Engineers propose restoring pre‑trail drainage; commission authorizes quotes

An engineer representing Global explained a proposed modification to a trench installed as part of the Marquette Greenway that would restore the trail area’s original east‑west drainage and reduce the existing ponding effect, the town’s redevelopment commission heard.

The engineer, identified in the meeting as Sham of Global, said the plan “is to go back to the original design,” lowering the trench so the east side of the trail matches the west and allowing water to move as it did before the trail was built. He told commissioners the structure would be a “modified conflict structure” because it crosses a sanitary line and will require a poured, in‑place concrete solution rather than a standard prefabricated unit. On estimated cost he said the project “will be less than ‘150’” as stated in the transcript; the amount was not specified in the meeting record.

The exchange focused on what the trail project can reasonably fix. Commissioners and staff repeatedly stressed the trail was a trail project — not a stormwater remediation program — and that long‑standing wetness in the neighborhood predates the path. A commissioner told the group that restoring the trench will return the location “to the status quo” that existed before the trail was built; Sham said the proposed changes are intended to match the original project intent and “we are not fixing any other issues.”

A resident who identified himself as Mike Brian said of the existing ditch: “That ditch was built to to drain that way … it’s been doing that for 30 years,” arguing the feature is longstanding and that responsibility for ongoing flooding is a separate matter.

Commissioners asked for more precise cost information before committing funds. The commission voted to authorize Global to solicit contractor quotes and return the bids for review. Clerk (recording) made the motion to solicit quotes and the motion passed on roll call.

The commission also discussed longer‑term alternatives raised by commissioners and staff, including raising a short trail segment on a bridge or using a suspended structure to allow flow underneath; staff and the engineer said those options are technically possible but likely much more expensive. The engineer noted that moving the work farther south from the constrained sanitary line location could allow a standard pipe installation that would likely be less costly.

Next steps: Global will solicit quotes as authorized and present the responses to the commission; no construction contract was awarded at the meeting.