DRAIN BASINS
OVERVIEW
This research investigates the potential impact of repetitive behaviors on the failures of stormwater rain basins in Texas Township. By analyzing these behaviors, HOAs and others may gain insights into some of the underlying factors contributing to these issues and how best to manage them.
JUNE 11, 2018
During the June 2018 board meeting, a Trustee and the former Township Supervisor expressed their concerns about issues affecting Eagle Lake. One individual mentioned that the lands had become "saturated" while noting that "the township's hands are tied." The other individual pointed to "overdevelopment" as a potential cause of the water rise problems.
JUNE 25, 2018
In June 2018, residents reported issues with several storm basins in areas like Pine Island, Texas Heights, and DeLoof Ponds near Eagle. The Kalamazoo Deputy Drain office was notified and activated emergency procedures to aid those affected.
Township Clerk Linda Kerry addressed the flooding occurring throughout the town in minutes that read:
"In light of the flooding we have experienced, the failures of existing basins, and the inactivity of homeowners' associations, along with the recommendation of the Deputy Drain Commissioner it is in the public interest to ensure these basins are publicly managed."
JUNE 26, 2018
Clerk Kerr brought the board's vote from the previous night on retention basins to the Planning Commission, where commissioners initially appear more concerned about the builder's future costs than the current crisis facing distressed residents.
There is uncertainty expressed regarding the existence and identity of Homeowners Associations in each subdivision that may oversee the maintenance and inspections of subdivision drains.
AUGUST 28, 2018
As months passed, the flooding intensified. The Township was in crisis management mode. Clerk Kerr brought the issue up again with the Planning Commission, leading to a decision by the Planning Commission to begin to explore how other townships manage retention basins.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
Board members received a memo from the Township Engineer, Tom Wheat, who provided his review during a planning commission meeting. A second problem statement reads:
“The issue is that most associations are not equipped to maintain the drain.“
Residents continue to work diligently to protect their property while the ownership responsibilities related to the failed basins are still under investigation and discussion.
OCTOBER 9, 2018
The Planning Commission is actively seeking more information and guidance from the Board. Residents remain in distress as months of ownership discussions have lapsed with no direction. One commission member remarked:
“This drainage issue is going to be a mess."
OCTOBER 23, 2018
Clerk Kerr informed the commission of findings related to past inspections of the drain which reads:
"private drains are not being inspected by our engineer due to liability."
Months ago, the Planning Commission was informed that some homeowners associations might not exist. Now, they have discovered that the township has not inspected the drains due to concerns about potential liability.
No further discussion is found within minutes by the Township Board or Planning Commission to the numerous failed basins after this meeting. Meanwhile, distressed residents have largely given up on any sense of assistance.
MARCH 26, 2019
A few board members met with the Pine Island Subdivision, which continued all efforts to protect their property. Minutes read
"They learned that when Pine Island was developed in 1993, 1994, and 1995, a portion of the drains were not properly installed, and one drain area was never installed.
A member of the Planning Commission notes that this is an "ongoing problem."
Residents of Pine Island Plat are still waiting for action to address the issue, with some continuing to pump groundwater into the street six years later.