Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater Drainage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Birchwood Village council authorizes temporary ditch and survey to address chronic drainage on Oage Drive
Summary
After extended discussion of a persistent low spot causing driveway flooding, the council authorized staff to create a temporary ditch and authorized an engineering survey to design a longer-term road/grade fix, with construction estimates ranging from alternates to a worst-case $130,000 design.
Birchwood Village councilors directed staff to implement a temporary ditch to relieve a chronic low spot that has allowed water to pool near a homeowner’s driveway, and they authorized the city engineer to conduct a survey to determine permanent repairs.
Marcus, the city engineer, explained that a survey is needed to confirm grades and the extent of work required. "I would suggest that we just get a survey of it and then my gut feeling is that we'll just be able to replace 30–40 ft and get it straight line graded out," Marcus said. He described a worst-case cost estimate of about $130,000 that includes engineering and contingency but noted lower-cost alternates such as targeted milling and overlays.
Homeowner Andrew told the council he supported a temporary ditch: "I would be okay with doing that for a temporary solution as long as it gets taken care of in the spring." Following questions about property impacts and utility locates, the council voted to authorize staff to pursue an immediate temporary ditch to divert water off the road and to have Marcus proceed with a survey and design for a longer-term solution.
Why it matters: The low point has caused repeated driveway and roadway flooding in freezing weather; a temporary fix intends to reduce near-term safety hazards (ice and standing water), while the survey will enable the city to budget and plan a permanent capital improvement.
Next steps: Staff will locate utilities, confirm homeowner concurrence for the temporary ditch work, solicit a local contractor or public works crew to perform the temporary cut, and return design options and cost estimates for council review and CIP consideration.
