Lorain County approves drainage project for unnamed Wellington Creek tributary after residents describe chronic flooding

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 21 approved a stormwater project to clear and restore flow in an unnamed tributary of Wellington Creek in Penfield Township.

County staff described a plan to remove sediment, replace a tile and repair a roughly 5,000–5,800 linear-foot reach of roadside and field ditches from south of Peck Wadsworth Road north toward Webster Road. The board voted unanimously to add the project to the county’s general plan of drainage; board members voted “aye” and the motion passed.

The project is intended to restore flow through an existing drainage way, remove restrictions and maintain access for property owners, county stormwater staff said. Don (last name not specified), speaking for county stormwater staff, said the work would clear about five acres, remove roughly 1,200 cubic yards of sediment and replace a failing tile south of Peck Wadsworth Road with a 24-inch tile (replacing an older 10-inch tile). He estimated construction costs at $399,104 and said the county has funds available so there will be no cost to property owners.

“By improving the drainage, we’ll provide an outlet to these systems and also we’ll be improving the drainage along Peck Wadsworth Road,” Don told the board. He said the work also aims to reduce the inconsistency and severity of flooding that has damaged outbuildings and backed up septic systems.

Penfield Township Trustee Richard (Rick) Conrad told the board the township supports the project. “They’ll greatly benefit the township, the residents in the area,” Conrad said, describing past projects the township has worked on with county staff.

During public comment, resident Margaret Horvat described repeated flooding at her property at 43361 Peck Wadsworth Road, including water entering yards and basements and damage to outbuildings. “When it rains heavy for a couple hours, I’m underwater,” Horvat said. She urged the board to approve the project so the water will move off her property more quickly.

County staff described outreach ahead of the hearing: certified letters were mailed to adjoining owners and notice was published in the Chronicle-Telegram. The county’s engineer determined the proposed work would not have a significant adverse effect on roads, culverts, bridges or county maintenance, and that existing roads and bridges (including bridge number 0261 at Webster Road) could be preserved. Staff said some parcels requested to be excluded would not prevent the project from proceeding; contractors will stage and turn vehicles at farm-field access points where necessary.

If the board’s action is finalized, staff said the process would include a short waiting period to confirm plan corrections and property easement status, advertising for bids (staff estimated advertisements could go out in about one to two weeks), awarding a contract, and then construction. County staff estimated the project could be out to bid in roughly four weeks and constructed in winter months so improvements are in place before the spring flooding season.

The board’s action declared the project necessary for the preservation and promotion of public health and welfare and specified that special assessments would not be levied to pay project costs. The board also referenced a prior county stormwater resolution (Resolution No. 25600) and compliance with Ohio law governing drainage projects (Ohio Revised Code Section 6117 was cited as governing notice and process).

The board approved the motion unanimously. Commission members recorded “aye” during the roll call and the project was added to the county general plan of drainage. County staff said they will return with final plan corrections and to advertise for bids as soon as the administrative waiting period expires.

The project affects property owners along Peck Wadsworth Road and parcels fronting the drainage way north toward Webster Road, and includes work in roadside ditches, tile replacement and removal of log jams and debris. Staff emphasized the county would not assess property owners for construction costs, and that some property owners have agreed to cost-sharing for individual items (staff said the Dueling family has agreed to cost-share a tile replacement on their parcel).

The board closed the public hearing and directed staff to proceed with the project steps described above. The county will post formal plans and bidding information once the administrative waiting period and plan updates are complete.

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