Agenda - Public Works Committee - 10/19/1999

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The low grade of Lot 9, Block 1 remains a concern. The lowest elevation of a structure should be one foot higher than the 100-year flood event, and two feet higher if the basin is landlocked. There is no analysis of a 100-year event. With the Lot 9, Block 1 elevation at 881, the maximum 100-year flood elevation would need to be 880 or 879. The lowest point identified in the low area to the north is 878.73. Conclusions: It is my opinion that the plan submitted is incomplete to fully address flooding concems to the structure on Lot 9. It is further my opinion that even assuming 100-year flood concerns could be adequately addressed, a drainage plan similar to the one presented will not provide a solution superior to the original grading plan. Recommendation: It is my recommendation that the plan submitted be rejected as an altemative to the approved grading plan. Should Orrin Thompson Homes claim damages, it should be noted that they have always had a remedy available to them; that is, to change the grades back to the approved plan. While Orrin Thompson Homes may argue that this is unreasonably expensive since it may include the relocation of the existing residents in Lot 9, I would disagree with this conclusion for two reasons: 1. Governmental agencies constructing projects which require relocations are required by law to make individual property owners whole, even though this may add substantial costs to the project. A private developer should be held to no less of a standard. 2. Orrin Thompson Homes had commissioned an as-built survey of the structure shortly after the foundation was poured in mid-January 1999. Orrin Thompson Homes knew at this early date, or should have known, that constructing the home on Lot 9, Block 1, was two feet lower than the Certificate of Survey proposed. \\RA_FS I \VOL I \users\City Shared File\CORRESPklankowski\1999kM emosLhpple Ridge Grading.doc