* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Costello
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
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Investigative Hearing - Expediting Stormwater Management Projects and Activities
FOR the purpose of calling on the Departments of Public Works and Finance to take steps to expedite stormwater management projects funded by the Stormwater Enterprise Fund and otherwise, and to send representatives to report to the City Council on how these funds can be most effectively, quickly, and efficiently used to promote improved water quality and healthier neighborhoods.
body
Recitals
WHEREAS, the Stormwater Management Fee has been collected since July of 2013 to help support new mandates to accelerate additional, direct environmental restoration required by the State of Maryland and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
WHEREAS, this restoration effort will dramatically improve water quality, reduce the burden on the wastewater infrastructure, and meaningfully contribute to efforts to make our neighborhoods cleaner and healthier.
WHEREAS, accelerated stormwater project implementation and maintenance will also spur economic activity for area contractors.
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Work�s (DPW) Annual Report for reporting period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015 indicates that the majority of projects are slated for construction in 2018 and 2019.
WHEREAS, the Council believes that the Stormwater Enterprise Fund is more valuable to our environment and our economy when it is used to move projects forward quickly rather than collecting money unused for long periods of time.
WHEREAS, to make the stormwater management process more productive DPW should:
� escalate the current stormwaterrelated project development timetable;
� expand capacity for permitting review and establish deadlines for permit review and processing for stormwater projects that will be utilized by the City in meeting regulatory compliance;
� establish the following policies on the review and decisionmaking process for Stormwater Management & Erosion and Sediment Control permits for voluntary (nonregulatory) restoration projects:
o 30day maximum for projects under 5,000 square feet / 100 cubic yards treatment
o 45day maximum for all other projects
o Communicate any 'roadblocks' to advancing these initiatives (i.e., hiring procedures, recruitment, etc.)
� ensure that revenue collected via Stormwater Enterprise Fund utility fees are identified and tracked online in a simple format that is updated quarterly throughout planning, design, and construction in a way that the general public can review and comprehend.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, that the Council calls on the Departments of Public Works and Finance to take steps to expedite stormwater management projects funded by the Stormwater Enterprise Fund and otherwise, and to send representatives to report to the Council on how these funds can be most effectively, quickly, and efficiently used to promote improved water quality and healthier neighborhoods.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Director of Public Works, the Director of Finance, the Director of the Bureau of Budget and Management Research, and the Mayor�s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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