Geneva will be conducting a citywide stormwater drainage study this year, and public participation will be an important part of the process this fall.

After contracting with WBK Engineering, the firm will identify, assess, and evaluate the City’s stormwater and drainage concerns. The process calls for citizen engagement, including meeting with the community, to understand and document resident and business concerns.

Residents are invited to attend a public meeting from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 at the City’s Public Works Department, 1800 South St. The informal open house will provide a project overview and allow participants to ask questions to City and WBK staff. People attending the session will need to follow the City’s COVID-19’s meeting guidelines, which includes wearing a face covering and completing a screening questionnaire before admittance.

For those unable to attend the meeting, residents can report drainage concerns through the City’s Comprehensive Watershed Study online portal available on the City’s website through Nov. 30. The portal features an interactive map tool where users can pin and detail specific problems on their property or neighborhood.

Ultimately, the study’s goal will be to develop a drainage capital improvement program to be utilized in future City budget planning.

WBK staff has actively been involved with responding to service requests sent to the City during spring rainfall events and documenting the observed conditions for their future report. The firm also will be performing topographical surveys in parts of the City to assist in the study.

The stormwater study does not include evaluation of the sanitary sewer since those concerns are being addressed in a separate effort by the City.

For more information on Geneva’s stormwater drainage study, visit the online portal located on the City’s website.