Residents voiced concerns about flooding problems during the public portion of East Liverpool's city council meeting Monday evening.

 

Property owners who have lost thousands of dollars in their finished basements and homes are frustrated with what they say has been all talk but no action in the past five years or more.

 

Like a political hot potato, no one wants to take responsibility for a broken pipe that is part of a storm sewar system of pipes, open ditching and a water course in East Liverpool. 

 

Residents hit by flooding say this system along with water run off from businesses in Saint Clair and Liverpool townships is causing neighbors homes on Midway, Lane and Cain streets to flood.

 

"We are law abiding citizens who pay our taxes and where has that gotten us but no where. We work hard for what we have and it is being destroyed," Erin Loedding said.

 

"Neighbors are afraid to go out of town due to rain and possible flooding. How is that any way to live with the emotional stress. No one should have to live this way," Loedding emphasized.

 

In the past East Liverpool agreed to a possible temporary fix but wanted the current owner of the property to sign papers stating that he owns the broken pipe. 

 

Yet legal records show the city of East Liverpool is likely the owner.

 

The city obtained an easement in 1955 to install the pipe from the previous owner of the property, Joseph Galloway.

 

"It grants and releases the said city of East Liverpool right of way and easement to enter upon to connect with the city sewar system to maintain, repair, and replace it, etc.," said Attorney Bill Davis. 

 

If that's the case the city is not only responsible for maintaining and replacing the broken pipes, but owners with flooding damage can sue the city for damages. 

 

Residents are tired of talk with no actions.

 

But they are also tired of the city officials looking at making residents responsible for city lines.

 

"When you ask whose going to maintain this, you should not be asking the citizens that question. That should be a question for you guys, not us," Erin Loedding said.

 

"That problem needs looked at fairly once and for all at least to slow the problem down to give these people some peace of mind to go to bed at night without their basements filling up with water," Bobby Smith said.

 

City council agrees a temporary fix is important along with a study that will look for long term solutions. 

 

However when asked why they won't do anything?

 

Council members point out they are trying but are only allowed to pass legislation and make recommendations. 

 

In East Liverpool's form government, a strong mayor form of government, Mayor Gregory Bricker and Safety Service Director David Dawson have to act.

 

Residents want to know why they're not here at the council meeting?

 

They are asking both to attend Friday's 4:00 meeting about flooding.