Jackson council unanimously endorses Strategic Stormwater Program Plan

The Town of Jackson council on [date not specified in the transcript] voted unanimously to endorse a Strategic Stormwater Program Plan, a multi‑part framework the town’s public works staff says is intended to improve stormwater quality, reduce runoff and establish long‑term program funding.

Johnny Zine, public works staff, presented the plan and told the council the SSPP organizes work into three main tasks: review the existing program, develop recommended program elements, and implement the recommendations. "This plan has been a long work in progress," Zine said, and staff recommended council endorsement so they could continue work on implementation methods and land‑development regulation amendments.

Why it matters: staff framed the SSPP as a foundational step to protect creeks in town, optimize operations and secure dedicated funding to sustain stormwater work. Zine singled out one primary environmental goal: removing Flat Creek from the 303(d) list of impaired waters. He told the council the plan also proposes updating the land‑development regulations, creating stormwater manuals and instituting monitoring and illicit‑discharge programs.

Councilors focused discussion on priorities, timing and equity. Councilor Schechter asked, "What is success?" Zine answered that success would include three things: removing Flat Creek from the impaired list, mitigating flooding and securing dedicated human and financial resources. He said progress would depend on funding and estimated implementation could be on the order of 10 to 15 years, contingent on revenue sources.

Several councilors raised affordability and equity concerns tied to potential fee structures. Staff said early steering‑committee engagement and simple, transparent design choices—such as separating residential and commercial charges and using impervious‑surface area as a proxy for fees—would be considered as the town explores a stormwater utility funding model.

After discussion, Councilor Baker moved to endorse the plan for the Public Works Department; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

What’s next: staff said endorsement will allow them to pursue detailed implementation work, including researching utility funding options and drafting necessary ordinance amendments and guidance for future council review.