Agenda - Public Works Committee - 03/20/2012

Home

Bob Gorr, Rum River Golf Course Trustee, stated he is one of three trustees for the golf course. He stated the trustees feel they should receive more than $8,500. He stated Tom Anderson is spear heading the claim for the corporation. He stated the project is big and there is a lot to talk about. He asked for a date when the issue could be resolved. Councilmember Elvig asked if the City has any obligations on the infrastructure within the golf course to the river. Public Works Director Olson replied there is water runoff from the public roads that runs through the golf course and a few years ago the City partnered with the golf course on drainage to the river. He stated a pipe was installed that was not cleaned quickly enough upon notice due to the water soaked land and the weight of the equipment used to clean the pipe would have caused turf damage. He stated the golf course hired a private contractor to clean the pipe which was blocked due to debris and dead animals. He stated the City does have rights to drain through the golf course and have some maintenance responsibility. City Engineer Himmer stated the City has a 15 -20 foot linear easement within the golf course. He stated the City has installed piping through the golf course and during the construction there were areas that experienced flooding so a larger pipe was installed by the City. The golf course wanted the drainage as an amenity. Public Works Director Olson stated the League has responded to the claim on behalf of the City with a dollar amount. He stated the golf course needs to write a letter rebutting the Leagues response. Councilmember Elvig questioned what the Public Works Committee is being asked to do tonight. Chairperson Backous replied the Public Works Committee cannot do anything tonight because the League has responded on behalf of the City. Councilmember Elvig asked if the City should meet about the issue. City Administrator Ulrich replied the issue is in the hands of the insurance adjuster. City Administrator Ulrich asked about future engineering improvements for the golf course. City Engineer Himmer replied there are six areas where improvements have been identified by the City for the golf course. He stated a meeting could be held to discuss these future improvements. Mr. Gorr commented a neighbor has built a pond in their yard which may have altered the golf course's wetland. Public Works Director Olson stated this issue should be resolved shortly. He stated the basis for the claim is the City has to be deficient. He stated staff with keep the Public Works Committee up to date on the claim. Public Works Committee / February 21, 2012 Page 8 of 12