Agenda - Public Works Committee - 11/18/2014

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aware of all of them. He raised the point that with the impervious surface areas, there should be holding ponds based on the size of the development. City Engineer Westby responded the majority of these situations existed prior to incorporation of the township, and there were no rules and regulations then, as there are now. The WMO did not exist, and there were no standards. Chairperson Backous questioned if other cities are having similar issues. City Engineer Westby answered there are more issues in the outlying suburban areas and developing cities. Ramsey is unique in how flat it is, and there is little relief from one side of the City to the other. Installing pipes in one area could make it worse in another. This would need to be done in the correct order. Chairperson Backous commented that this seems like the tip of the iceberg. He stated he has been on the Council four years now, and every year a homeowner comes forward for the neighborhood. He suggested the City work with Nowthen and Oak Grove and the Met Council to start planning a solution. He said this seems like a major infrastructure problem such as sewer and water. Development Services Manager Gladhill explained there is a rigorous process for new developments. There are better grading plans, flood plane maps, and the existing elevation is considered. Chairperson Backous noted that in this case, the homeowner noted prior damage, so this flooding happened before. He acknowledged that it is very difficult for homeowners to repair their homes from flood damage repeatedly. City Engineer Westby indicated staff is working on this issue. He added that possibly infiltration basins are the way to go. Councilmember Riley asked if staff has gone to the property at 17421 Gibbons St and if so, if they found any obvious problems. City Engineer Westby responded staff has been there, and there is nothing obvious. There is nothing showing that has been done incorrectly. Other than studying the GIS system, and where piping can go, there is not much that can be done right away. To put in piping would mean having to acquire easements. Councilmember Riley inquired what is considered the modern era in building. City Engineer Westby replied codes change so often that it is difficult to keep one standard. He said his quick answer to the question may be late 1990s. Stormwater was not a large consideration back in the 1970s and 1980s. The emphasis did not come until the 1990s. Councilmember Riley stated it was worse than normal this past spring. Public Works Committee / October 21, 2014 Page 2 of 9