Board vacates J Winners regulated drain after city engineer presents indemnification and management plan

The Grant County Drainage Board voted May 26 to vacate the J Winners Land and Loan Company regulated drain after hearing from Jason Miller, who identified himself as a city engineer representing the Gas City Redevelopment Commission and the petitioner.

Miller told the board the petitioner supplied a petition (dated Feb. 27), a map of proposed improvements, an outlet and drainage-pattern map, and a letter confirming the Redevelopment Commission will manage the existing and proposed stormwater infrastructure. He also said the petitioner provided an indemnification agreement to hold the board harmless from future expenses or claims. “We would request that the board vacate the J Winners Land and Loan Company Regulated Drain and find that the drain does not perform the function for which it was designed,” Miller said while offering supporting documents.

Board members noted a letter of support from the American Legion and said counsel (board attorney Kyle Persinger) reviewed the indemnification and had no concerns. A motion to vacate the J Winners ditch was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board recorded the motion as carried; no detailed roll-call tally was included in the transcript.

The petitioner and its representatives, including the mayor of Gas City and the Redevelopment Commission president, were present to answer questions. Board members said they were satisfied with the drawings and the petitioner’s commitment to manage drainage and absorb related costs.