Resident asks Forest Park to map drainage basin, reports repeated yard damage from lawn-care parking

Sandra Morgan, a Forest Park resident, used the council’s public-comment period on April 6 to urge the city to recognize a stormwater basin behind her home that she said is not reflected on city maps and causes standing water after rains.

"My concern today is regarding two things. Behind my house there is a basin which has never been recognized on the city map... when it rains it fills up," Morgan told the council, saying six houses back up to the basin and that it has stayed wet for years. She said prior attempts to address the drainage included PVC piping installed near some houses but not hers.

Morgan also said lawn-care workers from neighboring properties repeatedly park on a strip of grass the residents maintain, creating ruts. She asked whether the city could take action to prevent crews from parking on private grass.

Council and staff responded by asking Morgan to provide photos and contact information for the lawn-care company so staff could contact the company and, if necessary, pursue enforcement. A council member noted it is illegal to park on grass in the City of Forest Park and suggested calling the police when crews violate that rule.

The resident said she had previously discussed the basin with a former city manager, Ray Hodes, and asked the current city manager, Don Jones, to follow up. City Manager Jones and others said staff would review the location and follow up with Morgan. The hearing record includes no timetable for action or formal referral to public-works staff.

Ending: The council did not take formal action on the drainage issue during the meeting; staff asked Morgan to provide photos and contact information so they could investigate and follow up with enforcement or administrative remedies as appropriate.