Agenda - Council - 02/12/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Committee meeting it was suggested that it may be more appropriate to discuss this issue at a future work session as it involves additional personnel and the potential purchase of a sewer jet vac unit as well. Action: Direct this issue to be placed on a future Council work session. Case #3 Update on Ermine Boulevard Storm Sewer Project Background: Staff was directed to replace the culvert in this area and is preparing plans and specifications. When this work began it was discovered that the 100 year flood level was considerably less than what FEMA had listed in their 1979 report. The good thing is that the City does not need to put in as large of a culvert as anticipated, so there will be a cost savings. The bad news is that there needs to be additional work done to change the floodplain by submitting a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) and it costs $4,400 for FEMA to review. The DNR is working to remodel other sections of the floodplains and this section is set for late 2009 or early 2010. The City could wait for the DNR remodeling and amendments before the project is completed, however, staff is recommending that the City complete the project by the fall of 2008. This is outlined as Option 1 in the staff report letter. Motion to recommend to the City Council that staff be directed to pursue a schedule for the Ermine Boulevard project for construction in 2008 and that a CLOMR be prepared and submitted to FEMA. Action: Ratify the recommendation of the Public Works Committee. Case #4: Consider Establishing Topsoil Requirements in New Subdivision Background: The City of Ramsey is one of the largest users of water for irrigation purposes in the metro area. This issue was discussed in 2006 and the Council ratified the Public Works recommendation to amend Chapter 9 of the City Code to require 6 inches of topsoil with at last 40% organic material. The Council recommended that the Environmental Protection Board review this and they noted that the 40% organic material figure was probably not realistic because MnDot's figures are between 3% and 20%. Two soil samples were distributed and noted that although they both look like nice black dirt, the one from a golf course has a higher organic content and will hold a larger amount of water. Staff is recommending an ordinance be considered that requires topsoil to have a minimum of 10% organic content and if not, that compost material be incorporated into the topsoil. —120—