Parker Council hires consultant for stormwater master plan and utility rate study

The Parker City Council voted 4‑0 on July 21 to approve resolution 2026‑907, authorizing a professional services agreement with Birkhoff, Hendricks, and Carter to prepare a stormwater master plan and a stormwater utility rate study for the city.

During a presentation, the consultant (representative of the firm) described the study as a broad, citywide master plan that begins with a high‑level assessment of existing stormwater infrastructure and identifies priority projects, likely including large culvert and bridge locations that intersect the city’s thoroughfare plan and FEMA floodplain. "Typically, this is like a 30,000 foot view type of thing," the consultant said, noting the firm will coordinate with city staff, build workshops into the scope, and provide several funding options at the end of the study (capital‑only, operation & maintenance only, or combined fee approaches).

Council members asked whether the scope would allow more detailed investigations in specific neighborhoods. The consultant said the current scope is primarily a master plan but that the team would highlight problem areas and could include a more detailed analysis in limited, identified neighborhoods if the city chose to expand the scope. Residents and council members had already raised Moss Ridge and other historically flood‑prone locations during public comment; resident Scott Littice told council he supports using a consultant to prioritize and fund drainage improvements.

The consultant explained that the firm will produce a list of projects and cost opinions to help the city prepare a capital improvement program and consider a stormwater fee on water bills as one funding strategy. Council approved the agreement and directed staff to move forward with the master planning process and return with recommended next steps for implementation and funding.