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that, but did not require it. He asked how the City is allowed to damage properties, noting that if <br /> a resident were to cause that damage to a neighbor, they would be required to mitigate it by code. <br /> He commented that his backyard is inundated when it had been dry for the last 6 years. He stated <br /> that the portion of his backyard that is wet is not within floodplain or even an easement. He stated <br /> that if he brings fill in to his property, that would cause more damage to his neighbors' properties. <br /> He then referenced the trail on the east side of the wetland which, according to Councilmember <br /> Specht last year, the trail is being raised to prevent the trail from flooding due to raising the water <br /> elevation in wetland 114P. He asked why residents are being told that the water level is due to <br /> rain when the trail project was completed in order to mitigate for raising water levels with a new <br /> outlet structure. His final request was for the City to revisit the decision to raise the outlet structure <br /> as it has negatively impacted his private property. He stated that it seems that the City listened to <br /> people downstream that requested higher water levels and not those that did not want it. He <br /> requested that the City make changes to the outlet to lower the water level in the wetland, or <br /> provide residents with funds to mitigate and alleviate what this has created. If funds are being <br /> used to raise a trail due to the negative impacts of raising the outlet, it is only logical that funds <br /> should be available to assist negatively impacted property owners as well. <br /> City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby stated that staff will work to provide the requested <br /> documentation but it will take a little time. <br /> All Bollman, 5731 145th Court NW, commented that she now has over half of her yard under water <br /> with up to two feet of standing water, which includes vegetation and trees. She stated that she just <br /> purchased their home in September and the property value was assessed based on the land that was <br /> there. She stated that she was also denied flood insurance because of the historical data provided <br /> by FEMA. She stated that the water is currently about 15 feet from her home and is concerned <br /> with the flooding that is happening. She stated that it seems that the project was completed without <br /> survey and input from the residents that are directly affected. She stated that she also spoke with <br /> Ms.Wozney who stated that precipitation levels are only a few inches above average so if we have <br /> a typical winter she would have concerns with future water levels. She felt that not all aspects <br /> were considered when completing this project and therefore the increased water level is a result of <br /> negligence of the City. She did not believe that there should be standing water in her yard. <br /> Mr. Bollman commented that ducks and geese require dry land to nest and with the current <br /> elevation there is no dry area to nest. <br /> Mr. McBroom commented that it has forced the ducks and geese into yards. <br /> Ms. Bollman asked if sandbags could be provided to prevent flooding should the rain continue at <br /> its current levels. <br /> Mr. McBroom recognized that the water level change was made last year and asked if it naturally <br /> took this long to fill. <br /> City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby commented that there have been three years of <br /> drought conditions prior to this year, so there was very little water to start with. He commented <br /> that the heavy rains began in March of this year. <br /> Public Works Committee/June 18, 2024 <br /> Page 4 of 8 <br />