08-15-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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August 15, 2012 south and west of the existing ball field. This will increase flood storage available for high intensity rainfall events and reduce the probability of flooding at downstream locations. In addition, the first phase includes construction of additional catch basins along Pike Lake Drive at Fredeen Court and 12ti' Street. These catch basins will provide additional capacity to allow surface water to enter storm sewer under these intersections, which can reduce the potential for flooding at these intersections. To allow for the additional capacity collected by the new catch basins, the 30 -inch corrugated metal storm sewer pipe discharging to Pike Lake will be removed and replaced with a larger 54 -inch concrete pipe. The residents surrounding these projects would not be assessed for the improvements. Public Works Director Wyffels stated the costs associated with the Phase I Freedom Park Flood Mitigation Improvements will be paid for by the Stormwater Improvement Fund. However, staff indicated cash on hand is insufficient to pay for the entire project. For this reason, Staff recommends Council consider using an internal loan provided from the Community Redevelopment Fund. The loan would be repaid by increasing the proposed 2013 Stormwater Utility Rates. Rates would increase stormwater utility rates by $0.87 per quarter for a single-family home from $10.92 to $11.79 per quarter. Public Works Director Wyffels recommended the Council accept the bids and adopt a Resolution awarding a contract for City Project 12-9, Phase I Freedom Park Flood Mitigation Improvements in the amount of $282,524.20. In addition, the Council is being asked to authorize and direct the Finance Director to transfer an amount not to exceed $305,800 from the Community Reinvestment Fund into the Stormwater Operating Fund for the financing of this project, which shall be scheduled for repayment with interest over a period of 10 years or less. Mayor Jacobsen questioned how many yards of dirt would be moved through this project. Public Works Director Wyffels commented 12,500 yards would be moved at Freedom Park and 17,000-18,000 from the New Brighton Exchange site. He noted the dirt would be spread and compacted. Councilmember Bauman understood the work needed to be done given the topography at Freedom Park. She looked forward to the completion of this project and the assistance it would offer the surrounding neighborhoods. Councilmember Burg agreed and asked for further information on the suggested plant materials near the pond at Freedom Park. Public Works Director Wyffels indicated the site would include gencos, tamaiuck pine trees, Japanese elms and hackberry. He noted the City Forester chose the plant species and selected the planting schedule. He discussed the proposed mowing in further detail with the Council and encouraged Councilmember Burg to review the information further with staff and provide comment. Councilmember Samuelson questioned when the loan would be repaid Public Works Director Wyffels indicated the internal loan would be repaid in 10 years or earlier if the Council desired City Manager Lotter commented the internal loan was a better option with greater flexibility than bonding given the size and scope of this project. He stated the stormwater utility rate could be adjusted over time if there are not other needs for the City after 10 years. Mayor Jacobsen was pleased that the City was in a great financial position to allow for the internal loan to complete this project Councilmember Jacobsen questioned how often the stormwater utility rate would be reviewed. City Manager Lotter indicated this would be reviewed on an annual basis to assure that utility rates are covering the City's expenses. Councilmember Burg wanted to be assured that the utility rate would be reviewed and not continue past the 10 years if unnecessary. City Manager Lotter stated there would be notation within the rate study to draw attention to the interfund loan with a termination date. Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen seconded by Councilmember Bauman to adopt a Resolution awarding a contract for City Project 12-9, Phase I Freedom Park Flood Mitigation Improvements in the amount of $282,524.20. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays -Motion Carried Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen seconded by Councilmember Bauman to authorize the Finance Director to transfer an amount not to exceed $305,800 from the Community Reinvestment Amd into Page 4 of 6