Residents affected by persistent street runoff at 590 View Avenue told the Rio Dell City Council the problem has caused erosion, property damage and repeated sandbagging, and they urged the city to take immediate corrective action. After discussion, the council voted 3-0 to refer the matter to the city attorney for further review.

City staff provided background noting the house at 590 View Avenue predates the city (built between 1940 and 1956) and that lot-line adjustments and sidewalk construction in the 1980s may have altered drainage patterns. Staff said the city has no records of complaints about the site in the last five years and that sidewalk and curb work on the neighboring lots likely were constructed by private contractors at the time of housing construction.

Why it matters: residents said the runoff has damaged fencing and the foundation of an adjacent garage, forced repeated sandbagging each winter, reduced neighborhood curb appeal and could affect property values. They asked for a simple fix, such as an asphalt berm directing water into a storm drain near the intersection of View and Kelly. Residents provided a written history from a long-term former owner who said flooding has been an issue for decades.

Resident Laura Berry said the water has “eroded our property, damaged fencing, and even compromised the foundation of the garage on the house below us at 591 Pacific Avenue,” and asked the city to act rather than delay. Another resident, Samuel Barry, provided letters from neighbors and a long-term owner (Dario Primifore) documenting recurring flooding dating back decades.

City staff and council members cautioned that despite the apparent simplicity of an asphalt berm, the issue may involve legal questions about maintenance obligations, prior subdivision conditions, liability for improvements and technical engineering questions about slopes and hydraulic capacity. The city manager and public works staff said correcting the location could require more detailed site analysis and permitting.

Council action: after resident testimony and staff briefing, a council member moved to refer the matter to the city attorney for further investigation and possible legal/engineering options; the motion carried 3-0. Council asked that staff, the city attorney and public works return with preliminary options, an assessment of potential responsibility (city vs. private), and cost estimates if repair is warranted.

Next steps: referral to the city attorney, followed by staff analysis of technical fixes and funding options; council members said they expect a future briefing with more information before any physical work is authorized.