Angola Board of Works approves 50% cost-share grant for Manahan Drive drainage repairs

The Angola Board of Works on June 1 approved a 50% cost-share grant to help a Manahan Drive homeowner pay for drainage work after hearing testimony about persistent springtime flooding.

The board reviewed a stormwater grant application for the property at 1112 Manahan Drive and asked Amanda, a city staff member, to summarize the program. Amanda said the city operates a 50-50 matching grant — similar to façade grants — that helps fund private drainage improvements without the city itself performing work on private property.

Property owner Nancy told the board she has lived in the house since December 2024 and has seen water accumulate at the bottom of the hill behind her home each spring, preventing yard use and threatening a recently poured 16-by-24 concrete pad. “Water was accumulating at the bottom of the hill, which prevented me from taking my dog outside, cutting the grass in the spring,” Nancy said. She said prior drain tile under the concrete did not solve the problem and that additional tile across the bottom of the hill is needed.

A neighbor who identified himself as David Alec Haluch and said he lives next door described a long-running sump-pump system and similar ongoing drainage issues; he said he has had pumps and drain work for decades. Amanda and board members noted the street behind the properties (Broad Street) sits at a higher elevation and that the neighborhood lacks storm infrastructure that would carry runoff away from backyards.

Board members and staff discussed cost options. Amanda said a full city infrastructure fix with easements could cost roughly $50,000–$60,000; the homeowner’s application requested $62,000. The board also discussed a lower contractor quote from JL Brown Excavating for $6,850 to install tile where the immediate problem is worst; with the city’s 50% match, the homeowner’s share on that quoted work would be roughly $3,425. Board members noted that if multiple neighbors apply the city’s per-household share could be larger in aggregate.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the grant to match half of the selected contractor bid so the homeowner could proceed; the board voted by voice in favor and the motion carried. The transcript does not identify who moved or who seconded the motion. The board asked Nancy to update Amanda or return in about six months to report whether the repair resolved the problem.

The board scheduled its next meeting for Monday, July 6 and adjourned.