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and the groundwater levels are up. He stated that this is the first time there has been a robust <br /> discussion on this and staff will research property records, noting that the permits for each of the <br /> homes that were constructed contain surveys. He recognized that records prior to 2000 can be <br /> spotty. He stated that perhaps a lower elevation could be agreed upon but staff will need to search <br /> available data to determine what a reasonable elevation would be to minimize standing water in <br /> yards. He stated that the structure that was installed is concrete and while is does not have <br /> removable boards, adjustments can be made to drop the water level, if that is approved by the DNR <br /> and City Council. He commented that the City obviously does not want prolonged periods of <br /> standing water in yards that will kill trees. <br /> Mr. McBroom asked how residents will stay informed on this process. <br /> Chairperson Musgrove stated that additional information can be brought back to the next Public <br /> Works Committee meeting. She stated that they will continue to monitor the water levels as they <br /> have not yet had a full year of data to collect. <br /> Councilmember Howell recognized that some residents have been there a long time and have seen <br /> these kinds of conditions, while others have not. She was hopeful that there could be something <br /> that they could do but recognized that would depend on the data that they obtain, and information <br /> received from the DNR. <br /> Jeremy Larson, 5790 1451h Court NW, commented that for the last ten years the big pond has been <br /> low and filling with vegetation that takes up space. He stated that if that vegetation that has built <br /> up were removed, perhaps that would create additional storage space for the water, and it would <br /> act more like a pond. He stated that if the water were then kept at that level, it would keep the <br /> vegetation from reemerging and taking up space where water should be stored. <br /> City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby commented that vegetation management is <br /> allowable, but dredging cannot occur in wetlands. He commented that even if the cattails were <br /> removed, there could still be excess water backing up into yards. <br /> Ms. Larson commented that the damage was caused by whoever put the pipe in to begin with as <br /> that caused improper management of the water level. She believed that the damage was done by <br /> the City of Ramsey. <br /> Ms. Wippler asked how long her yard and trees can be sitting in water before permanent damage <br /> is done. She asked if waiting for the next meeting would be too long. <br /> City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby commented that depends on the species of tree but <br /> that staff will work quickly with the DNR to investigate options. <br /> Ms. Bollman commented that she has had trees 40 to 60 feet tall that have been in standing water <br /> since May. She hoped that the City would remedy that issue if permanent damage is done. <br /> 5. COMMITTEE BUSINESS <br /> Public Works Committee/June 18, 2024 <br /> Page 6 of 8 <br />