01-11-2023 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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WORKSHOP MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 11, 2023 OWASSO BASIN FLOOD RISK REDUCTION PROPOSAL The Public Works Director explained that the high-water levels in Little Canada from 2014-2019 and the flooding of Twin Lake, led the Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) to take a look at its entire management area and see what improvements could be made to decrease the likelihood of flooding in the most prone areas. He stated one of the areas of focus that rose to the top is the Owasso Basin area, which is located between the Ryan Industrial Park and North Star Estates manufactured home park off of Country Drive and South Owasso Boulevard. He stated the basin is a chokepoint that holds water coming in from the north and then releases it to Gervais Creek to head south and eventually into Gervais Lake. He stated there are still flooding issues in North Star Estates and the RWMWD has been working with City staff since 2020 on possible ways to reduce the flood risk in the park. Sam Redinger, Barr Engineering, explained that the intent of tonight is to give the City Council and overview of their work so far and give input on what efforts they are making. He gave a background on the ongoing flood reduction efforts in the Owasso Basin area. He stated they have identified structures, including homes, that are at risk of flooding. He reported they have done a bypass pipeline feasibility study and determined three projects that could be done right away. He stated that Phase 1 & 2 have been completed, and the Phase 3 analysis is ongoing with a focus on the North Star Estates manufactured home park. He explained that most of the homes in North Star Estates would not have flooding inundate their home because they are elevated, but having flood water outside their home is also problematic. He stated there is one home in North Star Estates that is on a low lot and the home is older so it is not elevated as high as the current code would require. He stated it is cheaper to buy this home, remove it and regrade the lot, than it would be to lower the area water level enough to fully protect this home as it is. He explained that the pond basin on the north side of North Star Estates could also be dredged in order to increase the water storage capacity there. The Public Works Director explained that the basin was constructed in the early 1990's to try and protect the North Star manufactured home park from the frequent flooding events that occurred following most large rain events. Mr. Redinger explained that their next steps are to summarize the alternatives and bring to the RWMWD Board of Managers for review and consideration. PIONEER PARK STORMWATER REUSE PROJECT The Parks & Rec/Community Services Director stated that there is a proposal to reuse stormwater to irrigate Pioneer Park instead of the current practice of using well water. He stated that the Ramsey -Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) has a program called "Targeted Retrofit Program" that can provide funding for this type of project. Paige Jen Koeher, Barr Engineering, explained the components of a stormwater reuse system. She noted there are existing stormwater ponds in the park, and stated if the top one foot of water from these existing ponds was used, it could furnish 80-90% of the water needed for the 11 acres that are irrigated. Paige Ahlborg, RWMWD, stated the RWMWD Board has seen this plan and 3