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10/30/1996 - City Commission Community Meeting CITY COMMISSION COMMUNITY MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER October 30, 1996 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Bob Keller Assistant City Manager Rich Baier Engineering Director Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at Countryside Library to discuss the Northwood Estates Retention Issues. The retention pond and ditch near Landmark Drive, Eastland Boulevard, and Enterprise Boulevard originally were constructed by the developer in the 1970s. Due to algae problems in the shallow ditch, the City allowed pipes to be installed between 1981 and 1985, creating a loss of approximately 20,000 cubic feet of storage. In June 1995, Engineering Director Rich Baier presented the City Commission with a plan to reclaim the retention pond’s capability of more than 100,000 cubic feet with gabions and a 5-foot deep and 35-foot wide pond. Most property owners who expressed opinions said they did not want the pond reconstructed. The City Commission requested additional alternatives for Phase 2 of the storm improvement project. Phase I reduced flooding that once reached depths exceeding 12 inches during storms at the Eastland Boulevard/Landmark Drive intersection. Eastland Boulevard often was closed for extended periods due to stormwater drainage from the surrounding Northwood Estates subdivision. The project removed and replaced some curbing along Landmark Drive and Eastland Boulevard to allow 70% to 80% of the stormwater to drain south along Landmark Drive to the stormwater collection system instead of being trapped at the Eastland intersection. Engineering Director Rich Baier provided a brief summary of the area's history. He presented aerials indicating how the ponds and open drainage system had changed over the years. At the time piping was installed, some seawalls were created along the pond with sandbags. Concern was expressed the sidewalk at the Enterprise/ Landmark intersection floods with water backing up the drainage pipes from the Eastland pond. Mr. Baier said he was unaware of area residential flooding. He noted after a heavy rain, it may take up to an hour for ponds to fill. Mr. Baier presented a board listing alternatives for Landmark Drive Storm Improvements: 1) $153,360, Lots 16 -18 - install gabions, Lot 13 - remove sod, install 3 water quality inlets - permittable - would provide 107% of original storage value with minimal impact to wetlands or upland - would reduce upland street flooding - consistent with City Comprehensive Plan/drainage & conservation policies - requires no wetland structural fill; 2) $336,370, Lots 13 -18 - install gabions and 3 water quality inlets - permittable - would provide 154% of original storage value with minimal impact to wetlands - would reduce upland street flooding but cause substantial permanent loss of trees and habitat on Lot 15 - consistent with City Comprehensive Plan and drainage & conservation policies - requires no wetland structural fill; 3) $294,920, install keystone wall along East side, construct 4:1 slope on West side, Lot 13 - remove sod, and install 3 water quality inlets - permittable - would provide 135% of original storage value with moderate impact to wetlands through loss of wetland habitat, lateral seepage on the East side, and reduced water quality benefits due to plant loss and increased velocities - would reduce upland street flooding but cause substantial permanent loss of trees and habitat on Lot 15 - partially consistent with City Comprehensive Plan and drainage & conservation policies - pond enlargement meets mitigation requirements for keystone wall; 4) $478,680 (includes construction costs and land purchase for pond enlargement), Lot 16 - install pipe, Lots 13 & 14 - enlarge pond, and install 3 water quality inlets - permittable with mitigation - would provide 129% of original storage value with minimal loss of wetland habitat, lateral seepage on the East side, and reduced water quality benefits due to plant loss and increased velocities - would reduce upland street flooding and result in minimal adverse impacts on uplands - partially consistent with the City Comprehensive Plan/drainage & conservation policies - pond enlargement meets mitigation requirements for pipe installation; and 5) $55,700, Lots 13,14, & 16 - remove sediment and install 3 water quality inlets - permittable - would provide 82% of original storage value with minimal impact to wetlands or upland - consistent with City Comprehensive Plan/drainage & conservation policies - requires no wetland structural fill. No known undeveloped areas are available for mitigation in this portion of the watershed. The most expensive alternatives create the most capacity. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the City maintains ponds only for flow, not aesthetics. Retention ponds also are located on property easements in other areas of the City. It was felt the pond behind Mary Delatosky's house had not been maintained for flow. Mr. Baier acknowledged the pond needs cleaning. Work was delayed until a decision is reached regarding Phase 2. Homeowners who attended last year's meetings had opposed staff's recommendation to install gabions. Concern was expressed the pipe leaving the pond behind Ms. Delatosky's house is too small to convey adequate amounts of water. It was noted the subject pipes were installed 17 years ago and need replacement. Mr. Baier reported the area's outfall flows into Mullet Creek. It was recommended to construct a dry pond above a large pipe that would allow stormwater to fill the swale and later seep into the aquifer. Water Resource Engineer Mike Quillen said that design would not provide adequate water storage volume. He warned against losing additional storage capacity. Chief Engineer Terry Jennings noted the dry pond design would create a dry ecological swamp and create functional problems as the area could not be mowed when wet. Mr. Baier said staff could maintain sentiment vaults through routine cleaning. Screens could be installed to exclude floatables. Concern was expressed algae blooms and alligator grass growth impede water flow and that ponds accommodate mosquito breeding and attract rats. Mr. Jennings said the City does not spray ponds on private property for mosquitoes. Cheryl Moore said the City had advised her it would maintain the area behind her house and did so for 5 years. She said residents were required to provide double wide gates in their back fences for City access. She felt the City had set a precedent and was obligated to continue the maintenance. She recommended adding an additional pipe under Enterprise Boulevard. Mr. Jennings reported these wetlands form the headwaters of Mullet Creek. Mrs. Moore recommended doubling the water flow capacity into Mullet Creek. Mr. Jennings said that would increase downstream flooding problems in Safety Harbor. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said Alternative #5 will address aesthetics but will not make it look like a rear lawn. The City does not skim trash out of ponds. The recommended vaults are underground concrete boxes accessed through manhole covers that allow sentiment to sink for later suction and removal mechanical means. It was noted dirt remains on Landmark Drive after flood waters subside. Mr. Baier said no project will move forward until the neighborhood is consulted. At 7:55 p.m., Mr. Baier invited residents to view the boards and ask questions of staff and the City Commissioners.