Agenda - Public Works Committee - 03/31/2015

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they are approved. He said the City is taking a very cooperative approach. He noted the City's growth demand is modest and progress is being made. Chairperson Riley stated he appreciated the information because he understood that wells were not an option at all. He said he appreciated knowing there is a chance. While other cities are drilling new wells, he was wondering why the City of Ramsey was told not to. He commented it is good to understand the situation. City Engineer Westby noted the groundwater option is almost as expensive as treatment for surface water because of the expense of pipes, and the cost of treating the water. He stated he would look into this option further. Chairperson Riley asked if the City of Ramsey sits on one aquifer. Civil Engineer II Linton explained Wisconsin and Iowa is all on one rock, and uses the name of The Tunnel City. He said what staff has experienced in drilling previous wells, is the rock that water is pulled from gets thinner while traveling north. There is less water to draw from as you go north. The geology changes as you go north from the city of Ramsey. This is why the DNR is encouraging the City of Ramsey to look at other options. Chairperson Riley pointed out City Engineer Westby had mentioned St. Cloud draws from the Mississippi, and so does Minneapolis. He asked if there were any other cities that did the same. City Engineer Westby replied he didn't think any other cities pulled from the Mississippi until around Minneapolis. 6.02: Historical Background on High Water Issues in Ramsey Civil Engineer II Linton explained this is an informational presentation. He stated the City of Ramsey is located on the Anoka Sand Plain and the soils are generally sandy which runs away quickly with moisture. Approximately 20% of the surface area in Ramsey is wetlands. Some are isolated pockets, and some connected by channels. Water levels generally stay the same, but depending on rainfall the levels can fluctuate. Where the drainage is not sufficient is where there will be overflowing, for the most part. He reviewed the staff report and explained the requirements of drainage construction. Most of the high water concerns have been from older developments that were built prior to storm water management standards were put in place. Cassandra Miske, 17421 Gibbons Street NW, stated she lived in Ramsey in 2011 and there was more water in 2014. She noted she had water in her basement for weeks in 2014. She questioned what the percentage is of people that actually report flooding to the City. City Engineer Westby answered that is hard to know. Ms. Miske asked if staff seeks to talk with neighbors of a resident that is affected by high water, and try to determine from that if there are more people affected. Public Works Committee / January 20, 2015 Page 6 of 8