06-26-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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