Sustainable Storm Water Funding Task Force

MINUTES Sustainable Storm Water Funding Task Force April 19, 2011 City Hall, Room 209, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM 1. Introductions Brief introductions were made by all Task Force members. All members were present except for John Cannell and Dennis Martin. 2. Review Charge of the Task Force Suslovic summarized the charge of the Task Force. No questions were asked. 3. Review of Draft Work Plan Houseal summarized the work plan. Bohlen raised the importance of addressing the organizational structures early in the discussion. And the importance of discussing fairness and equity. Dillon suggested discussing education and outreach earlier since in other communities it has been shown that outreach has always benefited the discussion if presented earlier. Suslovic reiterated that each member represents an important constituency. Veroneau asked about a storm water utility’s legal authority. 4. Introduction to Portland’s Storm Water Systems and Performance Obligations Houseal presented the introduction to Portland’s storm water system and permit requirements. Gellerson asked what was driving the effort? Was it federal requirements, the need for funding, pollution reduction. Suslovic answered that it was all three. There was also a need to find a more fair and equitable way of distributing costs. The question was asked if water quality was getting better? Payne answered that it was but there was still some distance to go. Miller responded that regulations are getting more expensive to meet. Bohlen responded that maintenance costs are increasing. Suslovic asked the Task Force to think about methods for evaluating meeting funding needs and the options that are available. Payne asked what are the implications to different case studies. There was an interest in knowing what were the national statistics on paying for storm water. 5. Confirm Date for Next Meeting: The next meeting is currently scheduled for May 17, 2011 6. Adjourn