09/06/2005 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 9/6/2005 We have also posted a request for information on our website and cable channel asking our residents to inform us regarding who was affected, and to what extent. Once compiled, we will analyze that data to look for problem locations. These problem locations will be scrutinized to ensure that city drainage systems are operating properly. If there is a city problem, we will correct it. If not, we will direct our attention towards correcting shortcomings on private property. I know that we cannot build an infrastructure large enough to handle storm water flooding in these extreme instances. However, it is my intent to reduce or eliminate the instances of sanitary flooding. We have done much over these past ten years to ensure that city systems are structurally sound, and that there is no infiltration of storm water into sanitary. The next step in this direction involves our property owners and the potential for dye tests, where indicated. If you are aware of others who were affected and have not yet contacted us, please advise them to call our Service Department (440-716-4151) so that we can add them to our data base. We need: Name, Address, Phone Number, Amount of Water, and whether the water entered through the walls or up through a floor drain. Thank you for your understanding in this emergency. Please feel free to contact me directly if you desire." Councilman Barker inquired as to the number of residents who have called in so far. Mayor O'Grady answered there have been 417 total complaints, and of significance 155 were either sanitary or a combination of sanitary and storm. Councilman Baker noted that there were 81 residents in the Deerfield development and explained that the Hall ditch has been a problem that he and the previous two ward Councilmen have attempted to rectify. Councilman Tallon commented in regard to the Hall ditch that in past years he knew there were problems with the City of Westlake over cleaning their access ditches from North Olmsted. The EPA addressed this and said, in no uncertain terms, that Westlake is responsible for keeping that ditch open and clear for the water to flow in its natural habitat. If we have something worked out with Westlake, that is fine. If not, he strongly urges the Mayor to contact the EPA and get that worked out. Mayor O'Grady said that over the last year or so Westlake has been responsive to those types of issues, and the need for a joint effort was emphasized during the storm event. He does think things are going in the right direction. Councilman Miller said there are some areas of the city where historically we flood whether it is a moderate rain or a very, very heavy rain. One of areas is at the north end of Dover Center in the area called the Ehle ditch wherein it meets Westlake. At one time in that ditch, Westlake installed a wedge or a dam in the ditch to hold North Olmsted's water back so that Westlake's could flow freely. He understands that wedge still exists. If the relationship with Westlake has improved, if that water can be made to flow freely, as he understands it is required to be, this may solve some of the problems in the Edgepark, Blossom, Laurell Woods and Forestwood developments. He asked that the area be added to the list to be looked at. Mayor O'Grady said he would ask the Service Director to look into the Ehle ditch. The administration is aware of certain areas that have flooding problems. It is a tribute to the members of Council who over these past 10 to 15 years have done so much to reduce or eliminate flooding in so many parts of town. In past years, any rain event would produce significant flooding. We've come a long way 7