Resident raises repeated basement flooding at 507 West A; staff outlines limited short‑term fixes

Washington — Councilors and a resident raised repeated basement flooding at 507 West A (noted in the meeting as West 8th & Cedar). The council discussed possible short‑term fixes and long‑term infrastructure needs.

Staff said crews intended to repave the alley in spring to improve crown and divert water into the ditch line; work this fall was not possible because paving season ended. The department reviewed videos of two significant rain events and said culverts and inlet pipes feeding the ditch appeared clear, but that larger capacity improvements (additional or larger pipes) might be necessary to prevent flooding in the most severe storms. Staff also said property owners are responsible for maintaining culverts under private driveways and that the city previously performed corridor repairs at a nearby large culvert.

Councilors asked staff to review the videos and follow up with the resident; staff agreed to do so and to examine options such as crowning the alley or adding catch basins while noting a full solution could require larger infrastructure work beyond simple alley repairs.

What’s next: Staff will review the resident videos and follow up with the homeowner and will explore small‑scale mitigation options for spring paving; any larger pipe or catch‑basin projects would require further assessment and possible capital budgeting.