Lake Zurich considers task force to address stormwater

In the wake of heavy downpours last month that flooded streets and homes across the suburbs, Lake Zurich officials are starting discussions to form a special committee, task force, or joint panel to deal more closely with the issue of stormwater management.

Village Attorney Carlos Arevalo presented village board members this week with three options for addressing the issue: a task force consisting of residents, staff, and two trustees to report to the mayor; a special committee of trustees only; or a joint panel that would act as a special body to the board.

“Once we’ve determined the type of structure, we need to focus on the powers it will have and the duties and responsibilities,” Arevalo said.

Trustee Jonathan Sprawka backed the task force, stressing the importance of community participation.

“There are concerns throughout the community related to stormwater management,” Sprawka said. “I would like those residents to be heard.”

Trustee Jeff Halen, however, called for the board to wait on making any final decisions.

“I feel we’ve lost focus,” Halen said. “Regardless of options one, two, or three, these committees do not address the short-term issues.”

Halen also voiced concern that two board members instrumental in pushing for the options — Trustee Rich Sustich and former Trustee Mark Ernst, who resigned from the board in July — were not present to discuss them this week.

With two trustees in favor of a task force and two for a special committee, the board decided to hold off on a final decision until a later meeting.

“We really need to pinpoint what we want to do here” Trustee Tom Poynton said. “I don’t think we need a joint task force. I think this is an issue that can be handled by the board in full transparency.”

Stormwater management has been an ongoing issue in the village and gained prominence in the last few years. Special Service Areas geared toward stormwater and wetlands have also come under debate.

The actual management of stormwater in Lake Zurich depends on specific subdivisions in town, and ranges from open ditches in older areas to underground collection systems, the lake, and retention basins.

“Stormwater knows no boundaries,” Village Administrator Bob Vitas said. “So stormwater management is an engineering science. How do you address new development, redevelopment, and future stormwater needs? Who’s going to pay for stormwater improvements when the need necessitates itself? These bodies will address all those questions.”