Authorizing a contract with EOR, Inc. in the amount of $376,322.50 for planning and engineering services for the Kings Run Drainage District Management Plan – Project No. J6601.

The Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan (CSWMP), which was accepted by Council on June 1, 2026, stipulated the development of area-specific management plans for the 10 Drainage Districts that contain the South Fork Zumbro River and its nine tributaries located within the city as part of third phase of the overall plan development. Based on the established prioritized ranking of all Drainage Districts identified in the CSWMP, the Kings Run Drainage District Management Plan was selected for completion. The Kings Run Drainage District is located within northwest Rochester and encompasses King Run which is a small stream that runs from west to east generally paralleling 55th St NW until its confluence with the South Fork Zumbro River immediately north of Essex Park.

Two of the primary reasons that the Kings Run Drainage District has been selected for the development of the corresponding management plan are as follows: (1) the upper reaches of the Drainage District west of 60th Ave NW offers substantial development opportunities in addition to the many active developments occurring today within the area bordering the city limits, and (2) several flood risks have been identified within the Weatherstone Subdivision, White Oaks Subdivision, and Cottagewood Senior Communities along with other public and private infrastructure. Development of this plan will allow for sustainable, resilient and responsible growth, and identify capital improvement projects that mitigate known flood risks within the Drainage District. This plan will incorporate the proposed regional stormwater management facility as part of the Pond 40 Concept Plan Project – J6574.

Public Works recommends approval of the contract for engineering and planning services with EOR, Inc. to complete the Kings Run Drainage District Management Plan. The fees associated with these design services will be charged on an hourly basis not to exceed $376,322.50.

The Kings Run Drainage District (KRDD) Management Plan effectively modifies as necessary and implements policies established by the Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan that are pertinent to surface and storm water management within the Kings Run Watershed but is closely associated with existing plans such as the City Comprehensive Plan, Sustainability and Resiliency Community Work Plan, and the City Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program Plan. The development of KRDD Management Plan will contribute to the City's priorities and foundational principles of Economic Resilience and Inclusive Growth Management along with Responsible Environmental Stewardship and Public Safety. 

June 1, 2026 City Council Meeting: Accepting the Comprehensive Management Surface Water Management Plan

Targeted community engagement will occur with community members, residents, businesses, and the general public specifically on flood reduction strategies downstream of the proposed Pond 40 project, the area where flooding most directly affects residents, businesses, and community facilities along with public roadways, parks, and other downstream commercial and residential developments. This focused engagement is designed to surface community priorities and lived experiences of flooding that technical analysis alone can’t capture. 

The Kings Run Drainage District Management Plan – Project No. J6601 is funded from the 2026-2031 Storm Water Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Map #8, Stormwater Management Plan Update – Phase III. The total budget for the project is $1,625,000 for the overall planning effort. Funding is sourced from the retained earnings of the Storm Water Utility Enterprise Fund.

No alternative actions are suggested at this time.