§ 9-5-1. Introduction.

(a)

Authority. This Chapter is adopted under the authority granted by Chs. 62 and 66, Wis. Stats., including, but not limited to, the following sections: 62.04, 62.11, 66.0621, 66.0809, and 66.0821.

(b)

Findings and Purpose. The City of Verona finds that the management of stormwater and other surface water discharges within and beyond the City is a matter that affects the health, safety and welfare of the City, its residents and businesses, and others in the surrounding area. Failure to effectively manage stormwater affects the sanitary sewer utility operations of the City by, among other things, increasing the likelihood of infiltration and inflow into the sanitary sewer system. Surface water runoff may cause erosion of lands and threaten businesses, residences and other facilities with water damage. Stormwater and other surface water discharge may create environmental damage to the rivers, streams and other bodies of water within and near the City. The costs of the stormwater management system, providing stormwater management services, and maintaining regulatory compliance are costs incurred due to the discharge of stormwater and surface water from properties in the City, and it is appropriate for these costs to be reasonably allocated to those properties which result in stormwater and surface water discharges. To protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, the Common Council of the City of Verona hereby exercises its authority to establish a stormwater utility and establish the rates for stormwater management services.

(c)

Applicability. This Chapter applies to all land within the incorporated boundaries of the City of Verona.

(d)

Abrogation and Greater Restrictions. This Chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate, annul, impair, or interfere with any existing easement, covenants, deed restrictions, agreements, rules, regulations, ordinances or permits previously adopted or issued pursuant to law. However, wherever this Chapter imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this Chapter shall govern.

(e)

Severability. If any section, provision or portion of this Chapter is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Chapter shall not be affected thereby.

(f)

Interpretation. In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this Chapter shall be interpreted liberally to secure the ends sought hereby and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other power granted to the City by the Wisconsin Statutes.