Board approves design contract for Chadwick Village ditch relocation and mitigation

The Lebanon City Board of Works on April 14 approved a $59,220 professional services contract with Banning Engineering to redesign and permit the Chadwick Village ditch and associated environmental mitigation.

Why it matters: The project aims to reduce standing-water issues in a low-lying, city‑owned area and to create a meandering, naturalized channel that provides habitat and improves drainage. The design contract covers grading, stream mitigation, permitting and investigation of residential connections such as downspouts and sump pumps.

Engineering director Kevin Prilich told the Board the proposal from Banning Engineering was the lowest of three proposals and includes mitigation planning and examination of any private connections that tie into the existing ditch. Prilich said the blue area on the project map would be relocated to a meandering alignment (referred to in the meeting as the magenta line), and parts of the mitigation would remain wet during portions of the year to meet habitat requirements.

Prilich noted the project will reduce the need for frequent mowing and maintenance in the city‑owned parcel; the area today is often wet and difficult to use as an active park space. Funding for the design component will come from the city's stormwater fund; no additional appropriation was required for the contract, according to staff.

Board members discussed potential beaver activity and access; staff said the city retains access and would coordinate nuisance wildlife control if necessary. The Board approved the contract by voice vote and directed the engineering department to proceed with design and permitting.

Ending: Staff will execute the contract and begin design and permitting work; follow-up actions will include coordination with residents on disconnections or relocations of private storm connections as required by the design.