CCWS 03-20-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Work Session Meeting March 20, 2006 3 . 2006 PMP Update URS Engineer Greg Brown provided the City Council with an update on the proposed 2006 PMP project. As a result of discussions with local residents, the Rice Creek Watershed, and the Islalld Beach Club a number of residents have expressed interest installing rain gardens. At this time, there are five or six residential lots that are good candidates for the installation of rain gardens. The proposed design of the rain gardens would have a minimal impact on the resident's yard and the water overflow would go directly into the storm sewer system. At this time, engineering is proposing the installation of three storm water ponds. The existing area is a natural wetland area that collects heavy sediment. A second item of discussion is that the City does not have any drainage easements for this area. In order to maintain the storm ponds in the future, the City would have to work out an agreement with some of the property owners. Councilmember Grant requested that City staff contact the City of Maplewood to gauge their success with installing rain gardens. Councilmember Larson asked who would be responsible for the maintenance costs associated with a rain garden. . Civil Engineer Kris Giga said that she is currently researching this item and is reviewing different ways the City could assess a property owner for not properly maintaining a rain garden. COlmcilmember Larson requested that the City pursue additional funding for the rain gardens through the Rice Creek Watershed. URS Engineer Greg Brown said that he has contacted Rice Creek Watershed, but he would contact the City's representative on the Rice Creek Watershed board about available funding. Councilmember Holden asked what are the cstimated costs for maintaining rain gardens. City Administrator Wolfe replied that it was likely that the homeowner would be responsible for tlle maintenance costs. Mayor Aplikowski requested that the drainage easement be transferable if the property is ever sold. Civil Engineer Kris Giga provided the City Council with an overview of the City's past practices regarding assessing beach clubs and associations that own property with-in a PMP area. In 2003, thc City's assessment policy was to assess properties on a front footage basis. The assessment policy was changed in 2004 to assess properties on a per lot basis. The assessment policy is . based on 50% ofthe road improvement costs.