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Whitley County Drainage Board approves several CFPS requests, tables storage‑unit plan near Phillips ditch
Summary
The board approved CFPS requests for a pole replacement by Northeastern REMC, a conditional gravel lot for Thrills RV (contingent on tile replacement), and a pole barn for Braden Cofield; it indefinitely tabled a request by Brooks Bowles to place storage units five feet from the Phillips ditch bank.
The Whitley County Drainage Board approved multiple consent‑for‑permanent‑structure (CFPS) requests and indefinitely tabled a proposal to build storage units near the Phillips C ditch after members raised concerns about bank stability and precedent.
Staff said Northeastern REMC had performed a pole replacement along SR 9 and reported the pole was about 32 feet from the ditch bank; the board approved the CFPS for a full replacement. The board also approved a CFPS for a proposed pole barn for Braden Cofield to be sited approximately 40 feet from the top of bank.
A more contested request from Brooks Bowles would have placed storage units as close as about 5 feet from a ditch bank. Staff told the board Bowles had offered mitigation measures—grass strips, drainage control that protects the ditch, and a geotechnical recommendation—and was willing to move the buildings an additional 5 feet if required. Multiple board members opposed allowing a structure that close, citing maintenance access and the precedent it would set; one member recommended keeping a 35‑foot buffer. After extended discussion about clearing costs, access and long‑term maintenance, the board moved and seconded to table the Brooks Bowles CFPS indefinitely.
The board approved a conditional CFPS for Thrills RV to create a gravel parking lot between Lincoln Way and US 30, but required the owner to replace the existing tile under the site (10‑ or 12‑inch) and to install measures to keep gravel out of the drainage inlet. Jared Hosteller, representing Thrills RV, said: "I think the tile that's there is only 10 inch right now." Board staff and members emphasized the need to replace or upsize the tile and add catch basins so the lot would not worsen neighbor drainage or clog tile.
Board members also discussed coordination with highway authorities for culvert replacement and possible deeper tile replacement where necessary. Several members noted the cost of clearing trees and providing access could be substantial.
The motions to approve the Northeastern REMC replacement, the Thrills RV conditional approval, and the Braden Cofield pole barn were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; the Brooks Bowles matter was tabled by motion.
