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Benton County Ditch Authority to seek quotes for debris removal along County Ditch 3 after Xcel tree work
Summary
The Benton County Ditch Authority agreed to seek quotes for debris removal and stump grinding along County Ditch 3 after Xcel Energy said it would cut trees near power lines but leave the debris; the authority will request cost estimates and not-to-exceed amounts before making a final decision.
The Benton County Ditch Authority agreed on April 7 to seek quotes for debris removal and stump grinding along County Ditch (CD) 3 after utility crews said they would cut trees near power lines but leave the resulting debris.
Environmental Technician–Ditch Inspector Adam Ritsche provided the update to the Authority, saying Xcel Energy "indicated they would cut trees near power lines but leave the debris," and reported that the Authority’s attorney at the law firm Rinke Noonan advised that the Drainage Authority is ultimately responsible for buffer maintenance and cannot require Xcel to remove the cut material.
That legal point prompted questions from board members about cleanup logistics and costs. Board members raised concerns about removing debris left under power lines, grinding stumps to grade, and how contractors would access work areas safely without interfering with utility lines. The Authority reached consensus to obtain written quotes for debris removal and stump grinding, including cost estimates and not-to-exceed amounts, and to review those bids before making a final decision.
Ditch Authority Chair Scott Johnson and member Ed Popp, along with Ritsche and possibly a representative from H2OverViewers, agreed to meet at Benton County resident Frank Legatt’s property to explain a pending redetermination of benefits affecting that parcel.
At the start of the brief meeting, a motion by Steve Heinen, seconded by Pam Benoit, to approve the meeting agenda carried unanimously. Later, Benoit and Jared Gapinski moved to approve the Ditch Authority minutes of March 17, 2026, as written; that motion also passed unanimously. Present for the April 7 meeting were County Board members Pam Benoit, Ed Popp, Steve Heinen, Jared Gapinski and Chair Scott Johnson; County Administrator Montgomery Headley, Environmental Technician–Ditch Inspector Adam Ritsche, and Executive Assistant Beth Stay.
The Authority adjourned at 10:00 AM. Staff were directed to gather the requested quotes and present cost details before the Authority makes any contracting decision.
