HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-18 Public Comment - K. Klewin - Sewer Construction PlanningFrom:Chris Mehl
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: City Liability / Sewer-Construction Planning
Date:Saturday, April 14, 2018 4:29:52 PM
Chris Mehl
Bozeman Deputy Mayor
cmehl@bozeman.net
406.581.4992
________________________________________
From: Kurt Klewin [kurt.klewin@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2018 10:22 AM
To: Richard Hixson; nehli@dailychronicle.com; tsullivan@dailychronicle.com; Cyndy Andrus; Terry Cunningham;
Jeff Krauss; Chris Mehl; I-Ho Pomeroy
Subject: City Liability / Sewer-Construction Planning
Bozeman City Comission:
My name is Kurt Klewin. I purchased a home in Southbridge Addition off 19th and Graf (2014 Commonwealth) in
late 2016. At the time I was unaware that the city had authorized building on an area that is a major water shed from
Hylite to Bozeman with an extremely high water table.
Inadequate planning, inspection, and oversight has made this a major flooding problem for the current residents of
this development. Shortly after moving in, I noticed my sump pump (and my neighbors) were running almost 24
hours a day for almost all year to pump water from our foundations. The only time is didn't pump was for 1 week
late July of 2017. The water pumped by my neighbors and I overwhelms the established storm water system.
We have no storm grates on the east side of the development and water simply runs all through the streets and
overwhelms a small drain (corner of 20th and Commonwealth) that drains into a creek. I have had people stop all
the time, knocking of my door, asking what is going on with the water and what I plan to do about it. It creates a
large dip in the road (the warm water melts the ice and I can sent a multitude of pictures showing the winter
troubles). This dip has damaged a few vehicles and even makes snow removal difficult for the city. This is not to
mention the cost to me and my neighbors to continually pump water from this low area (about $90 per month).
I contacted Mr. Hixson at the city, contacted the builder representative (the builder has since passed), and city
engineering last summer. The answer I received was: "The builder should not have been designing homes to pump
into the street". The city engineers apologized and said it shouldn't have been approved by the city inspectors. I
mentioned that a new home up the street was in the building process with the same drain into the street. The city
thanked me for the "heads up", presumably to get the problem corrected, but nothing was done.
In an email to Mr. Hixson, I proposed some solutions to the problem, and his response was if I presented engineer
stamped and approved solution, he might approve it, and it was to be paid for by me and my neighbors. This could
be a $50,000 to $100,000 fix we have collectively decided is ultimately up to the city to fix. I had been talking to a
more receptive member of Mr. Hixsons department who actually came out to look at the problem and promised a
city solution, but since Mr. Hixson had put the solution cost on the residents, his effort was shut down and I never
heard from him again.
As building has started up this spring, more and more homes are pumping into the street. As of this morning, six
pumps are running that all drain to the 20th and Commonwealth intersection. Apparently the builder (Velocity
builders mainly) has been allowed by city engineers and inspectors to continue this process that according to them in
August of 2016 was "unapproved and out of compliance". So why are the city engineers allowing this? Why are
city inspectors pencil whipping inspections in regards to storm water drainage? The streets and drains, as designed,
are not adequate. (pictures below)
I even requested the city put up a sign (via the city website and eform) that simply said "Road Wet/Flooded" (as
they have on Graf between 19th and 3rd). But still no sign and no follow up email or call from the city.
We are at a loss as to the continued allowance of building permits in this neighborhood until a solution is found. As
more homes are built, the flooding gets worse, and the streets are filled with water.
We are considering legal action against the city, but want to take this first step to allow the city to propose a solution
to this growing problem. If the city fails to act, obviously we will not tolerate continually flooded streets.
I have tried to work with the city engineers and Mr. Hixsons office, but apparently I am at the end of that road.
At a minimum, until this is resolved by the city or in the courts, can the city at least put signs up about the flooded
roadway, so cars can use alternate routes?
This is a 365 day a year flooding issue and isn't at all "seasonal". Please respond by close of business, April 18th,
with the City of Bozeman's collective decision on stopping building permits, holding builders to city code, and re-
engineering continual sump pump drainage.
Regards,
Kurt Klewin
2014 Commonwealth St.
Bozeman, MT