9.d2 FEMA Fund Use for Bliss Sewer Improvements
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: 8-18-20
To: Mayor, City council
From: Adam Hawkinson, Director of Public Works
Re: FEMA reimbursement fund use
Background:
In March of 2019 there were rains and melting conditions that created flooding c onditions in
the Bliss Addition area and both the 201 Sewer system and ditches were overwhelmed. The
Funds secured by the Director of Public Works and provided by FEMA were to be used to help
correct issues associated with the flooding and to offset the unforeseeable expenses that were
incurred. During the incident it was identified that some pump tank covers were level with the
ground or in low areas in the yards by the lake.
Issue:
There are continued I&I (inflow/infiltration) issues occurring in the Bliss area and some ditching
can be done to improve water flow in the area.
Proposal Details:
PW staff is proposing to replace pump tank lids in the Bliss Addition that are level or low to the
ground with raised castings and reseal them. Without adding spacer rings the elevation change
would be 4” and with a ring it could be 7” or 11”. Soil would be added around the new covers to
create an easy slope away from them to meet the rest of the grade in the yard. The areas would
be seeded and covered with a seed blanket. Residents would be free to remove the blanket
after the seed had established. Residents in which the covers would be modified will be notified
of the work to be performed by a letter and have a week to respond if they had questions or
concerns.
There is also some ditching that should occur to help drainage in the area. Staff would work
with Watershed to implement any requested additional conditions pertaining to the project.
The areas to be ditched are provided on the map attachment with the proposal. The city will
need permission from some residents to perform the ditching on their property since there may
not be an easement, according to the mapping available.
Fiscal Impact:
FEMA funds would be used. PW staff would calculate funding of the projects to use only those
funds.
Options:
1.) Allow PW to proceed with the proposal
2.) Don’t move forward with the proposal
Recommendation:
Option #1
Cover to replace and raise pump tank lids
Ditching: Blue dashed lines