Council Discusses First Stormwater Projects After Implementation of Utility

Johnston residents could see the money they put in the city's at work as early as next spring.

During a work session Monday, the Johnston City Council heard a plan for eight high priority stormwater repair projects to the tune of nearly $2.2 million.

David Wilwerding, community development director, filled the council in on the upcoming projects.

"The stormwater utility is now implemented and starting to get revenue," he said. "As a result of that we need to get going to get some the high priority projects started. We need to get engineers working, so beginning next spring to hit some projects around the community."

Staff members proposed proceeding with the following projects:

• Water Quality Basin West of Northwest 86th Street - $825,000
• Northwest 54th Court Storm Sewer Repair - $200,000
• Green Meadows Flume Remediation - $180,000
• Eagle Crest Remediation #1 - Eagle Crest Drive - $80,000
• Sunset Ridge Remediation #1 - Overlook Court - $70,000
• The Harbour Remediation #1 - Northwest 70th Court - $80,000
• Reserve at Orchard Meadows Remediation #1 - Orchard Court - $70,000
• Beaver Creek Stabilization South of Northwest 62nd Avenue (At Huntingwood Court) $575,000

The projects, which are scattered throughout the city, are a mix of the highest priority projects from the Watershed Assessment and Stomwater Management Plan completed in 2009, as well as smaller projects that have come about since.

Wilwerding said the water quality basin is the most complex project.

"It's a big project that requires property acquisition and community education," he said.  "Because of the size and scope the public nature will be more visible than others."

Wilwerding proposed the remediation projects be done as a package and bid together for one engineer.

While the council will ultimately sign off on the engineer, the stormwater utility subcommittee of councilmen Matt Brown and John Temple will participate in the request for qualifications process beforehand.

The council will continue to discuss the projects at future meetings.