Minutes - Public Works Committee - 06/21/2016

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5.01: Provide City Council Recommendation for Gibbon Street and 173rd Avenue Drainage Improvements Feasibility Report City Engineer Westby reviewed the staff report and the Gibbon Street and 173rd Avenue drainage improvement project. He explained this plat is the Deerwood Plat, which is surrounded by wetlands/floodways. It was recorded in 1974. Several properties have experienced wet basements due to groundwater intrusion. City Engineer Westby explained that while the drainage improvement project is feasible and can be constructed in 2017, given the estimated cost of $325,000 and small number of benefiting properties, the project is not cost effective. It should only be constructed if benefiting properties are specially assessed for all or a significant portion of the improvements, or if external funding is available to fund all or a significant portion of the improvements. He stated staff recommends the Public Works Committee recommend the City Council accept the feasibility report but deny approval of a drainage improvement project pending development of a cost effective, equitable funding program. Mr. Frank Miske, 17421 Gibbon Street, noted he first brought this to the Committee's attention in 2013. City Engineer Westby explained there are properties on either side of the Miskes on Gibbon Street. For this project, staff would try to provide a positive outlet for the water. For the most part, basements are dry until there is a lot of precipitation or spring snow melt. Then there is nowhere for the water to go and it fills the basins and raises groundwater elevations. Providing a positive outlet should therefore reduce ground water elevations during these times. Councilmember Shryock arrived at 5:45 p.m. Mr. Miske stated he felt this would be the best alternative. He asked what the cost to the homeowners would be with option number 4. He stated he now has to take out flood insurance in addition to homeowner's insurance. Now that the house has flooded and that is on record, he wondered how he would be able to sell his house. His property value will go down. He stated if this project will not be going forward, he would still be assessed a tax that is supposed to maintain the city's ditches. He felt he was not getting his money's worth. If there is a lot of precipitation, it will drain into his basement. He said he is paying for a service he is not benefitting from. City Engineer Westby explained the Stormwater Utility Fee goes to the City to maintain the infrastructure throughout the City for stormwater. He said Mr. Miske's point is well taken and that staff could potentially look at a cost-share approach based on his Stormwater Utility Fund contributions to date. It could set a precedent, but it could be looked into. Staff has been looking for external funding sources to minimize the share of both the homeowner and the City. He asked if the flood insurance was a new issue for Mr. Miske. Public Works Committee/June 21, 2016 Page 2 of 9