Agenda - Council - 10/26/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DISCUSS THE ACQUISITION OF REQUIRED EASEMENTS TO FACILITATE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT #10 -24, WETLAND 656W OUTLET By: Tim Himmer, City Engineer Background: In an effort to provide flood protection and to improve overall drainage through the watershed, the City has identified a ditch project known as the 656W Wetland Outlet Project. This project (as illustitated on the enclosed aerial photograph) would create an outlet for wetland 656W, the large wetland complex south of Alpine Drive and east of Ramsey Blvd., through the construction of approximately 3000 feet of drainage ditch and/or culvert installation. The need for this project was identified in the early to mid 1990's, and a drainage easement plat was prepared in 1995 to facilitate the acquisition of the necessary easements. Most of the easements were acquired at that time, but the project was not advanced because the drainage from this ditch was to flow into County Ditch #3166, which was seriously clogged. The City restored County Ditch #3/66 to its original cross section in 2006 and it is now feasible to pursue the 656W outlet project. While the original intent of this project was to create a dedicated drainage way from the wetland complex to the Rum River, a secondary improvement was identified to diminish the concern for localized flooding in the area north of 156 Avenue in an effort to direct runoff into wetland 656W. A majority of the required easements to complete the original scope of the project are secured, but two additional easements remain to be acquired to undertake the second portion of the project. Staff has been working with the two property owners that would be impacted by the remaining easement acquisitions and would like to present information and potential offers to the Council for consideration. One property owner has indicated to staff what it would take to acquire an easement from them, while the other is still considering some of their options and will be responding to staff by the end of the week. Once all the information is available it will be forwarded to the Council under separate cover for review, and discussed in closed session. This project has always been anticipated to be completed late this year when the weather turns colder and the soils begin to freeze; performing the work at this time allows for easier access into the area with minimal disruption. Funding for this project will be from the City Storm Water Utility and there will no assessment to property owners. Council Action: Based upon discussion Attachments: Location Map Easement Plat Reviewed by: City Administrator Public Works Director /Principal Engineer CC: 10/26/10 CASE #7,C)19