Art Berial, a Hollywood Park resident, used the meeting’s public-comment period Oct. 2 to urge the City Council to consider funding stormwater obligations by charging property owners based on impervious cover.

“Stormwater is very critical to any, governmental agency and also any any municipality,” Berial told the council, saying past councils had allowed building within floodplains and easements meant for stormwater or utilities. He urged consideration of impervious-cover fees and noted modern technology can measure roof area to calculate such charges. He suggested the idea be considered for next year’s budget.

Berial also referenced the Clean Water Act and the municipal MS4 (municipal separate storm sewer system) program, saying municipalities must check MS4 compliance. He posed the question of how the city would pay for compliance and recommended exploring revenue options tied to impervious-area measurement.

The council did not take action on the suggestion during the meeting; it was presented during the public-comment portion and not part of the council’s formal agenda actions that evening.

What was said (selected quotes):

“Stormwater is very critical to any, governmental agency and also any any municipality.”

“Consideration should be given to impervious cover. And with technology nowadays, you could actually measure the roof size or the roof area and, actually charge accordingly.”

“Maybe in consideration for next year's budget.”

No staff presentation, fiscal estimate, or formal referral to staff or a committee was recorded during the meeting. The suggestion may be included later in budget discussions if council or staff choose to pursue it.