Commissioners declare emergency to replace storm drain on Still Avenue after basement flooding

The Allen County Commissioners on Jan. 3 approved an emergency repair to storm drainage on Still Avenue, just west of Maplecrest Road, after county staff reported two homes with flooded basements and failing four-inch drain tiles.

A county representative described the existing drain tiles as about 4 inches in diameter and said the county's current minimum standard for new storm drains is 12 inches. The representative said the county seeks to replace the system with 12-inch pipe, estimated at about $38,000, and to obtain three quotes to expedite the work.

A staff member explained the legal basis for proceeding without the formal bid process: "state law allows the Board of Commissioners to declare an emergency so that bids can be collected without going through the formal bid process, which allows the job to be done more quickly." The board moved and seconded a motion to proceed with quotes and the emergency replacement; the motion carried by voice vote.

County staff said maintenance crews had attempted to clear the existing inlets and drain tiles with vacuum trucks but the lines would not open. A county speaker said a 12-inch pipe has roughly nine times the capacity of a 4-inch tile, which should address the flooding issue for the affected homes.

The board directed staff to collect three quotes and proceed with expedited procurement under the emergency declaration; the engineer's estimate was reported but no vendor was selected during the meeting.