Clarendon Hills Public Service Committee met April 18.
Here is the agenda as provided by the Committee:
Members Present: Committee Chair Flood, Committee Members Jorissen and Knoll
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Village President Austin, Village Manager Barr, Public Works Director Millette, Community Development Director Ungerleider, Village Engineer Lee Fell, Assistant to the Village Manager Creer, and Deputy Clerk Pries.
Meeting started at 6:07 pm.
Approval of Minutes from October 18, 2015: Chair Flood made the motion, Trustee Jorissen second.
The minutes passed by voice vote.
Discussion of Ditch Specifications: Public Works Director Millette presented updated specification possibilities for ditches including pricing for underground ditching, rain gardens and enclosing in a storm sewer system. Also, staff presented on water issues especially on Norfolk, Iroquois and Hiawatha
Director Millette stated that the ditching could be handled by staff to lower the costs. Trustee Flood stated that the cost for the enclosed storm sewer seemed too low and would not be allowable anyways under the DuPage County Storm Water ordinance.
Based on the discussion, committee consensus was to move forward with drafting a policy, including a 72 hour standing water standard and 2 to 1 slope (IDOT standard). Director Millette stated that ditches would need to meet these two criteria in order for action to be taken at the Village’s end. He also stated that he would work with the Village’s Engineer would come back with a policy including these standards and different options with different levels of village funding depending on the impact on the total system and the severity of the problem.
Trustee Knoll asked if the 2 to 1 slope for ditches would be a safety concern. Public Works Director Millette stated that the ditches are not meant to be walked in and that hand mowing would be recommended.
Member Jorissen asked if new development effects the ditches. Community Development Director Ungerleider stated that new development does not modify the ditches and that current codes allow for some properties to tie their sump pump or downspouts directly into the village’s storm sewer.
Public Works Director Millette commented that the Village only gets a handful of complaints about ditches and most of them are within the Blackhawk Heights area.
Village Engineer Fell stated that correcting the Blackhawk Heights part of town would involve raising all the roads and would just cost the Village too much for the few properties that are effected.
Trustee Jordan arrived 6:25 pm
Trustee McGarrah arrived 6:30 pm
Trustee Jordan shared that closing in the ditches near his home (Prospect Park) has made a positive improvement to the water issues.
Police Chief Farmer, Resident Turner arrived 6:50 pm
Fire Chief Leahy arrived 6:54 pm
Trustee Flood supported allowing staff discretion in picking which options worked best in each case, but recommended that we not require a Professional Engineer for residents deciding to do their own ditch repairs but that details be provided to show the depth of topsoil the Village will require, the type of pipe and size of wash stone aggregate allowed but keep the products generic, along with the different slope options. He asked that Staff formulize a plan that includes criteria for who pays when and for what, who does the work, along with an appeal process option for the residents.
Motion made to adjourn meeting by Committee Member Knoll at 6:54 p.m. Committee Member
Jorissen seconded.
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