Consider Purchase of a Drainage and Utility Easement at 16259 Coquina Street, Related to the 2011 Street Maintenance Program

The 2011 Street Maintenance Program (SMP) was reviewed by the Public Works Committee on February 15, 2011, and they recommended advancing it to the City Council.  On March 8, 2011 the City Council received the feasibility study and ordered the public hearing.  On April 12, 2011 the public hearing was held and the feasibility study was approved without revisions.  On June 14, 2011, following the City Charter required 60 day waiting period, the project was ordered by the Council and authorized for bid.  The award of contract for the 2011 SMP is on the agenda as a subsequent case for consideration this evening.

A public open house was held on March 30, 2011, and 10 property owners attended the meeting to ask questions and provide input on making the project more successful.  Each concern identified has been investigated and items were incorporated into the plan set to correct the issues identified.  One item that was brought to staff's attention was the localized roadway flooding and pavement deterioration at the intersection of Coquina Street and Coquina Court (see attached map).  Upon investigation it was discovered the the outlet pipe that discharges onto the property at 16259 Coquina Street NW is buried, and the catch basin and pipes in the street are full of water.  Runoff cannot get off the road and into the storm sewer because there are flat pavement grades and restricted flow in the pipes.  In order to correct the problem staff has prepared a design to install a concrete valley gutter through the intersection, replace the existing deteriorated pipes and structures, and perform minor excavation and grading below the outlet pipe for positive drainage.

The existing storm sewer outfall discharges to private property at 16259 Coquina Street, and there doesn't appear to be a drainage and utility easement over the pipes or encumbering the discharge/ponding area.  Staff has met with the property owners to discuss this matter on a few occasions.  They were familiar with the existing storm sewer condition that directed runoff onto their property, and haven't experienced any significant flooding issues in the past.  They are open to a right of entry to perform the corrective work identified in the plans, but they want to understand and investigate the option for a formal permanent drainage and utility easement.

Staff prepared an analysis of the easement area necessary to comply with ponding standards, which due to no outlet location from the area (isolated basin), requires the storage of back-to-back 100 year rainfall events.  Before executing a right of entry the property owners are looking for feedback from the Council on advancing this easement acquisition, and seeking clarification on potential terms and timing to complete.

Staff recommends the ability to negotiate the acquisition of a drainage and utility easement that would encumber the storm sewer system and ponding area located outside of the right-of-way on private property at 16259 Coquina Street NW.  In the interim staff would like to execute a right of entry agreement, such that the required storm sewer improvements contained within the 2011 SMP can be completed, without affecting the rights of the property owner during the easement acquisition process.

Funding for the proposed storm sewer corrections contained within the 2011 SMP will be from the Stormwater Utility Fund, as would the acquisition of any necessary easements.

Based upon discussion.