Consider Ford Brook Estates Drainage Improvements

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is review Staff’s proposed preliminary plans and updated cost estimates and consider authorizing Staff to prepare final construction plans and specifications for drainage improvements in the Ford Brook Estates residential development in the Northeast corner of the City.
 
Background:
The property owners at 5725 180th Lane NW, Scott and Lisa Monserud, have concerns with stormwater runoff that backs up into their property from the drainage ditch in City right-of-way north of 180th Lane NW.  They first shared these concerns with Staff during the design and construction of the 2019 City Improvement Project #19-01, Ford Brook Estates Street Reconstructions, which addressed minor drainage improvements as part of the project.  After the project was completed, Staff informed the property owners that if they wanted the City to address their drainage concerns in greater detail Staff could explore drainage improvement options and present them to the Public Works Committee for consideration of further action.
 
On September 19, 2023, Staff presented the attached case to the Public Works Committee outlining drainage improvement options that would address the Monserud’s concerns.  The Committee directed staff to develop preliminary design plans for drainage improvements providing positive drainage to prevent stormwater runoff from temporarily ponding on/near the Southeast corner of the Monserud’s property, which can then back up into their yard through the existing swale.  The Committee also directed staff to explore providing an outlet for stormwater runoff that temporarily ponds West of Highway 47 on the East side of the property at 18013 Krypton Street NW in response to concerns previously raised by these property owners.
 
The preliminary design proposed in the attached plan sheets includes constructing an underground storm sewer system North of 180th Lane and West of Highway 47 to convey stormwater runoff collected within drainage ditches along both sides of 180th Lane and Krypton Street, and from the low-lying area partially within MnDOT right-of-way on the West side of Highway 47 and partially on the East side of the property at 18013 Krypton Street, to an outlet to the Ford Brook in the City of Nowthen.  MnDOT’s right-of-way along this segment of Highway 47 is 120-feet wide so all storm sewer along Highway 47 can be constructed within MnDOT’s right-of-way, and the low-lying area on the East side of 18013 Krypton Street that has an elevation of less than 884 as shown in the attached figure titled “Ford Brook Estates 2-Foot Contours” extends into MnDOT’s right-of-way.   
 
Estimated construction costs for this preliminary design totals $225,000 with approximately $130,000 attributable to the storm sewer system between the Monserud’s property and Ford Brook, and $95,000 attributable to the storm sewer system South of 180th Lane. These costs include 10-percent contingency costs. 
 
If the Committee were to direct Staff to prepare final design plans and cost estimates, additional topo survey and geotechnical evaluation work would be required to complete the design. This work is estimated to cost an additional $20,000.
  
A MnDOT right of way permit would be required to construct this project.

A LRRWMO permit would also be required since work will be required in close proximity to Ford Brook, which could result in additional project costs depending on potential wetland impacts.
 
The City of Nowthen would also need to be contacted to ensure they don’t restrict such work within their City limits. 

The property owners received notice of this meeting and a link to the Public Works agenda, including this case, and may attend the meeting.   

Staff anticipates up to 20 minutes will be required to present this case and respond to questions. 

Dependent on Public Works Committee direction.   

Staff has no recommendations to offer at this time. 

Dependent on discussions and direction from the Public Works Committee.