Trumbull County commissioners weigh letter of support for Colburn Lake dam repair amid liability concerns

Trumbull County commissioners received detailed briefings on a proposal by Western Reserve Land Conservancy and other partners to acquire land around Colburn (referred to in correspondence as Goldberg) Lake and seek Clean Ohio Fund money to repair the lake’s dam, but commissioners declined to commit to a letter of support without more documentation.

Metro Parks representative Zachary (Zach) and Hubbard Township Trustee Monica Baker told the commissioners the conservancy plans to apply for Clean Ohio funds and that the landowner and partners have discussed separating the dam parcel from surrounding acreage to clear title and address liability. Baker said the conservancy and Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern Ohio are expected to be involved and that trustees have discussed a plan but that some questions remain about Brookfield Township’s position.

The matter drew questions about legal and financial risk. Bill Danzo, deputy prosecutor, cautioned the commissioners to understand litigation and the status of court orders concerning the dam. Danzo said a consent decree previously treated the dam as an imminent risk and that, unless repaired, a court order still contemplates breaching the dam.

Commissioners and township trustees pressed for several items before signing any letter of support: a written plan from the land conservancy describing funding commitments and liability arrangements; confirmation whether Brookfield Township has agreed to the proposed transfer and match obligations; and a clear statement of whether the conservancy (or another nonprofit) would assume liability for the dam. Trustee Baker said she would like to see a written commitment that the conservancy will not take on open-ended liability.

Planning staff and Metro Parks described the grant timeline. Trumbull County planning director Julie Green and Zach said applicants may apply for Clean Ohio grants in September, scoring occurs in October, and grant agreements would not be executed until the following spring. They also said purchase agreements or letters of commitment from the owner typically must accompany applications and that any replatting and tax-mapping to separate the dam parcel is a multi-step process that usually follows funding decisions.

Commissioners did not vote to provide a letter of support at the meeting. Several commissioners and trustees recommended the applicant supply a written plan and documentation from the landowner and from Brookfield Township before the county signs anything. Commissioner discussion emphasized the possible cost and liability if the dam is transferred without clear funding and commitments to repair it.

The commissioners asked that trustee Tedrow, or representatives of the land conservancy, provide the requested documentation and that Brookfield trustees clarify their position; commissioners said they would revisit a letter of support after receiving those materials.

Ending: Commissioners indicated they will not provide a county letter of support immediately and requested written plans, ownership documentation and a clear explanation of how repair costs and liability would be handled before reconsidering support.