(a) It is hereby found, determined, and declared that those elements of the system which provide for the collection, treatment and disposal of storm water and regulation of ground water are of benefit and provide services to all property within the incorporated City limits, including property not presently served by the storm elements of the system. The beneficiaries of the system include all real properties within the City of Kent which benefit by the provision, operation and improvement of the system. Such benefits may include, but are not limited to, the provision of adequate systems of collection, conveyance, detention, treatment and release of storm water, the reduction of hazard to property and life resulting from storm water runoff, improvement in general health and welfare through reduction of undesirable storm water conditions, and improvement to the water quality in the storm and surface water system and its receiving waters.
(b) The storm water utility, under the direction of the Director of Public Service shall, and does, have the power to:
(1) Prepare rules and regulations as needed to implement this Chapter and forward the same to City Council for consideration and adoption, and adopt such policies and procedures as are required to implement said regulations or carry out other responsibilities of the utility.
(2) Administer the acquisition, design, construction, maintenance and operation of the utility system, including capital improvements.
(3) Administer and enforce this Chapter and all regulations and procedures adopted relating to the design, construction, maintenance, operation and alteration of the utility system including, but not limited to, the quantity, quality and/or velocity of the storm water conveyed thereby.
(4) Inspect private systems as necessary to determine the compliance of such systems with this Chapter and any regulations adopted pursuant to this Chapter.
(5) Advise City Council, the City Manager and City departments on matters relating to the utility.
(6) Prepare and revise a comprehensive drainage plan for adoption by City Council periodically.
(7) Review plans, approve or deny, inspect and accept extensions to the system.
(8) Establish and enforce regulations to protect and maintain water quality within the system in compliance with water quality standards established by state, regional and/or federal agencies as now adopted or hereafter amended.
(9) Analyze the cost of services and benefits provided, and the system and structure of fees, charges, fines and other revenues of the utility annually.
(Ord. 2017-17. Passed 3-15-17.)