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Resident urges city action after alleged dismantling of alley drainage near High Point retention pond
Summary
At the May 13 council meeting resident Felicia Trimble asked the city to address an alleged removal of alley drainage that she says is causing repeated water backups at her home near Bosher Drive and the High Point Phase 2 retention pond; staff agreed to follow up and provide further information.
Cedar Hill — A Cedar Hill resident told the City Council on May 13 that changes to an alley drainage path near High Point Phase 2 have caused recurring water backups at her house and asked the city to investigate and fix the problem.
Felicia Trimble, who gave her address as 1532 Bosher Drive, told council members that part of the alley where stormwater historically flowed has been "dismantled," causing water to back up at the rear of several properties and, she said, sending snakes into her house during severe backups. Trimble said the area sits behind the railroad right-of-way near the High Point Phase 2 retention pond.
"They have dismantled it ... it's causing a major backup of water at the alley where my house is and all of it backs up at my house and snakes come through my house when this backup is there," Trimble said during Citizens Forum. She said she brought photographs and asked how the city would respond.
Staff response and next steps Mayor Stephen Mason offered that a staff member would follow up with Trimble and requested she meet city staff after the meeting to provide photographs. The mayor also referenced an initiative to produce systems reports when residents raise infrastructure issues. A staff member had previously spoken with Trimble about the matter, and Trimble said the railroad had declined responsibility when she contacted them.
Council direction Council asked staff to engage directly with Trimble and investigate the drainage configuration and potential causes of the backup. The mayor invited Trimble to meet with staff after the meeting; city staff agreed to provide further information and to return with findings as part of the city's systems forum process.
Why this matters If confirmed, blocked or altered drainage paths can cause repeated flooding and property damage for homes downhill from the change. The complaint involves public infrastructure adjacent to a retention pond and the railroad corridor, and the resident requested a city-led review to determine responsibility and remediation options.
Ending Trimble left photographs with the city secretary and staff committed to follow up. Council did not take a formal vote on the matter during the meeting; staff will investigate and report back.
