Stormwater Commission

STORMWATER COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Tuesday, October 02, 2012 The following persons were present: Scott Jochim, Steven Vinezeano, Andrew Vitale, Richard Wlodarski, Fred Kudert, Chuck Ostman, Mousa Nazzal, Robert Callero, John Stanislawski and Jeff Wickenkamp of Hey and Associates. Absent: Chair Joe Lo Verde, and Tom Polcyn. The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. I. Approve Meeting Summary of Thursday, July 12, 2012: The summary was approved to be posted on the Stormwater Commission web page. II. Old Business: i. Flood Control Assistance Program Update. Chuck introduced John Stanislawski (Village Plumbing Inspector) who is now taking on the responsibilities of the Stormwater Specialist from the plumbing perspective. He stated that there were four persons who applied for the position and John was the most qualified. None came in with engineering experience. He stated there are currently 46 applications for the Flood Control Assistance Program. There was a question about the lateral language that reads, “Homeowner must show evidence that the lateral to the home was inspected or cleaned within the past three years and is functioning properly.” Chuck thinks that it televising should be done when the sewer is open and this would be a better situation for the resident. Vinezeano stated that the purpose for the language was to ensure that residents were held accountable for their portion of the project and that they have a functioning system. It was discussed that lateral functionality is considered a homeowner maintenance issue and they could apply to the sewer cleanout program that provides $100 every three years. The Commission agreed to adjust the language to require the lateral be televised while the system is open and being upgraded. This information (on DVD or tape) will then be reviewed by the Stormwater Specialist and the results recorded (the condition of the lateral) and shared with the homeowner. It was agreed that the cost of the sewer televising and possible cleaning do not qualify for the Flood Control Assistance funds, but the homeowner may apply for the $100 available through the Sewer Roding Program. Jochim asked what happens when a collapsed lateral is identified. The specialist will inform them of the issue, document the issue, and make a recommendation for repair. There was brief discussion about the costs of backwater valves, overhead sewers, and check valves. Chuck stated that he could not recommend check valves, which are the cheapest. He stated that ground water from the drain tiles will flood the house if the valve is closed, so a backwater valve is preferred. Backwater valves are about $8,000 and check valves are about half that cost. Overhead sewers are the best, but potentially cause more damage to the interior of the home during installation. Chuck stated that there were currently about eight to ten overland flood assistance requests. Vinezeano outlined the situation. The Stormwater Specialist does not have the professional expertise to manage the overland issues, so an engineer staff member or consultant will be required. The engineering department is already taxed and cannot take on the extra work. Chuck brought up how complex he feels that the overland flooding issues can be. He stated he thinks that the area near Bruce and Knight needs area stormwater reduction and local home protection. He stated the home is literally surrounded by water. There was discussion on whether or not homes in the Tier 1 area qualify for assistance. The homes qualify, but if there are others in areas without a Tier 1 project, those homes will be prioritized first if there is a lack of funding. Jeff stated that the overland flooding protection is not for long-term flooding that will simply just work its way down the foundation wall and flood the home. This type of flood protection has some benefit, but it is limited and not always aesthetically pleasant. It is a choice the homeowner must make. Do they protect their home or simply hope the Tier One project stops the flooding before the next 100- year rain. Ostman stated that he was looking for ways to help the area to reduce overall flooding and found a flap gate at Normal and Lincoln that was in the open position. Since then it was closed and we are informed by the Sewer Department that it is functioning. Jeff stated that the flap may help in a small storm, but during a large storm it is negligible. It was discussed that the church property project will allow the flooding on Bruce and Knight to be reduced to sidewalk to sidewalk street flooding. There was discussion regarding the sewer projects that impact basements and whether or not homeowners can count on them to prevent basement backups. It was discussed early in the work on this project that backups can only be prevented by flood control. A resident should not think that just because a new sewer is going in that they will never flood again. As long as there is a direct and unimpeded line from the sewer to the home, it can experience backup. The projects will improve the performance of the sewers and reduce/eliminate overland flooding, but they will not prevent sewer backup. Code since the 1970s requires overhead sewer. No matter what, a homeowner should protect themselves with home level flood control. Fred discussed his situation and how he had to remove a toilet in the basement to prevent backup. Currently, John is the contact for the Village regarding the Flood Control Program. The Mayor asked that Chuck ensure that John understand what to inform the homeowners. Jeff stated that what is best to say is that all the work planned is to remove the surface water, but there is still a chance for basement backup even though the function of the sewer will be improved. Their best bet is to put in overhead sewer to be in code or a backwater valve as flood control. They need to be informed that there is no guarantee basement flooding will be stopped with big projects. They need flood control. There was a brief discussion of generators, battery backup or power for sump pumps and backwater pits. Vinezeano reminded the commission that those municipalities that have conducted major stormwater studies and projects also have and continue to have flood control programs for homeowners. Vinezeano asked who will be responsible for doing the eight overland flooding projects. Jeff mentioned that he can provide staff report in the effort if a staff member was identified to do the work. Vinezeano mentioned there will be situations when overland flooding at one home may be due to a neighbor issue and this would require resident interaction. Jeff stated that the solutions for this should be straight forward with ground improvements and/or structure improvements to lower flow path or stop water entry. The Mayor asked what the cost would be. Jeff mentioned that the  homeowner would need to have a contractor provide the detail work/drawings of any solutions recommended by Hey. Overland solutions help provide some protection, but not ultimately removing any of the risk. 1-3 hours for $200 to $800 cost for Hey and Associates to conduct the work. Hey would not design the work and that would be left to the contractor. The Mayor asked about the OLR project and the possible date for installation and Jeff stated two years at the earliest. The Mayor outlined that over the past four years, much has been done, but during this first year of the program there must be some success. As much as possible must get accomplished, so if it costs a little out of the small projects funding we must get it done and do it correctly. The Mayor recognized the level of work on the Engineering Department and their limited engineer time and the expertise of Hey and Associates regarding what is occurring with flooding in Niles. Additionally, there are only a small amount of cases to be handled. Therefore, he stated that Hey and Associates should be tasked with the overland flooding review for the Flood Control Assistance. Vinezeano asked about the command and control of the work. He recommended that the Community Development Director oversee the work of Hey on this issue as he is handling the basement backup portion of the assistance program. Ostman agreed with that recommendation. Hey mentioned that the work can be tracked separately for payment out of the original contract funds, but it is to be noted that if the small tasks go over the budget, the Village will need to reevaluate funding levels. The Mayor stated that the Commission will need to discuss this at a later date. The Mayor asked for a vote from the Commission on the issue and it was approved. i. Small Projects a. Backflow Prevention Valves. Hey provided a September 28, 2012 memorandum on both the Greenwood/Sunset and Callero/Lyons project proposals. Jeff stated that he field inspected the structures and put this memo together for Public Services. At Greenwood and Sunset Road, Checkmate backflow preventers are recommended to prevent the Greenwood sewer from relieving to the west and flooding the area. He stated that he ran the model to ensure the displaced water does not negatively impact other properties and he said it was pretty straight forward. Jochim stated that the work would need to be done on County property and that they would need to give the Village approval. Jeff stated he feels it was an engineering error that this is occurring. Jeff stated that the memorandum will explain why it is needed and if they need to talk to Hey for more information, he will be available. Callero Drive and Lyons Street is the second project. The Ford dealership sits behind the location. Hey stated that one of the structures may have failed and need to be inspected. Hey ran the model for repeated flooding on Callero and stated that a Checkmate in the sewer could prevent some of the flooding, but will increase the level of flooding in the dealership parking lot. He stated that the water overflowing from the dealership will protect Callero homes up to the 25- year storm level before the water overtops and flows into the area. The problem is that it puts as much as 12-inches of water in the Ford dealership parking lot. Jochim stated that if we force this business to stop the flow of water from their property, we will have to do this with all the other businesses that have the same issue. Jeff stated that this was a project identified by the Commission that had merit and now after it was studied, a decision should be made. There was discussion about the depth of the water that could occur in the parking lot. Jeff stated that a meeting with the dealership may be good just to let them know about the potential problem on the lot if they do not know already. The figure 3 on the memorandum was changed from 25-year to 100-year due to typo. There was discussion that the Village allows for up to 6-inches of storage in a parking lot and this would require up to 12-inches. There was discussion about the Greenwood and Ballard creek and the amount of debris that needs cleaning. He stated that MWRD was contacted for this project. He stated it should be dug out by two feet. There was discussion about the shopping center that went into that area and the need for  them to maintain it, but the paperwork for it was never followed through on. Does Toni’s shopping center have a requirement to clean this out? Scott says he has the paperwork, but it is not a sighed agreement. Vinezeano stated that these could be part of the small projects to be done to improve the system. Scott was directed by the Mayor to give Chuck what he has who will get it to Joe and George to verify and check on. Vinezeano stated that if this area of Callero can not be helped with this project due to the rise in water levels in the Ford parking lot, it is important that we try and help them with the Flood Control Program project. There was a comment that the sidewalk was already raised for the homeowner with the reverse slope driveway. Fred mentioned that it is important for us to go to the Ford dealership and ask about the project and ensure they are given a chance to decide one way or another on the project. This will allow us to go back to the homeowners on Callero and tell them we did our due diligence. The Mayor asked Chuck to share it with Ford to see if the level of water shown is a historical reality. Jeff mentioned that there is still the issue with the second pipe that seems of have failed. What if it was sealed? The Mayor asked Hey to run the model as if it was sealed. Jeff asked if there was any agreement with the dealership having a Village sewer on private property. Is there a perceived level of service? Let’s make sure the model is correct and we are not overstepping the technical problem. b. ComEd Transformers. Vinezeano mentioned that the Mayor sent a letter to ComEd asking for them to share the cost of the transformer improvements on the west side. The cost is nearly $30k and we would like them to pay half of this and the engineering for the project. They have agreed to pay the engineering for it. Jochim stated that ComEd has been very difficult for him to work with in the past, especially when it has to do with streetlights. He said they work in town without permits when the work is not an emergency. The Mayor asked that Scott me involved in the next meeting we  have with ComEd. We are waiting on the ComEd response to the letter. c. Sewer Map Updating Process. Andrew stated that he has not received much on map improvements from Tom Polcyn in two or three months. The Mayor asked that Andrew have a conversation with Tom and discuss getting some workflow back to him for the updating of sewer maps. I. New Business: i. Small Projects for Consideration. Chuck mentioned that Jeff has answered many of his questions about the OLR/Bruce/Knight area that he brought to light. He feels comfortable with Jeff moving forward by helping with the overland flooding projects. Vinezeano provided feedback from a resident on the 7700 block of Oconto who came to meet with the Mayor. Ostman mentioned his son-in-law lives across the street. Jeff shared his engineering analysis of the situation on the dry erase board. He stated that the area in question is directly within the historical overland river path. He stated that when the combined sewers are charged, the flaps prevent the sewage from flowing back to the block. In addition, the block is low and holds water. What happens is when the sewers to the north and south begin to flow; the water that has built up in Oconto is now slowly released through the 10-inch and 17-inch sewer lines, almost acting like a detention basin. A solution of making the sewers bigger on Oconto would not solve the water collection on the street, but it may help to release the water faster if the sewers to the north are no longer charged. This could be done without hurting anyone, but the backwater valves would need to be maintained. Jochim detailed the project as it stands with a storm sewer and combination line with flaps to prevent backups and sewage from flowing on Oconto. Ostman stated that his son-in-law’s crawlspace gets stormwater and not sanitary water. There was discussion about the resident (Vitale at 7746 N. Oconto) who stated he flooded with overland water in 2008 and again in May of this year. Vinezeano stated that he felt the second flood Vitale experienced was an aberration since it was only a 2.25-inch rain or a 10-year rain and he didn’t flood in 2010 or 2011 when those were both 100-year rains. Jochim was asked to go back to that area and televise the sewers to ensure the flooding was not caused by a clog or failure of some type. The Mayor agreed to have Hey and Associates to go out and evaluate the property for overland flooding protection. It was mentioned that the homeowner made some improvements to the home to reduce overland flooding. ii. Preliminary Engineering. Vinezeano stated that Jeff will provide a brief update on discussions with OLR, the FPD, and the Park District. The Cemetery is scheduled for next week. Jeff stated that he is beginning the survey for the Cleveland sewer project since it seems most in control of Niles to be completed. He stated the existing pipe, which is smaller than they wanted, is mostly under the Village’s control with some level of compensation for any trees that may be removed. This process was held off for the other projects at this time. There was a discussion about the vacated Lee Street and the challenges due to overbuild. The project will need to be moved to an alternative alignment and efficiencies may be found during the process. Jochim stated that the work between the homes would be upsetting, so an alternative is favorable to him. The second project discussed in more detail was Greenwood Park. Jeff provided several pictures of a park in Elgin that has a storage facility similar to what is needed there and it does not look bad at all. He stated that a project like this has the potential of increasing park space and not eliminating it. He stated the park he saw in Elgin was being used by families like any park would. This preliminary engineering project and the others will be discussed in more detail with the Mayor and Village Manager. iii. IGIG Project. Jeff stated that there was a concern with the project voiced to him, but he does not share the same concern. Jeff outlined what the Neva sewer project was and why it was installed. He stated it has two 30-inch pipes that will be demolished and bulk headed, however, the two manholes remain. Jeff discussed how the water in the current sewer system works and how the two large pipes and the area between them are meant to provide a small amount of extra storage when relief is needed in a storm. The new project will make the area more attractive, safe, useable and increase the amount of storage. The residents voiced that they like the project. The concern voiced to Jeff was that if the tank was to overflow, as it has in the past, the two bulk heads would accept the large amounts of water from the valve and prevent local flooding. In the past, an overflow occurred due to the lack of an alarm on the system, which has been installed. The valve still flows right into the inlet and if it overflows, it will go into a much larger basin that is being constructed. All of the other structure constructed in the past remains in place underground. Jochim and Nazzal are okay with the project and do not see a problem. Jochim was included on the project since the beginning. Fred mentioned that he understood the technical explanation and agrees with Jeff’s opinion. The Mayor was interested to hear what Ostman and Chris Collette have to say about the project and wanted to have a meeting scheduled. Fred  stated that a backup alarm could be installed if the tank overflow is a problem. The Mayor reiterated the need for this Commission to make headway during the first year. I. Open Discussion: There was no open discussion. II. Next Scheduled Meetings: TBD