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Drainage board approves minutes, two subdivisions, a Duke Energy encroachment and sets continuance for campground hearing
Summary
The Howard County Drainage Board approved minutes, accepted Merrill Ridge and Ashenfelder Section 3 subdivisions, permitted a Duke Energy pole encroachment into a Tudor regulated drain easement, and continued the Kokomo Oaks Campground hearing to Jan. 5, 2026.
The Howard County Drainage Board approved a series of routine and project-specific items during its meeting, including minutes, subdivision approvals and a utility encroachment.
The board voted to approve meeting minutes and then approved Merrill Ridge Subdivision, described by surveyor Brian Pierce as "a 1 lot subdivision encompassing 14.72 acres gross." Pierce told the board no perimeter drain was required and that depth to seasonal water table exceeds 60 inches.
On a separate item, the board approved a continuance request for the Kokomo Oaks Campground site plan; the public hearing for that item was continued to Jan. 5, 2026.
A Duke Energy representative (identified in the transcript as Brian Cat) asked the board for a drainage-encroachment authorization for a single pole placed inside a drainage easement related to a new 69-kV line to a new substation on Toby Pike. Staff noted the pole sits approximately 5 feet into a 75-foot easement and that the remaining clearance from the regulated drain is about 70 feet. The board approved the encroachment by motion and voice vote.
Stacy Anderson Walton presented Ashenfelder Subdivision Section 3 for drainage acceptance, reporting borings and an existing subsurface drain that will be used to provide a drainage outlet for septic design; staff confirmed tiles were operable and open. The board moved to accept Section 3 and approved the motion.
Votes at a glance: - Approval of minutes (motion moved by Jack Dodd; second by Brad Bray) — outcome: approved by voice vote. - Merrill Ridge Subdivision acceptance (motion moved by Mike Alrey; second by Jack Dodd) — outcome: approved by voice vote. - Kokomo Oaks Campground public hearing continued to Jan. 5, 2026 (motion moved by Brad Bray; second by Jack Dodd) — outcome: approved by voice vote. - Duke Energy drainage encroachment (mover not specified in transcript; seconds recorded) — outcome: approved by voice vote. - Ashenfelder Subdivision Section 3 acceptance (motion moved by Jack Dodd; second by Mike Alrey) — outcome: approved by voice vote.
The meeting adjourned after brief additional business and staff updates about upcoming projects and funding.
