AGENDA #4d

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

SUBJECT:       Calling a Public Hearing on Establishment of a Stormwater Utility

DATE:             January 26, 2004

Adoption of the attached resolution would schedule a Public Hearing on February 16, 2004, to receive comments on the proposed establishment of a local Stormwater Utility.

The Town Manager recommends adoption of the resolution.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION

For the past eighteen months, Town staff from several departments have been working with a consultant to develop a proposal for a local stormwater utility that could provide a stable and adequate source of funding for a comprehensive Stormwater Management Program to serve Chapel Hill.

In early 2003, the Council appointed a Stormwater Utility Policy Review Committee to work with the staff and consultant in preparing the proposal and recommendations for a stormwater utility.

At tonight’s work session, the Council received information about the proposed utility program and rate structure.  In order to receive further input from citizens on the stormwater utility proposal, we suggest scheduling a Public Hearing on February 16, 2004.

MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION

That the Council adopt the attached resolution scheduling a Public Hearing on February 16, 2004, to receive comments on the proposed establishment of a local stormwater utility.

A RESOLUTION SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING ON FEBRUARY 16, 2004, TO DISCUSS AND HEAR COMMENTS ABOUT THE PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION OF A STORMWATER UTILITY TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM  (2004-01-26/R-4 )

WHEREAS, the Council has directed the Manager to prepare a proposal for implementing a stormwater utility to serve Chapel Hill; and

WHEREAS, a draft stormwater utility program proposal and supporting fee rate structure have been developed and were presented to the Council at a work session on January 26, 2004; and

WHEREAS, the Council is interested in receiving comments from interested citizens regarding the proposed implementation of a local stormwater utility;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby schedules a Public Hearing at 7:00 pm on February 16, 2004 in the Town Hall, 306 North Columbia Street, to discuss and hear comments regarding the proposed implementation of a local stormwater utility intended to provide a stable and adequate source of funding for a comprehensive stormwater management program to serve Chapel Hill.

This the 26^th day of January, 2004.