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Drainage board approves Harper Ditch replacement plan, allows two outlets for local landowner
Summary
The Grant County Drainage Board approved tying two outlet requests for landowner Doug Morrow into county tiles and voted to upsize and replace a deteriorated segment of the Harper Ditch county tile to 24 inches for roughly 1,200 feet; a contractor quoted $39,009.85 (estimate subject to change during discovery).
Grant County Drainage Board members on Feb. 10 approved two outlet requests for landowner Doug Morrow and voted to upgrade a stretch of the county’s Harper Ditch legal tile.
Andrew Schwinn of McCain Brothers appeared on behalf of Doug Morrow to request permission to outlet tile from two parcels. For the Sims Franklin area he described a tiling plan for about 330 acres and requested an outlet into the Sims Franklin; the board approved the request by voice vote. Schwinn later requested permission for an 80-acre farm on Highway 22 (referred to as the Arendelle Farm) to outlet into the Harper Ditch legal tile; adjoining landowners were consulted and the board granted permission, with the borrower responsible for specified work near the road.
Schwinn also presented a written quote to replace a deteriorated section of the Harper Ditch county tile. His estimate to replace the existing headwall and pipe segment was $39,009.85 (quote provided to the board). Board members discussed unknown lateral connections, variable existing pipe diameters (12–18 inches at the headwall) and the potential benefit of upsizing. Speakers argued that a larger pipe (24 inches) would improve capacity and reduce the risk of recurring maintenance.
After discussion about cover, future hookups and whether the old clay tile should be crushed when replaced, the board adopted the recommended upgrade. Motion language adopted by the board directed staff to proceed with “option B” to upgrade the Harper county tile to a 24-inch line for the full ~1,200 feet; the motion passed by voice vote. Members noted that the contractor should document in-field conditions (photos, GPS locations) and return with change orders if unexpected conditions require additional work such as demolition/crushing of the old tile.
The board also discussed billing and sales-tax treatment for stone/backfill when invoiced to the county and emphasized following up with documentation and photographs during construction. The contractor committed to provide GPS mapping and to notify the board if additional lateral connections are encountered.
Next steps: staff will formalize the contract/quote, implement the 24-inch upgrade on the approved reach, and track any add-ons or change orders (including demolition of existing clay tile) for subsequent board approval if needed.
