Agenda - Council - 07/26/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor and Councilmembers City of Ramsey July 19, 1994 In lC/89 Ramsey proposed paving 156th street. The feasibility study had no provision for drainage even though Pete Raatikka, City Engineer, calculated tile additional runoffto be .25 Acre Feet of water. I appeared at the public hearing and pointed out the need to properly dispose of this runoff. As a result tile City Council ordered a feasibility study to accommodate the drainage. Mr. Raatikka prepared a second feasibility study addressing the drainage. I requested the paving of 156th be contingent upon completion of the drainage project. Tile Council indicated this was undesirable because the drainage project would be funded by the drainage district not the paving project. They assured me connecting the projects was utmecessa~, to insure completion. The City Council ordered the drainage project, I received verbal and written assurance the project would be completed, and work began. Generally the county attorney has indicated easements are not required to restore natural drainage, however, work stopped when Mr. Lewis and Mr. Swanson refused to provide free drainage easements. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Swanson have constructed earthen dams across the drainage ditch to create a duck pond. (the recent filling of wetlands is a separate issue from these dams). To my knowledge Ramsey has made no attempt to purchase or condemn easements. The dams and filling by Lewis prevent water from flowing to the coun .ty ditch. As a result water behind the dams is maintained at an artificially high level. Culverts under t53rd remain full of water throughout the year, freezing in the winter. The frozen culverts trap spring runoff on the surface of 153rd, causing a serious traffic hazard. 'D~e artificially high water level also has forced Mr. Welsh to build a driveway which forms another dmn restricting drainage from 156th street. In 1989 Ranuey acknowledged its obligation to provide for the .25 Acre/Feet of additional runoff generated by paving 156th street and ordered a project which includes restonng the drainage through the Lewis properB'. After five years the drainage project is not complete and water from 156th street continues to flood my property. Rarnsey's responsibility to properly dispose of the drainage from 156th is not negated by landowners who refuse to cooperate. It is my expectation that Ramsey complete the project as outlined in 1989, maintain the drainage in an effective wa3', and prevent water collected on 156th street from being deposited on my property. Ramsey has used of my property as a water retention area for five years. During this time I have lost the enjo.~nent and use of my property and suffered damage to my buildings. Should legal action become necessary, the law provides for recovery of damages, loss of use, and attorneys fees. Sincerely,