TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager report back within thirty (30) days what steps can be taken to remove standing water from streets where residents report water has not drained within 24 hours. Such report should include steps by which a City Council office or resident or street sweeper can report the standing water; notification of the City Health Officer regarding the location of the standing water in order to determine whether or not the standing water presents a public health hazard and whether it needs to be referred to Vector Control; coordination with the Water Department to determine the source of the water and contact with residents on the street; and removal of the standing water by the City.
DISCUSSION
There are numerous streets in Long Beach that are in serious need of repair. Some of these streets have been damaged due to wear and tear. Others damaged by the meandering roots of City trees that lift and warp pavement preventing the free flow of water into the storm drain. Other streets lack adequate storm drainage to handle the increase run off.
When water runs into these streets, either because of residents over-watering or dumping swimming pools or spas, or due to rain fall, the streets turn into "pools." This water stands and often time becomes stagnant which is a health concern from the standpoint that people come into contact with the water and it can be a source for mosquito larvae. Residents have reported slipping in the water as they attempt to get out of their cars. Concern over West Nile virus and its transmission via mosquito has also increased the importance of removing this water.
In the eastside of Long Beach, this continues to be a serious problem that despite even the most aggressive effort to repair these streets cannot be resolved within a reasonable time.
Over the past two years since I have been on the City Council, I have sought a remedy for this problem by asking the following:
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