08-23-2000 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MAYOR Michael 1. Fahey COUNCIL Beverly Scalze Jim LaValle Steve Morel= Bob Pedersen 515 Little Canada Road, Little Canada, MN 55117-1600 ADMINISTRATOR (651) 484 -2177 / FAX: (651) 484 -4538 Joel R. Hanson Email: cityhall @ci.little- canada.mn.us MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Fahey and Members of the City Council FROM: Joel R. Hanson, City Administrator DATE: August 18, 2000 RE: Viking Drive Ditch Issue Attached is a letter from Kathleen Olson the owner of 421 Viking Drive. She is asking for the City's assistance in eliminating the ditch in front of her property. As the Council may recall, this issue was discussed with area property owners at the neighborhood meeting prior to the improvement of Viking Drive in 1999. (Copy of neighborhood meeting minutes is attached.) At that time, the neighborhood made it very clear to us that they wanted the ditches preserved in order to protect existing trees. As a result, the road design accommodated their request while still ensuring proper drainage along its route. You will note from the attached map that four of five property owners were present at this meeting (2336 McMenemy to 415 Viking Drive - 421 Viking Drive was vacant at that time). Filling a ditch area in front of one property would not resolve safety concerns raised in the letter. Similar situations would still exist on four other neighboring properties. Furthermore, it is my understanding that this ditch remains dry the vast majority of the time given the small drainage area contributing flow. While we understand the property owner's position, we cannot advocate the City paying the cost to fill this ditch given the fact our project has been completed. The project was constructed in a manner to meet the desires of the neighborhood as they were expressed to us. The fact we offered to fill the ditch as part of a road improvement project was not a standing offer. Past practice also dictates the property owner should bear this cost. I have discussed this matter with the City Engineer. My recommendation is that the City Engineer review the matter to determine what is necessary to complete the job to the City's and Ms. Olson's satisfaction. (This would negate the need for 3`d party engineering costs.) I believe the solution may only require the extension of the existing Page 79