Neighbors press drainage concerns for proposed Norris Way subdivision; county surveyor says ordinance requires on-site detention

Chris and Sue Ellen Meyers, neighbors of a site proposed for a new subdivision between Norris Way and Blue Green Drive, told the Clinton County Drainage Board on April 21 they want assurances the project will not send runoff onto their property.

“We're mainly concerned about the drainage… we want to make sure it's done right so that we don't get flooded out,” Sue Ellen Meyers said during public comment, describing prior drainage problems that required them to hire a contractor.

The county surveyor told the board he reviewed the site using Google Earth and found the development parcel is roughly 3 feet higher than the Meyers’ property (site about 863 feet, the Meyers’ property about 860 feet and an adjacent parcel about 859 feet), and added that by the county’s drainage ordinance the developer must grade the site and provide a detention pond so water is retained and released in a controlled fashion. “By our ordinance, they cannot shed any water onto you,” the surveyor said.

The surveyor and staff said no certified engineer drawings had been submitted yet. Staff and Liz, the county community planner, said they expected preliminary plans within a month or two and reiterated that drainage plans must be approved by the drainage board before the plan commission will accept a subdivision filing.

The board advised the Meyers to expect official plan submittals and notices of hearings from the city as the review proceeds.