Neighbors press council to allow stormwater pipe on Bayside Lane; staff to survey easement

Council President Kathleen Rufkin briefed the council on the Bayside Lane stormwater project and said staff were checking easement records and state guidance after a nearby property owner objected.

"We think it's in [the easement] so I think next week or the week after there is going to be a survey done of the drainage and utilities and just to see where that well is," Rufkin said, noting staff will verify whether the private well sits inside the utility easement.

Project lead Allison told council staff had contacted the Department of Health and received guidance indicating the 20-foot isolation applies to pipes 8 inches or larger, not to the proposed 4-inch pipe. "The 4 inch does not fall under that," Allison said, summarizing the DOH response.

Public Works Director Gary Peter described construction as largely underground and said contractors will bore and locate pipe depth to minimize disturbance. He said the contractor is ready and the work will start once frost leaves and road restrictions lift.

Resident Gina Ittle, 925 Bayside Lane, told the council she has lived with chronic flooding for 26 years and has spent thousands on pumps and basins. "This would be a godsend," she said of the proposed connection to lake drainage, and urged the council to move forward.

City Attorney Sarah Sinsala advised she had not seen a legal basis that would bar the city from proceeding and that use of the drainage and utility easement to install stormwater infrastructure would be within scope if it benefits multiple properties.

Council members asked that staff proceed with a survey, keep neighbors informed and return with findings; several members signaled support for continuing with preparations so construction can begin after frost-out.