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measures to prevent a requirement that stormwater be treated prior to entering the bay. The stormwater system is totally separate from the sanitary system. The original Sewer and Water Policy Committee and the current Utilities Committee which consists of Councilmembers Sanfilipo, LaBerge and Howard put together guiding principles to use as a checklist to work through the decision making process on user fees. The guiding principles are environmental values, local choice and control, customer service, maintenance of effort; continuing support of economic growth and development, equitable distribution of costs; fiscal accountability; an on-going capital improvement, program and partnerships. General Services Director Ingram described how he and his staff have been out in the community to let various groups of neighbors and businesses know the importance of the local NPDES program and the decision making process that would be followed in determining whether a fee would be assessed. The timing of this event is important because any action taken on a user fee would need to come back to Council at a later date and will impact the next fiscal year budget. General Services Director Ingram set the context for discussion of user fees for stormwater in Redwood City, by describing the core issues being why a new fee is needed and how to pay for this sustained effort. Two things were looked at; 1) over the last two years the state has had a tremendous impact on general fund revenues and 2) the impact of new NPDES legislation and regulatory requirements that affect Redwood City. Mayor Gasparini requested clarification on future impacts of the NPDES program if the program is paid for out of the General Fund. General Services Director, Ingram stated that Redwood City would continue the level of effort but there are several items in the budget that are add on programs that are important to make the program succeed but also require more money. For example, public awareness packages for street cleaning and hazardous waste to make this a high level program. From a business perspective, Redwood City must keep in compliance with the permit. Mayor Gasparini requested more information about the permit which includes 20 individual cities as part of a county-wide program. City Manager Everett stated that all cities are a consortium but the plan has addendum's with each city having its own implementation. If one city falls out of compliance that city is responsible for that issue. If there is a county-wide issue then all cities will need to pay attention. Vice Mayor Hartnett asked when the city started spending money on stormwater mandates. General Services Director Ingram stated that the city started spending money on stormwater mandates in 1992. The base year was FY1991192 and at that time the cost was $395,000. FY19951196 costs will be $727,000. The difference is a result of continually enhancing the program to assure compliance with new requirements. Regular Adjourned Council Meeting/Study Session Minutes MINUTE BOOK NO. 53 April17,1995 Page No. 135 Page 2 --. -