Review Feasibility Report for Improvement Project #16-36, Business Park 95 Regional Stormwater Pond Outlet Improvements

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to review and provide a recommendation for City Council approval of the draft Feasibility Report for the proposed Business Park 95 regional stormwater pond outlet improvements.

Background:
The City of Ramsey developed Business Park 95. As part of the original development an existing low area was set aside for stormwater ponding. This low area did not have an outlet. The City’s records indicate an outlet was to be constructed in the future when warranted by development.  However, no outlet was ever constructed and the park is now almost fully developed.

The recent business expansion of Dedicated Networks disturbed more than one (1) acre, necessitating obtaining a Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO) Permit.  The site was not large enough to accommodate the building expansion and increased stormwater ponding. The developer approached the City about enlarging the existing ponding area to accept the runoff from the new building expansion. The stormwater management plan for Dedicated Networks provided for infiltration of runoff from the new impervious surfaces, with ponding provided in the adjacent regional pond.  The permit was approved by the LRRWMO Board with the condition that an outlet be provided for the pond in 2016.
 
The proposed pond outlet improvements will be designated as Improvement Project #16-36; Business Park 95 Regional Stormwater Pond Outlet Improvements.

Staff estimates approximately 5 minutes will be required for presentation of this case.

Observations:
The City of Ramsey’s Special Assessments Policy allows for a portion of the costs for regional stormwater pond improvements to be specially assessed against benefiting properties. However, based on project records it appears that the City intended to construct an outlet for this pond when warranted by development, but that the proposed improvements never occurred.  Staff is therefore proposing to fully pay for the proposed 2016 regional stormwater pond outlet improvements with Stormwater Utility Funds.

Alternatives:
Alternative Action #1 – Motion recommending City Council approval of the Feasibility Report for the proposed Business Park 95 regional stormwater pond outlet improvements as presented by Staff.

Alternative Action #2 – Motion recommending that staff modify the Feasibility Report prior to presenting it to Council for approval as follows; _________________.

The Feasibility Report was completed in-house as part of staff’s regular duties. No outside expenses were incurred.

The engineer’s opinion of probable costs is $332,500.  Staff proposes to fund the improvements fully utilizing Stormwater Utility Funds.  As noted in the report, special assessments are not being proposed due to the fact that it appears that the City had intended to construct an outlet earlier, but that the work was simply never completed.

Staff recommends approving the proposed Business Park 95 regional stormwater pond outlet Feasibility Report as drafted.

Provide Committee recommendation for Council approval of the Feasibility Report as drafted, or to recommend that staff provide additional information in the Feasibility Report prior to presenting to Council.