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

Home

and the groundwater levels are up. He stated that this is the first time there has been a robust discussion on this and staff will research property records, noting that the permits for each of the homes that were constructed contain surveys. He recognized that records prior to 2000 can be spotty. He stated that perhaps a lower elevation could be agreed upon but staff will need to search available data to determine what a reasonable elevation would be to minimize standing water in yards. He stated that the structure that was installed is concrete and while is does not have removable boards, adjustments can be made to drop the water level, if that is approved by the DNR and City Council. He commented that the City obviously does not want prolonged periods of standing water in yards that will kill trees. Mr. McBroom asked how residents will stay informed on this process. Chairperson Musgrove stated that additional information can be brought back to the next Public Works Committee meeting. She stated that they will continue to monitor the water levels as they have not yet had a full year of data to collect. Councilmember Howell recognized that some residents have been there a long time and have seen these kinds of conditions, while others have not. She was hopeful that there could be something that they could do but recognized that would depend on the data that they obtain, and information received from the DNR. Jeremy Larson, 5790 145th Court NW, commented that for the last ten years the big pond has been low and filling with vegetation that takes up space. He stated that if that vegetation that has built up were removed, perhaps that would create additional storage space for the water, and it would act more like a pond. He stated that if the water were then kept at that level, it would keep the vegetation from reemerging and taking up space where water should be stored. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby commented that vegetation management is allowable, but dredging cannot occur in wetlands. He commented that even if the cattails were removed, there could still be excess water backing up into yards. Ms. Larson commented that the damage was caused by whoever put the pipe in to begin with as that caused improper management of the water level. She believed that the damage was done by the City of Ramsey. Ms. Wippler asked how long her yard and trees can be sitting in water before permanent damage is done. She asked if waiting for the next meeting would be too long. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby commented that depends on the species of tree but that staff will work quickly with the DNR to investigate options. Ms. Bollman commented that she has had trees 40 to 60 feet tall that have been in standing water since May. She hoped that the City would remedy that issue if permanent damage is done. 5. COMMITTEE BUSINESS Public Works Committee / June 18, 2024 Page 6 of 8