HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-02 Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Agenda Packet
Stormwater Management
Oversight Committee
1
Thursday, December 2, 2021
1 pm to 3 pm
Special Meeting
****BY IN PERSON and VIRTUAL TELECONFERENCE ***
https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 990 9847 5635 Phone: 1(669)9006833
Pursuant to the provisions of California Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20,
issued on March 17, 2020, to prevent the spread of Covid-19, this meeting
will be held by virtual teleconference only, with no physical location.
Agenda posted in accordance Government Code Section 54954.2(a) or
54956.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public who wish to participate by computer or phone can find
the instructions at the end of this agenda. To ensure participation in a
particular item, we suggest calling in or connecting online 15 minutes before
the item you wish to speak on.
Call to Order (5 min)
Oral Communications (5 min)
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. A
reasonable time restriction may be imposed at the discretion of the
Committee Chair.
Old Business (5 min)
1. Approval of Minutes from the October 7, 2021 Stormwater Management
Oversight Committee Meeting (5 min)
New Business (75 min)
1. Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing for
Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Meetings During Covid-19
State of Emergency (5 min)
2. Staff Update Stormwater Management Fund Financial Review (15 min)
3. Staff Update GSI Guidance and Maintenance Manual (45 min)
2 December 2, 2021
4. Staff Update on Rain Barrel Rebate Program (10 min)
Committee Member Comments and Announcements (10 min)
Tentative Agenda Items for Future Meetings and Review Action Items (5 min)
Adjournment
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA)
Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services in using City
facilities, services or programs or who would like information on the City’s
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may
contact (650) 329-2550 (Voice) 24 hours in advance.
Public Comment Instructions
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference
meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to the staff
liaison, Karin North at karin.north@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link
below to access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following
instructions carefully.
A. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in
browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current,
up-to-date browser: Chrome 30+, Firefox 27+, Microsoft Edge 12+,
Safari 7+. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers
including Internet Explorer.
B. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request
that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and
will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
C. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.”
The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will
be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called,
please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
D. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your
comments.
3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the
Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google
Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the
instructions B-E above.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number
listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on
your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to
3 December 2, 2021
provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You
will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit
your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 990 9847 5635 Phone: 1(669)9006833
2 October 7, 2021
Stormwater Management
Oversight Committee
Minutes
Thursday, October 7, 2021
1 pm to 3 pm
Special Meeting
****BY VIRTUAL TELECONFERENCE ***
https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 990 9847 5635 Phone: 1(669)9006833
Pursuant to the provisions of California Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20,
issued on March 17, 2020, to prevent the spread of Covid-19, this meeting
will be held by virtual teleconference only, with no physical location.
Agenda posted in accordance Government Code Section 54954.2(a) or
54956.
Committee Members Present: Catherine Perman, David Bower, Hal Mickelson, Dena
Mossar, Marilyn Keller, Bob Wenzlau
Committee Members Absent: Ron Owes
Staff Present:
Karin North, Pam Boyle Rodriguez, Michel Jeremias, Vicki Thai, Rajeev Hada, Jamie
Perez, Loretta Olmos
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public who wish to participate by computer or phone can find
the instructions at the end of this agenda. To ensure participation in a
particular item, we suggest calling in or connecting online 15 minutes before
the item you wish to speak on.
Call to Order (5 min)
• Mickelson: Call to order at 1:06 PM.
Oral Communications (5 min)
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. A
reasonable time restriction may be imposed at the discretion of the Committee Chair.
3 October 7, 2021
• No public comment.
Old Business (5 min)
1. Approval of Minutes from the June 3, 2021 Stormwater Management
Oversight Committee Meeting (5 min)
A. Keller: Two minor corrections.
B. Mossar: Move to approve minutes with changes incorporated.
i. Seconded by Mickelson.
ii. No objections. Minutes approved.
New Business (90 min)
2. Staff Update on CIP Projects (25 min)
A. Jeremias: Review of current 2017 Ballot Measure CIP projects and progress on upcoming projects.
B. Loma Verde Ave project completed and three other projects
(Corporation Way & E Bayshore, W Bayshore & Fabian Capacity
Upgrades, W Bayshore & Fabian Pump Station) currently in
progress. Planning and prioritization of projects affected by location and section of the storm drain system. Construction may be
completed in segments for these projects. Additional outside factors
include funding and construction costs.
a. This is a pay-as-you-go project. We believe we will be able to
fund these projects but it is a matter of timing and it may
extend beyond the 15 years of the ballot measure.
b. We have borrowed money in the past and are paying that
back in the current ballot measure. Some constraints have to
do with staff capacity, don’t have enough staff to complete all
the projects at once. Projects are staggered.
C. Jeremias: Overview and highlight of recurring projects are included
in the Storm Drainage System Replacement and Rehabilitation
Project. Projects to improve flow to outfalls, pump stations, etc. in a
rainfall event.
D. Hada: Update on Corporation Way and West Bayshore Road Pump
Stations and System Upgrades including acquiring easement from
Google to install pump station facilities on their property for these
projects.
a. Comment regarding getting easement from Google it is not
that unusual, depends on the project. If project is located in
4 October 7, 2021
public right-of-way, no easement is required. For some
infrastructure projects that affect adjacent properties, the City
has acquired temporary easements in the past. It happens
with Utilities more often for example with transformers
located on private properties because they can’t be out in the
street.
b. Pump stations, and all City systems and facilities, are
designed for a 10-year storm. A 100-year storm and when we
talk about sea level rise, that is beyond the capacity of the
system. Since it’s a wet utility, don’t have to worry about
flooding as much. The components of this facility will be
elevated and raised to meet the elements of 100-year flood
event. As far as actual pump capacity, we are adding redundancy in these pumps. For example, assuming sea level
rise and/or a flooding event were to happen, these pumps
would run continuously and would be alternated on and off.
c. Adobe Creek appears to drain into the basin that has tidal
gates. With climate change and sea level rise, we’re talking about a basin that is already separated or controlled against
sea level rise. Could you clarify the hydraulic model of Adobe
Creek given setting it drains into? It takes in a lot of flows
from Palo Alto and probably Mountain View and other creeks
and drains into the flood basin. There’s a separate project
with the Army Corps and Valley Water related to sea level rise
and potential levee alternative designs to protect flood basin
from flooding and therefore protecting neighbors in Palo Alto.
For Adobe Creek, during typical storm event, flows drain into
basin, basin has shut tide gates that keep bay waters out.
When bay water recedes during low tide, tide gates naturally
through gravity allow flows collected to drain into the bay.
E. Thai: Overview of and project updates for Storm Drain Replacement
and Rehabilitation, 13 different locations for pipe replacements and
lining. The main purpose of project is to preserve and improve
integrity of storm system and keep it running. Because project is
not centrally located, planning methods for public outreach and
communication. In process of approving construction contracts.
a. Anytime you cut into the street a street cut fee is required.
Based on the trench width of project.
b. Jeremias: For some projects with street resurfacing, we may
be able to get by with a temporary asphalt pavement on top
of the trench that would last up to 2-3 years, then the streets
group would use the money we give to them to restore the
entire width of the street versus us restoring the trench. The
5 October 7, 2021
street cut fee has number of factors including we might be
cutting into a recently paved road or cutting into a road to be
resurfaced entirely in the future, and those fees from us and
other groups will go into paying for those restorations.
c. The project is funded by the stormwater fund. The
Stormwater Management Fund is broken into different pieces.
This is about a third of the ballot measure funding for
rehab/replacement. The money accumulates and we spend it
when we have enough funds or as needed for projects that
are higher priority.
d. Budget review will occur in a future meeting
F. North: City Council decided all meetings could be virtual until
January 1st. Potential for SWMOC to continue meeting virtually in the future.
a. Mickelson: Are there any objections to continuing to meet on
a virtual basis in the future?
b. No objections.
3. Staff Update on GSI Implementation Project and Field Visit Site Findings (30 min)
A. Boyle Rodriguez: We have kicked off implementation of the GSI
Plan. Overview of work with consultants and next steps for GSI Plan
for next few months.
B. Havens: Introduction of Geosyntec consulting team working with
the City.
C. Constantinescu: Introduction of LWA consulting team working with
the City.
D. Havens: Overview of GSI types and presentation of visuals of GSI
installations and inspirations.
a. Mickelson: In gray model, you are capturing the water to put
it in system to be applied to gray water uses; in green
stormwater it’s going back into the soil and potentially back in
the stormwater control system we have?
b. Havens: Yes, typically we think of gray stormwater
infrastructure as the pipe network that takes water off the
street that lets it flow away from areas that could flood.
Typically no capture for water reuse or treatment, sometimes
there will be gray storage or detention to allow for some flood
management. With green stormwater infrastructure, there is
vegetation and soil focusing on the water quality and benefits.
The water is filtered through the process to remove oil or
6 October 7, 2021
other urban pollutants.
c. Mickelson: If we made no changes to the way we thought
about this 10 years ago, did we have a gray system?
d. Havens: May have been some GSI pre-10 years ago but
there’s been quite a bit more implemented over the past 10
years and hopefully still more to come.
e. North: Yes, previous traditional method was through gray
water systems. Pipes underground with capture systems
getting water out of streets to avoid flooding and ponding.
Now with new regulatory requirements, we need to remove
pollutants out of the water.
E. Havens: Overview of tasks in progress as part of 3-year GSI Plan
implementation project scope.
a. Wenzlau: Hope that as deliverables can be shared in private
sector projects to help/benefit commercial and residential
development.
b. Boyle Rodriguez: Yes, we are looking at sharing handbook
and maintenance monitoring manual after we’re able to test it out with City projects. If it can be used it will result in more
standardization of GSI measures.
F. Havens: Overview of GSI measures visited by City staff and
consultants for evaluation and lessons learned. Lessons Learned
included issues related to bioretention design, other facility design
such as impractical access and elevation issues, and
bioretention/bioswales.
G. Constantinescu: Maintenance done by crews that maintain other
areas of the City. Recommend more training provided or that a
dedicated crew established for the maintenance of GSI areas
because of differences in maintenance requirements/practices for
these areas. Maintenance is not a one-size-fits-all for GSI areas,
working to address this in the Maintenance and Monitoring Manual.
a. Wenzlau: Always want City to be aware of where the plumes
are because of concern for groundwater pollution. For
performance measures, a metric presenting how many
gallons or what percentage of the stormwater we’re actually
accomplishing through GSI would be helpful. Encourage
overall generation of GSI metrics that could be shared.
b. Boyle Rodriguez: Will be sharing work on GSI specifications in
December. Started working on flow charts to help staff and
consultants identify where GSI can be installed and what type
of measure might be best implemented. Talked about
7 October 7, 2021
creating maps to identify different criteria about the City
including where groundwater contaminated plumes are, trying
to get more detailed information about soil type where we can
infiltrate to groundwater. Will share that with you in
December.
c. Havens: Yes, we could develop draft maps by then.
d. Mossar: As you evaluate sites for future GSI, knowing how
much water you’re retaining and getting back into the ground
is an important factor. For example, a green roof is a small
area that collects water but another facility may collect from a
much larger drainage area. Per Bob’s point, we need to know
the cost associated with capturing the water to know which
strategy is the most cost effective.
e. Boyle Rodriguez: Appreciate that point. We’re looking at
funding opportunities and methods to track costs but no data
right now. Hope to have a much better sense of that in
future.
4. Staff Update MRP Permit (25 min)
A. Boyle Rodriguez: The current permit extended and draft of new
permit recently came out for public review, released to cities for
comment for a 60-day period. We will be providing comments in
writing in collaboration with Santa Clara County in November.
Hearing in February for permit adoption, effective July 2022.
Proposed requirements may have significant resource impacts.
B. Boyle Rodriguez: Overview of progress on current requirements and
draft permit requirements for new/redevelopment and impervious
surface impacts, enforceable trash reduction, and PCBs and
mercury reduction.
a. The abatement falls upon the current owners. We would look
at historical records to identify areas using PCBs in the past.
Start sampling on surrounding street and if PCBs found, we
talk to owners to obtain permission to sample on property.
Based on results, submit those findings to the regional control
board as needed who would issue a notice for abatement and
come up with some type of remediation plan.
C. Boyle Rodriguez: Overview of other requirements including bacteria
controls, discharges associated with unsheltered populations, cost
tracking, and asset management.
a. Permit can change until it’s adopted. Once the permit is
adopted in February that’s when we can have a better idea for
forecasting the financial and staffing impacts.
8 October 7, 2021
5. Rain Barrel Program (10 minutes)
A. Boyle Rodriguez: To make the program less complicated, worked on
streamlining the program with this pilot. Entered into an agreement
with Rain Water Solutions (RWS), company that sells rain barrels,
to reduce price. Program is open to everyone and available to
employees. Distribution event is planned for December 4th. Barrel is
50 gallons and made from 100% recycled plastic and is $80
compared to $134 on the Wayfair site.
a. Wenzlau: Bought one on Monday. Went through the Santa
Clara Valley process to get qualified for the rebate. One thing
to consider in the confirmation maybe, slightly confusing as to
how to apply the purchase back to the rebate.
b. Boyle Rodriguez: We are working on steps to follow for clarity
and will be posting those. Those will be sent out in the email.
Committee Member Comments and Announcements (10 min)
• Wenzlau: Overview of Neighbors Abroad project on Art and Sustainability with the idea that Palo Alto and our sister cities would partner with an
artist. In Oaxaca we have an artist working on a project that speaks
largely to themes of water. In Palo Alto, artists would work on murals. I
wanted the Committee to be aware of this initiative. This could be another
channel to introduce themes of green infrastructure.
o Mickelson: So for this Committee, the objective is for us to have the
awareness of this initiative?
o Wenzlau: Yes, there isn’t an ask at the moment. Information is
important to be shared with staff and the Committee.
• Bower: Over the last few months with my reintroduction to the
construction world, it is astounding how costs have increased. Important to
be aware of this for the future.
Tentative Agenda Items for Future Meetings and Review Action Items (5 min)
• North: The next meeting is December 2nd and we are probably going to
talk about the preliminary budget.
• Mickelson: The meeting is December 2nd from 1-3 PM. You can submit or
add agenda items through email.
Adjournment
• Mickelson: Motion to adjourn?
9 October 7, 2021
o Bower motions, Wenzlau seconds.
o Meeting adjourned at 3:11 PM.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA)
Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services in using City
facilities, services or programs or who would like information on the City’s
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may
contact (650) 329-2550 (Voice) 24 hours in advance.
Public Comment Instructions
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference
meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. A. Written public comments may be submitted by email to the staff
liaison, Karin North at karin.north@cityofpaloalto.org.
B. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link
below to access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
A. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in
browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current,
up-to-date browser: Chrome 30+, Firefox 27+, Microsoft Edge 12+,
Safari 7+. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers
including Internet Explorer.
B. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request
that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and
will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak.
C. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.”
The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will
be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called,
please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
D. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your
comments.
C. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the
Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google
Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the
instructions B-E above.
D. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number
10 October 7, 2021
listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on
your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to
provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You
will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit
your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 990 9847 5635 Phone: 1(669)9006833
NOT YET APPROVED
Resolution No. ____
Resolution Making Findings to Allow Teleconferenced Meetings Under California Government
Code Section 54953(e)
R E C I T A L S
A. California Government Code Section 54953(e) empowers local policy bodies to convene
by teleconferencing technology during a proclaimed state of emergency under the State Emergency
Services Act so long as certain conditions are met; and
B. In March 2020, the Governor of the State of California proclaimed a state of emergency
in California in connection with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic, and that state
of emergency remains in effect; and
C. In February 2020, the Santa Clara County Director of Emergency Services and the
Santa Clara County Health Officer declared a local emergency, which declarations were
subsequently ratified and extended by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and
those declarations also remain in effect; and
D. On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361, a bill that amends the Brown Act
to allow local policy bodies to continue to meet by teleconferencing during a state of emergency
without complying with restrictions in State law that would otherwise apply, provided that the
policy bodies make certain findings at least once every 30 days; and
E. While federal, State, and local health officials emphasize the critical importance of
vaccination and consistent mask-wearing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Santa Clara County
Health Officer has issued at least one order, on August 2, 2021 (available online at here), that continues
to recommend measures to promote outdoor activity, physical distancing and other social distancing
measures, such as masking, in certain contexts; and
F. The California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and
Health (“Cal/OSHA”) has promulgated Section 3205 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations,
which requires most employers in California, including in the City, to train and instruct employees
about measures that can decrease the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing and other
social distancing measures; and
G. The Stormwater Management Oversight Committee has met remotely during the
COVID-19 pandemic and can continue to do so in a manner that allows public participation and
transparency while minimizing health risks to members, staff, and the public that would be present
with in-person meetings while this emergency continues; now, therefore,
NOT YET APPROVED
Th Stormwater Management Oversight Committee RESOLVES as follows:
1. As described above, the State of California remains in a state of emergency due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. At this meeting, the Stormwater Management Oversight Committee
has considered the circumstances of the state of emergency.
2. As described above, State and County officials continue to recommend measures
to promote physical distancing and other social distancing measures, in some
settings.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That for at least the next 30 days, meetings of the Stormwater
Management Oversight Committee and its committees will occur using teleconferencing technology.
Such meetings of the Stormwater Management Oversight Committee and its committees that occur
using teleconferencing technology will provide an opportunity for any and all members of the public
who wish to address the body and its committees and will otherwise occur in a manner that protects
the statutory and constitutional rights of parties and the members of the public attending the
meeting via teleconferencing; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Stormwater Management Oversight Committee staff liaison is directed
to place a resolution substantially similar to this resolution on the agenda of a future meeting of the
Stormwater Management Oversight Committee within the next 30 days. If the Stormwater
Management Oversight Committee does not meet within the next 30 days, the staff liaison is directed
to place a such resolution on the agenda of the immediately following meeting of the Stormwater
Management Oversight Committee.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
Staff Liaison Chair of Stormwater Management Oversight Committee
NOT YET APPROVED
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
City Attorney Department Head
DECEMBER 2, 2021 www.cityofpaloalto.org
STORMWATER
MANAGEMENT FUND
Financial Review
2
FEE RATE HISTORY & PROJECTIONS
1 FY23 Proposed fee rate is based on August-August 12-month CPI for SF Area and will be updated when the December-December rate is available.
2.9%2.2%2.6%2.7%3.2%4.8%2.9%
4.5%2.5%2.0%3.7%3.0%3.0%3.0%3.0%
$11.73 $11.99 $12.30 $12.63 $13.03 $13.65 $14.04 $14.67 $15.04 $15.34 $15.90 $16.37 $16.86 $17.36 $17.88
$7.00
$9.00
$11.00
$13.00
$15.00
$17.00
$19.00
$21.00
FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26 FY27
Storm Drainage/Stormwater Management Fee
(FY13 -FY27)
PROJECTIONS (3%)
FY23 PROPOSED
FY18 NEW FEE
3
REVENUES VS. EXPENSES
1 FY23 Proposed figures are subject to change as estimates are refined and updated through the budget development process.
$13.65 $14.04 $14.67 $15.04 $15.34 $15.90 4.8%2.9%4.5%2.5%2.0%3.7%
$0
$2,000,000
$4,000,000
$6,000,000
$8,000,000
$10,000,000
$12,000,000
$14,000,000
FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23
SWM Fund
Revenues vs. Expenses
Expenses Revenues
FY23 PROPOSED1
4
FY 2022 PLANNED CIP PROJECTS
Capital Improvement Project Program FY 2021 Actuals FY 2022 Budget
SD System Replacement & Rehabilitation
(SD-06101)375 4,798
Projects Identified from Ballot 2,844 9,179
Loma Verde Ave Trunk Line Improvements (#1, SD-19000)2,150 2,329
Corporation Way System Upgrades & Pump Station (#2, SD-21000)145 5,670
West Bayshore Road Pump Station (#4, SD-20000)169 1,076
West Bayshore Road Trunk Line Improvements (#3, SD-23000)5 104
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (SD-22001)1 501
Trash Capture Device Installation (SD-22002)2 613
1 Budget for subsequent years of Green Stormwater Infrastructure project (SD-22001) to be reviewed during FY23 budget process.
2 Trash Capture Device Installation project (SD-22002) funded by Caltrans.
GSI IMPLEMENTATION
PROJECT UPDATE:
GSI HANDBOOK AND
MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING MANUAL
Stormwater Management Oversight Committee Meeting
December 2, 2021
Agenda
1.GSI Handbook
a.Task Overview and Objective
b.Background Information
c.Proposed Handbook Outline
d.Schedule and Next Steps
2.Maintenance and Monitoring Manual
a.Task Overview and Objective
b.Background Information
c.Proposed Manual Outline
d.Schedule and Next Steps
Palo Alto GSI Handbook
•GSI Measure Selection and Siting Tools
•City-specific GSI Guidance
•GSI Measure Details and Specifications
•GSI Design Checklist and Plan Check Review Checklist
Goal: Provide simplified, useable, City-specific
guidance to assist City staff in GSI implementation
Typical Details Specifications
SCVURPPP GSI Handbook
•Resource for developing City Handbook
•176 pages of GSI Guidance plus 180 pages of
GSI details
•City Handbook will extract key GSI design
details in a graphical format
•Reduction in GSI details in City Handbook
to approximately 50
•Reduction of specifications
•How to use Handbook
•Audience
•GSI design steps
•Technical sources
•Terminology
•GSI
•Regulatory overview
•Treatment of pollutants
•Siting challenges
•Sustainability features as complements (e.g., living walls)
Palo Alto GSI Handbook Outline
Bioretention
Permeable Pavement
Vegetated
Swale
Selecting and Sizing GSI Measures
2.1 Integrating GSI into Typical Urban Sites
2.2 GSI Siting and Drainage Area Calculations
Siting Requirements
•Depth to GW and contaminated plumes
•Soils
•Geotech hazards
•Utility setbacks
•Building setbacks
•Roadway considerations (e.g., street widths, clear recovery zones)
•Trees –setbacks or integration into measures
•Site Use constraints (esp. multi-modal/transportation)
•ADA requirements/ Health and Safety
Schedule and Next Steps
•Q4 2021: Draft Handbook Sections 1-2 (GSI Technical Guidance Sections)
•Q1 2022: Working meetings with City departments to identify key GSI detail
modifications needed for consistency with City Standards –Draft Section 3
•Q2 2022: Draft GSI Handbook (estimated May 2022)
•Q3 2022: Review of Draft by City and SWMOC
•Q4 2022: Revisions and Final GSI Handbook completed
GSI Maintenance and Monitoring Manual
•Provides GSI maintenance and inspection guidance
•Describes roles and responsibilities for these tasks
•Includes effectiveness assessments with an adaptive management approach
•Guidance is intended for City parcels and ROWs, but available for private projects as well
Goal: Provides useable, specific guidance for maintenance and inspection of GSI facilities
Existing Resources
Maintenance and Monitoring
Manual –Proposed Outline
1. Overview
2. Types of GSI
3. Site Visit Preparation
4. Site Condition Assessments
5. Maintenance Inspection Checklists
6. Maintenance Guidance
7. Additional Resources
•Overlap w/ GSI Handbook
•Purpose
•Standards and guidelines
•Roles and responsibilities
•Local partnerships
•Scheduling/Implementation
•Integration with inspections
•Adaptive management
•Site visit prep and safety
Overview
Condition Assessment
Site Condition Assessments
•Identification/Reporting of issues
•Maintenance standards ranking system
Example Inspection Checklist
Example Maintenance Guidelines
Maintenance and Monitoring
Manual –Schedule and Next Steps
•Q4 2021: Finalize Manual Outline with feedback from City
Departments and SWMOC
•Q1 2022: Draft Manual
•Q2 2022: Review of Draft by City and SWMOC
•Q3 2022: Revisions and Final Manual completed
Rain Barrel Pilot Rebate Program
SWMOC Meeting | Dec. 2, 2021
Goals for Rain Barrel Program
1.To provide rain barrels to residents in an
easy, accessible, and cost-effective way.
2.To increase rain barrel rebate applications.
Results Thus Far
•330 rain barrels sold
•162 residents and business owners
•Increase of rain barrel rebates
(compared to three in FY 20/21)
•Increased outreach, education, and public
engagement
Outreach Efforts
•eNewsletters emailed to over 10,000
email subscribers from the GSI,
Sustainability, and Utilities listserv
•Utilities bill insert mailed to all CPA
customers
•News story picked up by Palo Alto Patch
online news outlet
•Palo Alto featured on NBC news clip to
discuss rain barrels
Outreach Efforts (con’t)
•Geotargeted digital/social media posts
and ads for promotional efforts
•Facebook
Clicks: 699
Impressions: 41,150
Spend: $488.90
•Google Ads
Clicks: 4,639
Impressions: 492,081
Spend: $1,000
Outreach Efforts (con’t)
•Geotargeted digital/social media posts
and ads for promotional efforts
•PaloAltoOnline.com
Clicks: 195
Impressions: 150,411
Spend: $2,475
•Totals
Clicks: 5,533
Impressions: 533,792
Spend: $3,964
Debrief
1.Residents like the easy to purchase barrels
2.Improvements needed to Valley Water
website and rebate process
3.Challenges with dual-agency rebates
4.SWMOC communication to Valley Water if
deemed high enough priority