Dickinson County trustees approve cleaning Branch 46 tile and will ask landowner to remove problem trees

The Dickinson County trustees authorized staff to clean out a severely root-clogged tile in Branch 46 near Terrell and directed staff to contact the landowner about removing trees that are damaging the tile.

County contractor camera footage showed tree-root mats in a stretch of historic tile passing through an acreage; staff said those roots largely block the pipe and that simple jetting without addressing nearby trees would likely require repeated maintenance. Staff described three options: jetting to clear roots, removing problem trees on the acreage, or rerouting/upsizing the tile around the acreage (estimated roughly $25,000 with a 12-inch dual-wall plastic tile if rerouted).

Trustees reviewed drainage code provisions that allow the district to remove trees when roots damage tile but also said the code typically places the immediate removal cost on the district. Several trustees recommended contacting the landowner first to request voluntary removal; if the owner refuses, staff would proceed with cleaning and then consider rerouting if roots reoccur.

Mister Clark moved that the district clean the tile, open the drainage, and contact the landowner to discuss tree removal; the board approved the motion. Staff will draft a letter to the landowner, copy counsel for review, and proceed with cleaning and any necessary repairs consistent with the law and the board’s direction.

Next steps: staff to send a written notice to the landowner, perform the jetting/cleanout, and report back on whether further repairs or rerouting are required.