Board hears update on distressed output pipe in Drainage District 45 and instructs staff to pursue repairs

The county engineer and Chairman Jim Warburton brought photographs illustrating a distressed output pipe on Drainage District 45 (Z E 45) that crosses private harbor property. Warburton said he was concerned the contractor had not completed required repairs; staff and an attorney contact in Sioux Falls had not yet provided a clear plan from the contractor.

One staff member referenced an order from Judge Borse saying the contractor is required to fix the pipe. Staff recommended directing Jeff (county staff/engineer) to contact the contractor and encourage repairs now so the county would not need to return to court. Several board members emphasized the pipe's poor condition, noted the risk of upstream flooding if it collapses and confirmed the sinkhole is the harbor's responsibility, not the county's. The board agreed staff should contact the contractor and prepare a plan; no formal motion was required or taken on the record in the transcript.

Staff said they would follow up with the contractor and present a plan to the board to resolve the pipe repair issue.