07/12/2006: "New Stormwater Utility Steering Committee"

A new steering committee has been formed to develop recommendations on the San Juan County Stormwater Utility's mission statement and goals, programs and projects, and rate structure. San Juan County is in the early stages of forming the mission statement and funding mechanisms for its newly formed stormwater utility.

Chris Hoffman of Norton-Arnold & Copany has been hired by the County to facilitate a steering committee, and to that end, approximately 10 people who represent a diverse range of views are being asked to participate on the steering committee, based on their ability to represent known interests and to work together.

Hoffman told the Island Guardian that "We initially invited about 15 people from throughout the County who represent a cross section of interests. As of yesterday, we have 7 people who have said they would like to participate on the committee. They are:

John Evans, San Juan Builders Association
Tina Whitman, Friends of the San Juans
Rachel Dietzman, engineer/MPD inc.
Steve Hussesy, San Juan Conservation District
Bret Snow, Roche Harbor Resorts
Jim Nelson, Business owner
Patty Miller, Eastsound Business Association

We are interested in broadening participation to include more Lopez and San Juan islands", and has requested anyone who may be interested to put their name forward for consideration to be on the committee. Citizens interested in serving on the committee can contact Matt Zybas at 360-370-0522. (Link to County webpage on the Stormwater Utility ).

"It is important that we work with the community to devise a fair and effective way to manage stormwater throughout the county, and how to equitably pay for the program," said Matt Zybas, San Juan County Utility Manager.

The first of five scheduled meetings of the steering committee is set for July 12 and will focus on developing the utility's mission statement and goals. The general public is invited to attend steering committee meetings as observers. An open house will be held at the conclusion of the second and fourth meeting for the public to provide input to forum participants.

"We're committed to engaging the citizens of the county in the formation of this utility to ensure it addresses the greatest needs, and is funded in a way that is fair," said Kevin Ranker, District 1 Councilmember.

The County formed the new utility in November 2005 to assist with water quality and water quantity problems such as flooding and water pollution. These types of problems cannot typically be attributed to single source, and are usually the result of a combination of factors that increase the amount of impervious surfaces (roads, driveways, and development) and affect water quality (erosion, fertilizers, and petroleum products).