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Summerville to seek engineering assessment of Gadsden Manor dam after residents raise flooding and mosquito concerns
Summary
Residents of Gadsden Manor urged the Summerville Town Council to address a leaking stormwater dam that neighbors say has increased downstream flooding and mosquitoes. Town staff said four engineering firms inspected the site and two proposals under the $50,000 procurement threshold have been received; staff expects remaining proposals before upcoming budget meetings.
Residents of the Gadsden Manor neighborhood urged the Summerville Town Council to act on a failing stormwater dam that they say has been leaking for decades and is worsening flooding and mosquito problems.
"We have videos to show you and pictures that show how the water increased downstream," said Dennis Chiklis during the public-comment period, summarizing longstanding concerns about a bypassed section around the dam and ongoing seepage that neighbors say has worsened over time. Eddie Phillips, who has helped maintain the pond aerator since 2019, said town personnel historically performed maintenance including dredging and operating the drain valve, and that residents have relied on that assistance.
State Representative Jenny Horn told the council she had reviewed deeds and easements and said the pond was constructed as a stormwater facility in 1984 and that the town historically held the key to the drainage valve. "The dam was put there by the town. We did not put the dam there," Horn said, urging transparent, open discussion.
Town staff gave a status update under the public-works agenda item. Scott Slaton said four engineering firms had visited the dam and two written proposals had been returned; the two received so far are under the town's $50,000 procurement threshold and therefore would not require formal council procurement approval. "We have had 4 engineering firms come out and actually take a look at the dam. 2 have already submitted proposals," Slaton said, adding staff hopes to have the remaining proposals before the Feb. 26 budget meeting.
Council members discussed interim measures to reduce nuisance mosquitoes and temporary drainage relief while a full assessment is completed. Some members cautioned about setting a precedent for town responsibility: one council member said there are thousands of detention ponds in town and asked how ongoing maintenance would be funded and managed if the town assumes responsibility.
No formal action was taken on repairs at the meeting. The Public Works and Committee on Water Supply moved the item to full council for further discussion on Feb. 9, 2026; staff was directed to continue collecting proposals, provide all responses to council, and identify short-term mitigation options.
Clarifying details: staff reported two proposals under $50,000 (the town's procurement threshold), four engineering firms inspected the site, and staff is conducting deed and easement research. The town's abstractor is searching recorded documents to clarify legal responsibilities before deciding how to proceed.
The council’s next scheduled discussion of the matter is the full council meeting on Feb. 9, 2026, when the item will be considered further.
