Committee Report - Flood - 11-30-10 — File 190527

November 30, 2010 Flood Forum Special Committee Page 1 of 2 Printed 12/1/2010 REPORT OF THE FLOOD FORUM SPECIAL COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Maryann M. Heuston Chair Present Bruce M. Desmond Vice Chair Present William M. Roche Ward One Alderman Present William A. White Jr. Alderman At Large Present Omar Boukili Administrative Assistant Present Stan Koty DPW Present Robert King City Engineer Present Robert May OSPCD Present • Discussion of effects of flooding in city neighborhoods and feedback from city Department Heads regarding steps the city is taking to address this issue. The committee met to discuss the issue of flooding in the city and discussed whether underground hydrology contributes to the problem. There is no historical data on ground flooding in the city, but from this point on, data will be collected and maintained. The committee requested that Mr. King ascertain where streams and wetlands were located in the city and to identify “hot spots” and chronic areas prone to flooding. Mr. King was also asked to determine if the Richdale Avenue sewer(s) is connected to the MWRA network. Members inquired whether the city could create a list of properties that were affected by the recent flooding and if assistance, in terms of property valuation due to losses, could be provided. The city’s Water Department is working with an outside vendor to examine the condition of the sewers and is in the process of developing a plan to notify residents about flooding problems in the city. Mr. May spoke about the city’s exploration of separating storm water from sewer water with the MWRA. The committee requested that the city’s Water Superintendent provide the committee with information of the potential cost savings to residents by not having storm water run through the MWRA system. Several residents spoke about the recent flooding and provided some examples of the losses experienced. Mr. Koty will send a communication to the MBTA requesting that debris along its rails be removed. Alderman Desmond requested the City keep a list of names and addresses of residents who have suffered losses and damage to property during flooding events. The Committee also heard from members of Somerville Climate Action and discussed initiatives taken by other cities to mitigate storm water run off. Chairman Heuston communicated that these initiatives are also in discussion in the Parks and Open Space Committee.