City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE:: SEPTEMBER 9, 2022
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution to Reestablish the Temporary Ad Hoc Stormwater Utility and Flood Mitigation Advisory Group. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
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ISSUE: Consideration of a Resolution to Reestablish the Temporary Ad Hoc Stormwater Utility and Flood Mitigation Advisory Group.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council adopt the attached resolution to reestablish the temporary Ad Hoc Stormwater Utility and Flood Mitigation Advisory Group.
BACKGROUND: The Ad Hoc Stormwater Utility and Flood Mitigation Advisory Group was originally established via resolution in January 2021 and first met in June 2021 to assist in the funding, timing, and implementation of flood mitigation projects. These projects are in response to frequent flash flooding due to intense storms caused by climate change. During the inaugural year, the group served a fundamental role in the successful implementation of the Flood Action Alexandria program (“Program”) by fostering communications among the residents affected by flooding, City leadership, and departmental staff to create and carry out Program objectives.
In addition to serving as liaison between City staff and the community regarding the Program, the group’s functions will include reviewing relevant Program documents and products developed by staff, reviewing recommendations for Program funding and, as appropriate, supporting funding requests, monitoring and disseminating relevant Commonwealth of Virginia legislation that may affect the Program, and participating in public hearings of the City Council as needed. The group’s format is appropriate to accomplish these functions given the need for diverse points of view as well as the individual skills among members. The intent is to reappoint the previously approved membership of the first Ad Hoc Stormwater Utility and Flood Mitigation Group, if they are willing to continue to serve.
DISCUSSION: Pursuant to City Code Section 2-4-8 and referenced in the resolution establishing the group, the group was formed for a duration of one year from the date the group holds the initial meeting, with the duration eligible to be extended by City Council by resolution for three additional one-year periods. The appointment of the group expired in June 2022 and was not extended. However, given that the continuing work to fund and implement flood mitigation efforts by performing system maintenance and delivering capital stormwater infrastructure projects under the Flood Action Alexandria program is expected to extend for several years, staff is recommending that City Council reestablish the temporary Ad Hoc Stormwater Utility and Flood Mitigation Advisory Group with appointment and expiration conditions as required by City Code Section 2-4-8, or until such time that City Council decides to dissolve the group. There are no duplications or conflicts between the proposed Ad Hoc Stormwater Utility and Flood Mitigation Advisory Group and any other committees.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no direct fiscal impact from this resolution. Staff support for the group will continue to be conducted within the approved operational budgets for each of Transportation and Environmental Services and the Department of Project Implementation. Based on the first year of operation, it is estimated that support for the group activities is approximately 250 hours of staff time and 50 hours of contractor support annually. The group can accomplish its functions with this level of staff support.
ATTACHMENT: Resolution to reestablish the temporary Ad Hoc Stormwater Utility and Flood Mitigation Advisory Group.
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Yon Lambert, Director, Transportation and Environmental Services
Terry A. Suehr, Director, Project Implementation
William J. Skrabak, Deputy Director, Transportation and Environmental Services
Jesse E. Maines, Division Chief Stormwater Management, Transportation and Environmental Services
Daniel E. Medina, Stormwater Program Manager, Project Implementation