Drainage issues still hot topic for city council
By JOSIE BARTEL
Contributing writer
Robert Privatera, engineering consultant for Hillsboro, gave his regular report to the city council Oct. 2, addressing three areas of concern for flooding issues.
The three areas were the Birch Street drainage system, which also involves areas around the Adobe House, the Scout House and the ponds in that location, the West Winds Addition in the western part of town, and D and E Streets between Adams and Wilson.
The Birch Street drainage system handles the most water run-off of those three locations — nearly 80 acres of land and water run-off.
Several options were discussed to help alleviate the problem, including eliminating a pond, digging the ponds deeper and the emergency spillway that is currently in use, replacing various pipes, and a good cleaning of each of the ponds and the drainage area near the Hillsboro Ford lot.
This area is overgrown and Privatera was concerned if the water still flows smoothly through the system when it rains.
In addition, there was concern about how close the water comes up to the Adobe House structure and if excessive moisture would damage the historical building.
Another problem area is the Scout House. Often after a heavy rain, water settles on the walk-out portion of the basement of the facility.
To lessen this problem, Privatera suggested a retainer wall around the foundation. Water would still settle in the enclosed area however, thus causing another problem that Privatera thought could be solved with the help of a sump pump.
Due to the lack of a strong drainage system plan, prior to construction of West Winds Addition, a flooding problem has surfaced. Much of the water runs onto Floral Drive causing flooding in particular lots and causing headaches for homeowners
However, not knowing how the West Winds Addition will develop, there are many questions still unanswered on which direction to go to help lessen drainage problems.
Currently, a ditch is in place addressing the drainage issues and it was suggested to deepen that until direction becomes clearer. There are no culverts located in the addition, and Privatera believes the addition of a culvert would help the situation.
The portion of D and E streets located between Adams and Wilson is considered an easement and technically the city is not responsible for that, but citizens in that area have asked the city to address it.
Essentially, the spot under scrutiny is a built-up alley. The water cannot drain from the lawns out to the street well.
The council discussed placing a gradient in that area to help drain the water. They discussed both a concrete and a grass gradient. The concrete one would be more expensive, but also easier to maintain. With the grass one, the issue of silting would occur causing more frequent maintenance to the area.
In other business the council:
— Approved vouchers totaling $62,658.79.
— Approved to pay an invoice from Carrothers Construction totaling $10,000 for the completion of the second punch list relating to work with the pool.
— Accepted the final draft of the Hillsboro Business Park Plat.
— Authorized city administrator Larry Payne to proceed with engineering design for the Hillsboro Business Park Plat.
