During a recent city council meeting, resident Matt Qualls shared a harrowing account of flooding that devastated his home in Rolling Terrace, highlighting significant concerns about local infrastructure and emergency response. Qualls, who has lived at his address for 24 years, described how heavy rains and subsequent power outages led to severe flooding, resulting in eight inches of water outside and six inches inside his home after a recent storm.

Qualls emphasized that his property, located near a detention pond designed to mitigate flooding, is the lowest in the neighborhood. He recounted a troubling pattern: after storms, water backs up from drains, and emergency pumps fail to operate effectively, leaving residents vulnerable. His family's experience following Hurricane Irma in 2017 was particularly traumatic, as they returned from vacation to find their home severely damaged, with friends and family helping to salvage what they could.

The emotional and financial toll of the flooding has been significant for Qualls and his family, who did not renew their flood insurance two years ago, believing their home was safe from flooding risks. He urged the council to investigate whether the existing infrastructure is adequate or if mismanagement is to blame for the flooding incidents.

In response to Qualls' testimony, council members expressed their sympathy and acknowledged the need for further dialogue with affected residents. They committed to reaching out to Qualls and others impacted by the flooding to discuss potential solutions and ensure their concerns are addressed. The council plans to hold an after-action meeting to review the storm's impacts and improve future responses.

The meeting concluded with the council adopting the consent agenda, but the discussions surrounding flooding and infrastructure remain a pressing issue for the community.