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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP April 29, 1986 CITY of ANDOVER SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 29, 1986 - AGENDA Call to order - 7:30 P.M. l. Rosella Sonsteby & Dehn's Drainage/ Cost of various options 2. Enchanted Drive Area Drainage 3. Red Oaks Ponds - west & east 4. Andover Boulevard-Estimated Utility Estimates 5. Award Contract/Channel Construction a. 86-l/Creekridge Estates b. 86-2/Smith's Green Acres 6. CCO 85-8/Kenko (Water Trunk/Crosstown Boulevard) 7. Mediation Project Adjournment CITY of ANDOVER SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - APRIL 29, 1986 MINUTES A Special Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Jerry Windschitl on April 29, 1986, 7:33 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmen present: Elling, Knight, Lachinski, Orttel Councilmen absent: None Also present: TKDA Engineers John Davidson and John Rodeberg; City Administrator/Engineer, James Schrantz; and others SONSTEBY & DEHN'S DRAINAGE/COST OF VARIOUS OPTIONS Mayor Windschitl explained the City has been negotiating with the City of Anoka regarding à permanent solution to the drainage of that area of the City, but the two cities have not been able to reach an agreement to do the project. From Andover's standpoint, the cost of the project became prohibitive when Anoka insisted Andover pay one cent per square foot for all the area draining into their system. The total cost came to approximately $589,000, which is beyond the City's ability to assess. The Mayor went on to say they made a proposal to the City of Anoka tOday whereby Andover would pay for the entire construction cost, amount- ing to about $286,000, of installing the drainage pipe that was proposed to be installed in conjunction with the County 116 project through that vicinity if Anoka would provide the outlet. But Anoka did not look at that suggestion favorably. At this point, he stated he did not know what else could be done. The County is near the bidding process for that project; and unless some agreement can be reached shortly, the road will be done without the drainage pipe. Mr. Davidson then reviewed a report prepared for the meeting outlining the alternatives that might be available to solving the problem. Mr. Rodeberg provided some background information regarding the record high rains and ground- water levels since records have been kept. He also reviewed a map of water table elevations which indicate that all the water in this vicinity is flowing toward the Rum River and the Mississippi River. Mr. Davidson continued noting the elevation of Round Lake is 867.97. The lake is generally one foot higher than Dehn's pond, with the elevations dropping going south to the Chutich pond. He too felt the best solution would be to,provide a positive gravity flow from the area south through Anoka; however, the!buy-in costs Anoka is asking makes that option unfeasible for Andover. Another option is to construct an outlet west to the Rum River, which is estimated to cost in excess of $400,000 excluding jacking under county roads, easement acquisition, or ponding and watershed fees. A third option would be to establish a water level control on Round Lake and outletting the Sonsteby-Dehn area into it. Round Lake would have to be substantially lowered to less than the surrounding area, which would leave the lake virtually a wetland area; and Mr. Davidson felt the DNR would not approve that. He explained either constructing an outlet using the northwest area and outletting to the Rum River orlpiping to a ditch at the southeast corner of the lake under Round Lake Boulevard to Coon Creek could be done for approximately $50,000, excluding easement acquisition costs or ponding fees. Those also would be subject to DNR approval and further study of these option is needed. 'H Special City Council Meeting April 29, 1986 - Minutes Page 2 (Sonsteby & Dehn's Drainage/Cost of Various Options, Continued) There was then a lengthy discussion with members of the audience asking questions and making suggestions as to what might be done. Some expressed frustration and desperation, asking what are they supposed to do with the water that is destroying the values of their properties. A preference by some was to knock down the dike on the northwest corner of Round Lake to lower the lake a little, which in turn would allow pumping or natural flow from the Dehn's area into the lake. That would provide them some relief and would not be very costly. Mr. Schrantz stated he talked with John Stein of the DNR who did not have a problem with lowering the lake himself. But Mr. Schrantz noted there are many people who will oppose the lowering of the lake because of concern with water quality and wildlife habitat. The process could get bogged down in the hearings for the permit. Mayor Windschitl noted that in order to drain Dehn's pond to the lake, the lake would have to be lowered three to four feet. which he felt would be difficult to get permission to do. Mr. Davidson then reviewed in greater detail the northwest option of lowering the lake by draining it to the Rum River via a series of ditches northwest and west of Round Lake. He felt only a shallow ditch system would be needed, and easements would need to be obtained; but it is an option that could be studied in greater detail. The other option would be to drain eastward toward Coon Creek, which would also require a series of public hearings and permission from the Coon Creek Watershed Board. Once the lake is lowered, an inlet would then be made from Dehn's pond to drain into the lake. The lake would need to go below 865 in order to affect Dehn's pond, and that would create large swampy areas adjacent to the lake. One other alternative would be to establish a permanent pumping facility, though they would not guarantee that one could pump sufficiently to maintain a level below 865 because the influence on the area of the pu~ping itself is not known. Someone in the audience asked how much those in the area with geothermal heating units are contributing to this problem, feeling the City should investigate that further. Council noted the ordinance amendment and discussions that took place on the subject at the public hearings. Rosella Sonsteby - read a statement accusing the Mayor and City Council of causing the water problem they are having now by approving a development and shopping center in 1980 and diverting that drainagec,water from 468 acres from the Coon Creek Watershed to the west side of Round Lake Boulevard through a 48-inch culvert. She felt the Council and the developer should personally have to pay to have this problem resolved. Mayor Windschitl stated the Woodland Terrace plat paid Anoka directly for the outlet through their system. and the Chutich pond is the drainage pond for the Chapman's Addition. He stated the 468 acres is an inaccurate number, as it is approximately 60 acres from the Northg1en area draining into the Good Va lue pond. In further discussion it was also noted that the Chutich pond is three feet below the level of the water in her area. Mr. Davidson stated the issue raised by Ms. Sonsteby is being litigated. But they have looked at diverting the storm drainage from the Northglen I and the shopping center area east through the Adolfson property to Coon Creek, which could be done for an estimated cost of $92.800. excluding easement acquisition, pond construction or Coon Creek ponding fees. They have been monitoring the elevations of the Good Value pond west of Round Lake Boulevard and Ms. Sonsteby's wetland, and the Northglen pond has been consistently at a lower elevation than the water to the north. A possibility would also be to have Good Value Homes improve the dike between the two areas according to the original plans, which has never been done. Mr. Davidson stated by diverting this Special City Council Meeting April 29, 1986 - Minutes Page 3 (Sonsteby & Dehn's Drainage/Cost of Various Options, Continued) drainage toward Coon Creek, it would eliminate any impact that might be in the Dehn's pond or Sonsteby area, either real or implied. Council noted it would also remove it out of the entire question with the City of Anoka, but it won't benefit anyone here this evening that has water problems. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Lachinski, that we direct the question of providing an easterly outlet for the Northglen Additions on the east side of County Road 9 to the City Staff to determine the feasibility of financing, whether or not project funds are left out of the original construction. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Windschitl offered a suggestion of trying to obtain CDBG funds or grant monies to in effect elevate those houses in the Dehn's Addition with water problems to the height of their neighbors. Yard filling and restoration would need to be done, and it would get everybody out of the water problem. He stated the cost of doing this would need to be researched further. In discussing the matter further, those in the audience were generally skeptical of such a solution, again referring back to outletting Round Lake to the north as the easiest and simplest solution at least on a temporary basis. The residents asked that something be done now. John Stein, DNR Area HYdrolOfiist - explained this problem has been talked about extensively. An outlet to t e lake is permissible by State law, but it is a matter of how it is done. Also, an outlet being talked about to the northwest is feasible. The lake has a high water level of 866.4. The State law is for outlets to lakes that are landlocked to allow it to be lowered 1\ feet below the ordinary high water level, which would mean a minimum high water of 864.9 provided it is not a detriment to the environment of the lake. In looking at the lake from an historical standpoint, he was not able to find out much nor was he able to find out whether or not there was an outlet to Coon Creek. The permit process, if there are no significant public objections, would take about 60 days. If someone demanded an environmenta1:'review and the DNR felt the request was valid, that would delay the process. The DNR also will not grant a temporary permit to begin lowering the lake. Mr. Stein went on to say the City could get an appropriation permit to drain the water that is above the ordinary. high water mark, which would allow the lake level to be reduced. That would take about 15 to 20 days to process, and the City would need to show that the necessary easements and right of ways have been attained, plus other engineering data. The drainage ditch needs to be a protected water course and a legally constructed ditch. Council discussed the proposal to obtain an appropriation permit to drain the lake to the ordinary high water mark. Concerns raised at this point were that easements would need to be attained and ditching done from the northwest corner of the lake to the Rum River. Several residents argued a ditch exists there now and that very little work would need to be done to direct the flow to the river. Council also cautioned that lowering the lake to 866.4 does very little to help the Dehn's Addition area. Residents felt that lowering it 6 or 8 inches will he lp for now. Mr. Stein also stated the pumping of the Dehn's pond into Round Lake could be done as a part of the appropriation permit, all done as one project. A Corps of Engineers permit is not required to lower the lake, nor did he feel one would be needed to drain the water to the Rum River. Mr. Davidson also reported based on the area elevations, the ditch needed from Round Lake to the Rum River would be only 2 to 3 feet deep. There is an existing culvert under Seventh Avenue, and they would need to evaluate whether it is large Special City Council Meeting April 29, 1986 - Minutes Page 4 (Sonsteby & Dehn's Drainage/Cost of Various Options, Continued) enough for this additional flow. He also noted that by To:wering the lake to the ordinary' high water mark, the gravity flow from Dehn's Addition would lower the area only 7/10th of a foot from its present level. Discussion again returned to the preferred permanent solution of piping along the County's 116 roadway project and into the City of Anoka storm drainage system. A suggestion was made that the Anoka residents again approach their Council in an attempt to resolve this matter. Several residents from Anoka asked what concessions Andover is willing to give for this project and whether or not Andover Councilmen have met with the Anoka Councilmembers. Council noted the most recent proposal is Andover has agreed to pay all construction costs for the installation of the drainage pipe, which also will drain the area of Anoka in that vicinity that is having drainage problems, if Anoka will allow their storm drainage system to be used as an outlet. That would solve both Anoka's and Andover's drainage problems in that area. The Council met with the Anoka Council some time ago, but not recently. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Elling, that we direct the staff to prepare descriptions and begin to acquire temporary drainage easements for the area designated on the plat map, either existing or poposed ditch, and to have the staff or consulting engineer begin preparing a permit application for the DNR for a permit to lower the lake 7 inches based on the northwest corner of the lake dike removal, to a minimum of 866.4. DISCUSSION: Council felt costs are needed and the 429 procedure started in the event the project needs to be assessed. Councilman Ortte1 ADDED TO THE MOTION: And a feasibility report be prepared for any construction necessary. (See Resolution R037-86) Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Zillhart - was sympathetic to the problem of the residents, but felt the lowerlng of the lake should be approached with caution. The lake is a wildlife treasure, and now they are trying to establish a whooping crane refuge on the lake. He felt the nature of the lake should not be changed or altered in any way. Ms. Sonsteby - since Anoka is running their water into her ditch on her land, she suggested for a temporary emergency solution that the City cut down the hill to the south where the proposed county road will be located. She didn't feel much work would need to be done, and it would provide an emergency outlet down to the Chutich pond, alleviating their immediate problem. Council stated they had been lead to believe it would require a deep excavation and would be a lengthy ditch. Ms. Sonsteby felt only 1/8 mile or so would need to be dug and that it would be relatively easy to do. Council agreed to look into the matter, feeling that definitely would be preferable. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Elling, that we authorize the City Engineer to arrange for construction of a ditch south of Rosella Sonsteby's property to the Chutich pond for a temporary solution to the high water in the area. Motion carried unanimously. Council recessed at 10:05; reconvened at 10:18 p.m. ENCHANTED DRIVE AREA :DRAINAGE Mr. Davidson reviewed their proposal to solve the drainage problems in the Ehcnated Drive area for an estimated cost of $14,500. A resident from the area stated residents along the north side of 160th have indicated they would be willing to give whatever easements are necessary. Special City Council Meeting April 29, 1986 - Minutes Page 5 (Enchanted Drive Area Drainage, Continued) MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Knight, that we direct the City Engineer to have a feaslbility report prepared for the meeting on May 20 and during that period of time to attempt to obtain the easements as needed for the project for the Enchanted Drive area and also check into the account of the project funds in that area for any funds remaining. (See Resolution R038-86) Motion carried unanimously. RED OAKS PONDS - WEST & EAST Mr. Davidson reviewed a proposal to provide outlets to the Red Oaks ponds west by Crosstown and east by Nightingale Street and Bunker Lake Boulevard. Red Oaks East would have a storm drain constructedil to Red Oaks West using the same hole being dug for the sanitary sewer and water lines. Then a pipe would be constructed across Crosstown Boulevard and on 138th Avenue/Northwoods Drive where there is a storm sewer to Coon Creek. The estimated cost to provide outlets for both ponds is $51,870. Mr. Davidson also stated because of the depth of the sewer line, he felt it would be no problem having the sewer, waterline, and storm drain in the same hole. Perhaps an 18-inch PVC pipe could be used as the storm drain, which could easily be replaced if it needed repair. MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Lachinski, that we direct the City Staff to have a feasibility report prepared for the Red Oaks ponds drainage areas,to have it prepared by May 20 and at the same time investigate any funds that may remain i~ the original project account. (See Resolution R039-86) Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Herr, 139th, Red Oaks - explaioled at the last meeting he asked about continuing the plpe that goes through his lot. It was left 90 feet short of the property line, and now it is plugged up and causing problems. Mr. Schrantz explained the reason the pipe wasn't extended any further at the time of construction was because of the wetland and soils condition. Council directed that a recommendation for final resolution of this problem be made for the May 20 meeting. ANDOVER BOULEVARD - ESTIMATED UTILITY ESTIMATES Mr. Davidson reviewed the estimates for sanitary sewer and watermain service to Andover Boulevard from Hanson Boulevard to Crosstown Boulevard, noting those services may not be available to this area at this time. The total cost for a 100-front-foot lot would be $5,383 and for a 2.5-acre lot, $19,690.50. Council discussed the availability of the utilities to this area, the concern being the need for a lift station across Coon Creek on Crosstown Boulevard. It had been the City's policy not to install lift stations because of the expense and continu- ing maintenance costs. That area is also outside the 1990 MUSA line. Council directed TKDA to determine whether a lift station is needed to cross Coon Creek at Crosstown Boulevard or whether an inverted siphon could be used, including the costs of each. This item is to be presented to the residents at the May 6 meeting. Special City Counci, ,1eeting April 29, 1986 - Minutes Page 6 CHANGE ORDER 85-8/KENKO (Water Trunk/140th & Crosstown Boulevard) MOTION by Elling, Seconded by Orttel, introducing a Change Order for Kenko, Inc., for Project 85-8 to extend watermain from 139th to 140th for a sum of $31,034. Motion carried unanimously. AWARD CONTRACT/CHANNEL CONSTRUCTION - CREEKRIDGE ESTATES & SMITH'S GREEN ACRES Council was concerned that the rough cut work has not yet been completed. Mr. Schrantz stated he has received a letter from Carlson/Dropps depositing $20,000 in escrow for that work in Creekridge Estates and a $4,000 check for escrow from Forest Lake Condo for the Smith's Green Acres plat. MOTION by Ortte1, Seconded by Elling, that we approve a Resolution prepared for the award of contract to Channel Construction for Project 86-1, Creekridge Estates, and 86-2, Smith's Green Acres, in the amount of $306,169.85. (See Resolution R040-86) Motion carried unanimously. MOTION by Elling, Seconded by Orttel, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 11:12 p.m. Respectfully submitted, \ì^\~~C~;rf~ Marcella A. Peach Recording Secretary