Geneva storm water plan in process, council briefed
Mar. 27—GENEVA — Steps toward a comprehensive storm-water plan have begun through the cooperative efforts of CT Consultants and city leaders.
Joseph Pavlick, an engineer with CT Consultants, briefed council about the project on Monday evening.
In the last several years numerous city residents have complained to council regarding issues that include flooding.
Pavlick said the first stage in the process, that began in early January, is to map the city and begin prioritization of areas that need work and figure out how to leverage money to pay for projects.
Pavlick said the early stages of the process include "base mapping" followed by an inventory of conditions. He said the inventory phase will include a walk through of areas where problems have been designated, photos of areas with issues and other steps to determine the challenges facing the city.
Computer software will be used to develop plans that could lead to specific program goals. Pavlick said 85 percent of the water issues are upstream of the city.
Several sites with storm-water issues have already been found through discussion with city leaders and residents. Depot Street, near the Western County Court building, Ansell Road near Geneva High School and Ruth Avenue are considered to be problem areas, Pavlick said.
He said cameras may also be used in present storm pipes to see the effectiveness of the system.
Council member Jeff Griffiths asked Pavlick if the increased amount of high rain activities will be taken into account.
"We are all paying very close attention. ... It is kind of an open box for everyone," Pavlick said.
The effectiveness of retention ponds will also be part of the process, Pavlick said.
City Manager Joseph Varckette said it is important to note that a storm-water management plan is not a one-and-done event.
"This is more of a process than a plan. .... This is something the city has to be invested in," he said.
Council, Varckette and Pavlick discussed ways the public will be able to provide information relating to storm-water issues. One of the opportunities being considered is a portal on the city's website.
"We have to figure out what that mechanism is going to be," Varckette said.
Varckette said people can call his office until a more permanent option is created.
In other business:
—A Geneva senior citizen asked council not to pass a resolution regarding when garbage cans must be placed and removed from the tree lawn.
Council members have been discussing ways to make sure cans aren't left on the street for long periods of time.
—Varckette said $137,000 in Community Block Grant money has been released to improve the back entrance of the Geneva Community Center.
—Varckette said five bike racks are being constructed to be placed around the city including. Memorial Field, Little Peoples Park and City Hall.
