The magistrate found that driveway culverts at 14817 Snell Trail were blocked and impeding drainage, violating maintenance provisions in the town’s ULDC. The owner, Peter Martz, described repeatedly hiring contractors and using pumps and a power washer to clear the pipe but said road grading and elevated water levels have repeatedly re‑introduced fine road sand and silt into the culvert.

Public Works Superintendent Craig Lauer testified he inspected the culvert and photographed roots and debris inside the pipe that prevented unobstructed flow. Lauer said the pipe would require substantial work to sustain flow after the first stick or root is dislodged.

Magistrate Barnard ordered the respondent to clear the entire culvert (such that an inspector can look through and confirm the pipe is open) by Jan. 2, 2026, and assessed administrative costs of $234.05. The magistrate warned that a $250/day fine would begin if the respondent failed to achieve compliance and set a fine assessment hearing for Jan. 5, 2026.

The magistrate encouraged the owner to document the work and have code officers verify compliance with a site inspection and a compliance affidavit.