COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -Minutes 20110412
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CITY OF MUSKEGO (Approved)
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor John Johnson Aldermen Snead, Harenda, Borgman, Werner, Soltysiak, Schaumberg,
Fiedler. Also present Finance & Administration Director Sharon Mueller and City Engineer
David Simpson.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
The meeting had been noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
There were no issues with the agenda items listed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ald. Borgman moved for approval of the February 8, 2011 minutes. Ald. Snead seconded;
motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Discuss Fountainwood Flood Abatement Project.
Mayor Johnson summarized discussion that started last February regarding assisting 3 homes
in the Fountainwood Subdivision with a flooding issue. The City had authorized appraisals
and lobbied with MMSD for assistance with no success. A final letter was received 2 weeks
ago from MMSD rejecting funding for this project.
Mayor Johnson introduced City Engineer Dave Simpson who stated that the 3 appraisals of
the homes totaled $695,000. Additional costs including Attorney fees, home demolition and
grading would increase the project total to approximately $830,000. This is the cost estimate
that was submitted to MMSD for the project. After meetings with their program managers and
upper level management and still the answer is no. The resolution of necessity that was
passed in February stated that the City’s decision to go forward would be based on how much
MMSD decided to fund. Past practice from all the projects to date in the City show that there
is no precedent set on the City spending money on private property. City discussed different
options with MMSD – buying the homes, flood proofing, berms etc. All were denied.
Precedent setting not only for the City but for MMSD. They do not want to get into the
business of buying homes with water problems. MMSD policy envisioned maybe helping out
on a smaller scope with building berms redirecting flow around the houses, etc.
Committee of the Whole meeting page 2
April 12, 2011
Alderman Snead stated that originally 3 options were discussed.
1. City would fund the whole project.
2. City would do some flood proofing.
3. Do nothing.
Alderman Soltysiak questioned if berming was an option? Engineer Simpson said that
berming would not be an effective option in this case. Flood proofing options at an
approximate cost of $80,000 to $100,000 per house were not approved by MMSD.
Engineer Simpson stated that the three options discussed with MMSD were:
a) Demolishing the homes
b) Raising and flood proofing
c) Flood insurance
Alderman Snead stated that one of the homes does not have a basement and that this area is a
low spot and water is coming in from all angles.
Engineer Simpson said there had been some hope for long term funds from the Department of
Natural Resources, but with the current State budget issues that may not likely happen.
There was much discussion about what where the options? Diverting water upstream or
downstream an option? Creating berms to redirect the water? If one of the homes or all 3
homes were purchased for a detention pond would that benefit the remaining homes in the
subdivision? Engineer Simpson stated only the few surrounding homes might benefit from a
detention pond.
Mayor Johnson stated that the City has many areas with flooding issues and cautioned about
setting a precedent. Original resolution was to go forward only if MMSD funded the project
and not to use City funds. This issue will be further debated and decided at tonight’s Council
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Snead moved to adjourn at 7:45 PM. Seconded by Ald. Fiedler, motion carried
unanimously.
Minutes Transcribed by
Cindy Schweitzer