Pavement reconstruction, utility improvements slated for 2015
By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
An area prone to flooding within Whitewater is expected to receive a little TLC next year.
The city is enlisting the services of Milwaukee-based engineering firm Strand Associates, following a decision Nov. 18 by the Common Council. Strand’s services are not expected to go beyond $34,000.
Strand experts will create a preliminary plan aimed at reconstructing pavement and implementing utility improvements along portions of Ann, Franklin and Whitewater streets.
Home Lumber, 499 W. Whitewater St., is a business that has reportedly been adversely impacted by flooding in recent years.
“During extreme storm events, it has become evident that the low point located at the intersection of Whitewater Street, immediately north of the Home Lumber facility, does not have a positive overland flood route,” Assistant City Manager Chris McDonell said.
The area under review, by McDonell’s estimation, is able to withstand 10-year rain events, meaning more severe rainfalls will result in flooding in the area.
Another issue of concern: storm sewer in the area flows north, passing underneath several buildings — including Home Lumber — before emptying into Cravath Lake.
“This is not a desirable situation because there is limited opportunity for city staff to access the storm sewer system for proper inspection and maintenance, or in the event of a pipe failure beneath the buildings,” McDonell said.
Strand will be drafting a design plan for the area with the assumption improvements will mitigate far more substantial rainfalls, all the way up to 100-year events. Preliminary plans call on construction to take place in 2015.
In other business Nov. 18, the council:
• Appointed resident Tom Hinspater to the city Plan and Architectural Review Commission. He succeeds former commissioner Karen Coburn;
• Tabled a proposal to issue ambulance contracts with the towns of Johnstown, Koshkonong, Lima and Richmond. The issue is to be revisited in December.
