Crown Point working toward Stillwater flooding remedy

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Updated: February 27, 2012 9:53AM

CROWN POINT — The city and state Department of Natural Resources are working to solve long-standing flooding problems in the Stillwater subdivision, Mayor David Uran said at Wednesday’s Board of Works and Public Safety meeting.

Uran said a March 13 teleconference will take place with the DNR.

The city has been embroiled in a lawsuit since 2008 with the Stillwater Homeowners Association over the flooding of some homes homeowners blame on three crossings installed without DNR permits. The crossings were installed before the city annexed the subdivision.

In October, the DNR threatened to fine the city $1,800 day as long as the crossings remain in place. Uran said no fines have been levied, although the flooding issue is still unresolved.

Uran said conference calls have already taken place between the city, DNR and an administrative law judge.

The city continues to meet milestones set by the DNR and all parties are “very cordial” as they work together to come to a resolution, he said.

Board of Works member Robert Clemmons questioned whether a timeline for completion has been established.

“We’re hitting all our milestones,” Uran said. The city is working with the DNR and the process is moving forward. Right now weather is preventing some work from moving forward.”

After the meeting Uran said the city has removed the crossing at Crooked Creek Trail, returning it to its natural state. Some utility lines at the remaining two crossings at Stillwater Parkway and Greenview Place have been moved.

The city also has hired Christopher Burke Engineering to complete drainage modeling of the Stillwater Parkway and Greenview Place crossings to determine the best way to remediate the situation.

Uran said there is concern of flooding downstream if the remaining crossings are removed. Removing the main crossing at Greenview Place could also drain the small lake and negatively impact property values, something he said city officials would like to avoid.