Committee debates McKinley parking-lot plan; staff directed to reengineer drainage

Boone County officials spent extended discussion on Jan. 15 arguing how best to manage stormwater and preserve parking at the county’s McKinley facility. Engineers from CES, county staff and maintenance leaders reviewed options including detention basins (green space) and routing building downspouts into dry wells or the existing storm sewer.

Chair Carl Johnson and several members said preserving parking was critical to maintain the facility’s training and public use. "Parking is important. We cannot reduce the parking of this," Johnson said, urging solutions that keep more stalls available and move roof runoff into underground piping.

Engineers cautioned that dry wells can clog and require maintenance, and that detention basins—while detaining runoff—can be unsightly and demand upkeep. One engineer noted detention basins in the designs are not deep lakes but detention features intended to slow releases to the storm system. County highway staff signaled willingness to help with excavation and underground work to reduce contractor costs.

The committee did not adopt a final design but gave direction: staff (Becky/Tobin), Randy and Justin will coordinate reengineering, evaluate routing downspouts to the existing storm sewer where feasible, and proceed with underground work as weather and schedule allow so the paving RFP is not delayed.

Next steps include reworked engineering plans, cost estimates and coordination with the county highway department; if the committee approves, the project will proceed to RFP for paving and related work.