The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee deferred consideration of the county's stormwater master plan (item 2024-1284) to the second business meeting in February and heard a standing update from Roads & Drainage leadership on winter storm preparations.

Why it matters: The stormwater master plan is a comprehensive document that guides flood mitigation and drainage work countywide; deferral gives commissioners additional time to review the plan and suggest changes. County readiness for winter storms affects road safety and emergency response.

Stormwater master plan

Committee members agreed to defer the stormwater master plan to the second Board of Commissioners business meeting in February so commissioners and staff could review the large document in more detail and, if necessary, propose edits or substitutes. Chair and staff discussed the option of a stand-alone or special-called meeting for a line-by-line discussion if more in-depth review is desired.

Roads & Drainage winter preparedness

Director Lemke briefed the committee on preparations for an impending winter event. Key points the director provided:

- Pre-staging: Salt and sand materials were received into county yards by Oct. 1.
- Staffing and equipment: The department has adjusted staffing and has 10 sanders, plows and trained operators staged for pre-treatment and response; crews will pre-treat low spots, bridges and known icing locations Thursday night ahead of the event.
- Coordination: Roads & Drainage will coordinate with DeKalb Emergency Management Agency, municipalities and Watershed staff to share situational information and, where appropriate, resources.
- Reporting issues: Residents with ice or road concerns are advised to call the county dispatch or the roads/ drainage after-hours call list (director offered to provide specific contact information to commissioners).

Director Lemke said the department treats bridges and known trouble spots first and will continue operations throughout the storm period, responding to requests and coordinating with watershed crews if water-breaks or other incidents occur.

Ending

The committee moved the stormwater master plan to February to allow more review and directed county staff to provide contact information for reporting road and ice problems during the storm. Director Lemke said crews are prepared and will remain in communication with emergency management and municipal partners.