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City Engineer Westby explained this is a common situation in the City. It is a challenge to move <br /> water through thousands of feet of pipe, especially with some of it being flat pipe where the <br /> water may not go through. Also, there have been wetlands forming over the years, causing <br /> issues in the flow of the water. <br /> Mr. Full noted the area has large trees and it never was a wetland area. The storm water ponding <br /> area has created the water overflow in the area. He relayed to the Committee Members in an <br /> earlier meeting that it may be beneficial to dig out trees in the winter, dig holes and put in field <br /> stone and fabric over that. He said this would help drain the area quickly so the water does not <br /> over flow. His background is wetland management, and he said he is familiar with how some <br /> solutions would work. <br /> City Engineer Westby stated staff could look at the design ideas Mr. Full had suggested. He said <br /> they could determine what kind of soils are there and the rates of infiltration. <br /> Mr. Full suggested digging other ponds a little deeper. <br /> Chairperson Backous suggested the staff obtain estimates for the cost to dig ponds deeper and <br /> then it can be determined how it could fit into the budget. <br /> City Engineer Westby pointed out there are over 200 ponds and they are not maintained <br /> adequately. This could be a pilot program in how to maintain the ponds. <br /> Councilmember Riley expressed concern in starting a project that could potentially become a <br /> very large project and become difficult to continue. He clarified with Mr. Westby what the <br /> standards were for building at the time these developments went in, versus now. He pointed out <br /> there have been complaints in this area before. <br /> City Engineer Westby responded there is a list of properties with complaints on this issue. There <br /> are 12 to 18 names on the list, which is city wide. Many of the concerns are from homes built <br /> prior to the City becoming incorporated and now they are city property. Each situation is unique. <br /> Staff has attempted to remedy some of the situations; however, the estimate can be in the six - <br /> figure range. He said he will bring all this information to the next Public Works Committee <br /> meeting and the residents will be invited to hear an update. <br /> Councilmember Riley questioned if this is the highest priority property or area around the City. <br /> Public Works Superintendent Riemer answered it was not. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma raised the issue that the maintenance program and modeling must be <br /> updated for the WMO. <br /> City Engineer Westby agreed that this needs to be done, and staff has been trying to work this in <br /> to the duties for quite some time. <br /> Public Works Committee / September 16, 2014 <br /> Page 4 of 9 <br />