... do these issues sound familiar to you?  Chances are, you or someone you know in the Florence area has been involved with one or more of them during winter and spring rainy seasons these last few years.  While each issue comes with its own set of challenges, collectively, they pose two serious questions for Florence area residents: How do we solve problems caused by stormwater? And, how will we pay for the solutions?

To answer these questions, the City has initiated a comprehensive stormwater management planning process.  Led by a local citizen Advisory Committee, the process is intended to provide direction for decision making over the next twenty years.  It will recommend options for resolving Florence area stormwater problems and establish a framework for any new city codes, development standards and regulations that may be necessary to support a stormwater management program.

The purpose of a stormwater plan is:
 

• To provide the City a tool for addressing flooding;
• To protect surface and ground water quality and quantity; and
• To prepare for and manage the impacts of growth in a cost-effective and physically efficient manner over time.

The planning process also includes a public outreach component to ensure the plan reflects
community values.  The advisory committee needs and values your input.

1.  Why does the City of Florence need a stormwater management plan?

Rainfall levels vary from year to year.  In Florence, a dry year (1992) may only produce 51 inches of rain, while a wet year (1996, 1998) may yield nearly 100 inches!  An average rainfall year in Florence is approximately 70 inches.  As shown in the graph below, rainfall levels have been increasing over the last decade.  Because the Florence area is marked by steep slopes and low-lying areas, run-off from heavy storms can lead to localized flooding of homes, businesses and streets.

Flood problems are compounded by rising water tables and increasing amounts of impervious
surface which reduce the rate and available area for infiltration processes.  If not properly managed, stormwater can pollute local streams and aquifers – the source of the City’s drinking water.

Specific project objectives include:
 

• Drainage and flood control;
• Water quality protection;
• Land resource management;
• Wellhead (aquifer) protection; and
• Erosion and sedimentation control

2.  What has been done so far?  What happens next?

To date, the Advisory Committee has met several times to review preliminary flood and groundwater modeling results and to develop a public involvement strategy.  Upcoming work will include: review of stormwater system alternates; assessment of current regulations; and preparation of appropriate code, ordinance and development standards.  Future work will identify the best alternatives and examine funding mechanisms.

3.  How do I know if my flood problem has been identified?

A preliminary map of flood zones and known problem areas is being developed and will be on
display at both the public library and City Hall.  Maps will also be available at each of the Advisory Committee meetings and public workshops.  If you know of flood problems not identified on the preliminary maps, please contact Ken Lanfear at: PO Box 340 (250 Hwy. 101), (541) 997-2141.

4.  How much will a stormwater system cost and how will it be paid for?

Stormwater systems vary by type and cost.  In Florence, cost will be based on the alternatives
adopted by City Council after reviewing available options and receiving input from the technical team, Advisory Committee and local citizens.  Financing alternatives will be analyzed as part of the planning process.

(Chart showing Florence Rainfall from 1986 to 1998 available at City Hall)

1.  Plan to attend meetings of the Advisory Committee on stormwater management.  The Mayor and City Council of Florence have appointed 14 people to an Advisory Committee to assist in the development of a Stormwater Management Plan.  The Advisory Committee is charged to:
 

• Review the City’s stormwater and drainage history, current status and associated issues;
• Identify the needs and benefits of a stormwater management plan for the community;
• Monitor the technical work conducted during the study and receive progress reports;
• Assure implementation of a public involvement plan to keep residents informed about the process;
• Convene public meetings and a public workshop to facilitate citizen participation in decisions;
• Review presentations and proposals of City and consultants about alternatives;
• Review a draft stormwater management plan presented by City and consultants; and
• Recommend a stormwater management plan and forward to the City and Planning Commission.

The Advisory Committee meets in the City Council Chambers, City Hall.  Upcoming meeting dates are listed in this Update issue.  At each session, the Advisory Committee makes time to hear public comment.  Also plan to attend a public workshop on options for resolving stormwater issues, to be held in December.  Look for details in the next Update.

2.  Follow the progress on stormwater planning through issues of Update by completing the form provided in this issue and returning it to remain on the mailing list.

3.  Watch for public presentations on the stormwater planning process to be made to community organizations in the coming months.  Dates, places and times will be posted in advance in the newspaper and advertised on radio.

4.  Complete the feedback forms in future issues of Update.  This will give you a chance to register your interests and concerns about the plan as it develops.

5.  Contact Ken Lanfear, Public Works Director, City of Florence, PO Box 340 (250 Hwy. 101), Florence, OR 97439, (541) 997-2141.

Event	Date & Place
Advisory Committee Meeting	Wednesday, October 13, 1999, City Council Chambers, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Public Workshop	Thursday, December 9, 1999, City Council Chambers, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.