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Minutes for the Stormwater Management Board meeting on May 20, 2009.
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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Date: May 20, 2009
Location: Huntington Building
City Council Chambers
900 West Monroe
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Opening: Chairman Vance called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m.
In Attendance marked in bold
Members:
Dewaine Beisner
Michael Daniels
John Easley
Jerry Farris, Vice-Chair
Barry Phillips
Betty Shaw
John Street
Gene Vance, Chairman
Todd Wilcox
Rick Wyatt
Dennis Zolper
Officials & Staff:
Harold Perrin - Mayor
Erick Woodruff - Public Works Director
Otis Spriggs - Director of Planning & Zoning
Craig Light - Chief City Engineer
Michael Morris - Civil Engineer
Tracey Cooper - Secretary
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Minutes for the April 15, 2009, Stormwater Management Board Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes was made by Zolper and seconded by Street. The minutes were unanimously approved.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
Vance introduced the two new members, Mr. Phillips and Mr. Wyatt.
Light stated that the Illicit Discharge Ordinance is not ready. The Engineering Department has reviewed other ordinances and is currently putting together a comprehensive ordinance for the Board’s review. Light stated that the ordinance would give the City enforcement authority.
Zolper questioned the use of “The City will…” being used a lot in the Stormwater Management Plan. He questioned if the items the City “will” do are mandatory. Light stated that the plan is based on the absolute minimum requirements. Zolper questioned the funding for this plan. Light stated establishing a separate utility to fund the Stormwater program is a possible option. Wyatt questioned if a resolution was passed for the Plan if a separate ordinance would have to be passed for illicit discharge. Light stated that the ordinance would allow the City enforcement power regarding illicit discharge. Wyatt ask if septic system discharge would be addressed in the ordinance. Light stated yes. A motion to recommend the resolution for the Stormwater Management Plan to the Public Works Committee was made by Zolper. Beisner seconded. All voted aye.
Light stated that he met with the Corp on April 29th and discussed funding opportunities for the City of Jonesboro. There are two programs: construction projects and aid-to-states. Light stated that funding from the Corp usually takes from 12 - 18 months to receive. He said that the City hopes to receive funds to study and establish a plan for stormwater management (including organization of the program and potential funding sources). At the Mayor’s request, Light will send a letter to Corp regarding the matter. Light stated that in-kind contributions (examples pipe inventory and vegetative management studies) can be used as part of the matching funds required.
Zolper questioned if there was FEMA or stimulus money currently being used for the ditch cleaning. Light stated that the Street Department is cleaning debris from ditches and that currently no alternate funding is being used. He stated that it is difficult to identify the scope of work for bidding. There are 300 miles of ditches in the City and currently crews can clean 10 - 15 miles per year. Beisner stated that cleaning is not solving the ditch problems. Light agreed that reconstruction and maintenance is the best solution but there must be funding. Light stated that the City is not a construction company and that it would be more efficient for outside contractors to do the work.
Light stated that currently the Engineering Department is managing both engineering and stormwater management. It is possible that there needs to be a clear division between the two areas. Zolper questioned if creating a utility and passing a tax would be a solution for funding a Stormwater Program. Street stated that given the current economy, he felt like a tax would not be passed at this time. Vance suggested a tax to fund a bond issue. Wyatt stated that the City must have a plan before asking for any tax.
The Vegetative Management Plan was approved by the City Council. This study will be completed by August 2010. The plan will establish types of vegetation and how to maintain it. Phillips questioned if the plan will show a maintenance plan such as mowing or one-time spraying. Light stated yes, if will include benefits and what to do for maintenance. Light also stated that Corp maybe able to provide funding for additional studies.
A list of the ditches that City is currently working on was provided to the Board. Light stated that four crews are working continuously and he is working with the Street Superintendent to make sure the City has all necessary permits before moving to new ditches.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at 8:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers.
V. PENDING ITEMS
VI. STAFF REPORTS
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Vance adjourned the meeting at 9:37 a.m.