Resident urges budget set‑aside to remove legacy culverts and damaged sewer tile in Westfir

Adam Kennedy, a Westfir resident, urged the Budget Committee to reserve resources in the FY2026–27 budget to mitigate legacy or decommissioned infrastructure still in the ground in Westfir. "That includes damaged sewer pipes, damaged underground culverts that are blocking private residents from improving stormwater management on their property," Kennedy said, describing two specific items: a 20‑foot galvanized 18‑inch culvert and a damaged 8‑inch concrete sewer tile that floods the neighborhood after heavy rain.

Kennedy said an excavator quoted roughly $400–$600 to remove the exposed 20‑foot culvert and that the sewer tile runs from the railroad tracks parallel to McLean Creek into 2nd Street, spanning multiple private properties. Committee members asked for a defined project scope before committing larger funds; one member suggested placing the work on a list for grant pursuit. Staff and members agreed a small, immediate allocation could help in the short term: the committee reached consensus to move $500 from facilities repairs and maintenance into a new special‑payments line labeled "culvert removal." "I'll make a space," a committee member said to signal the reallocation.

The discussion clarified that some legacy infrastructure may fall under city easements while other sections sit on private land; the committee asked staff to research ownership, easement status and project scope before any substantial appropriation. Kennedy thanked the committee and said he will continue to work with neighbors and staff to define exact needs and costs.