ITEM: 12.2 ADMINISTRATION - Dan Schluender, Assistant City Engineer
Title
INITIATE PROJECT AND ORDER PREPARATION OF FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR HARPERS STREET AREA REGIONAL STORM DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 13-12
Background
At the March 7, 2013 Council Workshop, Council considered several potential Harpers Street area improvement projects north of 125th Avenue. The improvement projects discussed include a regional storm sewer system, street widening with installation of sidewalk and trail, and intersection improvements at 125th Avenue.
Discussion was based on previously presented concept development information. Before 2005, two developers were assembling parcels in the Harpers Street area for subdivision. While assembling these five acre parcels, they put together a concept development plan that laid out the streets and utilities to serve the entire area. Several parcels were developed under this concept plan prior to the economic downturn. The development that did occur installed the main line sanitary sewer and watermain in the Harpers Street alignment. This has left the opportunity for the remaining undeveloped five acre parcels to easily connect to sanitary sewer and water, but not the original concept of regional storm sewer pipe and ponding. There are several parcels that developers have been interested in, but most seem unable to get past trying to handle storm water within their specific parcel until a connection can be made to a regional system. Most lose 2-3 lots of immediate development potential with onsite ponding. The latest proposals are showing temporary ponding on the individual parcels (2-3 lots) with an ultimate storm water design utilizing a regional storm water pond.
A City initiated project to acquire necessary easements and build a regional storm sewer infrastructure will aid in the orderly development of the Harpers Street area and will eliminate the need to utilize various temporary ponding locations until an unknown future date when a regional system is finally completed through development. It is proposed that this project be funded through assessments to benefitting properties.
If approved, this Resolution initiates the Harpers Street Area Regional Storm Drainage Improvements Project and orders preparation of a feasibility report.
Recommended Council Action
By motion, approve the Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the City Council is aware of the need to implement Regional Storm Drainage Improvements for the Harpers Street Area; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the public interest to implement Regional Storm Drainage Improvements for the Harpers Street Area; and
WHEREAS, the City Council proposes to initiate a project of Regional Storm Drainage Improvements in the Harpers Street area in the City of Blaine; and
WHEREAS, it is proposed to assess the benefitted property for all or a portion of the costs of the improvements, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 429.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Blaine that the proposed improvements are hereby referred to the City Engineer to provide the Council with a Feasibility Report and to advise the Council in a preliminary way as to whether the proposed improvements are necessary, cost-effective, and feasible, and the estimated cost of the improvements as recommended.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 6th day of June, 2013.