Adopt Resolution #23-280 Ordering Plans and Specifications for 180^th Lane Drainage Improvements, Improvement Project #24-04

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to adopt Resolution #23-280 ordering plans and specifications for 180^th Lane Drainage Improvements, Improvement Project #24-04.
 
Background:
The property owners at 5725 180^th 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 180^th 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 to the Public Works Committee outlining drainage improvement options which 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 180^th Lane and West of Highway 47 to convey stormwater runoff collected within drainage ditches along both sides of 180^th 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.
 
To complete design and prepare final plans and specifications, additional topo survey and geotechnical evaluation work is required. Staff has received a proposal for topographic survey, which can be performed this fall, ideally before snow becomes a hindrance. Based on discussions with geotechnical engineering firms, the timeline for geotechnical work is several months out. Staff is proposing to obtain proposals for geotechnical evaluations in the coming months.
To complete the project several permits are required, including a MnDOT right of way permit and a Lower Rum River WMO permit. Additionally, the City of Nowthen will need to be contacted to ensure they don’t restrict such work within their City limits.

The preliminary design indicates a possibility for the improvements and disturbed areas to be contained within city and state-owned right-of-ways. During final design, if it is deemed necessary to extend the work outside of right-of-way, City Staff will work with property owners to obtain right of entry and/or temporary construction easements as necessary.
 
Project Timelines
Staff is proposing to prepare plans and specifications for this project in-house, as part of their normal duties. The following are the proposed general project timelines:
 
November 14, 2023    City Council authorization to prepare plans and specifications
                                    City Council awards topographic survey proposal
Jan – April 2024         Staff prepares plans and specifications
                                    City Council awards geotechnical evaluation proposal
May – June 2024        City Council approves plans, authorizes bidding
June - July 2024          Bid opening, City Council awards contracts
July - Aug 2024          Begin Construction
Summer 2024              Finish Construction
 
Due to the nature of the work, the ideal time to perform construction is the typically drier months of July and August.

If City Council orders plans and specifications for this improvement project, Staff will send notification letters to residents impacted by these improvements.

Observations:
Estimates are based off of preliminary plans and will be updated during the design process.
 
Alternatives:
Motion to adopt Resolution #23-280 ordering plans and specifications for 180^th Lane Drainage Improvements, Improvement Project #24-04.

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 180^th Lane. These costs include 10-percent contingency costs.
 
Staff received a proposal for topographic survey of the proposed storm sewer routes from Bolton & Menk for a Not-to-Exceed amount of $3,460.00. Before finalizing plans a geotechnical report will also be required. Costs for this report are estimated at $7,000 to $10,000.
 
Funding for this improvement is proposed to come from Storm Water Utility Funds.

Staff recommends adopting Resolution #23-280 ordering plans and specifications for 180^th Lane Drainage Improvements, Improvement Project #24-04.

The City of Ramsey Public Works Committee reviewed the 180th Lane Drainage concerns during the October 17, 2023 committee meeting. The Public Works Committee unanimously recommended preparation of final plans and specifications for these improvements, including obtaining any additional topographic surveys and geotechnical explorations as necessary to complete the final design plans. 

Adopt Resolution #23-280 ordering plans and specifications for 180^th Lane Drainage Improvements, Improvement Project #24-04.