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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION June 5, 2017 <br />APPROVED <br />86 <br />87 Mayor Reinert remarked that the discussion is about addressing the current as well as <br />88 long-term. <br />89 <br />90 Environmental Coordinator Asleson explained how the ditch did not start out under the <br />91 jurisdiction of the RCWD but eventually that happened. <br />92 <br />93 Tom Schmidt, Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD), first reported that the regular <br />94 Peltier Lake drawdown did not occur due to high water; it may happen this fall. In <br />95 response to tonight's discussion about the ditch, it was replaced in 2013 as part of regular <br />96 repair. It has already been designated as a public ditch (this portion), however, crossings, <br />97 under drainage law, are not public responsibility. The culvert needs to be kept clean and <br />98 the RCWD cannot keep up with regular checks on all the culverts in all the systems in <br />99 their district — they tend to respond to complaints. He reported that the board is anxious <br />100 to see a long-term solution to this situation. The ditch/culvert was not intended to be a <br />101 flood avoidance tool and they cannot change the size. The city/residents are free to <br />102 request a reset of the grade but that comes with financial implications. The current <br />103 situation has improved but it must be recognized that the ditch system was not intended to <br />104 be fast or complete. <br />105 <br />106 Mayor Reinert asked Mr. Schmidt if petitioning a drop would be the correct long-term <br />107 solution? <br />108 <br />109 Area resident noted history of the culverts. <br />110 <br />111 Community Development Director Grochala noted that there are many complications. <br />112 This is a very wet year (ground water level is high everywhere in the city) along with <br />113 other situations. Mayor Reinert asked if this is a temporary situation and Mr. Grochala <br />114 remarked that he believes so as long as it doesn't keep raining unreasonably. Ms. <br />115 Hankee showed how the floodplain affects the area and indications that the water will <br />116 drain. <br />117 <br />118 Mayor Reinert suggested that there should be a plan in place in case things don't improve. <br />119 Mr. Grochala remarked that a plan/analysis could end up being pretty extensive and <br />120 would probably result in a recommendation for additional storage area (ponds) and that is <br />121 fairly expensive. <br />122 <br />123 Mr. Schmidt of the RCWD explained that the City of Columbus (near this problem area) <br />124 has been experiencing flooding and is in discussion about how to address their situation. <br />125 The ditch system was never intended to pull water from a large area and the sandy soil in <br />126 the area, when it becomes saturated, will not accept any more water. He also reviewed <br />127 the history of development of the ditch system and the area that was assessed for benefit. <br />128 <br />129 Area resident remarked that the problem relates to removal of a culvert and replacement <br />3 <br />