08-04-11 Drainage and Flooding Committee Meeting

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Rushing advised the preliminary report had been funded but funding would be required for construction of the project. Chairman Mosteit directed staff to forward a copy of the Northwest Park Diversion Basin presentation provided by Mr. Rushing to the Drainage and Flooding Committee and other Council members. 4. Discuss City -Wide Drainage Issues — J. Garza City Engineer Julian Garza updated the Drainage and Flooding Committee on the progress of drainage projects. Committee member Zemanek requested the direction given to staff in regards to the Battleground Estates and Shady River projects. City Engineer Julian Garza responded to move forward for Council direction on awarding consulting contracts to Klotz and Associates for Battleground Estates and Civil Tech Engineering for Shady River. Mr. Garza also added the contracts were in phases and staff would have to bring back any additional work to the Drainage and Flooding Committee and City Council for authorization before moving forward. Committee member Engelken requested the status of half of the B -112 Channel that was conducted by Harris County Flood Control District in the 1970's. John Randolph with Harris County Flood Control District reported there was not any plans to move forward at the present time. Mr. Randolph also informed plans cannot be located on the project other than the concrete and figures of the construction performed in -house in the 1970's. Committee member Engelken questioned if Harris County Flood Control District had proposed plans for the three thousand foot section that is now located in the City of La Porte. Mr. Randolph responded there were not any proposed plans to his knowledge. Committee member Engelken advised Mr. Randolph he had been informed by Director Harris County Flood Control District Mike Talbot would be looking at B -112 Channel for improvements. Committee member Engelken requested an update on buyouts in the Brookglen Subdivision. John Randolph with Harris County Flood Control District reported there are fifty -seven properties within two blocks affected in the Brookglen Subdivision. Thirty -five had been purchased, four were in settlement, one in negotiation, one pending, three had withdrawn, five had not responded and eight did not qualify. Committee member Engelken questioned if there was recourse for citizens with vacant lots next to their homes. Mr. Randolph advised of interlocal agreements with communities for parks, landscaping and community gardens at no cost. Committee member Zemanek questioned if the water coming from the City of Deer Park has an effect on the flooding in the Brookglen subdivision. Gary Struzick with Klotz and Associates responded there was a problem getting water out of the subdivision and into the stream in addition to older design issues. Committee member Zemanek questioned if there was an issue with large amounts of water coming from Deer Park into La Porte. Mr. Struzick responded he was not aware of an issue with large amounts of water coming from Deer Park into La Porte. Committee member Engelken commented he respectively disagreed with the analysis given by Mr. Struzick on water getting out of the Brookglen Subdivision due to a survey conducted by the University of New Orleans and living in the subdivision witnessing water flowing fine out of the channel but ditches causing the problem of water getting out of the subdivision. The committee directed City Engineer Julian Garza to postpone consulting contracts for B -112 Channel Improvements until meeting with the City of Pasadena regarding their development plans and the impact on projects in the City of La Porte. Chairman Mosteit directed staff to add an agenda item for Drainage Reports and all future City Council Meetings. Page 2 of 3 August 4, 2011, Drainage and Flooding Committee Minutes