Minutes - Public Works Committee - 06/21/2016

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Civil Engineer IV Linton noted that bridge was constructed two years after the subdivision was built, in the late 1990s. The Bunker Lake Boulevard reconstruction was in 2011, and if there was dewatering going on, it would have been routed south to the river. He said he has made inquiries and has not found information on pumping into Sunfish Lake. He explained there may have been information that was redacted from the reports, which would be standard information to redact. The state agencies have input at that level. They have detailed information of removing the water down to a certain species of plants and this information is only for biologists. They want to stop people from trying to go find this certain species and thereby upsetting the vegetation. There is no outlet for Sunfish Lake at this elevation range. It is a landlocked basin. He commented if the lake rose 20 feet above where it is now, it would start flooding homes. Mr. Bergevin raised the possibility of a rain garden. He noted the fact is that right now, he has a wetland in the back yard that he didn't have before. He questioned whether a rain garden could be an option worth looking in to. Chairperson Riley stated the Council recently approved a rain garden in the area of 170th Avenue and Nowthen Boulevard. Mr. Bergevin said he would like to look at that. Councilmember Johns asked if the City has an obligation to clean out the swale from time to time. City Engineer Westby replied the policy for cleaning is similar to cleaning ponds; it is done for functionality and not for aesthetics. As long as the water can flow through the vegetation and get from Point A to Point B, that is all that is done, unless it is threatening homes. Mr. Bergevin asked if the berm could be extended, since the lake levels are low now. Civil Engineer IV Linton stated he thought the swale would need to be built bigger on the other side to make the water flow right. He thought the water would go over the top before going over the swale. This could be something to look at, however. Chairperson Riley stated he would like to think outside the box to find a way to fix this for the resident, and avoid mitigation costs. Civil Engineer IV Linton pointed out the DNR was emphatic that whatever is done would need to keep water from going directly into the wetlands without being treated first. City Engineer Westby suggested discussing the item further while conducting research into what it would take to share costs. 5.03: Use of Excess Material for Dirt Road Improvements Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the staff report and requested direction on the use of excess pavement millings (combination of asphalt and Class V) for road surface Public Works Committee/June 21, 2016 Page 7 of 9