Minutes - Public Works Committee - 10/16/2007

Home

William DuCharme, River Hills Golf Course Superintendent, stated that the pipe was installed by a company named Sewer Works who is no longer in business. Councilmember Dehen stated that he feels that Rum River Hills Golf Course is asking the City to bail them out of a problem that should be between them and Sewer Works. Public Works Director Olson stated that the City is putting a lot of water onto their site that is not encompassed within the drainage and utility easement. He stated that the City has always had a collaborative relationship with the golf course because there is water coming from the surrounding areas. He stated that the golf course pays a substantial storm drainage utility fee. Mr. DuCharme stated that the golf course can handle all of its own water when there are heavy rains, but when the water from the surrounding areas some onto the golf course, that is when they have problems. Chair Elvig stated that this property is last in line before the Rum River and agreed that the City is running outside water onto the golf course site. Civil Engineer Linton stated that the current system was installed in the late 1980's and he is suggesting that the City remove the submerged pipe and 100 feet of the outfall pipe and replace them with new pipes and a control box. He stated that control box would have channels in the sides for boards that could control the elevation of the ponds. Public Works Director Olson stated that the cost for this would be about $7,000 and would come from the Storm Water Utility Fund. Motion by Chairperson Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to recommend the City Council approve the pipe replacement on the Rum River Hills Golf Course as outlined. Further Discussion: Councilmember Dehen stated that he does not understand why the City would do these repairs for a private entity when there was discussion earlier tonight under Case #3 ,that the City would not pay for the liner problem. City Administrator Ulrich stated that there is a City obligation to prevent flooding and under Case #3, the pond in question, is an amenity and not a flooding issue. Councilmember Dehen asked how this situation differed from the Green Valiey situation where there is construction on low lands and they are coming to the City saying that they have a drainage problem and expect the City to pay for correction. Public Works Director Olson. stated that Green Valley is continuing to expand their operation without putting in any of the City's recommended infrastructure changes. He stated that the golf course has not changed, but the surrounding areas have changed. He stated that this work is not being done on private property, because there are drainage and utility easements. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Councilmembers Olson, and Dehen. Voting No: None. Case #6 Request to Delay Final Bituminous Lift in RTC 11th Addition Public Works Committee /October 16, 2007 Page 10 of 12