City requests drainage easement at Sweeny Elementary; board discussion notes 2026 project timeline

Director of Operations Burke Jones briefed the board on an easement request from the city affecting a corner of Sweeny Elementary property. Jones said a creek there overruns the road during heavy rain because the culvert under the road is too small; the city proposes replacing the culvert, raising the road slightly and taking an easement on a narrow portion of district land.

Nut graf: Jones said the area identified is in the floodplain and not buildable, and the civil engineer reviewed the plan and found the district's interest protected. He said the city project is expected to be a 2026 project and the district has time to delay action if needed.

Board members asked whether the work would be disruptive and whether it would occur in summer; Jones said the city plans a 2026 construction window and that the district could wait two weeks or longer before granting signatures. The board did not approve an immediate agreement at the Oct. 13 meeting.

Ending: District staff will continue coordinating with the city's engineers; Jones said he would collect any further details before any formal easement execution.