Lebanon City landlord alleges drainage failures left 16 rental units flooded

Kristen Lance, who said she and her husband own multiple rental properties on North Towne Street in Lebanon City, told the city council during a nonmeeting that chronic drainage problems led to 16 rental units flooding on July 6. "We had 16 units flood on July 6," Lance said, and described repair costs as "upwards of six figures."

Lance said she and other property owners have raised the issue with Mayor Witte and with city staff, including Mr. Terry and Mr. Grove, but that follow-up has been slow. She told the council she believes some problems stem from decisions by a developer and a former city administrator who were never held accountable. "It frustrates us tremendously that they were never held accountable," Lance said.

The council did not take any formal steps in response. Chair (speaker S1) opened the meeting by saying the group was convened as a nonmeeting and "We cannot conduct any business at this meeting," meaning members could listen and discuss but could not make recommendations or take votes. Because some complaints could identify a city employee, members discussed whether parts of the matter would need to move to closed session under a personnel statute referenced on the record.

Lance said some affected tenants did not have flood insurance and that multiple property owners are involved in resolving the damage. She urged the council to examine the history of decisions that she said led to the current drainage failures and to ensure repairs are done in a way that prevents recurrence.

The exchange was recorded as public comment; the council asked that anyone who wants the city to act submit a signed complaint or request so staff can pursue it formally. No staff report, motion, or vote occurred at the nonmeeting; items needing formal action were flagged for the next regular meeting.