Council asked about flooding

DUNKIRK — After a wet spring, flooding was the hot topic Monday.

Resident Gale Wright addressed Dunkirk City Council about water issues, thanking Mayor Gene Ritter for his help with flooding at her home on Moore Avenue.

The wet spring — June’s rain total had already cleared the monthly average by more than 2 inches prior to the official start of summer Friday — has wreaked havoc not only on farmers but also on city residents. Wright said high water has been a problem at her property for nearly two months.

“Since the first of May, this is every day,” she said. “Did y’all have a good Memorial Day? We didn’t. We were pumping water. That’s all we’ve done since the first of May.”

Council member Jack Robbins pointed out that the water problems are not limited to Wright’s property or to Moore Avenue.

“Let me put it this way, the whole town is like this, not just the section they were talking about. In my pole barn, right beside my house, it floods,” he said. “It’s always been that way.”

He added that the city has been working with engineering firm Beam, Longest and Neff on a plan since 2016.

“This is the master utility plan and we’re working on flooding issues. (Council member) Jesse Bivens is in charge of it and we’re working on a big grant, and they’ve got different things designed,” said Robbins. “Retaining ponds, bigger pipes just different things that. It’s a whole deal to get the thing going.”

In other business, council:

•Tabled discussion regarding the city’s pool-filling service. There have been complaints regarding algae in water being pumped from firetrucks into residents’ pools. Council will review the matter after consulting with the fire department. 

•Approved multiple donations from the mayor’s promotional fund — $100 each for Dunkirk Public Library’s summer reading program $100 and the upcoming Optimist Club golf tournament.

•Announced the city will begin its 4th of July celebrations Friday. The day will start at 8 a.m. with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

•OK’d two purchases for the parks department –– $75 for sewer work and $1,075 for maintenance — to go toward work related to opening the city pool.

•Heard a new fence will be installed this week around the circle in Dunkirk City Park.

•Approved spending $1,120 for BL Anderson to complete work on an air system, valve and computer at the wastewater treatment plant and the purchase of a new mower from K&L Tractor Sales, Fort Recovery, for the street department at a cost of $4,500.

•Paid claims of $169, 803.13.