Stormwater Commission

STORMWATER COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Friday, August 20, 2010 The following persons were present: Richard Wlodarski, Scott Jochim, Andrew Vitale, Steven Vinezeano, Chairman Joe Lo Verde and Mayor Callero. Also in attendance was Jeff Wickenkamp of Hey and Associates and Public Services Superintendent Jerry Doczekalski. Absent were Mousa Nazzal and Chuck Ostman. I. Introduction: Vinezeano introduced Superintendent Jerry Doczekalski and welcomed him to the meeting. Jerry was head of the Sewer Department for many years. Vinezeano also used this opportunity to inform the Commission that President Obama signed the disaster declaration for Cook County to help residents who had loses during the rain of July 24th, 2010. Once this information was known, staff immediately contacted all known flood victims with the FEMA Hotline number. This information was also posted on the general website, Commission website and Channel 6. II. Progress Update by Hey: Jeff Wickenkamp provided details of the field/engineering work completed to date by Hey and Associates. During June and July, most of the work was on Task One “Review Data and Identify Data Needs” and Task Two “Conduct Sewer System Analysis and Modeling.” Task One was completed as per the Scope of Services and Task Two is now moving right along. Field collection of invert data and 200 to 300 structures was done and finished early due to the help of Public Services. Some additional data may be needed at a later date for clarifications on special structures. Jeff stated he had the first cut of the overland flow paths, but unfortunately he failed to bring it in his haste to get to the meeting. This final data will provide clues to solutions, whether they are less expensive overland or more substantial infrastructure. III. Regulatory Program Review: (see handout) During this discussion, the Chair brought up the issue of plan review at the Zoning Board level. He is concerned that significant developments do not provide detailed engineering plans showing what the development is doing with their stormwater. This is a policy decision and requires additional study. The concern voiced by the Commission was the cost of such a policy change. Would the upfront costs reduce the level of work being proposed in Niles? What do other towns do? a. Comments on existing ordinances & recommended amendments. i. Ch. 50 – Floods. This regulation contains what the Village must do to allow residents to purchase flood insurance. It is related to NFIP. The ordinance is in order. There was a question regarding  “Requires 1:1 fill/compensatory storage ration.” Is it 1:1 or 1:5? Jeff to check on this. ii. Zoning Ordinance-Section VII Residence Districts. This regulation discusses limited impervious areas, but there is no definition. It was recommended and approved by the Commission after some discussion to recommend the Board of Trustees amend the ordinance by adding: Impervious Area – Surfaces that do not readily allow for the penetration of rain into the ground, and include but are not limited to rooftops, paved areas and graveled areas. iii. Ch. 18-IX Fences. This ordinance was in order. iv. Ch. 18-XI Grades. The language within Sec. 18-323 (h) of Ch. 18- IX Fences could be reworded and used in this chapter: “No proposed grade shall impede or divert the flow of water through any property unless by proper investigation it can be shown to the satisfaction of the director of public services that the grade will not adversely impact any adjoining property owner and will contribute to an improvement in the overall drainage system.” Also, it is recommended that the Commission consider establishing foundation height and lowest adjacent grade elevations based on future inundation mapping. v. Ch. 102-Sewer Use, Div. 1 Generally. This ordinance was in order. vi. Ch. 102-Sewer Use, Div. 2 Connections and Construction. There is a potential language conflict between (102-60 and 102 65): 102-60 states, “Foundation or footing drains connected to an outlet storm sewer or outlet drainage shall be provided around foundations enclosing basements or habitable spaces below grade, and such installations shall be at or below the area to be protected.” 102-65 states, “Footing drains shall be connected to sump pumps and splashed out to rear yard for further discharge into storm sewer or drainage ditches wherever possible. No footing drain or drainage tile shall be connected to the sanitary sewer system.” Also, shall sanitary sewer in 102-65 be changed to sanitary or combination sewer? b. (b and c) Hey provided a summary of the draft MWRD ordinance. Currently, MWRD is conducting an economic impact study on the ordinance. Jeff estimates that the ordinance will be made law by January 2012. There was discussion regarding recommendations by Hey to establish a Village of Niles Stormwater Management Program that utilizes the draft MWRD ordinance as a beginning, but requires additional regulation for Niles at lower thresholds. Vinezeano and Wlodarski will provide Hey with example properties (existing and proposed) so that Hey can show how these developments would be impacted by the proposed thresholds. Wlodarski is also gathering data for Hey on major construction in Niles in past 3-5 years.  d. The Commission discussed NFIP compliance related to Niles’ Chapter 50- Floods. A self audit will be initiated by Vinezeano. Are there any violations since 1978? IV. Community Rating System Program (CRS): If the Village self audit of Chapter 50-Floods is successful, the Village may pursue a CRS rating to reduce the cost of flood insurance for residents. CRS is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management that exceeds the minimum NFIP requirements. Insurance costs could be reduced by 10 to 15% by just submitting to a review. It was discussed that by providing for cheaper insurance, more residents may purchase it. However, this only covers overbank flooding events. Preferred Risk Flood Insurance would also be reduced for homes that are in moderate-to-low risk areas not in the flood plane. Vinezeano will begin the process after a thorough review of Chapter 50 compliance. V. Open Discussion: a. Update for ongoing projects. Jochim stated that Maryhill work is up for bid. He is not aware yet whether or not they took into consideration his recommendations for a swale along Monroe. When the final plan is available, Hey would like it for the modeling. Greenwood has no update. Renaissance is under review by Gewalt Hamilton. Joe LoVerde discussed improvements to Nico Park and stated that Jonquil is still an issue that will require Village assistance to reach a sewer system. b. Review of 7/24 storm and some key locations. Thirty homes reported basement flooding caused by failed sumps, sewer backup, and in some cases simply failed home systems. Out of the thirty, sixteen completed Cook County Initial Damage forms and will most likely contact FEMA for assistance. There were a number of flooded streets and yards, but overall, based on the volume of water that fell, there was not as much damage as expected. This most likely has to do with the lack of ground saturation before the rain event. (Slides of Locations Used) i. Oriole. Resident had sewer water coming out of tub and toilet on first floor (bi-level). Community Development visited the location to find some issues with the sump. Superintendent Doczekalski stated that he assisted in that location about five years ago and the resident had a root problem. Was that an issue this time? When did she last clear her lateral? It was also thought by Community Development that the street flooding may have overwhelmed her overhead sewer system. ii. Bruce Drive sanitary sewer was backed up to the MWRD Outfall. OLR field work had limited success, depending on who you speak with (Father Chris or ). Just north on Sunset and Stolting there were at least two homes with basement flooding. Sunset Road was flooded and Stolting has issues with property sewer  system. Public Services could not trace dye from a drain near where water entered the basement. iii. Nora Avenue had a number of homes in the area with sewer backup. It was discovered that a parking development within the last few years may not have installed a required 2” restrictor that would cause the parking lot to flood. Public Services is working to clear up the issue, but in the meantime placed a 4” restrictor in the sewer basin near the homes across the street form the parking lot. This may cause water to build up on the road now, but hopefully reduce the surge that causes backup. iv. Western Avenue has been an ongoing problem since 2008 flood. Recently, Public Services spent many hours cleaning and hauling away 30 loads expanding the ditch system next to the home. The system cannot be made larger and the water is coming from Unincorporated Cook County. Could this home be an option for FEMA buyout? v. Grace to the north by Glenview. At least two homes experienced flooding due to sump failure and power outage. Jochim stated that he has done what he can to encourage Glenview to assist by redirecting the water. He mentioned a possible cul-de-sac to block the water as was eligibly done by Park Ridge to block water from Des Plaines. Hey stated that may not be an option legally. The Mayor requested that Jochim place it in writing to Glenview now and pursue it formally. vi. Elizabeth Avenue. Several multi-family homes had sewer backup due to a clog in the sanitary sewer. This is the second time and they believe it is due to flooding. Public Services stated it is due to clogging from grease or other foreign objects that do not belong in the sewers. Public Services monitors the location monthly now due to the meeting with the building owners. One of the owners is going to pursue overhead sewer. One does not want to pay the cost. vii. Elmore flooded near Dempster damaging an auto on the street. viii. Ottawa. They had sewer backup for the first time since at least 2008 flood. They claimed it was from the Notre Dame improvement. Dye tests were completed to prove no pipes from the Notre Dame project were connected. Community Development sent them a letter outlining some of the problems with their home system. In addition, this slide sparked discussion of how Public Services will ensure personnel on the ground get sewer updates to GIS. New sewer maps will be printed (7 or so) and placed in each truck. Superintendent Jerry Doczekalski will work with Vitale to develop a plan for future updates. VI. Next Scheduled Meeting: TBA