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Council and staff discuss drainage problems and DOT safety funding after deep frost
Summary
Council members pressed staff on localized flooding after deep frost; Public Works Director Shaw said deep frost and unbuilt easements impeded drainage, staff are collecting data and considering sensor arrays, and DOT ranked Kruesi as a top valley safety project requiring pedestrian upgrades.
Council member Crafton raised concerns about flooding across the valley after an unusually deep frost penetrated the ground, asking for a brief summary of the city's response and plans.
Public Works Director Shaw responded that the deep frost caused water to collect in unusual places, that crews have been working to move water and assess culvert alignments, and that some drainage easements exist only on paper and were never constructed. Shaw said staff are collecting data, are prioritizing projects that will not leave half-completed solutions, and will design secondary overflow paths to avoid downstream flooding.
Shaw described frost-depth sensor readings near Parks and Church showing frozen conditions down more than 6 feet, with only the top 36 inches thawing. He told the council he would explore sensor arrays to monitor sewer and water systems for planning purposes.
On funding, Crafton asked about a DOT highway-safety grant opportunity. Shaw said DOT runs data algorithms using police and trooper crash records to prioritize segments; he said Kruesi was identified as the number-one valley project for safety improvements because of traffic volume and pedestrian crashes and that pedestrian crossing and safety upgrades will be needed.
Council and staff agreed these drainage and pedestrian-safety issues will be considered in forthcoming project lists and potential grant submittals.
