VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE Stormwater and Flood Plain Oversight Committee Meeting October 26, 2006, 7:00 p.m. DRAFT Downers Grove Public Works Facility 5101 Walnut Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois Call to Order Chairman Eckmann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.. A roll call followed and a quorum was established. Members Present: Chairman Eckmann, Mr. Beckman, Mr. Bollenberg, Mr. Crilly, Mr. Gorman, Ms. Matthies, Mr. White Staff Present: Jonathan Hall, P.E., Development Engineer/Stormwater Administrator; David Barber, P.E., Director of Public Works; Mike Millette, P.E., Asst. Dir. of Public Works; John Tucker, Supt. for Streets Division; and Ms. Kirsten Coulman, Recording Secretary Others Present: Noreen Kratz, 4008 Elm Street; Don and Margery Bergstrom, 4941 Wallbank Avenue; Sean Willson, 5245 Benton Ave.; John Schofield, 1125 Jefferson Ave.; Mary Nevrly, 1310 Gilbert; Andy Clark, 1226 62 nd Street; Mark Thomas, 1109 61 st Street; Dave Bradley, 1032 Ogden; Dan and Linda Reardon, 122 55 th Street; Kevin Lucas, 125 8 th Street; Michael Marley, 5915 Brookbank; Christine Fregeau, 1918 Elmore; Jon Stanicek, 4907 Bryan Place; Jeff McGrath, 5145 Cumnor Rd.; Kevin and Lisa Spratt, 4922 Bryan Place; Mike Atwater, 5200 Cumnor Rd.; Juli Foy, 5204 Cumnor Rd.; Michael Crowley, 5614 Brookbank Rd. Approval of September 28, 2006 Minutes Minutes of the September 28, 2006 meeting were approved as presented on motion by Mr. Gorman, seconded by Mr. Crilly. Motion carried by voice vote of 7-0. A change in the agenda followed: New Business A. Storm Flooding Report - October 2, 2006 - Public Works Director Barber presented a summary of the recent October 2, 2006 flooding event that took place, stating the same presentation was presented before the Village Council on October 3, 2006. Approximately four inches of rain was measured at the Downers Grove Sanitary District rain gauge with some differences in measurement in different areas. The northern most part of the village received most of the four inches in one hour. Statistics followed on the 1% recurrence of this type of event. Data on St. Joseph s Creek was compared to the July 1996 event. Mr. Barber walked through the steps taken by the Public Works Department and discussed how the event and complaints were tracked and recorded on a map. The main problem area was identified in the center of town near St. Joseph s Creek. A series of photographs depicting troubled areas followed. Mr. Barber conveyed that his goal was to identify the issues around town, three of which needed addressing: 1) ditch capacity issues; 2) drainage across private property; and 3) areas with no storm sewers within 200 feet of lots. Lastly, it was noted that catch basins seemed to be a problem because they were clogged.
Stormwater Oversight Committee October 26, 2006 DRAFT Mr. Barber envisions the next steps will be to address and work with the Village Council on how to accelerate some of the recommendations in the Stormwater Master Plan. From his perspective, Mr. Barber believes that the Village Council is interested in accelerating the Stormwater Master Plan program and getting the necessary costs lined up. Public Comments Chairman Eckmann opened up the discussion to the public. Ms. Linda Reardon, 122 55 th Street, Downers Grove, presented pictures of her yard and neighbor s yard from the 1996 flood as compared the recent October 2 nd event. Her home was west of 55 th, past Fairview. She and her husband lost furniture. She noted that with the last flood ComEd trimmed trees but the sewer issue was not addressed. She stated no barriers were placed on 55 th Street by the Village. She presented photos for staff to keep. She discussed how a neighbor cleared a catch basin throughout the night. Ms. Reardon said she has called DuPage County for assistance but they, in turn, have told her to contact the Village. Mr. Barber acknowledged that the matter was a Village problem. Ms. Noreen Kratz, 4008 Elm Street, resides near the Lacey Creek area and has had flooding issues for the past 20 years with no assistance. She summarized the flooding that took place in her home on October 2 nd, September 13, 2006, September 11, 2006, June 9-10, 2006, and in 1987. She believes the flooding has increased due to the surrounding teardowns and hospital expansion. She estimates she has spent $50,000 of her own money to address the flooding that has taken place. She is looking to the Village to address the issues. She claims she is pumping everyone s water in the area and she does not understand why the Village continues to let teardowns occur to be replaced with half million dollar homes when no sufficient stormwater mechanisms exist. She noted the homes to the south were built in the 1960 s. A nearby teardown which was recently constructed has caused issues since it was constructed. Mr. Mike Atwater, 5200 Cumnor Road, has resided in Downers Grove for 15 years and experienced the February 1997 rains. He lives near Third and Cumnor which is a low point and also experienced basement flooding on October 2 nd. He noted other neighbors received more and the area is not in a flood plain. He wanted to find a solution as to why water was coming up from the drains and how the underneath pipes were routed. He noted many teardowns were in his neighborhood. He discussed the trickle sewer system used in Chicago. Chairman Eckmann briefly discussed the use of restrictors in Chicago and the design of storm sewers over the years. He was not aware of what type of storm sewer was in front of Mr. Atwater s home. Mr. Barber indicated that based on the 1959 Master Plan, the pipe was probably based on the five-year storm, and probably sized at 10 to 12 inches. He agreed a problem existed and he was trying to address it with the Village Council in order to receive authorization to pursue the matter further. Chairman Eckmann further addressed the public and asked them to contact the Sanitary District if they were having issues with sanitary backup because the district would pay up to $2500 for the installation of overhead sewers. Ms. Lisa Spratt, 4922 Bryan Place, representing the 4900 block of Bryan Place, provided a copy of a flood summary for the block. She explained that from Washington to Highland and from Prairie to Rogers, the block is a low point and a retention pond is created in the backyards. She noted how the water flowed from the October 2 nd event, i.e., the water flows into the backyards and into the homes. Due to the constant flooding over the years, no curbs now exist on the block and 2
Stormwater Oversight Committee October 26, 2006 DRAFT collections of water on the street are found year-around. The residents routinely man the sewers to keep them free of debris. She further summarized the flooding that took place specifically in her backyard (32 inches) and the water that was in her basement, which was still coming in the next day. She pumped 118,000 gallons of water from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. She lost furniture and photos, in her partially finished basement, toys in the backyard shed, and thousands of dollars in landscaping. Mr. John Stanicek, 4907 Bryan Place, had 24 inches of water in his backyard; the sump pump failed; and water entered his basement and filled to the first floor. Water in his backyard comes up and fills his backyard every time it rains. He indicated a number of neighbors have inquired about the Village installing drains but have been told they have to pay for them. He stated that if water was a problem for the Village, money had to exist to drain the water. He asked if storm drain plans existed for the larger, newly-constructed homes. Mr. Barber indicated fees were collected but sewer plans were not available and there was no place to take the drainage. In addition, no County code existed for individual homes to provide stormwater detention, which was a deficiency the Village wants to address. Ms. Spratt continued by discussing the flooding issues for the following: 4914 Bryan Place had three feet of water in the basement; 4919 Bryan Place had basement flooding; 4926 Bryan Place, had three feet of backyard water and seepage into basement; 4927 Bryan Place had one foot of water on their lot and a few inches of water in the basement; and 4934 Bryan Place had three feet of backyard flooding and seepage through their window wells. She closed by stating the flooding was an ongoing issue. She also thanked staff for visiting the addresses on October 2 nd. Mr. Kevin Lucas, 125 8 th Street, stated he had six feet of water in his finished basement along with six inches on his main level. The only persons willing to assist him were the fire department. He asked for a show of hands by the Commissioners who had flooding problems. Every time it rains, his backyard floods, noting his five-foot chain link fence is covered. He discussed the appliances he had to replace again only after ten months. He believed it was an economic issue and he was tired of hearing, We re working on it. Chairman Eckmann reminded Mr. Lucas that staff and this Commission discussed with the Village Council the beginnings of a year-long master plan to address the water issue during the time of a drought and not after a rain. He reminded the public that most likely, October 2 nd will be forgotten and the issue will subside. Mr. Lucas stated he contacted several attorneys who have, in turn, told him that the Village was granted immunity from all libel suits. However, if it was a matter of keeping the water issue in the forefront, he stated he was willing to pay for it. He voiced his frustrations over the matter and with the Village. He expressed the difficulties he would encounter if he had to sell his home. Mr. Beckman acknowledged Mr. Lucas s concerns, pointing out that the process was very methodical and slow and would continue to be slow and compete with other Village issues. Mr. Mike Crowley, 5614 Brookbank Road, asked staff what it would cost, how long would it take for the Village to identify the various sewer systems under its master plan, and how would the projects be prioritized. Ms. Juli Foy, 5204 Cumnor Road, indicated her sump pump was not even pumping water. About two feet of water rose from her basement s storm drain. She has standing water in her front 3
Stormwater Oversight Committee October 26, 2006 DRAFT yard whenever it rains. She did not agree that the current system was sufficient. She believed the matter would increase with the larger homes being constructed. Mr. Gorman clarified that staff was recognizing the current pipe system and agreed improvements were needed everywhere. He suggested that Ms. Foy consider the sanitary sewer program that Chairman Eckmann spoke about. Mr. Donald Bergstrom, 4941 Wallbank Avenue, Downers Grove, said had 8 feet water in his finished basement and lost everything. He informed the Commission that back in 1957 he had 8 feet of water in his basement when his house was being constructed. He discussed how the area developed over the years and has become problematic due to the three commercial developments on the south side of Warren, east of Hines Lumber, and how the geography of the land has changed where it cannot handle the water. Mr. Bergstrom voiced his concerns about placing any more personal effects in his basement after this event. Ms. Mary Nevrly, 1310 Gilbert, Downers Grove, lives at the tail end of the creek that comes under Gilbert Street near Brookbank. She had about one foot of water in her basement and the creek rose over the banks. She commented that in the three years she has lived in her home all of her neighbors have stated that nothing like this flood has ever occurred. Instead, just the streets would flood. She expressed concern that the occasional rains are filling up the creek higher and higher and the tree roots are exposed. She expressed concern about the Village s installation of a gate to collect debris. She expressed concern about the nearby developments taking place and the large amount of water collecting that is rushing down the stream. She indicated she sent pictures and a request for improvements to the Village prior to the October 2 nd event but said she was told that appropriate engineering must take place, etc. She asked if she should forward any videos or pictures to staff. Mr. Barber indicated he was well aware of the area and spoke about the steps that were taken, but she could send a picture or two to Public Works staff. Mr. Mark Thoman, 1109 61st Street, inquired as to the size of the pipe that drains into the St. Joseph s Creek watershed, stating he lived through four floods. Mr. Barber conveyed it was 9 feet in diameter. Specifics of the water flow followed with Mr. Barber pointing out the areas that did flood. Mr. Thoman said it was his understanding, then, that the water on the south part of town was not going anywhere, it was a critical area to be reviewed, and it should be a goal to remove the excess water out of the area. He questioned whether staff should be working downstream, but rather, in the middle of town. Mr. Barber proceeded to explain that a number of problems existed beyond capacity; for instance, poor drainage areas, closed culverts, debris, and having no overflow routes. He conveyed that he has discussed these issues with his staff and wants to discuss with Village Council that it is not advantageous to continue to design one block or one pipe at a time but, instead, to look at an entire watershed and come up with a plan. He discussed the need for updated sewer maps, many of which were hand drawn. He empathized with the residents and appreciated their input in order to address the problems. Mr. Kevin Lucas, 125 8 th Street, believed the standing water in the backyards was the issue and not the basements flooding, since it caused the basements to flood. He did not understand staff s suggestion of creating an overflow route, wherein Mr. Barber explained how an overflow route is created between two properties, i.e., a swale. Mr. Lucas did not understand why it was not done earlier. 4
Stormwater Oversight Committee October 26, 2006 DRAFT Ms. Kratz stated where she resides, there are no overhead sewers and the streets are higher than the properties. She stated a neighbor behind her lived in the area as a child and conveyed there was a stream that had run through the general area. She believed the Village was aware of it. After the Village came to her home with the grading plans, she believes the Village should have installed a sewer in the southwest corner of her property and gone through the other yards and to the culvert. Instead, the Village chose to use the south side of her home for flow, which worked for approximately 8 to 9 years. To date, however, the ground around her home has settled and the grading is not working. She believed swaling was not the answer. She also noted that a great health hazard existed to the residents, i.e., mold, disease, etc. and that the flooding in general was not healthy for the village. She stated she did not want to hear about plans for the Village s 175 th birthday but instead wanted the issues being discussed addressed. Mr. Lucas, 125 8 th Street, inquired of staff as to why some of the streams were not well maintained, wherein Mr. Barber explained that not enough money was allocated to do the stream maintenance projects. In addition, he stated many of the streams were on private property and getting access to those yards for the maintenance was problematic. Ms. Kratz offered to have her garage knocked down to bring in a bulldozer and dig up her backyard to see where the water was coming from or going to. She believed no one should have to put up with such issues. She asked what it would take to appear before the Village Council to make them understand the issue was significant, it would not go away, and that it was a continuous problem. Chairman Eckmann, in closing, stated to the residents that the Commission was going to make a motion to recommend that the Village Council adopt the Stormwater Master Plan update and to provide for the action items in the master plan. He reiterated to the residents that when the matter appears before the Village Council it will also mean more funding. Therefore, when that time comes, he hoped that the residents would show up and convey their frustrations. Ms. Kratz concurred and offered her assistance in any way to the village. Mr. Barber stated the next council meeting was scheduled for November 7, 2006 and to check the posted agenda but that the recommendation for the Stormwater Master Plan was to be on the November 14 th agenda. Mr. Andrew Clark, 1226 62 nd Street, Downers Grove, stated he used to reside at 102 8 th Street at the northwest corner of 8 th and Victor. He has resided in the village for 47 years and back in 1970 there was a 105-year flood. He explained that between Victor and Cumnor the street was floating and 55 th Street was flooded. He expressed frustration that the street still continues to flood to this day and reflects the inaction on the part of the Village Council. As to the Master Plan, Mr. Clark said he was disappointed with the Clark Dietz presentation since it was his understanding that $3.0 million was to be used for operational purposes and not for any infrastructure. He discussed the positives of the Village Council looking to limit ground coverage of a home. However, he suggested starting at the egress points and to begin constructing a sewer system back to the center of town to alleviate the problems. He did not see it in the Master Plan and suggested starting a new Master Plan. Mr. Barber, however, indicated that in 2003, the commission discussed the notion of stormwater improvements and realized a plan for operating the Village s stormwater system was necessary as a separate utility. The scope of work focused on maintenance, identifying the problems and included appropriating $100,000 per year for drainage studies, $1.0 million for capital 5
Stormwater Oversight Committee October 26, 2006 DRAFT projects, and included $2.1 million to $2.2 million a year in operations. He emphasized the Village was not regularly cleaning its system. Continuing, Mr. Barber also added that the Village had to deal with the restrictions and guidelines placed on it by DuPage County s Stormwater Ordinance and had to reduce the current flow of water that was occurring. Specifically, he pointed out that the Village could not increase the flow to the DuPage River to create any downstream hardship on any other Village. Conversation followed on whether the Village should have in place an agreement with a photography firm to photograph the Village after a significant rain event. Mr. Gorman concurred, commenting that it allowed for the calibration of stormwater modeling. However, Mr. Barber felt that using the residents on the ground was more effective, discussing how he could take measurements from the ground and insert them into a model. Mr. Barber believed renting a helicopter and photographing areas may also be effective. Some Commissioners agreed. Old Business The Commission took a five-minute break at 9:10 p.m. and reconvened at 9:15 p.m. A. Stormwater Master Plan Update - Mr. Barber recalled that the Commissioners reviewed the plan prior in detail and this was basically an overview to ask questions. He referenced an Implementation Action Summary he drafted, which, when staff moves forward with the Village Council, the discussion should focus on developing an annual work plan of activity to take place and implement. In reviewing the activities planned, Mr. Barber asked if there was concurrence among the Commissioners to implement a five-year maintenance cycle and internal inspection of the sewers, purchasing the jet truck, etc. before he appears before the Village Council. Because many of the items on the Implementation Action Summary were not in the current budget year, Mr. Barber explained that many of the actions would not be implemented until 2008. However, he stated he would like to begin a discussion with the Commissioners about an appropriate development fee for redevelopment areas and exploring public education. He believes the Village Council will be accelerating the capital improvement analysis which will be recommended at the November 7 th Village Council meeting. In addressing the five-year cycle, Chairman Eckmann felt it was a good idea, but was concerned about the liability issues to the Village. Mr. Barber concurred but reiterated that the Village needed to develop a system of standards similar to the water system where the Village runs the stormwater system as a utility. Chairman Eckmann also discussed the public s perception of large homes causing the problems. Mr. Barber pointed out that given the four inches of rain in one hour, he felt that the new homes may have added total water volume in some small areas, but it was not really a problem, yet it needed to be addressed. Discussion followed by Mr. Beckman that much time has been spent on the stormwater issue and he was pleased to be at this point. Discussion followed that implementing an ordinance and not following it was where the liability existed. Mr. Barber concurred. Chairman Eckmann asked Commissioners to review the Action Summary. 6
Stormwater Oversight Committee October 26, 2006 DRAFT The Stormwater and Flood Plain Oversight Committee recommended to the Village Council adoption of the Village of Downers Grove Stormwater Master Plan Update, dated September 2006, on motion by Mr. Beckman, seconded by Mr. White. Discussion followed if both documents should be recommended as one package. Mr. Bollenberg expressed concern about the Village Council taking too long to review the Stormwater Master Plan whereas actions within the Action Summary could begin. Mr. Beckman concurred. Motion passed by voice vote of 7-0. In reviewing the Implementation Action Summary, Mr. Bollenberg questioned whether staff was comfortable with the items listed, such as the five-year cycles. As to the contract for street sweeping (D1), Barber explained that a variance in time existed because it varied depending upon leaf collection on all streets versus downtown maintenance once a week versus neighborhood. Some minor revisions to the text were noted. Mr. Barber explained that under II. Capital Improvement Plan, a scope would be set by a team of individuals around the various five items listed. In reviewing Stormwater Conveyance Impact Fees under III. Rules & Standards, Ms. Matthies asked for confirmation that specific fees were not being recommended at this time. Mr. Barber stated better wording would include to evaluate whether a stormwater conveyance impact fee should be in place. He also noted that in his document to the Village Council, he would be discussing an implementation plan but it would mostly like address purchasing the jet truck, evaluating the public education program, etc. As to reviewing funding options, it was not specific to any one funding option. The Stormwater and Flood Plain Oversight Committee recommended to the Village Council adoption of staff s Implementation Action Summary dated October 26, 2006 in support of the Stormwater Master Plan and to accept the changes in C5 to be specific to a 5 year cycle ; D1 to delete 30 to 40 times annually ; and G, delete Implement and insert Evaluate, on motion by Mr. Bollenberg, seconded by Mr. Crilly. Adjourn Motion passed by voice vote of 7-0. Mr. Barber thanked the members for their time spent on the Master Plan. Mr. Beckman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m. Seconded by Mr. Gorman. Motion carried by voice vote of 7-0. Respectfully submitted, (as transcribed by tape) /s/ Celeste K. Weilandt Celeste K. Weilandt, Recording Secretary 7