Consider drainage concerns at 5220 - 156th Lane NW

The property owner at 5220 - 156th Lane NW is concerned with surface water drainage in the rear yard, particularly as related to the long periods of standing stormwater being experienced this year and the impact it is having on vegetation and trees in the rear yard and in Woodland Green Park located directly behind the property.  All communications to date have been through the property owners father, Mr. David Full.

The drainage issues on this property have been discussed by the Public Works Committee in the past. Attached is a case from the July 19, 2011 Public Works Committee meeting at which this drainage issue was first discussed.  The two attachments referenced in the 2011 case are also attached to this case.  These include an area overview exhibit which shows the existing stormwater infrastructure from Wildlife Sanctuary east to the Rum River, as well as a lot detail which shows existing easements and drain field locations.  Minutes from this meeting, as well as minutes from the October 11, 2011 meeting where the proposed resolution was discussed, are also attached.

As a result of the two 2011 cases, the City paid to relocate the septic system drain field to a location outside the area that is flood prone.  Since this work was completed, the property has changed hands and the new owner has contacted the City and is requesting that their drainage concerns be addressed.

Also attached to this case is a figure showing updated aerial photography of the general area.
 
Public Works Superintendent Riemer recently inspected the storm sewer infrastructure in this area while it was raining to see if any storm sewer or culverts were plugged.  No issues were noted.

Mr. Full invites all elected officials and Staff to meet at his daughters property starting at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, September 16^th.  Mr. Full would like City Council and Public Works Committee members to review and discuss the drainage concerns on his daughter’s property prior to discussing this in more detail during the September 16th Public Works Committee meeting.  He feels this would be beneficial for those Council members who are on the Public Works Committee to know before the meeting.
 
Staff recommends visiting the site before the regular Public Works Committee meeting, and to meet in the Woodland Green Park lot off of 155^th Lane NW at 4:30 pm.  Staff will then begin the site visit by discussing the existing drainage infrastructure before moving to review the issue in the rear yard of 5220 - 156th Lane NW.  Staff will also stake the existing 25-foot wide drainage easement prior to the site visit so it is clear where the limits of the existing easement are in relation to the standing water and the house itself.

Approximately 15 minutes for discussion (after the field trip).

As discussed in the attached July 19, 2011 Public Works Case, three options were explored at the time.  Option 1 explored relocating the drain field outside of the flood-prone area, which was the option ultimately selected.  Option 2 was to enlarge the existing stormwater pond area between Yakima Court and 156th Lane, which at the time had an estimated cost of $60,000.  And option 3 was to replace a significant amount of storm sewer that was constructed with the Reilley Estates development to provide better drainage to the Rum River, which had an estimated cost of $150,000.

Given the above-normal snowfall last winter and rainfall this spring, the drainage issues experienced at this property this year will likely never be eclipsed.  And since there was never any danger of flooding to the structure itself, this is likely a low-risk issue and will likely not result in property damage in the future.

Storm water drainage issues such as this are not uncommon to Ramsey.  Numerous areas with such issues exist across Ramsey, especially in the northern half of the City,where homes were built in pockets of wetlands without natural outlets.  In a few areas, an outlet could be constructed for the pocket wetland to drain the low area to a roadway ditch or a County ditch.  However, in most cases the wetland pockets are at roughly the same elevation so if an outlet were to be provided for one low area it may push more water to the next low area creating a situation that is then worse for those residents.

City Staff has been contacted by numerous residents over the years about such drainage issues and will update the Public Works Committee on this broader issue during the October 21st Public Works Committee meeting.  With this in mind, if any drainage improvements are completed to assist the property owner at 5220 - 156th Lane, it would likley set a precedent for other property owners with similar issues or concerns.

Funding for any ordered improvements would come from the Stormwater Fund.

Staff recommends reviewing the existing berm grading that was completed in the rear yard of 5220 - 156th Lane at the time the drain field was relocated to determine if a low cost solution can be identified to assist this property owner with their standing water concerns.

Direct Staff to review the berm grading that was completed with the drain field relocation work in 2011 to determine if a low-cost, high-benefit improvement can be made.