Black Metal Railings over Rain Drains

I also posted this on on the Homeowners Section of the Forum ..

Does anyone know who makes the call on whether and which large rain drain should be cordoned off with the Black Metal Railings ..I'm unsure of what they're called officially but they're essentially 3 /5 large concrete pipes that run under many a road for rain/water runoff.

We've lived on the corner of Chicakoan and Cattail Meadows, close to Broadlands Blvd. since '99 and Cattail Meadows has one of these running under it..its a pretty steep dropoff to the bottom (10-12 feet plus) that many of us neighbors with small kids deem hazardous (and ostensibly a liability for the community in general.)

I raised this point with the HOA (I believe it was Wes Schroeder but I cant recall) a few years ago and the response then was a) It was not on a 'major' street and therefore would not be eligible b) HOA was at the time under the developer and it was ultimately their call, when asked, the answer was still 'no'

Since then, Ive noticed several side streets much smaller with similar drains but have these railings put up (Meander Crossing being one.) The HOA is also now run by the community.

Only last week a mom literally had to throw herself in front of a small child that slipped and started rolling down the embankement

Upon discussion, I promised the neighbors, I'd raise this on the forum as well as bring it up at the next HOA meeting if thats the way to go.

Thanks!

A

Broadlands Owner since 1999

Broadlands Owner since 1999

 

FWIW ... the HOA is still run by the Developer ... they will have a majority on the board for at least the next 10 to 12 months, unless they turnover a few more homes.

About the culverts under Cattail Meadow, I'm not sure what the requirements are for these to have railing over them. It could be that they are closer to the street, as is the case with the ones under Chickacoan <sp>. I'll bring this up at the next board meeting.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

Cool, thanks. NeilZ, love to find out more and the process to address (agfm, to your point, ahh, profuse apologies for hijacking the sig block as I'm full of questions .

Look forward to more info maybe at the HOA meeting. Thanks.

A

 

I prefer to say that the Developer has a majority of the votes in the HOA, not that they run the HOA.

 

Hehehe ... true ... [8D]

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

We had the same problem on Chickacoan with two large drain spouts being unprotected and they were large with a big drop off. I brought this up to the rest of the Board and a few weeks later they were installed. As Neilz said he will bring it up, and I'm sure the developer will look into putting some up. I think all of these drains should be surrounded by the railings, they're very dangerous.

 

Thanks Donna, I sent Wes a separate email and he has also agreed to bring this up at the next meeting ..I can't recall when the next meeting is scheduled (to determine whether it is worth bringing up to the board earlier due to urgency and directly vs a a larger HOA forum later?). Thanks. Ajit

 

Donna and I are both HOA board members, and Wes told me that it will be brought up to the board. The board will not get to it any earlier than the next meeting which is the second Tuesday of June.

My advice for now is to keep an eye on the kids and insure they don't play near that area.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

I live in Overland Park and have the same concern. All of the drains along the street where I live (Atherton & Humbolt)and even the one at the base of the hill in my yard are quite wide, large enough for a child/small pet to slip through. None of the drains are screened/covered and I am truly shocked that they have been left in this state. It seems like an obvious risk.
I have a 20 month old toddler and I am paranoid whenever we walk down the street towards the payground. I am very careful and never allow him to get close, but all it would take is a slip/fall, I can even see a dog chasing a ball and ending up down there. It is truly frightening.
I strongly encourage the Board to give serious attention to resolving this if they can. Thanks!

 

Are we talking the same things here? We're talking about large culverts that are 3 to 4 feet high.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

Neil,

The latest post may be referring (to your point) about 'drain' openings/slits leading under the sidewalks, also posing hazards. These narrow openings are typically protected by a long sleeve of rocks wrapped in a metal mesh.

Agreed that I'm talking about large culverts that are 3/4 feet high, the ones I mention specifically are at least 5-7 feet from street level.

Thanks.

Ajit

 

I was traveling last week and did not get a chance to touch base on this topic.

Donna, Neil, you mentioned that you'd raise the need for railing around culverts at the HOA Meeting and do not know if this had an opportunity for an audience and any resolution.

Regards, Ajit

 

Ajit
This was discussed at the last HOA board meeting but we did not come to a resolution. Right now the board is waiting to find out how the county decides which ones get metal railings and which ones do not. This will help the board in knowing what the county percieves as a "hazerdous" and also help us understand why some have them while others do not. Hopefully we will have those guidlines in time for our next meeting July 5th and can decide what we (the HOA board) want to do for our community. If you have any further questions please feel freee to email me and I will be happy to discuss them with you

Staci Kapinos

 

Thanks Staci, I'll email you as well but thanks for following through. Ajit