SUBJECT
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Adopt the Resolution to Dissolve the Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee (STAC). (No Fiscal Impact)
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DESCRIPTION
Nationally, stormwater runoff has been determined to be a major source of pollution to surface waters (lakes and streams). Approximately, thirty percent of the surface water drainage basins in Polk County have been declared “impaired” by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). This means that they do not meet the water quality standards for their intended uses. Polk County has a federally mandated National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permit issued by the FDEP for our stormwater drainage system. This permit requires that the County undertake numerous activities to ensure that our drainage system is not contributing to the degradation of these surface waters. In 2013 the board approved Ordinance 2013-022 which created the Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) to fund a comprehensive stormwater management program.
Additionally, the Board established STAC on July 23, 2013. The STAC provides guidance to the Board regarding the expenditure of funds to address water quality degradation caused by stormwater runoff. The initial term for STAC was a period of 3 years. The Board extended STAC for an additional three years on August 16, 2016, and again on August 6, 2019, and lastly the Board extended the term indefinitely by Resolution on August 8, 2022.
STAC consists of five unpaid members, and one member appointed by each Commissioner. The STAC members are David C. Carter, P.E., Kriss Kaye, P.E., CFM, Robert Kollinger, P.E., Edward Murawski and Jeff Spence. The NPDES program is no longer in its infancy and is moving full speed into the water quality improvement phase across the County through numerous efforts. County staff are fully emersed executing multiple stormwater improvement projects including Lake Gwyn, Lake Annie, Simmers Young Park, Peace Creek Canal, and Lake Lulu and it has been determined that the STAC has successfully accomplished its advisory mission. STAC has served since 2013 and has provided immeasurable benefits to the County stormwater program. STAC approved this Resolution on August 6, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Resolution dissolving the Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Greg Knothe
Water Resources Manager
Parks & Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-7377
gregknothe@polkfl.gov
Tabitha Biehl
Director
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-7377
tabithabiehl@polkfl.gov