Resident says blocked culvert flooded basements; city, school district investigations ongoing

During public comment on Nov. 19, Grand Junction resident Douglas Hornack described catastrophic basement flooding after heavy rain on Sept. 4 that left his home and nearby neighbors severely damaged.

Hornack said the floodwaters reached "close to 8 feet of water" in his basement, destroying furniture and personal possessions. He told council he submitted a claim at the direction of the city's risk manager; he said the city's insurance representative informed him the investigation concluded the culvert and drainage were maintained by Mesa County Valley School District 51, and the city's insurer denied the city's liability.

"The answer was clear," Hornack said, attributing the flooding to "a blocked culvert and the drainage ditch that runs parallel to Camp Road both of which had not been maintained for years by both the city and the school district." He said he provided photographic evidence to the city.

Hornack said he also submitted a written statement to council on Sept. 17 and later spoke with the school district's claims specialist, who said the district hoped to complete its investigation soon. He added that he and two neighbors had first-floor flooding and sought council review and coordination between the city and the school district.

Mayor Kennedy later told Hornack he had visited the neighborhood, taken photos of an occluded culvert and was in ongoing communication with Hornack, the city attorney and the school district. "If the city is responsible, we'll make sure that we step forward appropriately," the mayor said, while noting the city must honor fiduciary limits when tax dollars are involved.

The council did not take immediate formal action at the meeting but indicated staff and the city attorney are in contact with the neighbors and the school district as investigations continue.