Agenda - Council Work Session - 07/25/2017

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MEMORANDUM from the Champlin City Planner TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Scott Schulte, City Planner DATE: April 24, 2017 RE: Update on Mississippi River gage In March, the City Council appointed Councilmember Ryan Sabas and City Planner, Scott Schulte, to take the lead on investigating the merits of a river gage on the Champlin Anoka bridge. In support of this effort, the four recreational pool cities (Anoka, Brooklyn Park, Champlin and Coon Rapids) assigned a policymaker and staff person to serve on an ad hoc committee to confirm the need and cost of a gauge and ultimately pursue the funding and installation of a gauge. The committee members include: Champlin — Councilmember Ryan Sabas & Scott Schulte, City Planner Anoka — Councilmember Jeff Weaver & Ben Nelson, Engineering Technician Coon Rapids — Councilmember Jennifer Geisler & Tim Himmer, Public Works Director Brooklyn Park — Mayor Jeff Lunde & Cindy Sherman, Planning Director The committee met on April 19th and heard a presentation by James Fallon, USGS. Key points of the discussion were as follows: • USGS has a river gage the can be installed on the bridge (no cost to City's). They are working on a permit from MnDOT. The gage can measure stage (depth), discharge and velocity. These three factors combine to provide accurate flood prediction. • USGS will maintain the gage. Annual maintenance cost is $17,000 (three -season) or $20,000 (four -season). • All Cities expressed an interest in assisting in the annual cost. Brooklyn Park did have concerns over benefit as they have relatively few properties on the river north of the dam. • The committee was directed to formalize their participation in the group with their respective cities. Champlin acting in the lead role. • A second meeting is being planned to make recommendations on a funding strategy via a joint funding agreement.