Minutes - Council - 10/28/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #4: Consider Accepting Plans and Specifications for IP 08-37 County Pond Storm Sewer Outlet Civil Engineer II Linton reviewed the outlet for the RTC storm sewer system that was approved in 2003. He stated that, at the time, the developer asked to be able to delay installation of the pipe, and the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization (LRRWMO) approved that with some restrictions, which included that the pipe must be operational when it reaches a certain threshold of development. He stated that the City is approaching that limit when the pipe will need to be installed. He stated that they are looking at funding from the Storm Water Impact fees from R TC and also part of the Letter of Credit, and these funds would be repaid as. new development comes in. Councilmember Elvig asked if this project would wipe out the entire balance of the fund. Public Works Director Olson stated that it would cost about $900,000 for the current project and there is $975,000 in the Storm Water Fund, but about $200,000 of that is for another project. He noted that the deficit could be covered by a Letter of Credit and these funds would be replenished as new development comes in. Councilmember Dehen stated that he has not seen the water on site get up to the level where it is necessary to drain into the river because there are no new developments coming into the area. Public Works Director Olson stated that it has not overtopped, at this point, but with future development and the permit requirement for LRRWMO, it will need to be completed. Councilmember Dehen stated that since it has not overtopped, he asked if there was anything that can be done rather than put in pipes that drain into the river to utilize some of this water such as pumping for the RTC. Public Works Director Olson stated that this will primarily be used in 100-year rainfall event and that is only the time it will drain into the river. He stated that it is a protection pipe and there will not be a large change in elevation, so there will be options for reusing some of the water. Councilmember Dehen stated that the City is essentially spending $900,000 for a 100-year event. He stated that he has trouble conceptualizing that nearly a million dollars needs to be spent on a 100-year event. Public Works Director Olson stated that this is the case and he doesn't want to upset the "storm sewer gods" that are out there, but in his career, over 16 years, he has been involved in five 100 year events and one 500 year event. He stated that it does not necessarily mean that it cannot happen tomorrow but it is a protection that staff feels is necessary to comply with LRRWMO and it will hinder further development in the R TC if it is not done. Councilmember Dehen asked if it really cost almost a million dollars to get a pipe to the river. City Council October 28, 2008 Page 10 of20