9.2. SR 11-18-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk Request for Action River To Item Number Mayor and City Council 9.2 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Work Session November 18, 2013 Suzanne Fischer,Director, CODD Item Description Reviewed by Surface Water Management Budget Tim Simon,Director,Finance Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested Review Surface Water Management Budget. Background/Discussion The City of Elk River's Surface Water Management Plan was presented by WSB &Associates at the November 4, 2013, City Council meeting. At that time, staff indicated that they would return with budget estimates to meet the minimum MS4 permit requirements. As discussed in various presentations over the past three years, staff recognizes this mandated program has considerable funding requirements. Prior reports indicated the City of Elk River needing to invest in excess of$500,000 annually to properly develop and implement the program. Staff has prepared a five-year budget estimate with emphasis on 2014 for program development and initial capital outlay projects. Personnel needs include one new FTE with additional support from exiting staff. The FTE could be acquired mid-year or moved to 2015 if Council prefers to utilize the services of the consultant for start-up program expenses in lieu of adding staff. Program workload would still be supplemented with a percentage of time from three existing staff members. In years 2015—2018, the operating expenses should decline to a maintenance level. Capital outlay will fluctuate yearly as stormwater management controls are implemented along with street reconstruction projects. Staff believes the attached budget is realistic and the most cost-effective approach to move forward. Financial Impact Short-term funding (2014) The city has limited options to fund the minimum permit requirements in 2014 based on the late issuance of the permit (August 2013) and the recent study with implementation costs. Under the old permit,the program was supported with tax levy and some impact fees from new developments. We have not had much new development over the past several years,which has significantly decreased revenues to the fund and because of fiscal challenges, the levy amount of$50,000 has not been increased to offset the declining fees and additional program costs. For 2014, staff recommends transferring any excess General Fund balance (beyond the maximum level), to the Surface Water Management Fund instead of the Capital Outlay Reserve Fund. That amount will P a w E R E U 6 Y NaA f RE]