(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 the regulation of groundwater are of benefit and provide services to all property within the incorporated City limits, including property not presently serviced by the storm elements of the system. The beneficiaries of the system include all real properties within the City of Warren, 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 an 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 utility, under the direction of the Director of Water Pollution Control, shall, and does, have the power to:
(1) Prepare recommendations as needed to implement this chapter and forward the same to City Council for consideration and adoption, and adopt such regulations and procedures as are required to implement ordinances or to carry out other responsibilities of the utility;
(2) Administer the acquisition, design, construction, maintenance and operation of the Storm Water Utility System, including capital improvements;
(3) Administer and enforce this chapter and all regulations and procedures adopted relative 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 Mayor, City Departments and the Storm Water Board 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; and
(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. 11562/02. Passed 5-8-02.)
(Ord. 11562/02. Passed 5-8-02.)