Description
We have a drain easement behind our house. It has not been cleaned since 2008. The drainage is completely blocked for several houses in length. This results in bodies of water accumulating for several houses when it rains, breeding mosquitos. Contacted Public Works in July, did not hear anything. Contacted Public Works September 13th, did not hear anything. Call Public Works yesterday, spoke with Thomas. Said he would start a work order and told me about this site. This morning two gentlemen came out from Public Works, looked at the situation, said it needed to be taken care of but could give me not time frame as to when anything will be done, nor would they be getting back with me. So, I am submitting this, hopefully, something will be done or scheduled to be done and we can be made aware of progress.
also asked...
A. Drainage Issue
15 Comments
City of Huntsville (Verified Official)
Acknowledged Huntsville Public Works (Verified Official)
Pam and Sim Zoller (Registered User)
Thank you for responding to my post. I will await hearing when we do move onto the list for the drainage ditch to be cleared.
Thank you,
Huntsville Public Works (Verified Official)
Pam and Sim Zoller (Registered User)
Huntsville Public Works (Verified Official)
Pam and Sim Zoller (Registered User)
Huntsville Public Works (Verified Official)
Pam and Sim Zoller (Registered User)
Let me explain our apprehension in calling. My husband made the first call to Huntsville Public City Works in July of 2016, he was told a work order was generated. He met with someone who came out. My husband didn’t get his name, but was told they would get to the matter shortly.
My husband called again in August, was told the same thing.
Come September 13th, I told my husband I would call so that we would have a record of the calls, since his phone is a work phone and we do not get the phone records. As I stated in my first posting here, we did not hear anything and don’t know if someone came out from the September 13th call.
Then I called again on November 1, 2016. I was then told there was no record of us calling, anyone coming out, or any work order created since 2008. The next morning two gentlemen came out from Public Works, looked at the situation, said it needed to be taken care of but could not give me a time frame as to when anything will be done, nor would they be getting back with me. That was the day we posted on Huntsville Connection.
We have had three more visits since then, that we know of. You can read, in the post, the progress that has not been made. If we call, then there is no record of whatever we are going to be told. Our understanding is Huntsville Connect is the best place to have these conversations and that was why it was created, for transparency. We would like to have it explained to us so we understand why our calling now “is what we need to assist you in this issue”, when we have already made numerous calls and have had four visits by Huntsville Public Works? As we stated before, the ditch can not dry out, because it can't drain.
Huntsville Public Works (Verified Official)
Good afternoon Pam, I apologize and we understand your apprehension and appreciate the comment. I have been informed that the Public Works Supervisor over your area has spoken with your husband today.
Due to privacy fences, one of your neighbors has been kind enough to agree to let us use his property to access the drainage easement. In order to dredge the ditch, we have to use heavy equipment such as dump trucks, etc. We are waiting for the weather to warm up and dry the ground due to the fact that our equipment will damage his yard.
The ditch is still flowing even though there is standing water in places. As long as the water flow is moving and draining this is not an issue that would force us to immediately dredge the ditch when property damage is a concern. Now, if the ditch was not draining and you were under threat of flooding, then yes, we would sweep in and get the job done without hesitation. We are currently working on other easement issues where flooding homes is an immediate danger and those take priority.
This job will be performed at the end of the winter season and during the beginning of the warm season to prevent property damage by allowing the ground to dry for our heavy equipment. Again, I apologize for the run around. You are correct about the need for transparency in Huntsville Connect. Thank you for your time and please continue to keep in touch concerning your drainage easement or any other issue you need help with. Have a wonderful weekend Pam!
Lora (Registered User)
Pam and Sim Zoller (Registered User)
Pam and Sim Zoller (Registered User)
Ok. Warm weather is upon us once again and the debris continues to amass in the subject drainage ditch along with the mosquitos and yard refuse. Not understanding the rationale for the City not cleaning the drainage eaement, i've been in contact with the city attorney in pursuit of completion and closure; and health issues due to mosquito breeding..
Soon we will be acknowledging the second birthday of the condition being brought to the cities attention. The first work order was closed without action.
HELP......
Huntsville Public Works (Verified Official)
Closed Huntsville Public Works (Verified Official)
Thank you for reporting your service request to the City of Huntsville. Your issue has been handled and we are closing your request. If you need further assistance, please let us know.
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