Resident tells Storm Water Committee repeated driveway washouts followed high‑school remodel; city engineer to inspect

Michael J. Maminskas of 15162 Ridge Road addressed the Storm Water Committee on Sept. 2, saying two severe storm events since a nearby high‑school remodel have repeatedly washed out his driveway and caused runoff into his yard. Maminskas described paying more than $6,000 privately for a driveway apron and building a 30‑inch French drain, yet he said water still channels between his property and a neighbor and erodes his driveway. “I can white water raft from my front yard to my barn,” Maminskas said, describing the flow of runoff.

Maminskas blamed changes tied to the school project, saying drains that previously crossed driveways were filled with asphalt and that recent parking and driveway construction increased pavement area. Committee members asked clarifying questions, and City Engineer Matthew Glass responded that the school’s stormwater management measures met the required standards and that the city would investigate whether existing catch basins and swales are functioning as intended. “If those catch basins aren’t effective, we can work through a solution,” Glass said, and he offered to inspect the location during the next heavy rainfall or other appropriate event.

Vice Chair John Nickell, Councilmember Joanne Krejci and others confirmed the location as Ridge and Akins and discussed observable changes to pavement area after the school project. The committee did not adopt a formal motion but instructed staff to review the catch basins and swale grading and to report back with findings and any recommended fixes. Maminskas said he would look for photographic evidence to support his account.