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Citizens group praised for work on flooding
(by Sue Reid - December 30, 2009)
Citizens group praised for work on flooding
By SUE REID
Over three years after a citizens storm-water committee was formed in Solon, continued dedication keeps the group active and going strong.
Mayor Susan A. Drucker said the city is fortunate to have residents who were ready to step up and make these kinds of contributions.
The citizens storm-water committee was formed by former Mayor Kevin C. Patton following the storm of 2006, when over 1,000 homes were reported flooded.
Their task at the time, Public Works Director James S. Stanek said, was to work alongside consultants to develop a storm-water action plan. That plan, updated on a bimonthly basis to both City Council and the public works committee, received an intimate look by the committee, which makes sure the city is carrying it out.
"They provide valuable input," Mr. Stanek said.
The 12-member committee represents a wide variety of backgrounds, including environmental scientists, environmental engineers, contractors, attorneys and educators. In its early phases, the committee met every six weeks, but now meets about every two to three months.
"The biggest part of their task after we adopted the storm-water action plan was making sure we stayed on track," Mr. Stanek said. "It's tough to understand all that went into what happened that day and what is supposed to happen every time it rains." The real value of the committee, he said, is that, all that the city does in the area of storm water is not completely understood by the public. Until they have a close look at really what our task is and what our system is, it is really difficult to understand it all, Mr. Stanek said.
"Everyone on the committee is taking responsibility in helping us move forward in improving our storm-water infrastructure," Mrs. Drucker said. "I'm extremely impressed with the group." She said they are all volunteering their time.
Committee member Chris D. Emshoff, a sewer and water contractor, said he saw his involvement from the group's inception as an opportunity to help the city following the "mega storm" and the devastation it left behind.
"It's something I wanted to get involved in and try to help protect the city for future rains," Mr. Emshoff said. Although the storm was over three years ago, he said, "I think there's still numerous projects that will be done in the city.
"They are very proactive in this town," Mr. Emshoff said. "It's still a long term type of commitment" he said of the need for the committee.
Fellow committee member Kenneth Hejduk, a land surveyor and partner in an engineering and surveying company, agreed.
"I believe the committee has a lot of purpose," Mr. Hejduk said. "Even through we do not meet as often, it still is a time for the city to let us know if they are on schedule or deviating from the direction they are heading."
At the meetings, Mr. Hejduk said, the committee gets a summary from the city on what it has accomplished and what it plans to accomplish in the near future, as well as long-range goals.
"We are able to ask questions and give comments on how we think they're doing and performing," Mr. Hejduk said. "It works out really well. It's almost like a check and balance. Not that we have any authority, but they let us know what's going on and get our feedback."
"They are our audience," Mr. Stanek said of the committee. "They offer their expertise and their opinions."
Mr. Hejduk said his surveying office does a lot of civil engineering work and is especially familiar with Solon, its infrastructure and the areas that are problematic. The only sewer and water contractor on the committee, Mr. Emshoff contributes expertise in the area of detention and retention basins.
"I think the city is doing very well," Mr. Hejduk said. "They are aggressive and they follow up. To keep up on this program is a huge project and they are doing a really great job."
Committee chair Hal Becker said that the city has done an amazing job thus far in the area of storm water management.
"We're an ear to them and get to see what's going on from the inside," said Mr. Becker, an author and lecturer. "The committee has really served the city in terms of communicating the vision between the city and the reisdents of what should really be good for both and what both parties have to do."
Mrs. Drucker said the storms of the past are something the city cannot forget. "There's still more work to be done.
"On behalf of the city, I cannot thank them enough for their time," she said. "These residents cared enough to step forward and volunteer their time and expertise to help the city when faced with this dilemma. They are volunteering their time for something they have a passion for. We are very grateful."
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