2019-04-08-minutes-public-works-study-session

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KITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS -- BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT STUDY SESSION DATE: April S, 2019 TOPIC: Klocke Levee Repair Update ACTION REQUESTED: Support Staff Direction LEAD STAFF: Mark R. Cook RECONIlVIENDATION: Attempt to secure a permanent access easement across privateproperty allowing repair to the Klocke Levee. BRIEFING SUMMARY: • Klocke Levee requires repair pursuant to US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) inspection 2017 effort was not suocessful Public Works (PW) desires another attempt securing necessary repair access • Burlington Northern Sante Fe is not likely to alter the temporary license to a permanent access easement • Klocke Levee is maintained by the FIood Control Zone District BACKGROUND: Klocke Levee is part of the Corps PL 134-99 levee program (EXHIBIT 1— selection). In 2017, the impacted property owner altered the conditions of PW temporary construction easement and the Corps declined to construct improvements without a permanent access easement from Burlington Norther Sante Fe railroad. Corps levee xollup report is provided as EXHIBIT 2. DISCUSSION. The Flood Control Zone District Administrator (Administrator) believes strongly that in the absence of permanent access easement to the levee; the levee should be formally abandoned. The levee provides flood protection to an approximate population of 16. Threatened population with overtopping is five in the day and 11 during the night. Property damage is estimated at $713,000 (most current report). If permanent access cannot be secured from benefitted property owners, the Administrator recommends the Board of County Commissioners consider abandoning the levee and removing the levee from the Corps PL 84-99 program. An evacuation plan is recommended regardless of obtaining a permanent access easement. Letters requesting permanent easement are Page 1 of A PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WOIaK SWIIN STAFF REPORT