Agenda - Public Works Committee - 01/18/2011

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Public Works Committee Date: 01/18/2011 By: Tim Himmer Engineering/Public Works Information Title: Review of Potential Pond Cleaning Project Near 155th Lane NW and Armstrong Boulevard Item #: 5. 5. Background: The resident at 8070 155th Lane NW contacted City staff last fall to express concern related to a stormwater pond located in their backyard. They stated that the surface water level of that pond has been dropping over the years and has never rebounded to an acceptable level with a permanent pool. Staff reviewed historic aerial photographs in an effort to determine when the decline began and what might have caused it. It is possible that there may be a connection between the surface water in the area to the aquifers that supply the City's municipal system. Staff is requesting the Committee's feedback on whether we should initiate a project to remove excessive vegetation and root mass from this pond in effort to restore some of the original hydrology, and a permanent pool of water. This water body is shown in the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) as a protected surface water, which may require potential mitigation with any planned modifications. Historically such vegetative removal has been allowed as long as drainage patterns are not impacted and the defined quantity of material proposed to be removed does not exceed certain thresholds, which are determined based upon wetland type and quality. If directed by the PW Committee and City Council, staff is proposing to hold an open house with the immediate residents that surround this water body to explain the concern that has been expressed and solicit their input on the matter. Staff will also have to contact the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO) to discuss the project and see if any remedial work can be accomplished, and under what conditions. Following those meetings we will return to update the PW Committee and seek direction on how to proceed. Recommendation: Staff recommends that it be directed to hold an open house with the adjacent property owners, investigate potential permitting requirements with the LRRWMO, and report back to the Council for further direction. Funding Source: Staff time will be utilized to execute the above referenced investigation and open house. Depending on the outcome of such investigations, and Council direction, any proposed remedial actions would be funded by the Storm Water Utility. Council Action: Recommend to the City Council to direct staff to hold an open house with the adjacent property owners, investigate potential permitting requirements with the LRRWMO, and report back for further direction. Location Map Historic water level aerial Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Brian Olson Brian Olson 01/12/2011 04:35 PM