Stormwater Commission

STORMWATER COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Friday, January 30, 2009 The following persons were present: Richard Wlodarski, Scott Jochim, Mousa Nazzal, Andrew Vitale, Acting Mayor Callero, Chuck Ostman, George Van Geem, Trustee Lo Verde, and Steven Vinezeano. Also in attendance was Maureen Durkin of MWRDGC. I. Introductions and Opening: Steven Vinezeano introduced everyone in the room and welcomed them to the kick off meeting of the Stormwater Taskforce. A quick outline of the meeting agenda was given. (PowerPoint was used) II. MWRD-Regional Stormwater Efforts: by Maureen Durkin. Maureen Durkin from the Engineering Department of MWRDGC in Chicago gave a PowerPoint presentation. The presentation discussed the MWRDGC mandate and background; the Cook County Stormwater Management Plan; the Watershed Planning Council; and the draft Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance and how it may or may not impact local ordinances on stormwater. Many questions were asked of Ms. Durkin regarding future TARP capacity. The Deep Tunnel holds 2.6 billion gallons and 37 regional detention ponds and reservoirs hold 8.3 billion gallons. Future improvements include McCook Reservoir that is under construction until 2015 and will increase stormwater detention by 3.5 billion gallons. In 2023, if funding is available, another 7 billion gallons of capacity will be added. Mayor Callero mentioned how the Village could not wait until 2015 to take care of some of the issues that will be identified by the Taskforce. It was stated that Deep Tunnel is strictly for the conveyance of combined sewer discharge. Ms. Durkin mentioned a tax levy from MWRDGC will be increased most likely to help with the projects and pay off bonds. It was asked whether or not the new MWRDGC ordinance on stormwater would impact teardowns of homes. The impact would be nil, since they are most likely to be less than five acres. However, the Village can tighten regulations beyond what MWRDGC sets. III. Anticipated Results: by Mayor Callero The Mayor explained how the individuals in the room were the local experts and asked that they identify, evaluate, and report back on stormwater related issues within the Village of Niles. He recommended that the Taskforce work at completing a report by May before the rains begin again. Steven Vinezeano would be coordinating the Taskforce. “Attack this problem as if it was your own family and your own money.” IV. Map Review: The Taskforce reviewed the maps available and not available for the project. There was a concern that the Village had only hardcopies of the sewer maps and that they were not in GIS. It was mentioned that they were in the process of seeking mapping information on sewer system locations. o FEMA Flood Zone Maps with GIS o MWRD Outfall Point Maps with Engineering o 2’ Contour Maps with GIS o Street and Lot Maps with GIS o Roofline Maps on order o Combination Sewer Locations with GIS/Engineering, but must be updated o Hardcopy Maps - Sewer Line Maps V. Stormwater Survey Results: It was mentioned that 357 surveys have come in and more come in every day. Based on the number of surveys sent, over 12,000, is this a low response rate? Not if you take into consideration the number of households that applied for FEMA and what was estimated during the September flood. The maps are not ready yet and will take some time to generate due to there being only one GIS person with other projects and duties to juggle. o 357+ Surveys returned (561 applied to FEMA) (782 estimated with damage) o Map Survey Data Basement and crawl space flooding Upper level flooding Flooded yards and streets Homes with sanitary sewer backup Homes discharging directly to sanitary/storm sewer Special data provided by residents o Other Data Locations of those who attended public hearing Known flood locations due to refuse/resident call VI. Study Methodology for Taskforce: The Assistant Village Manager outlined a proposed Taskforce Methodology for the project execution and it follows: o Collect Data and Review MWRD regional efforts Resident stormwater surveys Site visits and field inspections  Field interviews & field trips Local and regional stormwater policies/practices o Plot Data on GIS o Identify Obstacles and Opportunities Where are “Hot Spots” Rate Potential Solutions from “First to Worst” o Provide a Recommendation to Mayor by May 2009 Pre-board, public (review/input), Board of Trustees VII. Ongoing Village Programs: There was a brief description of the following: o Sewer Roding Reimbursement program. o Overhead sewer requirements on new construction & large additions. o Village-wide sewer maintenance program for inspecting and cleaning. o Cured in Pipe Program lining sanitary sewers (on hold). o In the past, the Village conducted program to disconnect sumps, down spouts and slop sinks from sewer system. o Others? VIII. Recommendations to be Considered: An early list of recommendations to be considered was generated for future thought: o Commission Engineering Study - develop a flood relief implementation plan to minimize flooding potential o Village must consider plan and funding strategies o Potential Programs - Stormwater engineering plan/review requirement for new construction – pre and post construction. - Land acquisition for retention. - Encourage residents to flood proof homes. - Resident stormwater education. - *Downspout and sump pump inspection/disconnection program. - *Footing drain disconnection/repair program. - *Overhead sewer/sewer back-up valve program. - *Sewer lateral replacement program. - *Green infrastructure solutions program. - Possible cost share programs IX. What is the Next Step?: o GIS must plot survey data o Set next meeting (TBD) o Review Palatine case study o Determine future site visits/inspections