Minutes - Public Works Committee - 11/19/2002

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Principal City Engineer Olson replied that that was initially why the issue was discussed, but the 100-year storm would create an elevation of 864. Councilmember Hendriksen inquired if the reason the issue becomes critical is from the developments to the west. Principal City Engineer Olson explained that the development to the west does have a considerable amount of ponding. Currently the pond they are talking about does not have the drainage and utility easement to cover the 866 level, which it would have come to. The storm sewer system has to operate and they try and design it to not impact peoples' principal structures. In new developments whenever they have 100-year water level marks they protect that with drainage and utility easements. The development surrounding the pond was done in the late 70's. and at that time they did not encumber the entire wetland with drainage and utility easements. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that as soon as they capture water and convey it to a location they as a City own the water. If they are using property that they don't have a storm water easement on they do have a problem. Councilmember Kurak inquired as to what they were looking to accomplish. Principal City Engineer Olson explained that the wetland is normally in an area that has experienced water and so its conceivable that water has been there in the past. Staff was suggesting that the City purchase the easements necessary to get the edge of the 864 that could be a dry area unless in a 100 year storm event. Councilmember Kurak inquired if there was any way to lower the pipe down two feet instead of purchasing the property. Principal City Engineer Olson replied that that was not possible. Councilmember Kurak inquired if it was the City's current policy to encumber all wetlands with drainage and utility easements. Principal City Engineer Olson replied yes. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired as to how much money they would be talking about and where would the funds come from. Principal City Engineer Olson replied that staff would recommend taking funds from the storm water impact management fees because it is the trunk storm sewer system. The cost will depend on what policy the Council chooses to proceed with. Staff would prefer that the entire area be delineated to determine how much area there is from the edge of the wetland to the upland. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if this would have happened if the development had not occurred this year with all of the heavy rain. 0 Public Works Committee/November 19, 2002 Page 8 of 15