Residents urge county action after debris-clogged ditch floods yards along Cleveland Avenue

During the public-comment period, two residents raised urgent drainage concerns along Cleveland Avenue and asked the council to confirm who is responsible for roadside ditch maintenance.

Betsy Jibben (self-identified) said debris and vegetation are blocking culverts and asked whether Lincoln County or the City of Lennox has jurisdiction and whether the city could arrange a controlled burn or other cleanup before planting season. "If we're gonna have a controlled burn to take the debris out of these culverts, it's gotta be soon," Jibben said, noting that planting season and potential heavy spring rains make timing critical.

Ralph Trilson (self-identified, 2721 Cleveland) told the council the ditch near his property remains clogged, that earlier contact with the county had led to conflicting information about responsibility, and that a 4-inch pipe installed for a new development will not handle heavy runoff and has contributed to backyard flooding. "Once it hits my spot, it just backs up into my yard," Trilson said.

City staff responded that the road access-control agreement with the county assigns certain responsibilities to the city (driveways and approaches), while other ditch and right-of-way maintenance remains the county’s responsibility for the next seven years. Staff said they would contact the county and follow up with residents about the plan.

Council asked staff to coordinate with County staff and report back to clarify maintenance responsibilities and options for prompt debris removal.