Laserfiche WebLink
Storm Water Ponding: As part of all developments, storm water ponding is required. My earliest sketches that I shared with the property owners and public have shown ponding. It turns out that a very large area to the south of the project uses a portion of the property to convey their storm water into the storm system. This is done through an existing “drainage and utility easement”. The storm water flows north from Sherwood Road, makes a right turn to the east and connects to the storm sewer in Long Lake Road. In most Cities this drainage and utility easement would have a storm pipe in it. At this location it was allowed to be an “open ditch” instead of pipe. After working with my engineer and the RCWD, we have now calculated how much water travels through this ditch. RCWD has made the determination that all waters traveling through this ditch will need to be treated through ponding prior to discharge into the storm sewer. This will require the collection of waters at Sherwood Road, installing a pipe that will carry the water to the ponding and the creation of a very large pond that will treat the water prior to discharge. The sizing of the project pond has now increased by over 40% due to this water from off site. This pond is now required to accommodate the waters of the neighborhood to the south and the new project including Mr. Doll and Mr. Holl”s lots. The costs associated with building the pond should include the costs of the land. The required land area for ponding is more than 20 times the area that is being condemned from Mr. Doll. Pipes will now need to be oversized to accommodate waters from the south as well as Mr. Doll and Mr. Holl. Wetlands: When I first met with the City Council, I informed them that we had a wetland delineation done on site and the wetland specialist had found no wetlands. After review by the “Technical Evaluation Panel” It was determined that we do have a 1,062 sq. ft. wetland on the property. This wetland is located in the City drainage and utility easement (ditch). If this drainage and utility easement (ditch) was maintained or have been put in a pipe, the wetland would not exist. RCWD has determined that because of the adjoining storm water ponding, the wetland will be comprised and will need to be mitigated. The cost of the mitigation is estimated to be $9,300. The current project shows 12 new lots that are part of the development group. With Mr. Doll and Mr. Holl, the number of fully improved lots is 14. All 14 lots are receiving full benefit from everything mentioned above. They will all have full utilities, a paved street with sewer and water and have the required storm water ponding. They will need no future government approvals to sell their property. Their unimproved lots will be fully improved and just as valuable as the other lots in the project. On the other hand, if they like the privacy of not having a neighbor, they are not required to sell their lot. Once again, this project has been in the works for over 30 years. In most Cities the Mr. Doll and Mr. Holl already platted back lots would be considered “non conforming” as they have no fronting street or City utilities. This project creates value for both of them. I respectfully request that the Council work with us to spread some or all of the above costs with ALL benefiting properties in a fair and equitable manner. Below are a few options that I would suggest that are fair and should be considered. 1. Mr. Doll should be assessed for the condemnation of his "right of way". Or at a minimum, any award and fees should be assessed to all 14 lots.