Street crew to clean OID ditch in late summer; staff trained in fish exclusion

Council was told the city’s street crew will conduct annual maintenance of the OID ditch during a low-water window in August through mid‑September, and that crews will perform a full run of the ditch each year.

Public works staff said the crew prefers to clean when water levels are lower; for this year they plan to work in the August–mid‑September window. Staff confirmed two employees are trained in fish-exclusion procedures and that the team has the necessary supplies to protect aquatic life during maintenance. The crew will aim to perform the entire ditch run annually rather than just portions.

Council members discussed the best methods to reduce stress on any fish in the channel; staff recommended using buckets to transfer fish found on site to minimize harm during cleaning operations rather than mechanical shocking. The city will coordinate schedules to minimize disruption and maximize the chance for safe removal of any fish encountered.

Staff said summer helpers will assist with weed control during the maintenance run.