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County commissioners approve use of Stangland ditch right‑of‑way to support County Road 500 South project
Summary
Commissioners approved granting temporary right‑of‑way access to the Stangland ditch (Drain 418, Branch 18) so the county highway department can replace a structure on County Road 500 South. Staff also updated the board on multiple ongoing drainage and tile projects and potential road closures for pipe crossings.
A commissioner moved and colleagues approved granting the county highway department use of the Stangland ditch (Drain 418, Drain 418 — Branch 18, also referred to in the meeting as the Haroff branch) right‑of‑way to facilitate a planned replacement of a structure on County Road 500 South later this summer.
The board heard a series of staff updates on ongoing drainage work across the county. A county staff member reported that the McCoy ditch project east of Long Lake Road, completed by Earth Pros Excavating, had payment approved for 85 percent of the drain. The staff member said most remaining tile drain projects remain on schedule — "we're pretty much on time to be able to get these all accomplished" — but cautioned that weather remains the primary risk to timing.
Staff described a tile installation north‑west of Skinner Lake that includes about 410 feet of 10‑inch tile on the west side of 225 East, with contractors named during the meeting (SE Brothers; tile provided by Hixon; stone by Palvers). Staff said there was a road closure at 225 East to install a crossing and connect to existing tile.
The meeting also covered Ryber Branch 34, on the east side of State Road 9, where staff said contractor Mark Jackson has stone and tile on site but is scheduled for minor eye surgery; staff said work will begin after he recovers and emphasized care to avoid tearing up pastureland and private access points. Another item, described as the C Baker location in the Thuma system, will replace approximately 600 feet of 12‑inch pipe and several risers; that job has been awarded to Griffith but may wait until summer because access is difficult.
On a large reconstruction effort south of the North Southern Railroad and crossing to Drake Road, staff said the project includes roughly 3,300 feet of 36‑inch tile, with under 1,000 feet remaining. Crew safety concerns required widening the trench box and adding stone. Staff said deliveries resumed after a weather pause and that the project could require a one‑ to two‑day road closure to complete a roughly 100‑foot crossing.
Regarding the right‑of‑way request, the meeting record shows a prepared letter for Chairman Leman to sign granting the county highway use of the Stangland ditch right‑of‑way; a commissioner moved to approve the letter's language, another participant seconded, and the motion was approved by voice vote (those present answered "I"). The transcript does not record a roll‑call tally or list individual yes/no votes.
Staff also reported no confirmed beaver activity at present, though a possible beaver in Wayne Township will be inspected, and said the mini crew continues to work on the Blanchard tile and nearby farm properties. The board was reminded that the next meeting is scheduled in two weeks.
The action taken was a voice‑vote approval to grant temporary right‑of‑way use of Drain 418, Branch 18, to the county highway department to support work on County Road 500 South; the motion language was read into the record and a letter was prepared for the chairman's signature.
