City, Grimm resolve flooding
Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm was among the city employees who helped clear a clogged stormwater pipe to drain a flooded parking lot in Sandpoint Saturday.
Photo courtesy KEVIN GUNN
SANDPOINT — When a clogged stormwater pipe caused half of North Summit Church’s parking lot to flood Saturday, city employees including Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm jumped into action to resolve the issue.
Following a week of continuous rain, North Summit Church facilities manager Kevin Gunn arrived at the facility Nov. 23 and discovered that the retention pond south of the building had overflowed, leaving a portion of the parking lot underwater.
Dunn called Sandpoint officials to bring the infrastructure issue to their attention and was met within hours by utilities operator Quentin Ducken and Grimm, who both donned waders and entered the pond to remove the culprit blockage — a root ball.
“I think it was all unplugged by noon. The guys came right out and took care of it for us,” Dunn said. “Thanks to their efforts, our parking lot is draining again.”
The city’s swift response cleared the lot in time for the church’s Sunday morning service and demonstrated a willingness to respond to issues promptly, even on a weekend morning.
“Being mayor is a 24-7 job,” Grimm wrote in an email to the Daily Bee. “When there are significant events (major fires, water line breaks, etc.) I like to support if I can or at least observe the city crew in action to better understand how they work.”
“It’s a small town,” Grimm added. “I try to make myself available to respond to the needs of residents and businesses.”