Council advances Surface Water Master Plan for public comment

At its regular meeting on Thursday, the Sierra Vista City Council moved forward the updated Surface Water Master Plan (SWMP) draft and associated code amendments, opening them for public comment.

Updates to the plan are based on data from a study conducted by CMG Drainage Engineering in cooperation with the City of Sierra Vista Public Works Department. The last SWMP was updated in 2006, and both man-made and natural changes to some of the stormwater runoff watercourses make updates necessary.

The SWMP guides the planning, construction, location, and function of surface water conveyance systems and erosion control measures within the City. These measures help to manage surface water runoff as a valuable resource and to protect infrastructure.

The updated SWMP requires the Development Code to be amended to ensure consistency. Therefore, both the updated SWMP and Development Code amendments are considered together with this action.

Both the SWMP and associated code amendments are available for public review and comment until Tuesday, May 28. To read the documents and offer input, visit Engage.SierraVistaAZ.gov.

In other business:

• Mayor Clea McCaa proclaimed April 29 through May 3, 2024, as National Small Business Week in and for the City of Sierra Vista.
• The Economic Development Commission awarded a City Business Recognition Award to Vista Pros Heating & Cooling in conjunction with National Small Business Week. To learn more about Vista Pros and this award, see the story published in the City’s email newsletter, on the City’s website www.SierraVistaAZ.gov, and on the “City of Sierra Vista” Facebook page today.
• Mayor Clea McCaa proclaimed May 11, 2024, as Letter Carriers Food Drive Day.
• The City Council voted to accept an Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) grant in the amount of $111,763 from the Arizona Department of Homeland Security. OPSG supports enhanced cooperation and coordination among Customs and Border Protection, United States Border Patrol, and federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies. The funds go towards OPSG deployments, which enhance SVPD’s proactive enforcement of state drug trafficking and traffic statutes in Sierra Vista and the immediate surrounding areas. The funding is also used for participation in Operation Safe Streets details with surrounding agencies to enhance coordinated efforts to safely apprehend fleeing vehicles involved in human smuggling.
• The City Council approved an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Cochise County for election supplies and services, including election equipment, administrative services, consulting services, and election board workers. The IGA is an example of a successful partnership that ultimately saves the City the significant expense of staging its own election.
• The City Council voted to grant the Church of God a sewer easement to connect with the City’s line that crosses a portion of Soldiers Creek Park.
• The City Council approved the resignation of Rachel Gray and appointment of Paul Cimino to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

More information from Thursday’s City Council meeting is available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, April 25, City Council meeting. They can be accessed via the City’s website at www.sierravistaaz.gov/government/city-council/council-documents.

City Council meetings can be streamed live and past meetings can be viewed on YouTube. The meetings are also aired on Cox Channel 12. Learn more at  www.sierravistaaz.gov/government/city-council/council-meetings or in the “Council HQ” page at engage.sierravistaaz.gov.