5.1. SR 01-26-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item 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.