Title
A resolution adopting final form of Intergovernmental Agreement for the creation of the Pikes Peak Regional Drainage Authority
Body
From:
Councilmember Val Snider; Pikes Peak Regional Stormwater Task Force
Summary:
On August 12, 2014, City Council approved the language of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) creating the Pikes Peak Regional Drainage Authority (PPRDA). The IGA reflects the general principles governing the formation and operation of the PPRDA by the participating local governments. More specific details are meant to be found in the PPRDA bylaws, which will be drafted by the PPRDA Board of Directors. This process worked well with the successful Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority.
This resolution adopts the IGA's final form, including exhibits. Exhibit 2, which includes the project list, remains under development at the time of publication; any late changes will be distributed and published in advance of the IGA's final adoption by Council by this resolution, projected to occur at Council's August 26, 2014 regular meeting.
Previous Council Action:
In June 2012, the Colorado Springs City Council appointed two of its members to serve on the Regional Stormwater Task Force, which was comprised of over 200 community members dedicated to developing a solution to meet regional stormwater needs. On April 9, 2013, Council approved Resolution 47-13, formally creating the Regional Stormwater and Flood Control Steering Committee in coordination with El Paso County, the regional business community, and other interested stakeholders. On September 24, 2013, City Council passed Resolution 84-13, a joint resolution with the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners in support of a regional stormwater solution, "Â…with the objective of adopting, in 2014, the framework for a long-term stormwater solution." On August 12, 2014, Council adopted the language of the IGA, subject to miscellaneous typographical corrections, as well as three of the four exhibits to the IGA.
Background:
This IGA is the culmination of over two years of work by a regional citizen-led Task Force, evaluations by stormwater technical experts and engineers, several reviews by prominent Colorado-specific stormwater legal experts, and an incredible collaboration between the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners and the Colorado Springs City Council. The IGA closely mirrors the approach taken by the successful Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA), while incorporating elements adopted by successful regional stormwater authorities and districts located elsewhere in Colorado.
Financial Implications:
If approved by the El Paso County voters within the Fountain Creek watershed in November 2014, a stormwater management fee, based on each property's impervious surface area and land use type, will be assessed on residential properties (average fee on an homeowner will be less than $10/month), on commercial/industrial properties, and on properties owned by non-profits, schools, and governmental entities. Fee revenue will be collected by the El Paso County Assessor and invoiced on El Paso County property tax bills. The total collection will not exceed $39,275,650 million in the first year it is collected (2016). These funds will be used to construct previously identified, necessary new drainage infrastructure; repair and maintain the regional stormwater infrastructure that is in disrepair; fund a master planning process to ensure efficient use of funds; create an emergency fund; and support compliance with state and federal stormwater permit requirements. A viable stormwater program will make Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region a more attractive place for new or relocating businesses.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The Pikes Peak Regional Stormwater Task Force supports this region-wide stormwater solution, and Council .
Stakeholder Process:
Through an extensive two-year stakeholder process, which considered a variety of governance and funding options, the Pikes Peak Regional Stormwater Task Force developed this recommendation.
Alternatives:
Approve the resolution adopting the IGA's final form.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Adopt the resolution adopting final form of Intergovernmental Agreement for the creation of the Pikes Peak Regional Drainage Authority
Ordinance Language
N/A