Property owner asks county for help with oversized driveway culvert; staff to run hydraulic study

Adam Bastian told the board his private driveway culvert at 8802 267th Street is a large, costly 60‑inch pipe located well outside the county right of way and that it has deteriorated. "I'm simply asking for help from the county in replacing it," he said, describing overtopping and undermining observed during recent storms.

County engineer Jaden Schackle explained the county's policy generally makes driveway culvert maintenance the responsibility of the landowner because most driveway tubes are much smaller (18–24 inches). He said the driveway's setting drains roughly 180 acres and that roadway cross‑tubes are designed for a larger 50‑year storm while driveway structures are usually sized for smaller events. Jaden proposed running hydraulic calculations to determine the appropriate culvert size and suggested a compromise: the property owner could provide the pipe while county staff provide labor and equipment to dig and install it. "I would propose that we have our... labor and equipment to dig it and the Adam or the property owner provides the pipe," he said.

Board members expressed sympathy for the owner's circumstances but emphasized adherence to county policy and the need for a study to avoid an ineffective fix. Several supervisors said the county might assist on a case‑by‑case basis if the hydraulic study supports a specific solution; one recommended the county provide labor and backfill while the owner supplies the pipe. Staff said they will prepare a hydraulic study and can put the item on a future agenda with a recommended course of action.

The discussion also covered related roadwork: the board approved a technical amendment to the five‑year secondary road program to match recent grants, and it approved a separate residential entrance permit requiring a 24‑inch culvert for another property at Prairie Township.