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Council directs staff to proceed with HR Green for focused stormwater study in southwest Brainerd
Summary
After decades-long neighborhood drainage concerns, the committee voted to hire HR Green to perform a focused stormwater engineering study for the CASA 48 drainage easement area; staff had solicited three proposals and noted a potential 70/30 city–county cost split.
The Brainerd City Safety and Public Works Committee authorized staff to move forward with HR Green to conduct a focused stormwater engineering study in the CASA 48 drainage-easement area of southwest Brainerd.
Engineer Jesse told the committee staff solicited proposals from three firms (HR Green, SH, WSB) and intentionally narrowed the scope to the drainage easement to reduce cost. "If you're looking at rerouting that storm water flow to somewhere else, that's where the size and scope of that study needs to expand," Jesse said. Staff noted a 70/30 cost-split with the county for drainage-easement costs if the council wishes to pursue that avenue.
Councilmembers discussed an email from Councilman Bevans proposing the possibility of piping water to a low point on an adjacent property owned by Riker in Baxter; Jesse said that scenario would likely require significant excavation, property agreements, surveys and possibly county cooperation and therefore was not included in the current scope.
Several councilmembers noted resident Mr. Bulligan and neighbors have waited decades for a solution. One member argued the city should not spend money when an existing county easement appears to place responsibility elsewhere; another member said a study could help determine feasible remedies. The committee approved the staff recommendation to engage HR Green on a voice vote.
Staff said HR Green was recommended because it previously completed hydraulic modeling that could be reused for efficiencies; alternative firms could also perform the work if the council preferred.
