5.1. SR 01-26-2004Item 5.1.
City ~
l ver
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
DATE:
Stephen Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator
January 26, 2004
SUBJECT: Discuss County Ditch Issues
Staffwould like to discuss two issues regarding county ditches with the City Council.
County Ditch Inspector, John Norgren, will also be in attendance.
The first issue is the cleanout of County Ditch 31, which roughly runs from County Road
33 through the Elk River Country Club's property. The attached aerial photo shows the
area proposed to be cleaned. Also attached is a letter regarding the project from Mr.
Norgren, dated December 21, 2003.
The lowest bid for this project is $32,725.00. Payment will come from city's Surface
Water Management Fund. This work is needed, staff recommends the Council
authorizes it, and staff will compile a letter to the County Board stating such.
The second issue is in regards to County Ditch 28. This ditch has three branches. One
branch lies solely within the City of Elk River, a second is almost entirely with the city's
boundaries, and the third is almost entirely in Big Lake Township.
Property owners in Big Lake Township have complained to the county about paying
assessment for branches of this ditch that don't benefit them. Staff agrees with their
argument that the situation is not equitable.
The County Attorney's Office is proposing to create Subordinate Service Districts, which
will allow the three branches discussed to be assessed separately. A Subordinate Service
District would allow the three branches of Ditch 28 to be billed separately. Property
owners will only be billed for work on the branch where their water runs and the County
will continue to provide the same functions such as ditch inspection. Staff requests the
Council's permission to pursue this issue with the City Attorney. If appropriate, a
recommendation on Subordinate Service District will be brought back for the Council's
consideration at a later date.
December 31. 2003
Sherburne County
ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE
Mr. Stephen Rohlf
Building and Zoning Administrator
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Pm'kway
Elk River, MN 55330
JOHN N. NORGREN
Ditch and Drainage Technician
13880 Highway 10
Elk River, MN 55330-4601
763-241-2701 or 1-800-433-5229
Cleanout of Ditch #31. Sections 17 and 20, 763-441-6894 or 612-940-4777 cellular
Township 33, Range 26, City of Elk River, Sherburne County
Dear Steve:
In the past two years the County Ditch Authority has received two petitions fi'om: Jon Lundberg,
20791, Elk Lake Road, Elk River, MN and Doug and Grace Ostein, 20842 Concord Street, Elk
River, MN, ro have a portion of ditch #31 from Station "O" (south end of the Elk River Countrv
Club) north to Station 94+00 .(County Road #33). Total footage to be cleaned is 9,400, which has
1,200 feet of 22" concrete tile line, which we are assuming is in good condition. It appears the main
problem is silt fill in brush, trees, and over growth.
On May 20, 2003, the County Ditch Authority approved the cleanout on the condition that we
recei:,,e a letter fi'om the City of Elk River a~m'eeing to the cleanout. I gave the Board an estimated
cost of $28,000.00. However, we'received two proposals, one from Big Jon's Construction in the
amount of $37,360.00 and the second proposal fi'om Herbst Excavating in the amount of
$32,725.00.
EnClosed you will fred copies of the call for bid, the petition received, and an aerial photo of the
area to be cleaned marked in "red"
In recent years, areas north of the golf com'se have been experiencing unusual flooding problems
indicating that the main ditch is filled in to the point the lateral tile lines are not draining. In this
project cost we are not addressing any lateral tile lines. Any culverts to be rePlaced on the golf
course Will be at the golf course expense.
We would like an answer-to the City's position on this matter as soon as possible so that the project
could be completed by May 15, 2004.
Thank you for yom' time in this matter. Please contact me if you have any questions.
r-%-ResP, sat~lY~,~'x ,4¢ ~
~ Sherburne C~mnty Ditch and Drainage Technician
CC:
Ramona Doebler, Sherburne County Auditor/Treasurer
Kathleen Heaney, Sherburne County Attorney
Brian Bensen, Sherburne County Administrator