Contractor addresses punch-list and resident complaints as Bayside and Brookland drainage work continues

Jameson Appel updated the committee on active drainage projects, reporting progress but acknowledging resident complaints about driveway grades in recently worked neighborhoods.

On Bayside, Appel said crews are completing punch-list items and replacing sod damaged after equipment failure; he said the contractor expects to finish remaining items by the end of September, though he estimated it could take closer to three weeks. "I would probably say closer to 3. So I'm hoping by the end of September, we'll be done," Appel said. He also said a change order added two inlets on Falk that mitigated a recurring "bird bath" during the last heavy rain.

Appel described Brookland-area work: most north-side drainage is installed, final pieces at the Brookwood Curve are being placed, and paving and remaining service connections (about 120 houses) will follow; the new water line is fully installed and operational. Committee members raised resident complaints about steep, multi-tier driveways; Appel explained constraints — right-of-way length, road profile, and the sidewalk maximum cross slope per ADA (5%) — that limit how much the city can alter grades and said the city will address the most problematic driveways case-by-case. He identified Branch Construction as the contractor and praised the contractor's on-site project manager and outreach that has reduced complaints.

No formal action was taken; staff and the contractor will continue field work and homeowner outreach.