Minutes - Council - 04/22/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Farber's property about water ponding in the front yard, which is very fiat and is located at the toe of the hill, similar to Farber's property. This complaint occurred before the property to the west was developed. In addition, Public Works Supervisor Mevissen had received calls from the previous occupants of Farber's residence regarding the same situation Ms. Farber has described. Mr. Jankowski believed that the solution to Ms. Farber's problem involves relocating the soil absorption field to a location which is not subject to flooding. The City has a policy which deals with the repair of failing septic systems. Although the policy is largely directed toward eliminating public health hazards when the responsible property owner is unwilling or unable to facilitate repairs, the policy does provide a mechanism for the City to finance the repair of a failed system if the property owner cannot arrange alternative financing. Loft Farber, 6508 - 171st Lane NW, Ramsey, stated that the problem did not occur prior to the Smith's building their home and that the previous owner did not have a drainage problem. She presented pictures to the Council showing what the water in her downstairs. Mayor Gamec suggested ditching on Ms. Farber's side of the road. Councilmember Zimmerman agreed with Mr. Jankowski in that the best solution is to relocate the septic area and added that the City may be somewhat responsible. Councilmember Haas Steffen agreed that adding more homes, blacktop roads, etc. contribute to a water problem and that the City Engineer and the City Attorney should meet with the Farbers. Mayor Gamec noted that this property has always been low and he questioned whether the City would have any liability other than cleaning out that drainage ditch. However, he felt the Farber's would still have a water problem. Mr. Jankowski reiterated that the only way to solve this drainage problem is to relocate the septic field. Councilmember Zimmerman asked what would be the City's responsibility in this instance if it was found that the drainage was caused by something that is the City's fault. City Attorney Goodrich stated that the City Engineer has advised him that the parcel to the west is large and the development had little if any impact on this property. With regard to that, we all participate in some drainage issues. Everyone's property is expected to take a reasonable amount of drainage. In this case, the Farber's are saying that they are taking an unreasonable amount. The City is responsible to take care of storm water from that street that it contributed, however, this is not enhancing it. Based on the City Engineer's observation, there would be no liability on the part of the City. If the neighbor to the west is creating drainage problems, that would be an issue between them and the Farber's. Gerry Lambrecht, 6537 - 171st Lane NW, Ramsey, stated that when the Smith's put in their driveway, they changed the slope of the hill, thus causing the drainage problem. He added that four years ago, when the City built the ditch, that took care of 95% of his problem. City Council/April 22, 1997 Page 7 of 18