Minutes - Public Works Committee - 09/15/2015

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Chairperson Riley inquired if the purpose of the drainage swale is to make sure the stormwater doesn't drain directly into the wetland. City Engineer Westby responded that is the purpose. The swale fills up then the water is allowed to flow out to the wetland. Chairperson Riley stated this has worked the way it should for a long time. What changed seems to be the water level, and whatever the culprit was is affecting their yard. This potential repair as described seems to be a rather easy answer. The difference between this situation and the basements of residents flooding is that this is water that is designed to flow through the residents' yard. Councilmember Shryock questioned how staff can be ensured that a holding pond would be large enough to be effective. There are other residents living at or below the water level and their basements are leaking. She asked what the possibility is of this house being affected to the point it will deteriorate. Councilmember Shryock stated if the water level in the area is 860, the hole will fill to 860 and just sit there. Councilmember Johns commented if the issue is the water table, then we cannot dig it deep enough. It gets back to cause and effect. Councilmember Johns questioned the wetland credits. City Engineer Westby explained there is are"wetland banks" where credits can be purchased and sold. Chairperson Riley asked if the swale outlet pipe has been checked for blockage. City Engineer Westby responded it has been checked and there is no blockage. He explained there are outlet controls that should help keep the water from flooding nearby homes. Mrs. Bergevin questioned how drainage easement is defined. She said she sees it defined as not sitting water. Councilmember Shryock stated when sites were developed in that area, they had to go on existing records of flood plains, water levels, etc. The drainage area was based on the records at the time. She said the fish that are in the swale are likely from the lake, since the lake is high. She pointed out there would naturally be more water being close to the wetland. She said in order to prevent the water from going around the berm, the berm would have to be all inclusive to this property. She commented it seems this is a high water period and it has been going on a while. The lake just hasn't let go of the extra water yet. She suggested the property owners could put some preventive measures into their home to prevent the water from coming up further. She said the City doesn't regulate the water level. Therefore, she said she is having difficulty trying to assign responsibility to the City. Public Works Committee/ September 15, 2015 Page 4 of 9