Consider Using Soil from COR Infiltration Basin Project as fill in Other Areas of the COR

Preparation of plans for the COR Infiltration Basin Improvement was approved by City Council on April 9, 2018.  This project will generate approximately 35,000 cubic yards of soil that needs to be exported.  A question was raised about what to do with this soil.  This case explores possible uses for the soil.

This case is expected to take 15 minutes.

Observations:
The COR was master planned as Ramsey Town Center.  The developer completed grading on the sites generally east of Rhinestone street and north of East Ramsey Parkway before going out of business and walking away from the project.  There have been several analyses of  the site to determine the amount of fill required to bring the site to grade, ready for construction.  The general number is 200,000 cubic yards of fill will be required to bring the pads up to grade, ready for building. 

It would be feasible to issue a contract for the following work on selected sites to use the excess fill from the COR Infiltration Basin Improvement Project:

1.  Install silt fence,
2. Strip and stockpile the existing topsoil.
3. Spread the fill material in uniform lifts and compact.
4. Have a geotechnical engineer perform compaction tests and document the location and results of the tests.
5. Replace the topsoil.
6. Establish vegetation.

The area south of Sunwood Drive and east of Zeolite Street was identified as a potential site for the excess fill.  This site will take approximately 6,000 cubic yards.  Bringing this site to grade will accomplish two things.  It will address a concern raised by the Minnesota Department of Health about the area around the municipal well being depressed and holding water.  It will also make the site more marketable.

The remainder of the fill will be placed in in another area of the COR that needs fill using the same steps.  Such areas could include the property between Casey's and the infiltration Basin, the future park site (Municipal Plaza), and the regional pond site (The Waterfront).  Staff will explore these areas and others in detail before the Public Works Committee meeting, and will present our findings during the meeting, including the estimated costs for completing such work. 

It would be feasible to add this work to the COR Infiltration Basin Improvement project, the funding sources for each line item would be provided to finance in advance so each pay estimate would draw from the correct fund.

Alternatives:
Alternative #1:  Motion to recommend City Council orders amending the plans for the COR Infiltration Basin Improvements, Improvement Project # 18-09, to include placing the excess fill in a controlled manner on selected sites in The COR.

Alternative #2:  Motion to not recommend City Council orders amending the plans for the COR Infiltration Basin Improvements, Improvement Project # 18-09, to include placing the excess fill in a controlled manner on selected sites in The COR.

The funding source for this work would be TIF 14 funds.

Staff recommends amending the plans for the COR Infiltration Basin Improvements, Improvement Project # 18-09, to include placing the excess fill in a controlled and documented manner on selected sites in the COR.

Motion to recommend City Council orders amending the plans for the COR Infiltration Basin Improvements, Improvement Project # 18-09, to include placing the excess fill in a controlled manner on selected sites in The COR.

Alternate:  Motion to not recommend City Council orders amending the plans for the COR Infiltration Basin Improvements, Improvement Project # 18-09, to include placing the excess fill in a controlled manner on selected sites in The COR.