6.1.
Public Works Committee
- Meeting Date:
- 08/22/2022
- By:
- Bruce Westby, Engineering/Public Works
Title:
Receive Update on Argon Street Drainage Improvements
Purpose/Background:
Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to receive updates on the status of Staff’s efforts to identify potential drainage improvements to prevent stormwater runoff from entering the home on 15410 Argon Street during spring thaws and heavy rain events.
Background:
Halland Acres was platted in 1972. A copy of this plat is attached for reference. Over the years, Staff have been contacted by several property owners in this subdivision regarding various drainage concerns. In general, stormwater runoff from City right-of-way’s flow through various areas of several properties along Argon Street and Barium Street between Alpine Drive and 154th Lane, and to the best of Staff’s knowledge none of these areas are encumbered by drainage and utility (D&U) easements.
Most recently, Staff were contacted by Dan Ridgeway, property owner of 15410 Argon Street. Mr. Ridgeway informed Staff that the previous homeowner replaced the septic system shortly before Mr. Ridgeway purchased the home in the Spring of 2017. Staff researched this and found that the septic system was replaced in 2012 and an inspection was performed in 2016.
On October 3, 2016, Public Works Staff met with the previous property owner to discuss his stormwater runoff concerns. This property owner told Staff that stormwater runoff leaves the drainage easement along his rear property line and flows toward his walkout entry. Public Works Staff adjusted the grades in the back yard shortly after this time and left the grade above the pipes high, which causes melt water to back up during the spring thaw.
On March 14, 2019, Public Works Staff removed snow from Mr. Ridgeway’s back yard after he called to say he pumped about 200 gallons from his basement and asked if someone could come out to remove snow from his backyard to help alleviate his drainage issue. He informed Staff that the City secured a drainage easement in his back yard a couple of years ago, which Staff could not verify, and that water was overflowing the easement area and entering his home through his walkout entry door.
On March 18, 2022, Public Works Superintendent Grant Riemer visited the property after Mr. Ridgeway called to say water was entering his walkout entry door again. After this occurred, Mr. Ridgeway asked City Staff to complete a drainage improvement project to prevent water from entering his home again.
In April of 2022, Engineering Staff surveyed this property, as well as the Argon Street right-of-way including drainage ditches and a culvert that crosses under Argon Street and directs all stormwater runoff east of Argon Street to the west side of Argon Street towards Mr. Ridgeway’s property.
On May 11, 2022, Public Works Staff delivered and placed sand bags outside the walkout entry door to Mr. Ridgeway’s home due to a heavy rain event forecast for that evening. To date, these sand bags have worked well to prevent stormwater runoff from entering the home during more than one heavy rain event.
On June 21, 2022, the Public Works Committee considered an improvement project that included constructing a storm sewer pipe with manholes and ditch inlets along one side of Argon Street, and to outlet the storm sewer into the existing stormwater pond south of Alpine Drive between Argon and Barium Streets. Due to the estimated cost of up to $500,000, the Committee directed Staff to explore more cost-effective options.
Following discussions between the Public Works Committee, the property owners of 15410 Argon Street, and Staff during the July Public Works Committee meeting, Staff enlisted the services of Bolton & Menk to collect topographic survey data across several properties along Argon Street and Barium Street for the purpose of determining the allowable grading extents on 15410 Argon Street, and whether completing grading on this property would have adverse impacts on properties downstream.
Staff received the topo survey data on the afternoon of August 18th as this case was being prepared for publication. Staff will therefore have to present their findings during the meeting. If possible, Staff will attach information to this case in advance of the meeting.
The purpose of this case is to receive updates on the status of Staff’s efforts to identify potential drainage improvements to prevent stormwater runoff from entering the home on 15410 Argon Street during spring thaws and heavy rain events.
Background:
Halland Acres was platted in 1972. A copy of this plat is attached for reference. Over the years, Staff have been contacted by several property owners in this subdivision regarding various drainage concerns. In general, stormwater runoff from City right-of-way’s flow through various areas of several properties along Argon Street and Barium Street between Alpine Drive and 154th Lane, and to the best of Staff’s knowledge none of these areas are encumbered by drainage and utility (D&U) easements.
Most recently, Staff were contacted by Dan Ridgeway, property owner of 15410 Argon Street. Mr. Ridgeway informed Staff that the previous homeowner replaced the septic system shortly before Mr. Ridgeway purchased the home in the Spring of 2017. Staff researched this and found that the septic system was replaced in 2012 and an inspection was performed in 2016.
On October 3, 2016, Public Works Staff met with the previous property owner to discuss his stormwater runoff concerns. This property owner told Staff that stormwater runoff leaves the drainage easement along his rear property line and flows toward his walkout entry. Public Works Staff adjusted the grades in the back yard shortly after this time and left the grade above the pipes high, which causes melt water to back up during the spring thaw.
On March 14, 2019, Public Works Staff removed snow from Mr. Ridgeway’s back yard after he called to say he pumped about 200 gallons from his basement and asked if someone could come out to remove snow from his backyard to help alleviate his drainage issue. He informed Staff that the City secured a drainage easement in his back yard a couple of years ago, which Staff could not verify, and that water was overflowing the easement area and entering his home through his walkout entry door.
On March 18, 2022, Public Works Superintendent Grant Riemer visited the property after Mr. Ridgeway called to say water was entering his walkout entry door again. After this occurred, Mr. Ridgeway asked City Staff to complete a drainage improvement project to prevent water from entering his home again.
In April of 2022, Engineering Staff surveyed this property, as well as the Argon Street right-of-way including drainage ditches and a culvert that crosses under Argon Street and directs all stormwater runoff east of Argon Street to the west side of Argon Street towards Mr. Ridgeway’s property.
On May 11, 2022, Public Works Staff delivered and placed sand bags outside the walkout entry door to Mr. Ridgeway’s home due to a heavy rain event forecast for that evening. To date, these sand bags have worked well to prevent stormwater runoff from entering the home during more than one heavy rain event.
On June 21, 2022, the Public Works Committee considered an improvement project that included constructing a storm sewer pipe with manholes and ditch inlets along one side of Argon Street, and to outlet the storm sewer into the existing stormwater pond south of Alpine Drive between Argon and Barium Streets. Due to the estimated cost of up to $500,000, the Committee directed Staff to explore more cost-effective options.
Following discussions between the Public Works Committee, the property owners of 15410 Argon Street, and Staff during the July Public Works Committee meeting, Staff enlisted the services of Bolton & Menk to collect topographic survey data across several properties along Argon Street and Barium Street for the purpose of determining the allowable grading extents on 15410 Argon Street, and whether completing grading on this property would have adverse impacts on properties downstream.
Staff received the topo survey data on the afternoon of August 18th as this case was being prepared for publication. Staff will therefore have to present their findings during the meeting. If possible, Staff will attach information to this case in advance of the meeting.
Timeframe:
Staff anticipates 20 minutes will be required to present this case and respond to questions.
Observations/Alternatives:
Staff will inform the property owners at 15410 Argon Street that the survey data will be reviewed and discussed during this meeting, but that Staff will not yet be prepared to request a recommendation for the City Council. If the survey data indicates that a small grading project would be feasible without negatively impacting properties downstream, Staff may request consensus direction from the Committee as to next steps.
Attached is a copy of the letter with attached figures that was mailed to area residents prior to the collection of topo survey data.
Attached is a copy of the letter with attached figures that was mailed to area residents prior to the collection of topo survey data.
Funding Source:
Dependent on discussions.
Recommendation:
Dependent on discussions.
Action:
Dependent on discussions.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Hagen | Brian Hagen | 08/18/2022 04:07 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Bruce Westby
- Started On:
- 08/18/2022 11:19 AM
- Final Approval Date:
- 08/18/2022