12/13/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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BOOK W Prtiut 95i Chairman Tippin took exception to Mr. Mensing classifying Roseland as a "stepchild" since serious flooding had occurred all over the county, not just in his area. Commissioner Macht asked if all that was needed was to direct staff to come back with a recommendation. Commissioner Adams expressed her thanks to Mr. Mensing for explaining the situation to the Commission in a positive manner and felt they should respond in a like manner. She agreed that flooding was a problem throughout the county, but advised that staff was investigating the possibility that maybe it had been made worse recently in that area. She wanted staff to continue their investigation and to monitor the St. Johns River Water Management District analyzation. Chairman Tippin believed there was consensus that staff be directed to proceed with examining the problem and its causes. He added that drainage has always been a problem and that it would not improve without careful study, workshops, taxing districts, and focus, even during the dry spells. Public Works Director Jim Davis explained that the storm was a unique occurrence with reports of up to 12 inches of rain in a 30 -hour period, above and beyond the criteria for a 25 -year storm. Roseland is a unique area with classic floodplain topography, not characteristic of most of the rest of the county. He recalled that a study had been commissioned in the early 180s, a master drainage plan had been drafted for the Roseland area in 1982, and some of the improvements were implemented. Director Davis continued that when putting in a master drainage plan, the proper sequence was to begin work at the river and proceed upstream. Easements and rights-of-way would have to be acquired and they have spoken over the years to many of the property owners who were resistant to granting easements in many of the floodplain areas. Director Davis advised that survey work is underway there and the Engineering Department has commissioned a study to try to map many of the areas. The engineering firm that designed the Wal-Mart system will be coming to the county very soon to request a control discharge on the Wal-Mart site under the railroad culverts. It will be very interesting to see what they want from the county. Historically, one-third of the Wal-Mart property drained under the railroad tracks into the area of Mr. Mensing's concern. W December 13, 1994