Agenda - Council Work Session - 09/13/2011

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CC Work Session 2.1. Meeting Date: 09/13/2011 By: Tim Himmer, Engineering/Public Works Title: Consider Sanitary Sewer Options for the Property Located at 5220 156th Lane NW PORTIONS OF THIS DISCUSSION MAY BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC Background: The Woodland Green Subdivision, located east of TH 47 south of the Boy Scout Camp, was platted in 1973. Lot 4, Block 3 (5220 156th Lane NW) was platted with a 75 ft drainage and utility easement across the back of the lot. The owners of the lot applied for a building permit in 1988, and since the back of the proposed house was shown at the platted easement line they applied to the City to vacate the north 50 feet of the easement (leaving a 25 ft drainage and utility easement across the back of the lot). The requested vacation was approved by resolution of the City Council on October 11, 1988. The property owners at 5220 156th Lane NW, Jason and Ruth Obermaier, contacted the City at the end of June/beginning of July regarding standing water in their back yard; and specifically the potential impacts to their septic drainfield in that location. City staff visited the site to collect some survey data and verify elevations on the downstream storm sewer system to ensure that the water was flowing properly. Based on a septic system sketch in the City's property records it appears that the drainfield is constructed entirely outside of the City's 25' drainage and utility easement, and the water elevation at the time was approximately 3' - 5' outside of the drainage and utility easement and potentially over one lateral of the drainfield (see attached lot detail sketch). Observations: This item was discussed by the Public Works Committee in July, and several options were discussed relative to the downstream storm sewer system and potential modifications for improved long term drainage to the Rum River; including enlargement of ponds, lowering of existing storm sewer pipe, and installation of additional storm sewer pipes. The recommendation from that meeting was to address the immediate concern related to the septic system, and evaluate options to correct this matter such that additional easements could be reacquired in this location. Staff reviewed several options with the City Council in work session on August 9, 2011, and received direction to negotiate with the property owner in an effort to connect them to the municipal sanitary sewer system and secure additional easement area to account for increased stormwater retention. Staff has continued communication with the property owner and detailed the City's proposal. They reviewed the information supplied and have offered a counter proposal (see attached); a majority of which is consistent with the previous Council direction. Items that we are in agreement on include: connection to the sanitary sewer system and all entailed work(design, inspections, etc.) to be the responsibility of the City, removal of existing dead brush on the lot and adjacent park area, complete restoration of the site to be paid by the City, work to be completed immediately, and the property owner would contract directly for the work. A few of the items being requesting are outside the authority of staff direction so further Council consideration is requested at this time. The property owner is requesting payment in the amount of 15 years worth of utility billing, no sale of additional easement, they want their property regraded to contain all the drainage into the existing 25' drainage & utility easement, a written promise that we will continue to investigate and solve the downstream capacity issues in the City's stormwater management system, payment of all their attorneys fees as part of reviewing all plans and documents prepared, and accepting full financial responsibility for any future property damage issues that may arise. Recommendation: