Beltrami County sets public hearing to transfer Judicial Ditch 2 to Bemidji

Beltrami County commissioners voted to set a public hearing on Aug. 5 at 5 p.m. to consider transferring jurisdiction of Judicial Ditch 2 to the City of Bemidji.

Bruce, a public works staff member who presented the item, said Judicial Ditch 2 runs within the city of Bemidji from roughly 15th Street down to Division Street and into Lake Bemidji. Because the ditch lies inside city limits, the city requested the transfer so the drainage feature would fall under the city’s stormwater system rather than remain a judicial ditch under county jurisdiction.

"Judicial Ditch 2, is located within the city of Bemidji, from Fifteenth Street roughly, down to Division Street and then down into Lake Urban," Bruce said. He explained the county provided documentation and an engineering report to the city to determine existing conditions and feasibility of transfer; the city passed a resolution requesting assumption of jurisdiction.

Commissioner Carlson moved to set the public hearing for Aug. 5 at 5 p.m.; Commissioner Sumner seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion carried.

Bruce told the board he requested the hearing date early enough to allow county staff to advertise and notify ditch beneficiaries. The board’s action schedules the formal hearing process; a subsequent hearing will allow residents and property owners to provide comment and for the county to consider the transfer record and related engineering findings before taking a final action.