City reports storm flooding downtown; city staff and first responders mobilized
Summary
City manager reported widespread coastal and neighborhood flooding after a rain-and-tide event over the prior weekend; fire, police and utilities responded to multiple incidents and staff will compile damage assessments and follow up on sewer lift-station spills.
City management reported on a late-October storm event that produced widespread flooding downtown and in multiple neighborhoods. The City Manager told the commission that the city experienced extensive high-tide and storm-related flooding Friday and Saturday, with downtown seawall overtopping and neighborhood flooding in Lincolnville, Davis Shores, Fullerwood and Park Terrace Drive.
City staff described an active response by fire, police and utilities personnel. The City Manager said fire and police responded to numerous service calls and that the Utilities Department addressed at least two significant sewer incidents: a minor spill at Lift Station 50 in North Davis Shores and a larger spill at Lift Station 11 near Riberia and South Street. Staff closed the Bridge of Lions briefly and conducted road closures where necessary to protect life and property.
Commissioners asked staff to compile a post-storm damage assessment, including the number of homes affected; the City Manager said planning and building would prepare that assessment and report back. Utilities staff committed to report details on the lift-station incidents and whether the failures were due to forced-main breaks or other infrastructure causes. Commissioners requested a follow-up on lift-station causes and a stress test or review of newer infrastructure performance.
Ending: City staff will prepare a damage assessment for planning and building and provide utilities-level follow-up on the sewer spills and any required infrastructure repairs. The commission thanked first responders and city crews for their work during the storm event.
