09-22-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 22, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 14 of 18 (10. COUNTRYSIDE DRIVE DRAINAGE ISSUES, Continued) Vitas stated in 2011 he spoke with Jesse Struve and Jim Gregory regarding the continued issues with slow drainage. In June of 2013, there were some heavy rains and again there was a meeting with Jesse Struve, at which time extensive documentation was provided regarding the water issues. Vitas stated he was worried about what would happen if the power went out during a rain event and that he eventually purchased battery operated backup pumps and a $10,000 generator. Vitas stated his request has been that the City to at least maintain the drainage ditches but that there has been limited cleaning of ditches done since then. In June and July of 2014, there were more massive rains and flooding. At that time workers lifted the manhole cover and found that the water was almost up to Old Crystal Bay Road. Vitas stated in his view he has done everything he can to get the water out from underneath his house and that he is now limited in being able to sell the home. Vitas stated the City of Orono is charged with maintaining the ditches and that as you go south on Old Crystal Bay Road, there is a culvert that collects debris that is not routinely cleaned out. Vitas stated he also disagrees with the elevation data provided in Mr. Martini’s report and that it is not that large of a distance. Vitas stated he would request the City to strongly consider remedies two and four as proposed as these would effectively facilitate water runoff from the corner. Vitas stated this is their home and that it affects virtually everything about owning the home, such as the potential for ongoing flooding and resale value of the home. McMillan stated she would like to have the new Public Works Director look at the situation. Printup asked why they feel Options 2 and 4 are the best way to resolve the issues. Jewel Vitas stated she understands that finances are always an issue but that something needs to be done to correct the problem. Vitas noted Option 2 is making the culverts bigger and Option 4 is to clean the culverts out. Vitas stated the problem is getting the water out of this area as fast as possible. Vitas indicated the water eventually drains and does what it is supposed to do but that their yard is flooded for hours after a heavy rain. Vitas stated it has happened twice a year for the past seven years. Vitas indicated their home originally was constructed as a spec home and that they had no idea about the concern that the City and developer were having with the flow of water from this development and Old Crystal Bay Road. Vitas stated in their view Options 2 and 4 would help improve the situation because if the ditches along Old Crystal Bay were open, they will be able to handle more water than what they currently are. Greg Vitas illustrated the flow of the water on the overhead. Vitas stated in 1995, the ground was so saturated that their four-season porch heaved off the house due to the frozen water pushing the pilings out of the ground. Vitas stated during the last rain event, their sump pump motor ran continuously for 15 straight days. Jewel Vitas stated they have had a dry basement for 18 years until they lost power for 14 hours last year. Vitas stated the water issues are due to the overflow from city streets and private property, which is why they are requesting the City Council seriously consider Options 2 and 4.