stormwater system. The City implemented a stormwater utility as a means to pay for improvements identified in the study
ARCHITECTURE
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ENGINEERING
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ENVIRONMENTAL
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PLANNING
The Community Planner May/June 2015
PLANNING, FINANCING AND ADMINISTRATION NEWS FOR MINNESOTA COMMUNITIES
Stormwater Management
and sanitary utilities.” Doxtad serves as a city engineer
of stormwater can be effectively managed onsite through
for several Iowa communities that have established
the use of solutions that may include combining pervious
Stormwater management encompasses everything from
stormwater utilities.
surfaces, stormwater ponds, rain barrels and rain gardens.
Funding Options
For
Funding stormwater management improvements is
management, contact ISG at 507-387-6651.
flood control to pollutant removal. Recently, an evolution has occurred with how communities handle their stormwater. What once was focused on flood control, is now more of a holistic approach that manages all of the effects of precipitation.
stormwater
fees. User fees are charged to all property owners. Special assessments are a tax on property owners to fund an infrastructure project, while development fees require
flooding. Whether that route was a series of storm sewer
the developer to pay for establishing new infrastructure.
pipes or open drainage ditches, once the stormwater
With council approval of an ordinance to establish user
was out of the city, it was considered out of mind. This
fees, cities have a reliable funding source to designate for
approach has many adverse consequences, including
stormwater utility improvements.
enormous infrastructure investments and ongoing maintenance costs, as well as a litany of deleterious effects to the environment. As existing storm sewer systems begin to deteriorate or become inadequate, many communities are choosing to reevaluate how they handle stormwater. Many communities are taking a proactive approach at incorporating nontraditional strategies and innovative, cost effective methods to their plans. These communities are discovering that an integral component of that plan is the funding mechanism used to implement the changes, which is why communities are assessing the practicality of stormwater utility fees. Iowa,
about
utility fees, user fees, special assessments and development
the fastest way to convey runoff out of the city to prevent
Rapids,
information
accomplished through several options such as stormwater
Historically, stormwater management consisted of finding
Sioux
more
implemented
Developing Ordinances When developing stormwater ordinances, ISG’s Senior Planner, Bill Goldy, recommends that cities initially start with a basic ordinance and make additions based on the
stormwater
management study to identify the inadequacies of their stormwater system. The City implemented a stormwater utility as a means to pay for improvements identified in the study and annual maintenance of the system. According to ISG Civil Engineer, David Doxtad, “Establishing a stormwater utility is something that most towns will do in the near future.” He adds, “…cities will need to treat this piece of infrastructure with the same care as water
DNR Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant June 1, 2015 Drinking Water Revolving Fund IUP June 5, 2015 DNR Conservation Partners August 1, 2015 DNR Parks and Trails Legacy Grant September 2015
needs of the city. He states, “Most stormwater systems haven’t had major improvements because of the lack of funds available.” City leaders are beginning to understand the benefits of establishing a utility to fund improvements outlined in a capital plan. In addition, Goldy explains that larger cities often include a calculation with different rates for commercial, industrial and residential customers. Other rate options include charging more for properties
a
Upcoming Minnesota Programs:
with a larger impervious surface area, versus pervious surfaces that allow water to filtrate into the ground. Innovative Strategies Incentive systems that promote pervious surfaces, onsite
At Your Service Bill Goldy Associate Principal, Senior Planner
[email protected] 507-381-0329 Aaron Sedey Community Planner
[email protected] 507-387-6651
water capturing and reuse are being embraced by more progressive communities that recognize the benefits of not having the surface water enter the stormwater system in the first place. It is estimated that nearly half
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