Politics & Government

LIVE: Blog from Grosse Pointe Farms Special Meeting on Recent Flooding

Check with Grosse Pointe Patch throughout the night for live updates from Grosse Pointe Farms' special follow-up meeting on recent basement flooding.

Grosse Pointe Farms is holding a special follow-up meeting regarding recent basement flooding on Monday night at the .

Farms officials wanted to inform residents on any updates since the last meeting on Sept. 15.

Refresh the page for updates throughout the night.

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7:15 p.m.

City Manager Shane L. Reeside says DTE has verified the load and capacity of each power line to the pump station.

Find out what's happening in Grosse Pointewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

DTE also has conducted survey of primary lines to the pumps. DTE will provide a status update by the end of the week.

DTE has installed monitors to record the quality of the power lines.

City wants to evaluate the pump station to assess its current condition and what, if any, changes need to be made. The grant application for the S2 grant is due Sept. 30. The city should hear the outcome of the grant awards by November.

There is now temporary generator equipment onsite for power to pumps Nos. 7 and 8. The electrical hookup is expected to be complete and operational by Sept. 30.

7:17 p.m.

The city has conducted an independent review of the pump station operations. Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick, Inc. tested the switch gear Monday morning, and the pumps were tested on Sept. 23. In the test during Monday’s rain, the pumps worked as they should.

City has an operator at the plant to monitor the automated system around the clock.

Reeside also says the city is making a commitment to share information with residents with forums and updates at city council.

Investigation is still ongoing, Reeside said.

7:30 p.m.

Questions are now being taken from the audience.

Pump station historically has had the ability to handle heavy rains, Reeside said, until this past year. Part of the S2 evaluation will be to look at the capacity of the pump.

There is a sequence for the pumps to start back up. Interruptions in the power do create a problem in handling demand.

Residents are upset because there is no microphone for the audience.

The temporary generator runs on diesel, and it has an 18-hour capacity. It can be refueled during use.

Resident wants a generator on a permanent basis. His suggestion is met with a smattering of applause.

7:40 p.m.

One resident is critical of the response by DTE. To rely on DTE is a big mistake, he says.

Resident asks that there is progress made on why the pump was not switched over. Reeside said there is progress, but he could not comment because of the ongoing investigation.

7:44 p.m.

Residents asks if city will reimburse them for any losses from the flooding. Reeside said there has been no determination because the investigation is still ongoing and there is litigation involved.

7:50 p.m.

Resident says there are still no solutions. He said there is nothing being done. He says there is “no confidence” from the officials.

8:02 p.m.

Resident asks for the city to “look at morality and do the right thing” and give financial compensation to affected citizens.

Residents upset that sewer was separated in the lakeside district, but not for the inland district.

Audience member Stacy Fuller wants to know when there will be options for the residents. Reeside says that it will take some time before action can be taken.

8:08 p.m.

One resident wants recommendations for businesses that can help individuals now to prevent backflow in the basement.

Reeside says the circumstances in the September flooding were much different than the one in May. He said that while there are no guarantees, he will “sleep better at night” with the changes made thus far.

8:26 p.m.

Mayor said council will discuss waiving inspection fees for basement repair at the next meeting on Oct. 3.


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