2003-04-23 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page 1 of 1 Kim Moore-Sykes From: Kim Moore-Sykes [ksykes@centervilfemn.com] Sent: Monday, April 14, 20035:45 PM To: 'donna.1.macoskey@medtronic.com' Cc: Tom Peterson (tpeterson@bonestroo.com) Subject: 1848 Quebec Street Dear Ms. Macoskey: The Council meeting that I referenced in our telephone conversation occurred on December 9, 2002 and the minutes of that meeting are available on the City's web site at www.centervillemn.com under Agendas and Minutes. I also have a copy of the letter that was mailed to the seven affected property owners on Quebec Street, stating estimates for connecting to an existing storm water drainage pipe, should the property owners decide to do this project. The City Engineer estimated that it would cost each property owner approximately $3,700 or more depending on their situation. Nowhere in the letter does it state that the City would be doing the work or when this work would be started. In the minutes of the December 9th Council meeting, on page 18 of 21, second paragraph under Sec. 3, Quebec Street Drainage Issues, Councifmember Broussard Vickers recommended that a letter be sent to the seven homeowners (which it was and you received a copy), indicating the City would provide a plan but they (the homeowners) would need to hire the contractor. The City Council was not offering to do the project, only if those residents agreed to pay 100% of the costs associated with this storm water drainage pipe installation and connection. And they would proceed with the project only jf all the affected property owners agreed to the project. So in answer to your question about the City being done completely with this discussion, I would have to say yes, they are, based on the opinions of the City Attorney and the City Engineer. Regarding your ability to fix the problem, on Page 18 of 21, Sec. 3, paragraph four, Councilmember Capra had asked what recourse the City would have if a homeowner put fill in their yard. The City Attorney responded that it would be a civil issue between the affected homeowners if it can be proved that the grading activities of one property owner negatively impacted the drainage of the other homeowner. He also indicated that the City may be able to press criminal charges (against a builder or property owner) for violating the City Ordinance (that states the minimum grade of a residential property is 1%). If you attended that Council meeting, you might remember someone in the audience stated that one of the property owners had indicated to him that his yard was not graded properly and wondered what recourse they would have and if the City would re-grade. Again, the City Attorney reported that it's the responsibility of the City Engineer to review and approve site plans to insure that the elevations of the residential lots are proper and according to the Ordinance. The City Attorney further stated that once the City Engineer has approved the grade as indicated on the site plans, the City's liability ends. The City does not approve elevations that are at less than 1 %. The City Engineer also reported at the December 9th meeting that changes to elevations can be caused by several things: settling can occur, obviously causing changes to the elevations; the elevation may have been changed by the builder after the plans were approved; or by former owners, through landscaping, etc. At this point, I would have no idea why your neighborhood is at .5%. To date, no other homeowner has come forward requesting this project be done. If I can answer any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask or contact me. Kim Moore-Sykes City Administrator 4/14/2003