A. Service Charge Revenues. It is the finding of the city that comprehensive management of surface and storm water runoff must include anticipation of future growth and development in the design and improvement of the surface and storm water management system. Service charge revenue needs shall be based upon the present and future requirements of the surface and storm water management system, and these needs shall be considered when determining the rates and charges of the program.

B. Comprehensive Storm Water Master Plan. It is the finding of the city that storm water master plans are essential to establishing a comprehensive approach to a capital improvement program, maintenance of facilities and regulation of new developments. A plan should analyze the measures needed to control surface and storm water runoff which results from existing and anticipated development within the city. The measures investigated to control runoff should include land use regulation such as setback requirements or community plan revisions which revise land use densities as well as the use of drainage facilities. A plan also should recommend the quantity and water quality runoff control measures required to further the purposes set forth in the current city’s comprehensive plan, and community goals. The institutional requirements and regulations, including but not limited to land use management, funding needs, and incentives for preserving the natural surface water drainage system should be identified in the plan.

C. Need for Mitigation. It is the finding of the city that additional surface and storm water runoff problems may be caused by new land use development if not properly mitigated both through protection of natural systems and through constructed improvements. Bothell land use and development codes have been adopted by the city to mitigate the impact of new land use development. Further mitigation of these impacts is based on expertise which continues to evolve as new information on our natural systems is obtained and new techniques are discovered. The storm and surface water management utility shall continuously provide valuable information on the existing problems and areas of the natural drainage system that need special protection. The city is researching and developing methods to protect the natural drainage system through zoning, buffering, and setbacks to alleviate existing problems. Setback and buffering measures allow natural preservation of wetlands and stream corridors to occur, alleviate erosion and water pollution and provide a safe environment for the small mammals and fish which inhabit sensitive areas. Based upon the above findings, and as information and methods become available, the director shall draft and submit to the council regulations and development standards to allow protection of the surface and storm water management system including natural drainage systems.

D. Financial Management Operations Policy. The utility shall maintain long-term fiscal viability and fund solvency for all of its related funds. All required capital and operating expenditures shall be covered by service charges and other revenues generated or garnered by the utility. The utility shall pay all current operating expenses from current revenues and shall maintain an operating reserve to minimize service impacts due to revenue or expenditure variances from plan during a fiscal year. This reserve shall be calculated based on the historic variability of revenue and expenditures. The program shall adopt a strategic financial planning approach which recognizes the dynamic nature of the program’s fiscal operating environment. Long-term projections shall be updated in the utility’s adopted strategic plan. One-time revenue shall be dedicated to one-time only expenditures and shall not be used to support ongoing requirements. The utility’s approach to financial reporting and disclosure shall be comprehensive, open and accessible.

E. Financial Management Capital Policy. The utility shall prepare a multiyear capital improvement program which encompasses all of the utility’s activities related to the acquisition, construction, replacement, or renovation of capital facilities or equipment. All proposed new facilities shall be subject to a consistent and rigorous needs analysis. The utility’s capital facilities shall be planned and financed to ensure that the benefits of the facilities and the costs for them are balanced over time.

F. Financial Management Debt Policy. The utility shall manage its debt to ensure continued high credit quality, access to credit markets, and financial flexibility. All of the utility’s debt management activities shall be conducted to maintain at least the current credit ratings assigned to the city’s debt by the major credit rating agencies and to maintain an adequate debt service coverage ratio. Long-term debt shall not be used to support operating expenses.

G. The utility may provide services related to surface and storm water management, including but not limited to basin planning, facilities maintenance, regulation, financial administration, public involvement, drainage investigation and enforcement, aquatic resource restoration, surface and storm water quality and environmental monitoring, natural surface water drainage system planning, intergovernmental relations, and facility design and construction. The utility may contract for services with interested municipalities or special districts including but not limited to sewer and water districts, school districts, port districts or other governmental agencies.

H. The city finds that in order to achieve a comprehensive approach to surface and storm water management, the city and other jurisdictions within the same basin(s) should coordinate and contract for services with interested municipalities or special districts, school districts, port districts or other governmental agencies.

I. The city finds that many of the difficulties found in the management of surface and storm water problems are contributed to by the general lack of public knowledge about the relationship between human actions and surface and storm water management. In order to achieve a comprehensive approach to surface and storm water management, the city should provide general information to the public about land use and human activities which impact surface and storm water management.

J. The city finds that pursuant to RCW 35.67.025, public school districts can provide significant benefits to the city regarding surface and storm water management through education programs and community activities related to the management system. These programs and activities can provide students with an understanding of human activities and land use practices that create surface and storm water problems and involve students by learning from firsthand exposure the difficulties of resolving surface and storm water management problems after they occur. (Ord. 2023 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 1634 § 1, 1996).