Update on Recent Storm and Flooding Complaints

Over the past couple of months, with all the significant rainfall events, staff has received several calls related to flooding concerns throughout the City.  We have worked hard at responding to all calls, and addressing the items identified.  Attached is a summary of the calls received, and associated actions that have taken place to date.  We have attempted to classify the issues into 3 categories:

1. Those that require no further action.  They have been evaluated and corrected, or do not need correcting because the water is contained within a dedicated drainage & utility easement (functioning as designed).
2. Those that require additional investigation and evaluation before approaching the Council with a recommendation for corrective actions.
3. Those that have an identified recommendation for immediate action.

Attached is a summary of the items identified and a corresponding location map.

Staff wanted to provide the Council with an update of the items that have been identified, and summarize how these issues have been handled to date.  We are seeking feedback (if any) on the items resolved, input on potential items to investigate or consider when evaluating the remaining outstanding items, and direction on the immediate fixes that have been identified for corrective actions.

Also, for informational purposes, I have attached a precipitation summary of the entire state that shows the amount of rain received in the 4 month period from April 1st to August 1st of this year.  This exhibit shows that the City of Ramsey has received almost twice as much rainfall over this 4 month period as compared to the statewide average since these records began being collected.  It also shows that we are one of the top three areas for amount of rainfall received during this 4 month period.

The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) lists a $75,000 annual expenditure for the next 5 years to address city wide drainage enhancements.  Other projects have previously been identified for corrective action, and those will be evaluated with some of the items on the attached summary list for prioritization and potential improvements; these will be brought back at a future date for Council consideration.

Staff recommends that the Public Works Committee recommend to the City Council the authorization for staff to prepare the necessary plans and specifications, and receive quotes, to address the immediate corrective actions identified on the attached summary.  Staff is also seeking direction on the other items identified for potential corrective action.

Motion to authorize staff to prepare the necessary plans and specifications, and solicit quotes, for the recommended drainage corrections.