Drainage board approves two subdivisions, sets Sept. 15 public hearings for five more

The Howard County Drainage Board approved two subdivision applications and scheduled public hearings for several more during a meeting that also flagged a clay tile concern on Whispering Oaks.

Approvals: The board approved the Bailey Estate one‑lot subdivision (including a 30‑foot access strip to a 4.39‑acre parcel) by voice vote after a motion; the board also approved Crumley Crossing subdivision by voice vote. (Motions and seconds were made on the record and the chair called the voice votes; no roll‑call tallies were recorded in the transcript.)

Public hearings set: The board set continued or new public hearings for Sept. 15 for multiple items, including Whispering Oaks Subdivision, Sycamore Meadows Subdivision, Barrel House Compound Subdivision and Journey's End Subdivision. Whispering Oaks was placed on the Sept. 15 docket after staff reported field observations that the site’s off‑site tile is a 6‑inch clay tile that appears roughly half full of sediment and may be undersized; staff recommended a public hearing so the owner can present a proposed fix.

Whispering Oaks detail: During the site visit staff said the tile is free‑flowing but half full of mud; because the tile extends off‑site the owner may need to coordinate repair in the easement. The board voted to set the Whispering Oaks public hearing for Sept. 15 at 5:00 p.m.

Next steps: Staff will publish public‑hearing notices for the Sept. 15 docket. For Whispering Oaks, staff and the owner are expected to assess whether replacement tile or cleaning is needed and, if necessary, present a proposed fix at the public hearing. For other subdivisions approved tonight, staff will complete the usual recording and permitting follow‑up.

Ending: The board adjourned after setting the Sept. 15 public‑hearing agenda and approving routine subdivision items.