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Blue Earth County accepts County Ditch 1 repairs, approves final payment and warranty start
Summary
The county accepted engineer Chuck Brandel’s report that Leland Drainage satisfactorily completed County Ditch 1 repairs, approved release of final payments and started warranty periods; landowners raised erosion and riprap concerns that staff will monitor under warranty.
Blue Earth County commissioners on Nov. 18 accepted an engineer’s report and approved final payment for repairs to County Ditch 1, concluding the project and starting warranty periods for open ditch and tile work.
The engineer, Chuck Brandel of ISG, told the board the project focused on open ditch repairs and included rock riffles and other BMPs to reduce future erosion. Brandel said the project’s total cost including BMPs was $359,247 and that the county received $79,008.20 in grant funding. "It is our opinion that Leland has satisfactorily completed the contract," Brandel said during the presentation, and he recommended a final payment of just over $20,000.
Why it matters: acceptance begins a three-year warranty on tile work and a one-year warranty on open-ditch work and authorizes release of remaining contract funds. The acceptance also establishes the county’s formal record for future maintenance and possible damage payments to landowners.
During the public comment period, adjacent landowners raised concerns about ongoing erosion and the appearance of the riprap. Roger Ward said the rock placed along a steep section looked like round field stone that would "typically roll," and asked whether the rock riffles were the design intended. Brandel and another county employee responded that the installed feature includes an underlying riprap layer and fabric with a final face of field stone, and staff said they would inspect any areas of continued erosion under the warranty. The board asked staff to follow up with landowners after the meeting about damage calculations and payment processes.
The board closed the acceptance hearing and voted to accept the engineer’s report, release final payments and conclude the project. The motion passed by voice vote.
