TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF APRIL 3, 2014
COMMITTEE ON STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to negotiate intergovernmental agreements with municipalities for authorization to administer provisions of the Watershed Management Ordinance with respect to stormwater management
Body
Dear Sir:
Authority is requested to negotiate intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) with municipalities for authorization to administer provisions of the Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) with respect to stormwater management. Article 14 of the WMO allows qualified Cook County municipalities to become authorized to administer certain stormwater management provisions of the WMO. Municipalities interested in authorization must be qualified and meet minimum requirements contained in Article 14, Section 1402 of the WMO. The WMO allows the District to oversee authorized municipalities in their local administration of the stormwater management provisions.
Municipalities interested in authorization must submit a letter of intent to the District requesting authorization. The District will examine letters of intent seeking authorization to determine if an interested municipality meets all requirements for authorization as required by Article 14 of the WMO.
An IGA between a qualified municipality and the District will effectuate a municipality's status as an authorized municipality. The IGA will require authorized municipalities to issue watershed management permits, conduct inspections, and maintain records. Additionally, the IGA will provide the District with a mechanism to audit such municipalities. Each IGA shall be subject to the approval of the Law Department as to form and legality.
In support of efforts to implement the WMO, letters have been mailed to all Cook County municipalities to begin the process for authorization. Each letter outlined the process for authorization and contained a template IGA.
It is respectfully requested that the Board of Commissioners grant authority to negotiate IGAs to authorize qualified municipalities to administer provisions of the Watershed Management Ordinance with respect to stormwater management. Once the District receives letters of intent from municipalities and verifies qualifications, authority to enter IGAs will be sought from the Board of Commissioners.
Requested, Catherine A. O'Connor, Director of Engineering, WSS:JPM
Respectfully Submitted, Michael Alvarez, Chairman Committee on Stormwater Management
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for April 3, 2014