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STORM WATER UTILITY COMMITTEE Minutes
January 14, 2016
Present: John Kiefer, Paul Janty, Kyle Clark, Sean Butler
Absent: Maureen Muldoon
Also Present: James Rabe, Director of Public Works; Steve Gohde, Assistant Director of
Public Works; John Ferris, Civil Engineering Supervisor; Justin Gierach, Civil
Engineer - Senior ; Jim Bachhuber, Brown and Caldwell; Brian Wayner,
OMNNI; Jason Weis, OMNNI
I.Call to Order.
A.Mr. Kiefer called the meeting to order at 7:35 am.
II.Discussion of Future Meeting Dates and Times.
A.Future meetings are scheduled for February 18, March 17, April 21, 2016, at 7:30 am in
Room 404 of City Hall.
III.Approval of November 12, 2015 Meeting Minutes.
A.Mr. Clark moved to as amended, seconded by Mr. Janty, Motion Carried (4 - 0 )
IV.Update on Engineering Division Storm Water Utility Staffing.
A.Mr. Rabe introduced John Ferris as the new Civil Engineering Supervisor for the Storm
Water Utility. John will transition to be the new Committee staff person from the City. John
has extensive experience in storm water management and storm water utility development.
B.Mr. Rabe introduced Justin Gierach as the new Senior Engineer - Storm Water. Justin was
promoted from another Engineering Division position.
V.Update on Community Development Block Grant Applications.
A.Mr. Rabe, reported that the State of Wisconsin solicited communities that had received funds
in the past to submit proposals for consideration for funding from the balance of the available
grant funds. The City of Oshkosh submitted pre-applications for two projects. The City was
not selected to submit for a full application.
VI.Update on Recent Legislative Activity.
A.Mr. Rabe requested Mr. Bachhuber to update the Committee on this topic.
B.Mr. Bachhuber provided a brief update on three legislative / regulatory issues:
1.AB 600 / SB 459: Regulation of Navigable Waters, Wetlands, and Artificial Streams.
This proposed legislation would have two significant impacts:
1) allow for storm water detention facilities located on artificial channels to be
s pollution control benefits toward MS4 and TMDL compliance
requirements; and
2) to allow for maintenance (dredging) of municipally owned and operated storm water
control measures without obtaining state wetland disturbance permits.
The City was encouraged to send a supporting letter to its state legislators on this
measure.
2.SB 597: Wisconsin Phosphorus Variance
appears to be mainly target to allow WWTPs to extend their schedule for meeting
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phosphorus effluent limits through payment of a fee for the purpose of controlling
nonpoint sources of phosphorus. It is not clear if MS4s are impacted by this legislation.
Questions have been submitted to the WI League of Mto
clarify this issue.
3.USEPA Small MS4 Remand Rules-
writing) rules that apply to Small MS4s (which is what the City of Oshkosh is classified
as). The proposal should not establish any new requirements for small MS4s but would:
1)Provide for public notice and opportunity for public to request a hearing, and
2)Ensure that the Wisconsin DNR would be responsible for determining the adequacy
of BMPs and other requirements included in the small community MS4 permit.
These rules are out for public review and comments are due by March 21, 2016. More
information and updates can be found at:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opei/rulegate.nsf/byrin/2040-af57
VII.Presentation Regarding 2015 Illicit Discharge Outfall Screening
A.Mr. Rabe introduced Brian Wayner (Omni Associates) to conduct the presentation on the
annual storm sewer outfall screening conducted in compliance with the MS4 permit
requirements. A handout was passed out to the Committee.
B.Mr. Wayner presented a summary of the annual field work. Highlights included:
1.The 2015 Ongoing Screening Program was revised to reflect new procedure to identify
priority outfalls.
2.Floatables in certain manholes continue to be found in significant quantities.
3.Reported that for the first time syringes were found in two manholes. This finding was
reported to the City and the City had discussions with the County Health officials. Mr.
Janty asked if the police department should be notified when syringes are found in
inspections.
4.A site near Red Arrow Park continues to have repeated elevated ammonia. The City may
wish to investigate any potential cross connection from a nearby public restroom.
C.Mr. Kiefer asked how often the manholes are cleaned? Mr. Rabe responded that inlets are
cleaned annually, usually in the fall. Manholes are not cleaned out regularly. If floatable
debris is reported, the City sends out a Streets Division crew to clean the manhole.
D.Mr. Ferris asked Mr. Wayner if adjacent upstream manholes were inspected and if floatables
were found? Mr. Wayner replied that this is not usually done.
E.Mr. Butler asked if the City should have a scheduled cleaning program of manholes with
repeated floatables found. Mr. Rabe replied that this is being considered by the City.
F.Mr. Wayner reported a white substance discharge from Outfall 12-1328a. The City installed
a temporary plug in a pipe coming from the Carew property. A permanent plug will be
installed in Spring of 2016.
G.Other information is provided on the presentation handout.
VIII.Discussion of Future Meeting Agenda Items
A.The new topics identified for a future agendas are:
i.Annual WDNR MS4 Report review, and
ii.2016 CIP project construction
X.Adjournment.
There being no other business before the committee, and upon being duly moved and seconded
(Mr. Clark / Mr. Butler), the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 a.m.
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Respectfully Submitted
John Ferris, PE, PH
Civil Engineer Supervisor
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