Item B: Stream Corridor Acquisition Program

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Stream Corridor Acquisition Program Meeting Date: January 23, 2006 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Public Works Staff Contact: Therese Walch www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-8647 ISSUE STATEMENT On October 10, 2005, a work session was held with the Eugene City Council on the topic of the City’s stormwater permit and other program developments. The council motion included an amendment directing staff to return to the council with a Stream Corridor Acquisition Program, analogous to that in effect before past reductions, for reconsideration by the council. This work session is to present an update on the stream corridor acquisition program, additional related contextual information, and options for City Council consideration and direction. BACKGROUND The City Council adopted the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan (CSWMP) in 1993, which provides a policy framework for services provided by the City through the stormwater user fee. With CSWMP, the stormwater program was expanded to include protection of stormwater waterway corridors and related natural resources. Primary waterway corridors and adjoining riparian and wetland areas were recognized as providing important stormwater functions and values. In CSWMP, it was recognized that “waterway corridor acquisition would greatly assist the implementation of the Stormwater Plan multiple objectives.” On April 24, 2000, the City Council adopted an interim ordinance prohibiting piping and/or filling open waterways (“Open Waterways ordinance”) until completion of the Natural Resources Study. On July 10, 2000, in response to recommendations from the Public Works Stormwater Department Advisory Committee and interest in protecting remaining stream corridors in the community, the council directed staff to proceed with the preparation of a scope of work for a waterway and open space acquisition plan. On August 7, 2000, the City Council directed staff to proceed with a process for establishing interim setbacks along open waterways until completion of the Natural Resources Study. At the November 27, 2000, worksession, the council authorized a scope of work for preparing a plan that would identify “initial high priority stream corridors” for acquisition and a funding strategy. On October 10, 2001, the council directed staff to proceed with an enhanced stream corridor acquisition program as reflected in the draft Stream Corridor Acquisition Plan (with some modifications): L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060123\S060123B.doc