Winnebago County supervisors approve $56,000 repair for DD5 main tile, order survey of upstream Lateral 36

Supervisors at a Winnebago County meeting approved a $56,000 contract to repair the DD5 main drainage tile and directed staff to investigate the grade and conditions of upstream Lateral 36.

The informational hearing recorded two contractor estimates — a lower option near $56,000 and a higher option near $99,000 — and extensive landowner testimony about tree roots, clogged tile, and standing water. One landowner described waist-high water at a downstream location. Board members and landowners debated whether to proceed immediately on the main tile repair or first survey upstream reaches to regain "fall" and avoid repeating work.

Meeting minutes record that "Motion Smith and second from Derby to approve the repair option of DD5 main tile with the $56,000 bid with the investigation of the grade of the main tile" was moved and passed by voice vote.

Supporters said the lower-cost option would open flow now and could be paired with landowner tree maintenance; others noted that if upstream grade loss is significant, additional work may be needed later. Staff advised that returning tile to original grade can be treated as a repair in some circumstances and would not automatically trigger an "improvement" process that requires separate engineering approvals, but larger grade changes may require engineering and landowner hearings.

The board recorded two follow-ups: award the $56,000 repair contract for the DD5 main and authorize surveying and coordination with secondary roads to locate and verify original grades on Lateral 36.

The next procedural step is for staff to arrange the grade investigation and report back to trustees with survey results and any recommendation on whether further, larger-scale improvements are warranted.