Agenda - Council - 08/12/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Diane Anderson, 5750 142nd Avenue NW, commented that she has lived in her property for 50 years and where the water is now is where it was when they first moved in and was like that for several years. She stated that the water has fluctuated over wet and dry conditions throughout the years. She recognized the frustration people would have that have not seen this water level in the past. She stated that in the early 1990's the whole pond changed, and a lot of wildlife left the area. She stated that they had always been told that the ponds to the north drain into this wetland. She asked for details on the drainage patterns on the ponds to the north. She recognized that it is hard when some people want water and others do not. Ms. Bollman commented that she likes the water, but within the basin and not her yard. Ms. Anderson commented that they have had seedlings get 20 feet high near the water line but then are lost when the water levels increase again. She stated that the outlet is functioning as it should be. She asked if there is something preventing the water from flowing as it should. Mr. Bollman replied that the outlet is preventing the water from leaving as it should. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby explained how water flows from the north to the south through the wetland complexes. He stated that there are not defined, maintained swales that connect the wetlands and instead the water overflows from one wetland to the next. Mr. Hoyt asked if anyone has been at the City since all the decisions were made with the DNR. Civil Engineer IV Linton commented that he spoke with the DNR but they were unable to attend this meeting on short notice. Mr. Hoyt commented that he has not found any documentation that the City had to construct the outlet. Civil Engineer IV Linton commented that he has correspondence from the DNR stating that the City had to construct the outlet structure. He stated that he does not have record of when the old outlet pipe was installed and upon checking by the DNR, the pipe was found to be incorrectly located. He commented that the government does not always keep the best records. Mr. Hoyt commented that is untrue because records should be stored on Laserfiche. He stated that perhaps that is unique to Ramsey, but there are cities incorporated a long time ago that still have accurate records. He asked who required the pipe and who agreed to the pipe location. He stated that someone from the DNR has to be able to provide the answer. Mr. Bollman asked if it would be possible to get the overflow dropped by 12 inches, as that would significantly help with the issue of flooding while still keeping water in the pond. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby commented that staff will speak with the DNR, do a document search, and review correspondence from previous conversations. He stated that hopefully the rain will stop, and water levels will recede. He stated that the ground is saturated, Public Works Committee / June 18, 2024 Page 5 of 8