Board hears engineering and neighbor concerns about runoff at Pacific Logistics Park Plat 2

The aldermen received a first reading of Bill 5267, which authorizes approval of a final plat and a performance surety for Pacific Logistics Park, Plat 2. Discussion focused on stormwater controls and whether runoff from the developed industrial park is contributing to flooding or ponding downstream.

Dan Conway, the owner associated with the Pacific Logistics Park project, and Thomas Lay of Cochran Engineering (filling in for design engineer Ryan Swyskew) attended to answer technical questions. City Engineer A. J. Garrando told the board the post-development runoff rate “is the same post developed as it was pre developed. There is not more water at any given moment that comes off that property than been pre developed, if everything works correctly, as their calculations show.” Garrando added that detention basins store water and release it at a controlled rate so the peak flow does not exceed pre-development conditions.

Neighboring property owner Bob Van Allen had told planning staff he’s seen more water appearing in the ditch downstream of the site and debris clogging a small culvert near Midwest Drive; those obstructions, Van Allen and officials said, are contributing to localized backup. Garrando and the developer said the site drainage features were designed to detain and control flows and that some downstream structures are undersized or obstructed and may require separate remediation. The developer said he would not absorb the full cost of downstream corrective work but suggested options — including assessments or a special improvement district — that would engage multiple property owners and the city to resolve historic drainage constraints.

Engineering: Cochran Engineering modeled flows and sealed plans will be submitted to the city for review. Thomas Lay said their engineer would deliver detailed calculations and a sealed set of construction plans; Ryan Swyskew (the design engineer) was not present and is expected back for the next meeting. Lay said the project team will construct basins before grading other parcels and will provide as-built reviews as parts of the plat approval process.

Planning notes: The plat revisions include modest changes to lot layouts (combining three lots into a larger rectangular lot to accommodate a large user) and do not reduce the north-end detention basins’ size, the developer said. City staff and the developer agreed that the city’s reviewer will validate modeling and that the developer will meet or exceed the city’s stormwater standards.

Action status: Bill 5267 was read and discussed; staff directed the applicant to submit sealed construction and stormwater calculations for engineering review prior to final plat approval.