Gerber preliminary plat tabled amid flooding, drainage and road‑standard concerns

The Dickinson County Planning and Zoning Commission on June 17 voted to table a preliminary plat for a Gerber subdivision after on‑site flooding, drainage and road standard issues were raised.

Staff member Megan Kardell read a staff report and letters from the City of Orleans and utility providers related to the proposal for a Gerber subdivision (JMAR Inc.). Applicant James Gerber and representative Pat Mohning presented updated plats showing R‑3 multifamily designations, proposed 10‑foot utility easements per lot, a proposed 35‑foot right‑of‑way easement for a cul‑de‑sac turnaround and several lots excluded where they abut lakeside properties.

Chairman Tony Weber reported that when he visited the site that morning “everything from 16b to 1b is under water” and that Crowley Road had about a foot of standing water; he said the retention pond in the southeast corner covers outlet A and lies in the floodplain. Gerber said the county dredged a ditch but that formation of a drainage district is needed for longer‑term capacity; County Engineer Cole Budach joined discussion about drainage options.

Commissioner James Blum moved to table the preliminary plat and asked staff, with guidance from the county attorney, to compile a checklist of items the commission requires (including road construction to county standards, drainage assurances and utility confirmations). Teresa Garvey seconded; the motion passed 4–0.

Kardell noted the commission had received two letters but that the public did not get to speak at this meeting and asked that the public be allowed to comment at the next hearing.

Next steps: staff will assemble the commission’s list of required items; the applicant may return with revised materials and documentation (drainage/district clarification, road standard plans and required utility confirmation) before the commission schedules the matter for further action.