HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.31.2000COUNCIL WORK SESSION
July 31, 2000
4:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Jordan, Krizek, Gronen, Getty, Berry, Anders.
Absent: Murphy.
Moved by Getty, seconded by Gronen that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Five.
Absent: Murphy, Anders. Motion carried.
The Inspection Report for the Flood Control System was reviewed. The Army Corps of
Engineers annually inspects the flood control system. After the inspection, the Army Corps of
Engineers writes a reports, and the city is required to notify them by August 1 what we are doing
to comply with their recommendations. Letters were sent to city departments on May 1, 2000
showing items that their department needed to address.
Anders now present at 4:50 p.m.
Mayor Rooff stated that the report indicated three areas of concern that the city needs to address:
1) old floodwalls that are severely deteriorated in the downtown area, 2) the failing portion of the
Virden Creek concrete channel and 3) pump station P-10 that is in the process of being gutted
out.
Jamie Knutson, Associate Engineer, stated that Water Pollution/Flood Control is going to reset
the pumps on East 6th Street, and $150,000 has been bonded this year for the Virden Creek area.
The city is working with Earth Tech to award a contract and finish by this winter. The floodwall
from Mullan Avenue to East 4th Street is being looked at as part of the bike trail from downtown
to the east side. Mr. Knutson reported that the West 4th Street portion is starting to crumble and
will need to be included in the Capital Improvement Project.
Mayor Rooff commented that the Army Corps of Engineers praised the Engineering Department
for upgrading the map for the entire flood protection system. Mayor Rooff stated that the Corps
wants the city to ensure the new pumps on 6th Street are installed as planned before Spring 2001.
Mayor Rooff stated that the Corps of Engineers commented that the new pump station on Black
Hawk Creek near Solar Drive to pump water that in previous years would back up during high
water events should greatly improve response and operation of the system during periods of
flooding.
Councilperson Getty commented that one of the recommendation of the Army Corps of Engineers
is to identify the owner of fence installed over the levee with no coordination or review. Mr.
Knutson stated that the fence is behind Sheffield, and the Corps wants to have a gate across the
top of the levee so that city vehicles can drive through the area.
Mayor Rooff asked if all the recommendations will be resolved within the next 24 months. Mr.
Knutson stated that most of the recommendations will be resolved within 24 months except for
the old floodwalls downtown. Mayor Rooff asked that the Engineering Department provide him
with a timeline and course of action for any items that will not be resolved within 24 months.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, stated that all of the items recommending that trees and
brush be removed have been done.
Mark Linda, Black Hawk County, stated that an intern from Black Hawk County patrols the dike
for burrowing and woodchucks. They try live trapping and a toxin to reduce the population.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Gronen that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:03 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Murphy. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk