City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date: March 18, 2008

Item No.:

Recommendation: That the Common Council consider a motion to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network to manage, coordinate and implement an information and education program designed to satisfy the requirements of Oak Creek’s WPDES Storm Water (NR 216) permit.

Background: Oak Creek’s Storm Water (NR 216) permit requires the City to operate a public education and outreach program to increase the awareness of storm water pollution impacts on rivers and lakes. In past years this requirement has been satisfied through writing articles for inclusion in the Acorn, providing literature to the public, mailings to local businesses and talks to school groups. The DNR and EPA have been placing more emphasis on the education programs and may require more accountable goals in future re-issued storm water permits. The Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network is a grassroots organization that tries to protect and improve the Root-Pike watershed through the facilitation and funding of various projects. It has taken the lead with the assistance of the DNR and UW-Extension to establish a regional education and outreach program that would serve the Root-Pike watersheds (which includes the Oak Creek watershed) and the Southeast Wisconsin Fox River watershed. The program would satisfy the required NR 216 permit education and outreach activities. The program will include workshops, presentations, website, publications, exhibits/display and public relation activities. This consolidated effort will provide better resources and a more effective information and education programs for the same cost the City is currently spending. The intergovernmental agreement can be terminated at any time with 60 days notice.

Fiscal Impact: There is an annual cost for this program. The cost for 2008 is $3,150 and 2009 is $3,307, which will be funded through the Storm Water Utility-Fund 38.

Prepared by: Philip J. Beiermeister, P.E. Environmental Design Engineer	Respectfully submitted: Patrick DeGrave City Administrator
Approved by: Wayne St. John, P.E. City Engineer
Fiscal review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk