Remarks/Comments from Visitors
Seven emails received by the Park District were read by President Ubriaco at the meeting. In addition, twelve people shared comments about stormwater concerns. Due to the high volume of correspondence, a full transcript of comments can be found in the Remarks/Correspondence section of the Meeting Meetings provided through the link below.
Unfinished Business: Stormwater Management Update
Executive Director Rogers reported that the Subcommittee met on July 8, 2014 to review Burke Engineering’s response to V3 Engineering’s initial inquiries regarding drawings for stormwater detention in District parks. A copy of the responses was provided to each Park Commissioner as well as the public. The responses were in keeping with what had been previously discussed stating that the drawings are preliminary with only 5% completed. V3 suggested Burke Engineering continue to detail the drawings up to 15% to 20% of completion in order for V3 to provide an accurate peer review of detention plans in the parks in regards to the fields’ playability, maintenance and other associated concerns. Burke Engineering has agreed to incorporate specific details in the second phase of drawings as requested by V3 including invert elevations, inflow and outflow, pipe sizes throughout the site, peak elevations and further specifications. Burke Engineering’s response addressed Cayuga Avenue residents’ concerns of the York Commons detention basin overflowing to Cayuga Avenue by recommending a “berm be constructed along the south side of the park to protect those homes.” Park District representatives on the Sub Committee did not agree the berm would be the best fit but asked if the back of Cayuga Avenue would feed into the basin as well.
In its attempt to further the stormwater management process, the Subcommittee agreed to have the City draft an intergovernmental agreement (IGA). The IGA would be simplistic with exhibits for each unique park site. To date, York Commons Park continues to be the first park site for review because of the potential number of homes benefiting from the detention.
Commissioners recommended V3 attend future Park board meetings to address Commissioner and potentially public questions regarding stormwater plans. The Board discussed inviting representatives from the City and Burke Engineering to Board meetings also. Commissioner Spaeth stated that the Sub Committee is making progress and V3 is helping the Park District by asking the right questions before making a decision in choosing the most sustainable option to benefit the most number of homes. Commissioner Morissette-Moll asked about safety issues in regards to basin depth and drain time. The Sub Committee also discussed the option of the City purchasing flooding lots in natural swales in the Geneva Street area near East End Park. Board President Ubriaco posed the question whether the Board was ready to vote on Wild Meadows Trace. Executive Director Rogers suggested the Board allow for V3 to review more detailed plans for that site prior to proceeding.
Executive Director Rogers stated that although most of the questions asked tonight have been made readily available to the public, the Park District plans to develop a broader approach to enhance dissemination of information to the community and improve knowledge of the Park Board’s efforts thus far. Commissioners thanked the Sub Committee members for their time and efforts in serving on the committee.
