Adopt Resolution #16-01-004 Ordering Feasibility Report for Improvement Project #16-36, Business Park 95 Regional Stormwater Pond Outlet Improvements

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to consider adopting Resolution #16-01-004 ordering a 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 of Business Park 95, an existing low area was set aside for stormwater ponding.  This area did not have an outlet. The record indicates an outlet was to be constructed in the future;  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 would be provided for the pond in 2016.  These improvements will be designated as Improvement Project #16-36; Business Park 95 Regional Stormwater Pond Outlet Improvements.

N/A

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.  Staff is therefore requesting City Council authorization to prepare a Feasibility Report for the proposed 2016 regional stormwater pond outlet improvements which will meet the requirements of Minnesota Statue Chapter 429 thereby allowing special assessments to be used as a potential funding source for the improvements.  Preparing a Feasibility Report will allow staff to further refine the estimated costs and funding breakdowns for the proposed improvements, and will allow the City the option of using special assessments against benefiting properties as a funding source for this project, if desired.
 
If a Feasibility Report is ordered, staff plans to prepare the report in time to request Council acceptance of the report on March 22^nd, at which time a Public Hearing would be ordered for April 12^th in accordance with Minnesota Statute Chapter 429.  This schedule will allow the project to proceed in a timely manner and to receive competitive bids for construction in 2016.
 
Alternatives:
Alternative Action #1 – Motion to adopt Resolution #16-01-004 ordering a Feasibility Report for the proposed Business Park 95 regional stormwater pond outlet improvements.
 
Alternative Action #2 – Motion to deny adoption of Resolution #16-01-004 at this time.

The Feasibility Report will be completed in-house as part of staff’s regular duties.  No outside work or related expenses are anticipated to be required at this time.
 
The City of Ramsey’s 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) identifies the proposed improvements as a proposed 2016 improvement project.  These improvements are preliminarily estimated to cost $320,000 and are proposed to be funded using a combination of stormwater utility funds and special assessments.  Stormwater utility funds would be paid back over time, in part or in full, using special assessment proceeds. More detail on estimated project costs and funding sources will be included in the Feasibility Report and will be discussed when the Feasibility Report is presented to Council for approval.

Staff recommends approval of Alternative Action #1 to allow the proposed Business Park 95 regional stormwater pond outlet Feasibility Report to be completed to further an improvement project that can be constructed in 2016, thereby preventing delays or denials of future LRRWMO permits upon future business expansion projects occurring within this business park.

Approve or deny adoption of Resolution #16-01-004 ordering a Feasibility Report for the proposed Business Park 95 regional stormwater pond outlet improvements.