City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  June 17, 2003

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Common Council consider a motion to pay for a pilot project to install a concrete block ditch liner in the north and south ditch on E. Park Boulevard from S. Shepard Avenue to S. Ridgecroft Drive and along the west side of S. Ridgecroft Drive from E. Park Boulevard south to the end of S. Ridgecroft Drive (approximately 685 lineal feet).  This represents frontage equal to approximately seven residences (3^rd Aldermanic District). 

If the pilot project is approved, it is recommended that prior to beginning the project, residents are informed that:

·This is a new product.  There is no existing data to indicate how this product will perform in the field, or how durable it will be.

·If the concrete block ditch liner fails, the City will remove the block and restore the ditch back to a vegetated condition at the line and grade it is today.

·If the concrete block ditch liner is successful, future maintenance of the ditch will be the resident’s responsibility.

Background:  Along the south side of E. Park Boulevard, the outlet pipes from the sump pumps are directed to drain into the ditch in the ROW.  Along the north side, there is a persistent low flow, in part due to the discharge of detention basins west of Shepard Avenue.  The persistent low flow of water creates wet and sometimes eroded areas in the ditch flow line, which makes maintenance such as growing and mowing the grass difficult. 

The Municipal Code places the responsibility on the homeowner for finish landscaping and maintenance of the portion of the property within the ROW, including the drainage ditch.

A home owner to the east of the proposed pilot project is currently installing the concrete block ditch liner.  A picture of the work, still in progress, is attached for your information.  A copy of the manufacturer’s brochure is also attached. 

Issues which should be considered when evaluating if the City should pay for the pilot project include:

·This is a new product.  There is no existing data to indicate how this product will perform in the field, or how durable it will be.

·If the pilot project is successful, the City will likely be requested to install similar systems at other properties.

·If the pilot project is successful, it may provide an option that can be installed at a reasonable cost per residence in areas where homeowners have persistent concerns with their ditch.

Fiscal Impact:  Initial fiscal impact will be a cost of approximately $7,500 to $10,500 based on a preliminary estimate from a local landscaping firm.  If the project is approved, a formal bid must be obtained.  Other issues as discussed above may impact future City costs. 

Prepared by: Susan A. Winnen, P.E. Civil Engineer- Environmental	Respectfully submitted, Robert L. Kufrin City Administrator
Approved by: Wayne St. John, P.E. Director of Public Works	Fiscal Review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk

File name: T:\Shared\WPFILES\CCREPORT\Ditch Liner - E. Park Boulevard.Doc

Print Date: 6/10/2003 11:03 AM

Revision No. 6