Adopt Resolution #24-123 Approving Plans and Authorizing Advertisements for Bids for Improvement Project #24-04, Ford Brook Estates Drainage Improvements

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to adopt Resolution #24-123 approving plans and specifications and authorizing advertisements for bids for Improvement Project #24-04, Ford Brook Estates Drainage Improvements. 
 
Background:
For several years the residents at 5725 180^th Lane NW have voiced 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 only minor drainage improvements as part of the street reconstruction project. After the project was complete, Staff informed the property owners that if they wanted the City to address their larger drainage concerns 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 attached case #14569 to the Public Works Committee including preliminary design plans that proposed construction of an underground storm sewer system North of 180th Lane and West of Highway 47 to convey stormwater runoff collected within drainage ditches along both sides of 180th Lane and Krypton Street, and also 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.
 
The proposed drainage improvements provide positive drainage to prevent stormwater runoff from temporarily ponding near the Southeast corner of the property at 5725 180th Lane NW and backing up into the yard through a swale in the front yard.  And as directed by the Public Works Committee, improvements are proposed to provide an outlet for stormwater runoff that temporarily ponds West of Highway 47 on the East side of the property at 18013 Krypton Street NW.  It should be noted that no right-of-entry or easements will be required for this work as MnDOT right-of-way along Highway 47 is 120 feet wide so all storm sewer along Highway 47 can be constructed within MnDOT right-of-way, and the low-lying area East of 18013 Krypton Street extends into MnDOT right-of-way.
 
Preliminary Project Schedule
November 14, 2023    City Council authorized preparation of plans and specifications and awarded topographic survey proposal
Jan – May 2024          Staff prepared plans and specifications
                                    City Council awards geotechnical evaluation proposal
May 28, 2024              City Council approves plans, authorizes bidding
July 1, 2024                Bid opening
July 9, 2024                City Council awards construction contract
July 2024                    Begin construction
August 31, 2024          Substantial completion
October 18, 2024        Final completion
 
The ideal time to construct drainage improvements is typically during the drier months of July and August.  Turf establishment and erosion control removal will occur between substantial and final completion. 

Upon Council approval, advertisements for bids will be published in the Anoka County Union Herald on Friday, May 31st, and again on Friday, June 7th.  

Observations:
A MnDOT utility permit is required before construction can begin.  Staff has applied for this permit and anticipates receiving it soon.  A Lower Rum River WMO permit is not required, and neither is a permit from the City of Nowthen since the work will occur in MnDOT right-of-way. 
 
Alternatives:
Motion to adopt Resolution #24-123 approving plans and specifications and authorizing advertisements for bids for Improvement Project #24-04, Ford Brook Estates Drainage Improvements. 

Estimated construction costs based on final plans and specifications total $231,000.  Approximately $131,000 is attributable to the proposed drainage improvements along 180th Lane NW, and $100,000 is attributable to the proposed drainage improvements South of 180th Lane NW.  Estimated construction costs for all drainage improvements North of 180th Lane NW to the outlet South of Ford Brook was split evenly between and added to the attributable costs above.   
 
Staff prepared final plans and specifications as part of their normal duties.
 
Topographic survey along the proposed storm sewer routes was completed by Bolton & Menk in the Fall of 2023 in the not-to-exceed amount of $3,460.
 
The proposed improvements will benefit various properties within the Ford Brook Estates residential neighborhood.  The City of Ramsey charges residents and businesses a monthly stormwater utility fee to provide a dedicated source of revenue for stormwater drainage projects to correct drainage issues and for stormwater maintenance operations.  Funding is therefore proposed to come from the stormwater utility fund. 

On March 19, 2024, the Ramsey Public Works Committee reviewed the plans and recommended City Council approval of plans and specifications and authorization to advertise for bids.
 
Staff recommends adopting Resolution #24-123 approving plans and specifications and authorizing advertisements for bids for Improvement Project #24-04, Ford Brook Estates Drainage Improvements. 

Adopt Resolution #24-123 approving plans and specifications and authorizing advertisements for bids for Improvement Project #24-04, Ford Brook Estates Drainage Improvements.