Agenda - Public Works Committee - 05/17/2016

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during final design. Following discussion of these options, the Public Works Committee recommended that the City Council consider ordering a feasibility study to further refine option 94 for the Gibbon Street and 173rd Avenue drainage improvements, including an analysis and determination of specific costs,how costs could be paid for, and whether any City policies would need to be created or amended in doing so. On October 27,2015,City Council directed staff to prepare a Feasibility Report based on option 44.A draft copy of this report is attached to this case. Timeframe: Approximately 20 minutes for presentation and discussion. Observations/Alternatives: Observations: Available options for effectively draining low-lying,land-locked areas include installing gravity storm sewer to drain the water to another area at a lower elevation, installing storm sewer lift stations to pump the water to a higher elevation where it can then flow to lower elevations via gravity sewers or ditches,pumping the water using a portable pump and flexible hosing to another location where it can then flow to lower elevations via gravity sewers or ditches, or by promoting infiltration by constructing infiltration basins,ponds or trenches. Unfortunately,it is typically not an option to use a portable pump and hose to pump water elsewhere in Ramsey due to the relatively flat terrain and extensive distance between grade breaks. The other options typically require installing thousands of feet of sewer and purchasing numerous, and often large, easement areas, and/or installing lift stations,all of which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars(or more)per area. As part of preparing the Feasibility Report, Staff researched whether any grant opportunities existed that might be of help to these residents by assisting with enhancements for private sump pump/drain tile systems,or with new basement waterproofing improvements.Numerous property owners who contacted staff in years past regarding their wet basements did not have back-up sump pumps in the event their primary pump failed,which resulted in their home being flooded. Private systems can also be enhanced by adding battery back-up in the event their power fails for an extended duration. Staff is not aware of any legal obligations requiring the City to financially assist private property owners experiencing wet basements due to the intrusion of ground water. If an improvement project were to be completed by the City it could set a precedent for the City to follow in other areas throughout the City in future years. Alternatives: Alternative 91 -Motion recommending that the City Council accept the Feasibility Report but deny approval of a drainage improvement project pending development of an equitable funding program. Alternative 92—Motion of other. Funding Source: The estimated cost for the proposed option 94 improvements is $325,000. The Feasibility Report includes a list of potential funding sources including external grants, City Stormwater Funds, and/or special assessments to benefiting properties for all or a portion of the cost of the improvements,pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 429,the City Charter, and the City's adopted Special Assessments Policy. Recommendation: Staff recommends alternative action Al. Though City Project No. 16-88 is feasible and can be constructed in 2017, given the estimated cost of$325,000, and the small number of benefiting properties,the proposed improvements are not cost-effective and should only be constructed if benefiting properties are specially assessed for all or a significant portion of the improvements, and/or if external funding is available to fund all or a significant portion of the improvements.