County commissioners discuss daycare flooding problems

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By Brandy Nance (Contact)

Originally published 09:31 a.m., September 10, 2008
Updated 09:31 a.m., September 10, 2008

Lyon County commissioners discussed possible solutions to an ongoing flooding problem at Emporia Child Care Center III, 420 W. 15th Ave., during today's study session.

County Engineer Chip Woods brought a topographical map of the playground area. In August, Woods said alterations to the playground has caused the water to flow into the child care center instead of away from it. He pointed this out to commissioners during today's meeting on the drawing of the playground. A sidewalk was built in the middle of the drainage path, Woods said.

“It wasn’t an issue until they built the sidewalk,” Woods told commissioners.

Woods said he is working with city staff, including the interim city engineer, to find a solution to the flooding. Possible solutions include cutting a trench through the area to direct the flow of water; bringing a retaining wall further out to prevent the water from flowing into the center or directing water into one of the nearby manholes.

“Something besides sandbags would be nice,” said Deb Crowl, Emporia Child Care Center administrator.

Lyon County Commission Vice-Chairman Marshall Miller said the problem needs to be addressed.

“You can’t have that daycare flooded,” Miller said. “It’s deteriorating the interior and it’s going to be very expensive to replace.”