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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 01-20-2004 SpecialAdopted Minutes Special Council Meeting January 20, 2004 Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 6:05 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on January 20, 2004. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Hewitt, Slavik, Black, and Stein. ABSENT: Councilmember Bildsoe, Neset STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Faulkner, Finance Director Hahn, City Engineer Quanbeck, and Deputy City Clerk Hoffman. Receive Update on Flood Analysis Public Works Director Faulkner introduced SEH Engineering Consultant Rocky Keehn, who headed up the review of flood -damaged sites. Public Works Director Faulkner summarized the City's work with SEH to study the sites that experienced flooding in June 2003. He reported that staff met individually with residents on November 17-18, 2003, to explain what might be done, adding that work might be scaled back and still provide protection from future flooding. He said reports on Sites 2 and 8 are still forthcoming because additional alternatives are being considered for Site 2, while additional analysis is necessary for site 8. Site 1—Weston Lane Mr. Keehn reported that a manhole cover in the backyard of 1506 Weston Lane blew off during the June 2003 flooding, resulting in erosion around the manhole structure. In addition, an upstream pond overflowed, flooding one basement through the backyard. He said several possible solutions were studied keeping in mind costs and concerns of residents. He said the location had a history of backyard flooding, but never to the degree experienced in June 2003, and an analysis was made to learn whether a previous proposal might still be a valid solution to prevent flooding. He said the previous proposal recommended raising the manhole structure, and installing a pump station. Councilmember Black expressed concern about the effectiveness of the pump station if there is a power outage. She suggested creation of a dry pond to the west of the affected area. Mr. Keehn responded that if there was a power outage there would be enough storage in the backyard for the local drainage, and a backflow device in the manhole structure to avoid flooding. Adopted Minutes Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 20, 2004 Page 2 of 8 Ellen Feuling, 1506 Weston Lane, said her home is at the center of the drainage area. She expressed an interest in installation of the pumping station, but had concerns with power outages. The benefit and need for a standby generator were discussed. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to direct staff to proceed with plans for this project as recommended, but to give the Council an opportunity to discuss funding sources before work starts. Motion was made by Councilmember Hewitt, and seconded by Councilmember Black, to amend the original motion to include funding for the project with money from the Citv Surface Water Fees. Councilmembers discussed funding options to pay for the project. They discussed whether a 5% increase in the water fee would be appropriate. A substitute amendment was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Stein, that staff provide a financial analysis on funding and bring back the project for approval by the Council at the January 27 meeting. The amendment passed in a unanimous voice vote. Project 3—Valley Forge Lane Mr. Keehn reported that, after meeting with the residents affected by flooding, a combination of two or more of the following solutions are recommended: expansion of the run—off storage pond; creation of a larger outlet; construction of an emergency overflow; or construction of a berm. In discussion with the property owners, it was determined that the berm, in combination with an emergency overflow, are concepts that are acceptable. Mark Wollschlager, 4785 Valley Forge Lane, said the plan seems sound, but he believes more than one element will need to be undertaken. Jim Tucktenhagen, 10815 47`h Place N., expressed concern that water might backflow across the storage pond to his yard. The City Council directed staff to contact the resident to the north where the emergency overflow would be constructed and then have further discussions with Messrs. Wollschlager and Tucktenhagen. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Mayor Johnson. to direct staff to move forward on the repair plans with subject to funding. The main motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. Adopted Minutes Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 20, 2004 Page 3 of 8 Site 4E: 11 23 5111 22 0 52"d Avenue Public Works Director Faulkner reported that four property owners are would be affected with the proposed swale solution. He said the solution would not completely satisfy all parties, as there is a concern with silt in the receiving pond, but this did not affect the flooding at 11235 52 Avenue. He said the Consultant's recommendation is to create an overflow swale, and to install a side yard drainage intake between the houses, connecting that to the existing area storm sewer. He added that the homeowners could do additional window waterproofing and caulking, at their own expense if they desire additional protection. Phil Glanzer, 11230 52nd Avenue, a resident across the street from the affected home, and expressed an interest in hearing the Council's plan for avoiding flooding. Motion was mad by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Stein, to direct staff to proceed with the recommended solutions, given financial considerations. The motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. Site 4W.- 11735 52"d Avenue Mr. Keehn said the large open area next to the property owner was acting as a retention pond, and was drained by a 15" storm sewer to the north. He recommended connecting all area storm sewer pipes in the back yard, and redirecting the drainage pipe to an existing City pond north of 52nd Avenue and south of the Canadian Pacific Railroad tracks. He said this is desirable so that the flow rate is not increased north of the tracks between two houses on the south side of 53`d Avenue. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Hewittto proceed with connection and diversion of storm sewer pipes, and to proceed with a hydrological study when funding is available. The motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. Site 5— Plymouth Colony Apartments Mr. Keehn reported that underground parking spaces were constructed too low and do not have an adequate drainage system. He suggested the property owner raise the garage entrances, and install sump pumps. He said that a storm sewer pipe restriction exists, under Merrimac Lane, which serves as the outflow pipe for the apartment complex. There have been plans to remove the restriction at some unspecified date in the future, but downstream impact needs to be considered. Apartment Manager Ronna Woolery, 1805 Hwy. 101 N., said the restriction removal had been promised some time ago, but that nothing has been done yet. She said the property owner would look at what he needs to do around the garage entrances, but that he would Adopted Minutes Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 20, 2004 Page 4 of 8 like to see the City's removal of the restriction in the pipe to increase drainage away from the building. Mr. Keehn noted that even with the restriction taken out, heavy rains could still go into the garage area. The City Council directed staff to meet with the owner to discuss changing the pipe restriction. Item 6-28h and Sycamore Mr. Keehn said the affected residence is in a low spot that receives overland run—off. He recommended installation of a check valve to prevent backflow from the existing storm sewer on 28`h Avenue. He said this could be incorporated into a new small manhole structure with an outlet to the City's stormwater system. He said another option would be to construct a berm around the walkout but this would involve input on the design from the property owner. Mark Pitman, 2740 Sycamore Lane, the property owner, said he doesn't believe the plan will stop water from pooling in the yard. He suggested a permanent six—inch pipe connected to the 28`x' Avenue storm sewer system, and a berm built to the house grade on the side and back yard. He opposed a manhole on the side yard of their home. He also expressed concerns about check valve failure and water pooling on the side yard. Motion was made by Councilmember Stein, seconded by Councilmember Hewitt, for staff to meet further with the property owners to work on plans to avoid flood damaee to the house at a cost approximately equal to the staff recommendation cost. The motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. Site #7Plymouth Pond Apartments Mr. Keehn reported that the storm drainage system on the south side of the complex became clogged during the June 2003 rain event. He recommended maintenance solutions for the City by putting in a skimmer structure to prevent future plugging. He also recommended the property owner consider construction of raised pavement in front of garage entrances. Dave Beddoe, 4575 Nathan Lane, the property owner of Plymouth Ponds, and Ralph Nutzman, the property manager, expressed concerns about guarantees that the drainage system will remain clear. They asked about preventing drainage from the wetland across the street from backing up and spilling over to the apartment complex. Public Works Director Faulkner responded that installation of a skimmer structure wouldn't take a lot of design work, and keeping the system cleared would be part of Adopted Minutes Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 20, 2004 Page 5 of 8 regular maintenance. He said they would not be able to change the elevation of the wetland, but could monitor drainage controls so that the wetland levels don't get too high. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Mayor Johnson, to accent the recommendations of the consultant. The motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. Additional Item -2615 Jewel Lane Chuck Dorsey lives in Shiloh. 2615 Jewel Lane. He referred to a letter sent to the City Council earlier in the day. In it, he and his wife expressed disappointment because they felt flooding issues at his residence have not been addressed by the City. He felt that holding ponds and the drainage system in the neighborhood had not been adequately improved. He asked that the property be included in those being studied for repairs and improvements. The City Council directed staff to meet with the residents to resolve their concerns, and to report back to the Council on the results. The Councilmembers took a five–minute recess. Review Bassett Creek Watershed Commission's Second Generation Plan Mayor Johnson introduced Commissioner Liz Thornton, Alternate Commissioner Karla Anderson, and Commission Chair John O'Toole, who were at the meeting to discuss with the City Council the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission Second Generation Watershed Management Plan. City Engineer Quanbeck reviewed the process for updating the second -generation plan. He said the Commission has been working on it for more than four years. He said that the process included input from the public and the proposed plan update is now before the member cities for review and comment. Following this review and a public hearing, the proposed plan will go to the Board of Soil and litter Resources (BWSR) and state review agencies for consideration, followed by a second review by the BWSR. Once adopted, he said the cities must update their own watershed management plans to conform. City Engineer Quanbeck reported that the Commission is recommending an ad valorem tax to residents in the watershed, to pay for capital improvements, and alum treatment of waters only if needed. He said the City of Plymouth's opposition to the proposed tax has been conveyed to the Commission. He said the City could request that the Second Generation Plan provide cities some flexibility how projects within their boundaries may be paid for. He suggested that projects in Plymouth could then be paid for through the Surface Water Treatment Fund. He reported that the Watershed Commission has made numerous changes in response to comments from Commissioners Thornton, Councilmember Black, and City Engineer Adopted Minutes Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 20, 2004 Page 6 of 8 Quanbeck. He said the Plymouth's recommendations on how projects should be reviewed, as well as modifications to the Commission's capitol improvements plan, have been incorporated, and are now similar to Plymouth's Water Management Plan. He said the Plymouth plan specifies a goal of 38 micrograms per liter while the watershed plan for Medicine Lake specifies 20 micrograms per liter. He said this is a significant difference, requiring much more aggressive efforts. The Councilmembers discussed with the Commissioners how the Watershed Commission could handle administrative duties, since it has no staff itself. City Engineer Quanbeck reported that the firm of Barr Engineering has been doing the administrative work for the Commission. He said that a suggestion was made at the last Commission meeting to have one of the cities serve as administrator. He said one of the recommended comments addresses this issue. The Council expressed concerns about costs incurred in the development of the proposed plan. City Engineer Quanbeck responded that the public input process and the capital improvements review created more meetings and consequently, preparation of studies and reports. Councilmember Black expressed opposition to the use of Barr Engineering in the creation of the Watershed Management budget. She noted that if the Commission had an executive director, it might not need to depend so heavily on a private consulting firm. Mr. O'Toole responded that the proposal might amount to greater expenses than using the private consulting firm for work. Councilmember Black opposed the use of an ad valorem tax to pay for the Commission if a private firm is involved. She said with Barr Engineering handling administration of projects, it amounted to a private firm telling the Commission what to charge for tax. She said she didn't really want to consider a staff person, but was opposed to the involvement of a private firm. Mr. O'Toole noted that the ad valorem tax is planned for capital improvement projects, not for administrative activities. Councilmember Black said that cities have lost the feeling that the Commission is listening to them. She said administration could come through several cities working together, and suggested meeting with Golden Valley Mayor Linda Loomis to learn more about their suggestion that a city serve as Commission administrator. In response to Mr. O'Toole's query about what an executive director's role would be, Mayor Johnson responded that the position would serve as a liaison with the member cities, and work with them to get a consensus on projects. Adopted Minutes Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 20, 2004 Page 7 of 8 Councilmembers discussed elements of the proposed plan. Councilmember Black noted that recommended levels of chemicals in Medicine Lake listed in the Watershed Commission proposed plan are at 30 parts per million, versus 38 parts as proposed by the City of Plymouth. She suggested referring to the State Pollution Control Agency, which is conducting studies that suggest safe and feasible chemical levels in Metro area lakes may be higher than the standards proposed by the Watershed Commission. Councilmembers discussed cleaning ponds and basins that go into the lakes. Mayor Johnson expressed a concern about how cities could adequately address lake quality issues when they have not been able to address pond and basin quality. Mr. O'Toole responded that the Commission decided it wanted aim at the lowest levels of effort, to achieve the highest quality. He said elements of the plan such as surface water quality and aquatic vegetation management could be implemented by the cities, and if these work the cities may opt not to go on to other levels of projects. He noted that alum treatment of lake water is the farthest element down the road, but the Commission wanted that in the plan so that if in ten years cities wanted to pursue that element it would be ready to go. Mr. O'Toole said the Commission could direct the engineering firm to review the lake plan study, but he added it would cost money and cause delays in the second generation plan adoption. Councilmember Slavik noted that in the proposed plan, Parkers Lake has been put on hold for any further study or work, because the water quality goals are being met. She asked about the consequences if goals are no longer met, and the process and time line for addressing the problem. Mr. O'Toole responded that much the ability to fund new projects has to do with the Watershed Commission's Capitol Improvements Program. He said if the water quality in Parkers Lake declines, there is still much that the City can do. City Engineer Quanbeck added that the Parkers Lake Implementation Plan projects are in a section of the second-generation plan that the Watershed Commission could review at some point if necessary. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Stein, to convey Councilmember Black's comments on Medicine Lake water quality levels, and Councilmember Slavik's concerns about continued work on Parkers Lake conditions to the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission for consideration in the second generation plan. Further, the comments should include a recommendation that the Commission adopt 38 parts of phosphorus per billion as an acceptable level instead of the 30 Darts per billion listed at present. The motion passed in a unanimous voice vote Adopted Minutes Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 20, 2004 Page 8 of 8 Set Future Study Session Topics Councilmembers discussed future study session topics. They agreed to meet at 6:30 PM on March 16 to hear reports from consultants on transportation studies for Vicksburg Lane and Medina Road. They agreed to meet at 5:00 PM on March 9 to hear updates on flood analyses for the remaining two site areas. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Hewittto cancel the January 21 meeting with area legislators. The motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. H.14olffman III, Deputy City Clerk