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Board to review private tile crossing on county land after plugged drainage under trail
Summary
Supervisors discussed a plugged private tile under the Conservationist Trail in Wetland Township (Section 36), agreed the tile appears to be private responsibility under current Iowa drainage law, and decided to consult the conservation board and bring the issue back to the agenda before deciding whether to pay the repair bill.
Board members reported a plugged drainage tile beneath the Conservationist Trail in Wetland Township that left a nearby field flooded. A board speaker described the tile as ‘‘a 100% plug’’ caused by roots and dirt and said a contractor dug a new line that drained a pond and fixed the trail, but the landowner expected the county to pay the contractor’s bill.
Supervisors reviewed Iowa drainage and highway code provisions, noting the statutes address private tile crossings of secondary roads and rail rights-of-way but do not explicitly address private tile traversing county-managed public property such as multiuse trails. Staff said their drainage consultant advised that the gap should be clarified in state code. Board members suggested meeting with the conservation board and the landowner (named in discussion) to gather facts and agreed to add the item to a future agenda before authorizing payment.
‘‘If he wants it run through the creek, it is his responsibility and cost,’’ a supervisor said, summarizing the county’s reading of the drainage code. The board signaled caution about paying a private repair bill without clearer legal authority and directed staff to pursue discussions with conservation staff and the affected landowner and return with recommendations.
Next steps: staff will schedule the item for a future meeting to present additional information from the conservation board, the drainage consultant and the landowner so supervisors can decide whether the county has financial responsibility under current law.
