HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket Water Work Session Feb 16 2021Whatcom County
Council Water Work Session
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
10:30 AM
Virtual Meeting
VIRTUAL MEETING - VIEW ONLINE
COUNCILMEMBERS
Rud Browne
Barry Buchanan
Tyler Byrd
Todd Donovan
Ben Elenbaas
Carol Frazey
Kathy Kershner
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C.
Council Water Work Session Meeting Agenda February 16, 2021
Call To Order
Roll Call
Water Resources Update
Marine Resources Committee 2020 Annual Report
Homeowners Incentive Program (HIP) update
Other Business
Adjournment
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 21712024
WHATCOM COUNTY
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
JON HUTCHINGS
Director
NATURAL RESOURCES
322 N. Commercial Street, Suite 110
Bellingham, WA 98225
Telephone: (360) 778-6230
FAX: (360) 778-6231
www. whatcomcounty. us
MEMORANDUM
TO: The Honorable Satpal Singh Sidhu, Whatcom County Executive, and
Honorable Members of the Whatcom County Council
THROUGH: Jon Hutchings, Director
FROM: Gary S. Stoyka, Natural Resources Program Manager
DATE: February 9, 2021
RE: February 16, 2021 Council Water Work Session
Please refer to the proposed agenda below for the next Water Work Session. Additional supporting
documents may be distributed at or before the meeting.
AGENDA
Date:
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Time:
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Place:
Virtual Meeting. For instructions on how to watch or participate in this meeting, please visit us
at www.whatcomcounty.us/ioinvirtualcouncil or contact the Council Office at 360.778.5010.
View meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, videos, and archives at
www.whatcom.Iegistar.com.
Time
Topic
Council Action
Background Information
Requested
Attached
10:30 AM —
Water Resources Update
Informational
None
11:00 AM
11:00 AM —
Marine Resources Committee 2020 Annual
Discussion
None
11:30 AM
Report
11:30 AM —
Homeowners Incentive Program (HIP) update
Discussion
2020 HIP Annual Report
12:00 PM
HIP Program Overview for
Whatcom Count
If you have questions, please feel free to call me at (360) 778-6218.
cc: Mike McFarlane Jim Karcher Paula Harris
Beth Bushaw Josh Fleischmann John Thompson
Tyler Schroeder Roland Middleton Karen Frakes
George Boggs Cathy Craver Dana Brown -Davis
Mark Personius Jill Nixon Lonni Cummings
John Wolpers
Kraig Olason
Jennifer Schneider
Atina Casas
Kristi Felbinger
Doug Ranney
Erika Douglas
HIP 2020 Annual Report `HIP
HIP Overview
The Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) is a joint City of Bellingham (City)
and Whatcom County (County) program delivered in partnership with the Whatcom
Conservation District (WCD) aimed at reducing runoff and pollution entering the lake. The
program provides technical assistance and financial incentives for homeowners who
voluntarily make water quality landscape improvements on their property. HIP was piloted
under a Washington State Department of Ecology grant from 2011 - 2015. At the end of
that pilot period, the City conducted an extensive program evaluation. Findings from this
evaluation were used to develop a new and improved HIP 2.0 starting in 2017. HIP 2.0
provides the greatest level of assistance for properties that have the greatest potential to
impact water quality in the lake through the "Target" program. All other properties in the
program area qualify for the "Do -It -Yourself Native Landscaping' program.
Purpose of Report
The HIP Annual Report provides a summary of program goals, objectives, activities,
accomplishments, and expenditures. The report is a tool for HIP partners (i.e., staff from
partnering jurisdictions and districts) to use in program evaluation and adaptive
management and to serve as a reference to provide information about HIP to decision
makers, stakeholders, and the general public.
Program Goals
The overall goal of HIP is to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering Lake Whatcom
from developed neighborhoods and properties without stormwater management facilities
that meet current standards.
Annual Goals and Objectives
• Increase area treated each year
• Increase homeowner engagement
• Provide good customer service and support to participating homeowners
• Promote awareness and participation in HIP through outreach and advertising
• Provide workshops and site visits for the DIY program
• Provide site visits and feasibility studies for the target program
• Improve program administration
2020 Accomplishments
COVID-19 Response
At the beginning of 2020, HIP was coming off of its most productive year since the launch
of HIP 2.0 in 2017. Program staff were working with a number of homeowners to get their
projects moving forward to construction in the spring and summer. However, with the
onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor issued a Stay Home, Stay Healthy order on
March 23ra
The Stay Home, Stay Healthy order eliminated staffs ability to provide in person assistance
to homeowners. Site visits and workshops were cancelled. HIP staff transitioned to
working at home and assisting homeowners virtually, while safety protocols were
developed. In addition, some staff were assigned to assist in the COVID-19 response
efforts, which slowed aspects of the permitting and reimbursement processes.
Based on guidance set forth by the state, and with approval of city and county managers,
HIP was deemed essential. WCD staff worked with county and city staff to develop safe site
visit protocols. Once the protocols were in place, site visits continued safely and HIP staff
continued to support homeowners still interested in having a site visit or pursuing projects.
Homeowners were receptive. However, the pandemic affected HIP project completion in
2020. For example, five of seven target program homeowners interested in completing a
project in 2020 opted out in the face of the pandemic.
Staffs capacity to be flexible, creative, and
adaptable during the transition and
development of the safety protocols led to a
seamless transition from business as usual to
a targeted response to unusual times.
Homeowners did not notice a substantial
pause during the shift.
Social media ad from June 2020.
2
Awareness, Engagement, & Action Continuum
HIP accomplishments are tracked on a continuum of awareness, engagement, and action.
The process of implementing HIP begins with awareness and evolves into action with
quantifiable results (see commitment continuum diagrams below). Awareness and
engagement will always serve as the foundation to meet desired outcomes.
HIP 2.0 DIY Program
Commitment Continuum
Short term outwme: awareness (homeowner receives information about program)
Medium -term outcome: engagement (homeowner interacts with program)
Long-term outcome: action (homeowner commits to program)
HIP 2.0 Target Program
Commitment Continuum
Watershed
Ambassador
Construction &
Maintenance
Agreement
Permit
Acknowledgement
Form
Site Visit
General Outreach
Short term outcome: awareness (homeowner receives information about program)
Medium -term outcomes engagement (homeowner imerads with prograno
Long-term outcome: action (homeowner-offnits to program)
3
Awareness
Awareness refers to public knowledge about HIP including knowing what HIP is and where
to go for information about HIP. In order to raise awareness of both the DIY and Target
HIP programs, a variety of outreach tactics were implemented in 2020. Awareness efforts
were reduced in 2020 due to program uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• From February through June, an advertising campaign was conducted to inform
Lake Whatcom watershed residents about HIP.
o Over 5,500 postcards were mailed to all eligible HIP property owners.
Postcards were mailed in February and June. The June postcards promoted
an online information session to help eligible residents learn more about
HIP.
o Six Facebook boosted posts yielded over 33,000 impressions and about 470
engagement activities such as likes, comments, and shares. Boosted posts
were geographically targeted to both residents and visitors in the watershed
in order to achieve the necessary sample size to meet Facebook
requirements.
o Three Nextdoor announcements were posted yielding an average of 939
impressions per post. Posts were geographically targeted to HIP -eligible
residents.
o Eight street signs were posted throughout the HIP -eligible portion of the Lake
Whatcom watershed.
• Yard signs (with messages "This property is HIP and "I'm a HIP Homeowner") were
distributed to and installed by 2020 HIP participants.
• A virtual information session for eligible watershed residents was held in June. The
session included an overview video about native landscaping, program information
shared by HIP staff, and a Q&A session with staff and watershed ambassadors.
• The HIP website was maintained to provide property -specific information to
interested homeowners at www.lakewhatcomHIP.org.
4
Become a HIP homeowner
y
The Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) helps
improve their Lake
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INN,
'-
watershed residents property and protect
ON
Whatcom for generations to come. Shoreline, creekside, and large lawn
properties like yours qualify for enhanced support to install water
1;
quality improvement projects.
all
Start planning now
Schedule a free site visit to learn about:,.
♦ HOW HIP Works
♦ Project options & planning process
♦ Landscape design & construction
+ c,
♦ Reimbursement
lip I-.,.• 'i �p.�
Plan now to be ready to build your project during the busy summer
i l f1
construction season. Sign up for a site visit with Ryan O'Connor,
Whatcom Conservation District HIP Coordinator, online or call
(360) 306-4701.
" ++ , r ,,,•
Learn more
HIP
Enter your address at www.lakewhatcom H I P.oCE to learn
•�«• ^^ :=
more about HIP and schedule a site visit for your property.
-
:Gabriella Mednickand Jenny Cne.WCD
Join more than 150 HIP homeowners!
HIP is up and running
These are unsettling times that have disrupted numerous lives.
Iu j
I n the midst of the COV I D-19 pandemic, the Homeowner
Incentive Program (HIP) remains focused on protecting our
nr
drinking water and the health of our residents.
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HIP provides financial and technical support to watershed
residents to install water quality improvement projects that
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beautify yards and protect the lake. New safety protocols are
—
now in place to ensure our work is protective of homeowner
1
and HIP staff health. See
www.lakewhatcomHIP.org/covidl9safetyformoredetails.
---
Extra time at home?
Take a free online Do -It -Yourself Native Landscaping
Get answers at an online Info session!
workshop. After completing the online workshop, project
consultations can be scheduled with HIP staff.
join us for a free webinar on
Tuesday, FIe 23 at 5:00 1 11 to learn morit
Learn more
about - projects
Enter your address at www. lakewhatcomHIP.or¢tolearn
.. a Q&A session to help .
started on +ur own "
more about HIP and sign up for a free online workshop.
project.
Contact Cynthia May at City of Bellingham Public Works for
registration assistance: (360) 778-7711 or cmay@cob.org.
wwwdakewhatconiHW.org/webina
Whatcom Conservation District
March 4. Q
Since 2011, more than 150 Lake Whatcom neighbors helped protect Lake Whatcom through the
Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP).
HIP offers technical and financial assistance to Lake Whatcom watershed homeowners to install
water quality improvement projects that beautify yards and protect the lake.
For more information visit:... See More
Whatcom Conservation District Learn More
Public & Government Service
0024 2 Shares
p"', Like Q Comment 5hase
Example of a Facebook boosted post shared with residents in the Lake Whatcom watershed.
Engagement
Once people are aware of the program, they can begin engaging, which may include
visiting the website, contacting HIP staff, signing up for a workshop, scheduling a site visit,
signing a Homeowner Acknowledgement Form (which indicates that a homeowner intends
to move forward with a project), or getting a permit. Engagement accomplishments in
2020 included:
• 2,305 unique visitors to the HIP website participated in 3,086 online sessions.
• Hosting one in -person DIY Native Landscaping Workshops with four households
participating. 34 additional households registered for an online DIY Native
Landscaping Workshop. A total of nine households (24%) completing follow up site
visits.
• Conducting site visits with 11 households interested in the Target Program.
0
2020 Homeowner Engagement
Program
# attending a
# requesting
# signing
acknowledgement
# permits
workshop
site visit(s)
forms
issued
Target
N/A
11
4
3
DIY
38
9
8
6
Action
After homeowners become engaged in HIP, they can begin to take action leading to on -the -
ground results. On -the -ground actions in 2020 for both the Target and DIY HIP programs
are summarized in the tables below. These numbers reflect 2020 actions only and are not
cumulative.
2020 Homeowner Action
Program
Number of
Projects
Area Improved
(square feet)
New Watershed
Ambassadors
DIY
7
19,642
6
Target
2
41,694
0
Total
9
61,336
6
In addition to projects going in the ground, six homeowners committed to being Watershed
Ambassadors in 2020. A Watershed Ambassador is a homeowner that is happy with their
HIP experience and is willing to help recruit other watershed residents to participate in the
program.
Watershed ambassadors helped promote HIP in 2020 by participating in an online
information session for prospective HIP participants in June. They also shared their
projects and experience in HIP Homeowner Spotlight videos that will be used to promote
the program in 2021.
7
Filming of HIP Homeowner Spotlight Video in October 2020.
2020 HIP BMPs Installed (Target and DIY)
BMP
Number
Installed
Total Area
Improved (ft)
Number of Native Plants
Planted
Native Landscaping
9
52,002
3,477
MFD
1
3,274
n/a
Dispersion
1
6,060
n/a
TOTALS
11
61,336
2020 Target Project Examples
Maggie Kinsella and Jim Hopper's large lawn before HIP improvements
Here is the some large lawn converted to Native Landscaping with a dry creek bed and three
dispersion trenches treating a total of17,410 square feet.
9
Jon and Jolie McGrath's large front lawn before HIP Improvements
HIP improvements to the McGrath property include large areas of Native Landscaping and a
Media Filter Drain treating lawn sheet flow. Total area treated is 18,224 square feet.
10
2020 DIY Native Landscaping Project Examples
Watershed ambassadors Anthony and Sherae Quattrocchi transformed a problem area in their
lawn into a beautiful HIP native landscape covering 1,071 square feet. Once a blot on the
landscape, this area is now a beautiful focal point in their yard. The Quattrocchi's really took
into consideration how water moved across their property and located beds in areas to best
capture it before running off into the streets and ultimately Lake Whatcom.
11
Ti.
I
14
,Y.
,q
to t •'� is
Front yard before Front yard after
Back yard before
Backyard after
Wendy Walker landscaped her entire front yard and portions of the back, covering Z828 square
feet with HIP native landscaping. Initially she was concerned that it was going to be a lot of
work, but she enjoyed it so much, that she quickly decided to add more area to the backyard.
Her cedar chip mulch paths are impressive and functional.
13
Program Administration
There are many administrative tasks required to successfully implement HIP and support
homeowner engagement and action. Administrative tasks completed in 2020 included:
• Maintaining the HIP website.
• Maintaining accurate customer and project records in the HIP database.
• Sending thank you letters and requests to provide feedback to homeowners
completing HIP projects.
• Evaluating HIP and developing proposals to revise the program starting in 2021 to
better meet the unique needs of the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County.
• Developing and approving a new interlocal agreement between Whatcom County
and the Whatcom Conservation District for 2021.
• Amending the current interlocal agreement between the City of Bellingham and
Whatcom County for continued implementation of HIP through 2021.
14
Results and Evaluation
Overall HIP Project Status
The following table provides a summary of known HIP project status for all projects
initiated from 2017 to 2020. The chart below shows total area improved per year by all HIP
BMPs installed from 2017 to 2020.
HIP Project Status
by Program
Z
n
C
3
n
CL
a �.
FLa*
M
°c
O
QrQ
3
c
3
3
r+
Q
DIY
10
25
0
1
5
1
2
20
64
Target
39
8
1
12
1
0
1
8
69
Total
49
33
1
13
6
1
3
28
133
50,000
45,000
40,000
4T 3] l55,0l0yl01
L 30,000
25,000
Cr
20,000
15,000
L
< 10,000
5,000
0
Total Area Improved HIP 2.0
2017 2018 2019
Year
2020
15
Phosphorus Reduction
The following is a summary of the potential phosphorus (P) reduction per year achieved by
HIP BMPs installed from 2017 to 2020. Projects that are either closed out or in the ground
at the end of 2020 are included in the total area improved.
Total
Pounds of
Reimbursement Cost
Number
Total Area
Pounds of P
Algae
Claimed
per
Program
of
Improved
Reduced
Prevented*
Reimbursement
Pound of P Reduced
Projects
(ft)
(Per year)
(Per Year)
Annually
DIY
22
72,396
1.775
888
$77,581
$43,707
Target
10
121,378
2.983
1,492
$121,685
$40,793**
Total
32
1 193,774
4.758
1 2,380
$199,266
n/a
* 1 pound of phosphorus can support 500 pounds or more of algae growth
** includes 23,470 square feet improved "in the ground" in December 2020 that will be
reimbursed in 2021.
Participating HIP homeowners are asked how they heard about HIP. As shown in the chart
below, the most effective outreach method is direct mailers (postcard) followed byword of
mouth from a friend or neighbor. These data were collected from participants from 2017-
2020.
Total Mentions, How Participants Heard About HIP
120
100
90
60
40
20 1 1 1 , ■ ■
0
14- In
16
A total of 239 households have engaged in HIP from 2017-2020. Of these participants, 105
households (mostly DIY) have not yet responded to inquiries about their interest in
continuing a HIP project. A total of 49 households have confirmed they are not moving
forward with a HIP project (39 target and 10 DIY). These homeowners provided feedback
on why they decided to withdraw from the program. Homeowners may cite multiple
reasons. From the 49 households offering feedback, a total of 63 reasons were provided
summarized in the chart below.
Reasons for Not Moving Forward, All Reasons Mentioned
4
17
2020 Expenditures
The table below includes all HIP expenditures paid by the City of Bellingham and Whatcom
County in 2020. Contracted staff support is included under professional services. City and
County staff support costs are funded separately and are not included in this table.
2020 HIP Expenditures
Amount
Advertising & Outreach
$3,860
Professional Trainings
$0
Professional Services (Whatcom Conservation District Assistance)
$147,500
Homeowner Reimbursements
$48,228
Title Recording Fees
$0
Permitting
$0
TOTAL
$199,588
18
-L HIP Program Overview for Whatcom County
What is HIP?
The Lake Whatcom Homeowner Incentive Program (HIP) is a coordinated City of
Bellingham and Whatcom County non -regulatory program that reduces phosphorus
pollution in Lake Whatcom. HIP provides free technical assistance and financial
reimbursement for voluntary water quality improvement projects on properties within the
Lake Whatcom watershed.
Who is eligible to participate in HIP?
All homeowners with property in the Lake Whatcom watershed that does not meet current
stormwater management standards may participate in HIP (current county code standards
were approved in August 2013). Staff will confirm eligibility with each interested
homeowner. Other property types (e.g., schools, condos, mobile home parks) may also
participate in HIP. Program requirements are the same for all property types.
What's new in 2021?
Whatcom County is offering a revised HIP for county homeowners starting in 2021.
Changes to the program in the county include:
• Expanded program area to include the entire Lake Whatcom watershed.
• A single version of HIP for all eligible properties with additional project options
available for shoreline properties that drain directly to the lake.
• Flexibility to use the HIP reimbursement budget for labor —Homeowners can
choose how to manage their reimbursement budget and contribute to their project.
You can do the work yourself or pay for help.
• Native landscaping focus with options for other types of water quality improvement
projects is feasible for the site. Design assistance provided as needed.
• Maintenance agreement only for most projects. An easement is still required for
large shoreline projects.
HIP Overview for Whatcom County, Water Work Session February, 16 2021
How does HIP work?
Here are the basics of how HIP works and the program requirements.
• Homeowners receive free technical assistance from Whatcom Conservation District
(WCD) staff. Staff is available to help throughout the entire process.
• HIP projects are limited to the following types of water quality improvements: native
landscaping, dispersion systems into native landscaping, underground filters (i.e.,
media filter drains), infiltration trenches, and rain gardens.
o Native landscaping is an option for all properties.
o WCD staff will determine if other project options are recommended for a
given site. Not all project types are suitable for all locations.
• The minimum project size is 1,000 square feet or 25% of the property's improvable
area, whichever is smallest. Improvable area is area not already in native
landscaping, forest, or directed to a stormwater management facility.
• The reimbursement budget is $1.30/square foot of area improved up to a maximum
of $8,000. Homeowners pay costs upfront and apply for reimbursement after their
project is installed.
• Homeowners must agree to maintain their project and complete annual self -
inspection and maintenance reports to receive reimbursement.
How do I get started?
Visit www.lakewhatcomhip.org and check your address to see if your property qualifies.
Complete a short online form and WCD staff will follow up with you to answer your
questions and help you start planning a project.
HIP Overview for Whatcom County, Water Work Session February, 16 2021