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Wright County drainage trustees weigh full cleanout of DD 62, direct staff to notify landowners
Summary
Trustees discussed whether to pursue a roughly $90,000–$100,000 cleanout of DD 62 versus targeted repairs, reviewed contractor estimates and beaver-dam impacts, and directed staff to mail a letter to landowners and prepare a proposed change order for approval April 6.
Wright County drainage trustees debated whether to hire a full cleanout of Drainage District 62 or proceed with targeted repairs, and directed staff to notify landowners and prepare a change order for the trustees to consider at their April 6 meeting.
The discussion, opened after trustees convened as drainage trustees following the county supervisors session, centered on drone footage and on-site reports presented by contractors and local landowners. A landowner who raised the issue said some ditch sections were holding about three feet of water and identified a beaver dam on Eagle Creek as a contributing factor. He argued a full cleanout would “reset the clock,” meaning it would address accumulated silt and underlying problems and extend the interval before another major intervention was needed.
The contractor/inspector (presenter) advised trustees that the worst silt and capacity issues were in the bottom half-mile and recommended targeted straightening and cleaning in those spots, noting a full cleanout would uncover additional broken pipes and could increase final costs. The presenter said, “I would personally recommend while we’re there just doing more of a straightening in there,” and cautioned that cleanouts often reveal extra pipe work that raises the price.
Trustees discussed cost comparisons during the exchange: one estimate for a more comprehensive cleanout and repairs was described in the meeting as roughly $90,000–$100,000 to address about 2.5 miles, while trustees and landowners noted that a less-extensive targeted approach had a lower initial price. A clerk’s calculation of needed erosion dirt for bank repairs was presented as $21,408.
Trustees also reviewed two drainage work orders and invoices for other districts during the session but kept the DD 62 discussion focused on options and landowner notification. The trustees directed county staff to prepare and mail a letter informing landowners in DD 62 of the proposed change and to request objections or comments by a specified date so the board could consider a change order on April 6.
No final contract award or formal cleanout authorization was made at the meeting; the trustees recorded that they would proceed with landowner notification and return to the matter after the objection period. The trustees also approved routine drainage claims and work orders during the meeting.
