Committee Report - Flood - 10-22-12 — File 193888

October 22, 2012 Flood Forum Special Committee Page 1 of 1 Printed 10/26/2012 REPORT OF THE FLOOD FORUM SPECIAL COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Maryann M. Heuston Chair Present William M. Roche Vice Chair Absent Bruce M. Desmond Alderman At Large Present William A. White Jr. Alderman At Large Present Omar Boukili Administrative Assistant Present Rob King City Engoneer Present Ginger Barrett Water Supt. Present Stan Koty Commissioner of DPW Present 192122 - That the Commissioner of Public Works conduct a study of Dane Avenue to determine causes of excessive flooding during rain events.: Mr. King and Ms. Barrett stated that part of the problem stems from what was know as Miller’s River and from the area in question being a tributary to Union Square, whose water and sewer infrastructure needs to be updated. Along with that, the MWRA needs to update its pipes, however, the MWRA won’t enlarge its system to accommodate Somerville’s storm water since the city should be taking steps to separate its storm water from the city’s drainage system. A study will be undertaken on how best to accomplish this task in the long term. The city is hiring a consultant to locate places to separate storm water from the system. Mr. Koty told the members that it could cost up to $10 million to fix the problem areas and that the city is looking at ways to fund the project. As for the short term, bids will be going out soon to have the affected drainage pipes cleaned. Residents of Dane Avenue, Properzi Way, Clark Street and Kingman Road spoke about the problems encountered, such as sinking foundations and flooding and they asked for better communication from the city with regard to these problems. The committee discussed ways to alleviate the problems as well as the availability of funds and/or government programs to assist property owners in dealing with the situation. The committee will schedule a follow-up meeting in the near future. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE