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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 26, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 5. FERNDALE ROAD WEST DRAINAGE STUDY (continued) 2. The water level difference on each end of the culvert was 2.25 inches when measured on August 24, 2016. 3. The culvert is in good condition and appears to be functioning as designed. Edwards stated the purpose of this item is to gain the Council's decision on whether to pursue a drainage study to determine the feasibility of lowering a culvert in the vicinity of Ferndale Road West. The cost of the study is not to exceed $7,000 and the cost for replacing the culvert would be $5,000 to $10,000. The project has not been budgeted for this year but the study and project could be funded from the Storm Water Fund. Staff recommends the City undertake the drainage study but with the understanding that it may show that benefits from alteration to the culvert do not outweigh the costs. The study itself will have value in that the City will gain a better understanding of the subject drainage area. Walsh commented having more information may be better in the long run. Walsh asked how the lowering of the culvert will alter the water height. Edwards noted this is the final culvert in the system and that currently the water only flows through this culvert if it exceeds the inlet elevation. The culvert will only lower the water to its lowest point. Walsh asked if the pond is the problem. Edwards stated that is correct. Edwards pointed out the culvert that goes underneath Ferndale Road is partially submerged and that has been replaced since the road was failing above it. Edwards noted they did not change the elevation of the culvert. Walsh asked if the study is really to find out if lowering the culvert will accomplish anything. Edwards stated the two things to consider with the study are lowering of the culvert or increasing the size of the culvert for those high water events to help move the water through the area quicker. Edwards stated it is a possibility that the City will spend the money on the study and find out that there is nothing that can be done Walsh asked if the culvert is above the lake. Edwards stated the outlet is above lake level but that there is a 2.24 inch difference between the level of the water on either side of the culvert. Edwards stated if the culvert was lowered as much as it could be, they would have only gained 2.5 inches on the upstream side. Walsh commented in drier summers it would have more impact than in wetter summers. Edwards stated there is also the possibility that if the culvert is lowered and there is a really wet summer, the water could travel backwards. Page 14 of 26