Property owners say Shuler Creek Trail work left fields damaged, storm drains divert water onto private land

Property owners near Shuler Creek Trail told the Republic City Council that the contractor left their land in worse condition after construction, including steep grading that prevents haying and new storm drains that direct road runoff onto private property.

Residents told council the problem began when a temporary construction easement was used during work on the trail and promised restoration did not occur. "They used our land to suit their purposes and then walked away with no care or concern whatsoever with what they left behind," said Susan Peck, a Republic resident who spoke during the citizens participation portion of the meeting.

The owners said they were promised the disturbed areas would be graded and topped with topsoil and that they would be consulted before final work, but they were not contacted. Peck said crews seeded grass and covered it with straw without correcting the slope, and later poured concrete for two large storm drains that discharge onto their field. "These drains are added to carry storm water that now collects into areas of the road when it rains. The water problem is a result of a design flaw on the trail, but Republic Builds made a decision to direct the storm water off the road and into our field to fix the mistake," Peck said. "For the record, it's illegal for a city to direct their stormwater onto private property like this."

Lisa Roller, another nearby resident, raised measurement and easement questions and said the paved edge encroaches where her fence must be reinstalled. She said an OTO application called for a 10-foot trail but that Republic Builds purchased only a 1-foot easement in one segment and that the asphalt edge measures "13 1/2" feet in places, which prevents returning fences to their prior locations. "10 plus 1 is 11, not 13 5," Roller said while describing the mismatch between the trail width and the purchased easement.

Council members and staff acknowledged the complaints. A staff member, asked directly about the matter, said he would "talk to staff tomorrow about it," and later the mayor said the city would check into the situation and get back to the residents. The council did not take formal action at the meeting; staff indicated they would investigate and report back to the property owners.

The residents requested removal of the drains that outfall onto their field, addition of topsoil to soften grades for haying, trimming of asphalt where it encroaches on private property, and a resurvey so fences can be returned to correct lines. The council did not set a timeline at the meeting.

The comments came during the public-comment portion of the agenda and not as part of an advertised public hearing on the trail project. Council members said they appreciated the residents bringing the concerns forward and pledged staff follow-up.