

 

The following table reports historical and planned stormwater utility rates per ERU:

 

Year

Rate per ERU

1997

$ 2.00

2000

$ 3.00

2003

$ 4.00

2017

$ 4.12

2018

$ 4.24

2019

$ 4.37

2020

$ 4.50

2021

$ 4.64

 

 

Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor

Safe, Healthy, and Welcoming Neighborhoods

Innovative Infrastructure and Asset Management

Core Services

Sound Fiscal Stewardship

Fiscal Impact (Amount/Source):

The fiscal impact to the City will be revenue generated by the 2018 rate increases for stormwater management fees of three percent per equivalent residential unit (ERU), to a rate of $4.24 in fiscal year 2018. The fee increase will generate approximately $99,000 in additional revenue compared to 2017 budgeted revenue.

Attachments:

Ordinance No. 9371

Multi-year Financial Overview

 

 

Reviewed By:

(for CMO use only)

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☐DS

☐CT

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