Planning Phase (Completed December 2007)
During the planning phase, questionnaires and public meetings are used to obtain input from property owners.  Several improvement alternatives are developed and evaluated to determine the best solution.  The recommended alternative was presented to the public on December 20, 2007 for comment at the end of the planning phase.  The planning phase of a project typically lasts 12 to 27 months. 

Design Phase (February 2008 - TBD)
During the design phase, construction drawings for the alternative selected during the planning phase are developed.  Many details must be addressed including the determination of specific pipe sizes and alignments, channel widths and lining types, inlet sizes and locations, utility relocations, and easement locations.  The design phase of a project typically lasts 21 to 34 months.

Permitting Phase (Time frame TBD)
During the permitting phase, the required water quality permits are obtained from Federal and State governments.  The permitting phase of a project typically lasts 3 to 9 months.  The permitting phase of a project may overlap other phases.

Property Easement/Acquisition (Time frame TBD)
During the planning phase, it was determined that the alternative that most closely met the project objectives included the purchase of seven residential properties along Firwood Lane for the purpose of removing the homes and constructing a dry detention basin along the existing stream.  These seven properties border Collins Park.  The acquisition process for these seven properties has begun and will be completed no later than January 2009.

Easement acquisition for all other areas of the project will begin when the preliminary design plans are completed.  The City's real estate staff will work with citizens and businesses to acquire Storm Drainage Easements (SDEs).  The City requests that SDEs be donated to provide access to your property to make the recommended improvements and provide future maintenance.  In addition to SDEs, temporary construction easements may be needed to access work areas.  The bid phase will begin after all easements are acquired.  The easement acquisition phase of a project typically lasts 8 to 12 months.

Bid Phase (Time frame TBD)
During the bid phase, the final plans will be circulated to qualified contractors for a competitive bidding process.  By state law, the lowest responsible bidder is awarded the construction contract.  The bid phase of a project typically lasts 4 to 5 months.

Construction Phase (Complete by August 2013)
Throughout construction, efforts will be made to minimize disruption to nearby property owners.  Construction of proposed improvements will be supervised by City inspectors.  Notifications of key construction dates and will be mailed to residents prior to construction.  Because projects vary in size, the typical construction phase of a project can last from 3 months to over 2 years.