Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve Swale Liner Discontinuation Plan
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Submitted By: Amy E. Eason, PE, Executive Project Manager-Stormwater
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of high-quality infrastructure and facilities.
Executive Summary (General Business): On November 21, 2022, Council motioned and approved the discontinuation of the swale liner program and authorized the Public Works Department to commence the transition from requiring a swale liner to the implementation of a conventional swale re-work program. Approval of the change to Ordinance 56.22 is the first step in the implementation plan. The 1st reading of the ordinance occurred on January 23, 2023. Staff will present the swale liner discontinuation plan along with a communications plan.
Presentation Information: 15-minute power point presentation by Amy Eason
Staff Recommendation: Upon approving the Ordinance, move that the Council approve the swale liner discontinuation plan and communication plan as presented.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the staff recommendation and approve the swale liner discontinuation plan and communication plan.
2. Move that the Council provide staff direction
Background: At the February 24, 2021, and July 21, 2021, City Council Workshops, Council directed staff to prepare a presentation on the history of the swale liner practice and an evaluation on the use of swale liner. On November 21, 2022, staff presented a history of the swale liner program, a review of the City’s swale liner services along with the costs of each of those services, drainage requests, the need for swale liner, swale liner removal, and the benefits and disadvantages of swale liner. At the conclusion of the presentation, Council approved to discontinue the swale liner program and move forward with a swale re-work program. Amending Ordinance 56.22 was the first step. This presentation provides an implementation plan for the remaining ordinances, new swale liner installation/repair, and swale liner maintenance. It also includes a communication plan. The first reading of this ordinance was held at the Regular City Council Meeting on January 23, 2023. The second reading is scheduled for February 13, 2023.
Issues/Analysis: Based on the presentation given to Council on November 21, 2022, the swale liner program does not provide a significant benefit to the City, it is expensive (approximately $3.5 million annually), and it prevents water quality treatment with smaller storm events.
Financial Information: The City currently spends approximately $3.5 million to purchase and supply the swale liner to contractors and residents, to repair and replace swale liner and to maintain swale liner which is currently 10% of the Stormwater fund budget.
Special Consideration: The approval of this ordinance will require swale liner maintenance. Staff recommendation is to choose Option 2 as outlined in the Swale Liner Discontinuation Plan as follows: Continue maintenance for this Fiscal Year (2022-2023), Reduce the amount in next Fiscal Years - 3 cleanings in FY 2023-2024, 1 cleaning in FY 2024-2025, 0 cleaning beyond.
Location of Project: Citywide
Attachments:
1. Swale Liner Discontinuation Plan.pptx
2. FINAL.Communication_Plan.pdf
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
N/A