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City of Middleton Storm Water Utility Public Information Meeting ---PAGE BREAK--- Outline • What is Storm Water Runoff? • What is the Problem with Runoff? • Why has the City not Solved the Problem? • What Alternatives were Investigated? • What is a Storm Water Utility? • How would the City Implement a Utility? ---PAGE BREAK--- What is Storm Water Runoff? Storm water is water that originates during precipitation events. It may also be used to apply to water that originates with snowmelt that enters the storm water system. Most runoff comes from impervious surfaces. ---PAGE BREAK--- What is Storm Water Runoff? Stricker Pond Tiedeman Pond ---PAGE BREAK--- What is Storm Water Runoff? Stricker Pond Tiedeman Pond ---PAGE BREAK--- What is Storm Water Runoff? Stricker Pond Tiedeman Pond ---PAGE BREAK--- What is Storm Water Runoff? Stricker Pond Tiedeman Pond ---PAGE BREAK--- What is Storm Water Runoff? Stricker Pond Tiedeman Pond 43.5% of Watershed is Impervious Surface ---PAGE BREAK--- Outline • What is Storm Water Runoff? • What is the Problem with Runoff? • Why has the City not Solved the Problem? • What Alternatives were Investigated? • What is a Storm Water Utility? • How would the City Implement a Utility? ---PAGE BREAK--- What is the Problem with Storm Water? • Increased flood peaks • Increased flow volumes • Reduced GW recharge • Increased channel erosion • Increased pollutant loading ---PAGE BREAK--- Water Resources Management Commission • WRMC was created in 1970 • Developed storm water runoff control ordinance (1975 - multiple revisions since) • Funded operation of stream flow gaging station(s) • Water Quality Master Plan in 2007 What is the Problem with Runoff? ---PAGE BREAK--- Water Resources Management Commission 2010 Report by WRMC • Critical Facilities Filling with Sediment • Need Long Term Maintenance • Storm Water Utility Would Help What is the Problem with Runoff? ---PAGE BREAK--- Problems are Increasing with Development What is the Problem with Runoff? ---PAGE BREAK--- Outline • What is Storm Water Runoff? • What is the Problem with Runoff? • Why has the City not Solved the Problem? • What Alternatives were Investigated? • What is a Storm Water Utility? • How would the City Implement a Utility? ---PAGE BREAK--- Why has the City not Solved the Problem? • Historically, storm sewer maintenance has been covered by annual operating budget • Poorly maintained storm water systems usually become evident only during relatively rare large events (unlike highly visible streets, which traditionally competed for same funds). • Early major storm water controls were mostly dry detention ponds – Maintenance cost did not overwhelm budget • Current controls are mostly wet detention and bioretention – These storm water controls are relatively young – Just now due for maintenance – Maintenance costs are significantly higher than older controls/systems – (Exception: Pheasant Branch, where City has spent multi $100K’s • New and Pending Regulations force City to face even stricter, more costly approaches ---PAGE BREAK--- Outline • What is Storm Water Runoff? • What is the Problem with Runoff? • Why has the City not Solved the Problem? • What Alternatives were Investigated? • What is a Storm Water Utility? • How would the City Implement a Utility? ---PAGE BREAK--- Storm Water Facility Maintenance Committee • Water Resources – Matt Richards • Public Works – Chuck Nahn • Finance – Mark Sullivan • Conservancy Lands – John Kloosterboer • Parks, Recreation, & Forestry – Susan West • City Staff – Gary Huth, John Lehman Who Studied the Issues? Met 11 Times between April, 2011 and February, 2012 ---PAGE BREAK--- • Periodic Inspection and Assessment • Routine Maintenance • Continued Regular Operations • Enhancements to Improve Function • Repairs to Natural Systems A Use-Restricted and Annually-Replenished Funding Source What is Required to Maintain our Facilities? ---PAGE BREAK--- What are Consequences of Inaction? • Failure to meet mandated Federal & State water quality standards – Poor water quality • Phosphorus Levels • Total Maximum Daily Load – FINES! • Flooding – Stream Bank Erosion – Damage to trails, bridges, parks, etc. • Decreased Scenic Beauty • Citizen Complaints! • Wrath of Watchdog Groups ---PAGE BREAK--- • WRMC “Fees in Lieu” Fund • Tax Increment Financing • Annual Budgeting – Operating Budget – Capital Borrowing • “Fund 418” • Grants • Special Assessments • Privatization • Storm Water Utility What Alternatives were Investigated? ---PAGE BREAK--- • WRMC “Fees in Lieu” Fund • Tax Increment Financing • Annual Budgeting – Operating Budget – Capital Borrowing • “Fund 418” • Grants • Special Assessments • Privatization • Storm Water Utility What Alternatives were Investigated? ---PAGE BREAK--- Outline • What is Storm Water Runoff? • What is the Problem with Runoff? • Why has the City not Solved the Problem? • What Alternatives were Investigated? • What is a Storm Water Utility? • How would the City Implement a Utility? ---PAGE BREAK--- What is a Storm Water Utility? A Storm Water Utility, like other utilities, provides a service to the public supported by charging fees to its customers. Service – Storm Water Management • Drainage • Flood Damage Prevention • Water Quality Management • Erosion and Sediment Control Fee – Runoff Volume ---PAGE BREAK--- What is a Storm Water Utility? A utility creates a revenue source that is: • Dedicated to storm water management • Not restricted by geography • Equitable amongst users ---PAGE BREAK--- Fees (Runoff) Based on Impervious Area Multi-Family Single Family ---PAGE BREAK--- Flat Fee (1 Charge Unit) Typical Structure of User Fees Residential Non-Residential Impervious area of 1 Charge Unit = = Average Impervious area of All Residential Parcels Parcel Impervious Area x Value of Charge Unit ---PAGE BREAK--- Reallocation of Charges to Users Property Tax System (Property Value) Storm Water Utility (Impervious Area) Residential 67% Non-Residential 33% Residential 30% Non-Residential 57% (Middleton Specific Data) ---PAGE BREAK--- Outline • What is Storm Water Runoff? • What is the Problem with Runoff? • Why has the City not Solved the Problem? • What Alternatives were Investigated? • What is a Storm Water Utility? • How would the City Implement a Utility? ---PAGE BREAK--- Draft Utility Ordinance One Residential Unit = 2,880 Square Feet ---PAGE BREAK--- Draft Utility Ordinance Utility Credits All Parcels Eligible – Up to 100% Fee Reduction • Direct Discharge to Lake Mendota Non-Residential Parcels Eligible – Up to 60% Fee Reduction • Peak Discharge Reduction • Runoff Volume Reduction • Water Quality Improvement ---PAGE BREAK--- Draft Utility Ordinance Utility Rates and Annual Revenue 1 Charge Unit Revenue $10 $180,000 $15 $270,000 $25 $450,000 $35 $630,000 $54 $972,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- Average ~ $54/household/year Charges throughout Wisconsin ---PAGE BREAK--- City of Middleton Storm Water Utility Public Information Meeting