CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE authorizing Seattle Public Utilities to execute agreements under RCW 70A.140.040 for projects and programs that prevent water pollution using green stormwater infrastructure and other nature-based approaches.
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WHEREAS, green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) and other approaches that mimic or repair natural systems and cycles have been a cornerstone of the Seattle Public Utilities’ (SPU) approach to water pollution prevention and stormwater management since its inception; and
WHEREAS, the Seattle City Council in 2013 approved Resolution 31459, establishing a City policy that GSI is a critical aspect of a sustainable drainage system and adopting a 2025 goal to accelerate GSI implementation in Seattle; and
WHEREAS, the Seattle City Council further affirmed SPU’s work to expand the use of GSI and other sustainable approaches when it adopted SPU’s 2021-2026 Strategic Business Plan, which highlights investments in green infrastructure to advance climate-resilient, nature-based, community-led solutions to drainage and wastewater challenges; and
WHEREAS, GSI expansion is a key element of SPU’s community-centered planning for the next 50 years of Seattle’s drainage and wastewater systems, Shape Our Water; and
WHEREAS, Seattle City Council, via Resolution 31895, recognized that on-going investment in water infrastructure, green space, and natural systems is essential to prepare for climate-change and achieve a just transition; and
WHEREAS, infrastructure investments coupled with strategies such as targeted workforce development and community-driven projects and partnerships further SPU’s contribution to the City of Seattle’s Green New Deal goals and equitable COVID-19 economic recovery efforts; and
WHEREAS, RCW 70A.140.040 provides that “the legislative authority of a public body may secure services by means of an agreement to…perform one or more of the following services: [d]esign, finance, construct, own, operate, or maintain water pollution control facilities by which services are provided to the public body”; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The General Manager/CEO of Seattle Public Utilities, or designee, is authorized to execute, for and on behalf of The City of Seattle, agreements under RCW 70A.140.040 for the planning, design, construction, commissioning, operation, and/or maintenance of water pollution control projects. Selection and development of projects will adhere to transparent eligibility and performance criteria, and the selection of a service provider under this authority will include a full and formal public solicitation, evaluation, and selection process, per RCW 70A.140.040.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force 30 days after its approval by the Mayor, but if not approved and returned by the Mayor within ten days after presentation, it shall take effect as provided by Seattle Municipal Code Section 1.04.020.
Passed by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2021, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its passage this _____ day of _________________________, 2021.
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President ____________ of the City Council
Approved / returned unsigned / vetoed this ________ day of _________________, 2021.
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Jenny A. Durkan, Mayor
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2021.
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Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk
(Seal)