Agenda - Council - 12/13/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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a wetland and explained what the DNR uses to determine an elevation for a wetland, noting that it is not as clear cut as determining the level for groundwater. Mr. Peterson asked if that would be discussed with the DNR. Civil Engineer IV Linton confirmed that he would be discussing that with the DNR. He commented that the water level is lower than the established water level, but higher than the bottom of the pipe which is why they are putting an outlet structure in higher than that pipe. He commented that there has been decreased precipitation in the last two years and in the last ten years there are more years below average rainfall than above. He explained that if you consistently run below average, the average is lowered. He stated that he recently did some work with residents on Lake Itasca and over the past 30 years, the average rainfall amounts are lower, even though there are storm events with higher levels of rain. Councilmember Woestehoff commented that the difference between the water line in 2005 and 2020 is clear. He stated that level has naturally been receding since that time and therefore part of this would be that there is just not enough water coming in. Civil Engineer IV Linton commented that the height of the pipe is below the water level the DNR would like to see and therefore this case would propose to raise the level to where the water level should be. Chairperson Riley commented that the City would then take that action and the rest would be up to the level of precipitation that is received. A resident asked if there is blockage coming into the pond, noting that some ditches in the area hold water at a constant level. Civil Engineer IV Linton replied that ditch mentioned does not flow to the wetland. He stated that the soils in that area could have more clay and this area could have more gravel/sand. Chairperson Riley stated that this would propose to fix the outlet and associated manholes. He stated that the boardwalk would be a different topic for a different day. Civil Engineer IV Linton reviewed the next steps and provided details on when the project would be completed. City Engineer/Interim Public Works Director Westby replied that once staff speaks with the DNR they would complete the plans and bring those back to the Committee and Council for review. 6. COMMITTEE / STAFF INPUT 6.01: Staff Updates on Improvement Projects, Studies, and Items of Interest Public Works Committee / October 18, 2022 Page 5 of 7