The city council makes the following findings regarding storm water runoff and the city's storm sewer system:
A. The city's existing storm sewer system consists of a network of manmade and natural facilities, structures and conduits, including ground water and aquifers, that collect and route storm water runoff.
B. The city's existing storm sewer system does not adequately handle the storm water runoff generated in the city.
C. The city's anticipated growth will place increased demands on the already inadequate storm sewer system.
D. Uncontrolled or inadequately controlled storm water runoff endangers the city's ground water supply.
E. Uncontrolled or inadequately controlled storm water runoff causes erosion and property damage.
F. Uncontrolled or inadequately controlled storm water runoff hinders the city's ability to provide emergency services to its residents.
G. Uncontrolled or inadequately controlled storm water runoff impedes the regular flow of traffic in the city.
H. Uncontrolled or inadequately controlled storm water runoff poses health hazards to the citizens of the community.
I. Storm water runoff carries concentrations of oil, grease, nutrients, chemicals, heavy metals, toxic materials and other undesirable materials that may jeopardize the integrity of ground waters and receiving waters, including the city's culinary water supply.
J. All developed properties in the city contribute to the need for the storm sewer system by converting natural ground cover into impervious surfaces.
K. All developed properties in the city make use of or benefit from the city's operation and maintenance of the storm sewer system.
L. The state department of environmental quality (DEQ) has determined that some of the city's storm water sumps must be included on the prioritized contamination sources for culinary wells.
M. The EPA and the DEQ are developing additional storm water permitting requirements that will apply to cities.
N. Absent effective maintenance, operation, regulation and control, existing storm water drainage conditions in the city constitute a potential hazard to the health, safety and general welfare of the city, its residents, and its businesses.
O. A storm sewer utility is the most equitable and efficient method of managing storm water in the city and ensuring that each property in the city pays its fair share of the amount that the property contributes to, benefits from, and otherwise uses the storm sewer system. (Ord. 07-14, 6-12-2007)