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Flood Risk Reduction Task Force Report #2 OUTLINE
November 17, 2019
History of the land - wetlands, etc. (I will use info from the City Council check-in)
Increased rainfall – add current statistics (Acknowledge Climate Change; collaborate with other Edina groups, i.e., Energy & Environment, etc.) I will add more information
Scope of problem
In preparation for the 2018 Comprehensive Water Resource Management Plan, Edina staff and consultants reviewed the city for areas of flooding concern... Five areas in the city were
chosen for further study – Weber Park, Concord, Halifax, Southdale, & Crosstown 62 & Hwy 100. Another twenty areas were screened, while fifty-four areas await further study. In total
– those areas contain 692 homes/apartment buildings, and 863 structures. This is a urgent problem
throughout the city of Edina – affecting the lives of those who live here. (Note: we need a map
of the entire city – with areas clearly marked. )
Issues
Replacement of Aging Infrastructure – at street reconstruction time.
Need for preventative and deferred maintenance
Need for a “Priority Plan” – do we protect homes first? Homes first. The City needs a
strategy for prioritizing services and capital projects related to the community’s
flooding issues. The method should be objective, transparent and easy for the public to
Understand. Public works is asking for a “Tool Box”
Financing? Increased taxes – increased Storm Utility payment? Resident financed?
Cost vs. Benefit analysis Is voluntary acquisition and returning the land to green space
the most cost effective? Dredging and installation of storm water holding tanks
appears to be cost prohibitive – and has no environmental benefits.
Action Plan
Improvements at street reconstruction (lowering of streets, etc.) Lowering the streets and creating temporary storage can be accomplished at that time.
More “green space” additional areas to serve as temporary storage, more trees (perhaps a
group buy of trees through the city?) Do we want to be a city of beauty – or one of
asphalt and concrete? More green has additional benefits. Redevelopment provides an
opportunity to increase green space and has environmental benefits.
Voluntary acquisition of property in flood prone areas – can be converted to “green” storage.
Education (city’s website, neighborhoods, Sun Current, About Town) Topics to include:
How to protect your home, available city services, insurance, etc. Plan needs to include
what the city, neighborhoods and citizens can do to help reduce flood risk.
Stricter land use policies - misuse of the land has caused many of the problems we’re experiencing – we can’t ignore it. Edina has no impervious surface limitations – other communities
have limitations – Excelsior has one of the best.
Creation of an Emergency Plan
Outreach to surrounding communities for a “Flood Summit”
A standing committee to continue work on Flood issues Task Force would end – this would be
a different group.
Data Collection – creation of a data collection system to track flooding by address. Concern was
expressed about privacy and home values. Do newer residents know the flooding history? Is everyone truthful on Disclosure Statements?
Creation of a Glossary