Agenda - Public Works Committee - 07/15/2003

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July 2, 2003 City of Ramsey Attn: Public Works Committee We are writing this letter in hopes that the city will be able to assist us. I'd like to start off by saying that we are very pleased with the help we've gotten from all the people we've dealt with so far with the city. It's very nice to know that the city really does care about its residents and are there to help. Summer/Fall of 2000, road construction (grading, resurfacing and culvert replacement) was being done on Highway 47. The replacement of the culvert has made quite an impact on our back yard. We first noticed a change the following spring (2001). It was quite a rainy/flood season that spring, so we didn't really associate the construction with the water in our yard. As the year progressed, we noticed that when it rained we would have standing water in ou~- yard and that would take a day or two to soak in. We also noticed that our back lawn was slowly getting thin and bare. When spring of 2002 came--again a tot of rain that season--noticed even more standing water--and it took a longer time for the water to soak' in. The back lawn had several bare spots and had formed somewhat of a "dip" from where the water flowed thru the yard and back to the drainage area. In July, several storms had come through. One in particular, in late July, made us aware of the actual problem and prompted us to contact the city for help. I wrote a letter to Council Member Gerald Zimmerman on August 5, 2002. (review letter for reference) After talking with him, Mr. Zimmerman thought that the issue best be address by the City Engineer. He forwarded the letter and my concerns on to Steve Jankowski. Since [hen, Mr. Jankowski has been extremely helpful! He explained to us the proposal of the Entrance road to EImcrest Park and how this may allow for the culvert to be blocked off-and have the water re-routed into the pa{k. In the interim, I was able to get an "okay" from Roger Michaels at MNDOT to temporarily fill in the cul,2ert with sandbags to at least "slow down" the flow. I would like to thank Brian Olson and Grant Reid for making that happen so quickly last year. Early this spring, I spoke with Mark-:Boos regarding the entrance to Elmcrest Park. I learned from him that the entrance may actually not be off Highway 47, but instead, may be off of 167"~ Lane. He was made aware of our drainage situation last fall--and understands our dilemma. He also said that the park plans/work got pushed out to later in the year.' So--with these possible changes and delays, we decided that we were going to have to construct some sort of drainage to save our back lawn. I called Mr. Jankowski on 6/10/03 and discussed the conversation that I had with Mr. Boos. He concurred, that the entrance may not be where they originally had planned--thus not being able to block the culvert. I then told him of our plan to lay some drain tile. He said he'd like to come out and meet with us again to look at the area. I sent him a few pictures of the area. He a Iso stated that h e would have more sandbags placed in the culvert. That was done the very next day! Thanks! Mr. Jankowski came out on 6/12/03 and saw the area and agreed that we have a problem. He also stated that he is still working on some sort of plan to redirect the water flow eisewh'ero but that it could take some time ...... He also suggested working with the golf course to see if they will agree to share an easement. He has many great ideas all of which, unfortunately, take some time to plarL So, what we are asking is that the city compensate us for the cost that it will take, for us to dig a trench and lay some drain tile that may fix the problem--for a while anyway. We have already purchased some sand and gravel, but still need to purchase the drain tile. We would also like to lay down some top soil--just enough to cover the "dip" that the flow of water has made. We estimate that the cost for all of this will be approx. $500, if we do all the work ourselves. " Thank you for your time, attention and consideration. We do appreciate it. Sincerely, Dewey and Karleen Thorson 5831 164th Lane NW--Ramsey, MN