The last time the Wellington City Council met it was the night of the big flood. It was a subject that dominated the regularly scheduled meeting two weeks later.
Wellington City Manager Shane Shields presented a four-page, 1,800-word doc “flood event” report to the council that assessed the events and the damage that occurred on May 8 (see the full document here). “In the end, we certainly hope that this event is a rare and never again occurrence,” Shields surmised at the end of his verbal report to council.
The question many in Wellington are contemplating, what is the status on federal and state relief.
It is a question, city officials cannot answer at this time.
“We are gathering data that will be turned to the Sumner Emergency Management Director,” Shields said. “He will be collect information across the county, townships and municipalities. There are certain thresholds, we have to meet to qualify for federal reimbursement.”
Wellington City of Public Works Jeremy Jones said the city is tracking the damage in areas inside and outside flood plains as well as assessing the street and allies.
“There are a lot of things going on here. Eventually, we will get to everything,” Jones said. “Not to downplay for those affected, but as far as floods go, it could have been so much worse. Still, it is going to take time.
(Read more: Sumner NewsCow)