As drainage authority, Wright County orders records reestablishment for Ditch 23 and approves corrected records for Ditch 19

Acting as the county drainage authority on Feb. 4, the Wright County Board of Commissioners directed staff to seek engineering quotes to reestablish records for County Ditch 23 and approved findings and an order correcting the drainage system records for County Ditch 19.

A Woodland Township landowner group filed a repair petition for County Ditch 23; county staff told the board that Minnesota Statute 103E.715, subdivision 2 requires the drainage authority to hear a repair petition and determine whether repairs are needed. Staff recommended starting a records reestablishment process under Minnesota Statute 103.101 because existing ditch records are incomplete.

"Pursuant to Minnesota statute 103E.715 subdivision 2, you are required to hear this repair petition and determine if the drainage system needs repairs," a county staff presenter told the board. Given the small size of the repair and the cost that may be assessed to benefited landowners, staff asked the board for direction to obtain engineering quotes for a reestablishment of records and to return with a report once quotes are secured. Commissioner Dietrich moved to direct staff to obtain engineering quotes for a records reestablishment and to return with recommendations; the motion carried unanimously.

Separately, the board considered findings and an order correcting records for Wright County Ditch 19, located in French Lake Township, following a public hearing held earlier. The board approved the findings and order by resolution vote.

Ending

Staff will solicit engineering quotes and return to the board with cost estimates and a recommended timeline; the Ditch 19 record correction moves the county closer to closing that matter administratively.