Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Monroe approves phase-one drainage study; MRBC to cover majority of initial cost
Summary
Council authorized phase one (and signaled approval of phase 2A) of a Burke-engineering drainage study after staff reported a $169,000 total proposal and a $54,500 cost for the initial phases; the Monon River Basin Commission and the drainage board will cover most costs, leaving Monroe with a budgeted share of $6,812.50.
Monroe Town Council voted Sept. 4 to proceed with the first phase of a multi-phase drainage study from Christopher Burke Engineering after staff described a $169,000 full-proposal total and a $54,500 price for phase one and phase 2A (watershed delineations and detention-pond alternatives).
Staff told the council the Monon River Basin Commission (MRBC) had agreed to assist with funding up to 75% for the initial phases and that the drainage board had approved covering half of the remaining match, leaving Monroe's share at $6,812.50. The town manager said the amount is already budgeted and could be drawn from the stormwater budget.
Councilors emphasized that later phases may include environmental reviews and that an existing 75-foot easement along the pond's drain tile constrains certain park improvements. They also discussed ADA compliance implications if the town proceeds with a county-to-town park transfer: some park improvements may need expenditure to meet ADA requirements before or at transfer.
A motion to proceed with phase one was made and approved by voice vote. Staff said MRBC will consider funding at its next meeting and staff will return with contract details and budget-accounting information.
Why it matters: the drainage work is intended to identify watershed boundaries and pond alternatives to reduce chronic flooding and to make future park improvements feasible; securing external funding significantly lowers Monroe's near-term outlay for the technical work.
Next steps: staff will finalize agreements with Christopher Burke Engineering and MRBC, confirm the town's expense accountings, and report back with more detailed cost breakdowns and any environmental-phase requirements.
