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Staff outlines stormwater projects, tree giveaway and FEMA grant status
Summary
City staff briefed the governing body on stormwater projects, ordered 1,000 trees for a March 15, 2025 White House Municipal Park event, cited enforcement problems at construction sites and businesses discharging gray water, and said the FEMA grant is pending a Phase 2 project designation.
City staff on Tuesday summarized work on stormwater infrastructure, upcoming outreach and enforcement activity while describing the current status of a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant application.
"We have ordered 1,000 trees this year," the presenter said, adding that was an increase of 600 trees from the prior year to meet demand at a March 15, 2025 tree-distribution event at White House Municipal Park that will run from 8 a.m. to noon. Staff also flagged planning for the 13th annual urban 5K for 2025; the date is to be determined.
On stormwater engineering, staff reported a Covington Heights study that identified three main sub-basins and found some inlets are adequately sized but elevation differences limit drainage. A public review of that study was scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
The presenter said property acquisition required for the Callisto Road detention-pond expansion is complete but that estimated excavation costs exceed available funds, and staff are discussing remedies. "The property that is necessary for the expansion process has been complete," the presenter said, and cautioned that estimated excavation costs currently exceed funds on hand.
Staff highlighted enforcement actions at several large developments—Kalista Farms, Coves Crossing and Concord Springs—citing erosion and sediment-control failures that allowed sediment to move off-site. The presenter described a Center Grove geotechnical-drilling incident that pushed soil into a stream; remediation work has been completed.
Staff also described multiple incidents in which businesses discharged gray water or detergent-laden rinse water into the storm system. In one example staff identified a Whataburger site where concrete-truck washout flowed into a street storm drain. The presenter said an inspector observed the discharge and that some businesses were unaware they were creating a violation.
When asked how businesses should correct the problem, staff recommended issuing a Notice of Violation for noncompliance and suggested interim measures such as using a portable container to collect rinse water until a permanent disposal option is available.
On federal funding, the presenter said, "The application has been submitted to FEMA. It is in the review process." He added FEMA asked for a Phase 2 project request, meaning FEMA will not fund a broad, city-wide study alone and wants an identified, completable project to follow the study. Staff proposed designating the Callisto Road detention-pond expansion as the Phase 2 candidate but said FEMA allows flexibility to replace the project if needed.
The presentation closed with staff noting follow-up: the Covington study public review that evening and continued discussions with FEMA and project partners about funding and scope.
