Drainage Board approves private encroachment at Southport Drive; St. Joseph Industrial Park remains under stop-work order

The Vanderburgh County Drainage Board met Aug. 12 and approved a drainage easement encroachment agreement for a homeowner at 8501 Southport Drive in Copperfield Subdivision, allowing the property owner to construct protective measures on the easement subject to a hold-harmless clause and the owner's responsibility for maintenance.

Linda (staff) said she and county staff worked with Jeffrey Dexter on an agreement that "complies with the standard terms of an encroachment agreement with the hold harmless and indemnity" and includes the owner's obligation to maintain any required insurance and to remove the encroachment if the board needs access. The board voted to approve and staff will provide the paperwork for notarization.

The board also granted retroactive approval for seven claims totaling $5,909.97 for contracted maintenance previously authorized by the board. In informational items, staff reported at least one building-permit stop-work order at the Saint Joseph Industrial Park (2000 West Mill Road); the floodplain administrator revoked the project's flood-plain permit because work continued under the stop-work order and staff said the submitted stormwater pollution prevention plan is inadequate and will require revision.

Staff also reported a separate neighborhood matter at Hidden Lake has been resolved: property owners at 738 and 740 Lydia Drive reached agreement with the owner at 5131 Hidden Lake Drive to restore an approved drainage easement.

The board noted the next Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 25 at 10:00 a.m. in the same room.