Agenda - Public Works Committee - 05/15/2007

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CASE #1 DISCUSS LINED POND MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES By: Steven Jankowski, City Engineer Background: The utilization of storm water ponds has evolved into a basic element of subdivision design. Many of the storm water ponds constructed within the City are constructed below the,water table making them normally wet ponds which provides an aesthetic benefit to the subdivision. For those ponds which cannot be constructed into the water table there is an increasing desire to achieve the aesthetic function of open surface water by installing and impermeable lining for ponds which would otherwise be dry as a result of percolation through the sandy soils. , Presently there are four lined ponds within the City which include the following: Juniper Woods; Brandseth; Highlands at River Park; and Ramsey Town Center 3rd Addition (The Solomon Group). Within commercial zones such as the RTC 3rd Addition, the development agreements place all maintenance responsibilities for these ponds with the property owner. In residential subdivisions, particularly in older developments, there is no dear defined responsibility for the repair to a liner should it become necessary. The purpose of this case is to establish the City's responsibility for the maintenance for lined ponds and to establish a policy for addressing petitions for repair to such ponds. Observations: Lined ponds may lose the integrity of their liner through improper installation or damage to the liner by activities from property owners or builders. A significant problem associated with the repair of breached liners is the identification ofthe defect location. In addition, the repairs to the ' liner are usually costly. It is proposed that the City take an active role during the inspection of the pond liners during their installation. It would also be reasonable to require a surety sufficient to cover the repair of the liner during the period when construction is most activity by builders is occurring. However'following this period, it would be ~taffs recommendation that any repair be undertaken as a public improvement project and special assessed to'the benefiting property owner. Recommendation: It is staff recommendation that it be directed to prepare a policy relating to the installation of lined ponds within the City based upon the above observations and Committee input. Action: Motion to recommend to City Council that staffbe directed to prepare a policy relating to the installation of lined ponds within the City based upon the above observations and Committee input. Reviewed By: Public Works Director/Principal Engineer Civil Engineer II Engineering Technician IV PW: 05/15/07