Wright County schedules full and partial abandonment hearings for Judicial Ditch 1 on June 16

County drainage staff told the Wright County Board of Commissioners that a verified petition for full abandonment of Judicial Ditch 1 was filed shortly before a public hearing, prompting the board on May 5 to rearrange its hearing schedule.

Mr. Detjen, who briefed the board on ditch-system petitions and recent redeterminations of benefits for Judicial Ditch 1 and County Ditch 7, said two partial-abandonment petitions had been received and, “about 15 minutes before the public hearing we received and verified a successful petition for a full abandonment of the ditch.” The board voted to cancel the previously scheduled partial-abandonment hearing for June 16 at 10:30 a.m. and instead set a public hearing on full abandonment of JD1 on June 16 at 10:30 a.m., followed by the partial-abandonment hearing at 11:00 a.m.

The county cited Minnesota Statute 103E.811 when scheduling the full-abandonment hearing and Minnesota Statute 103A.06 for the partial-abandonment proceedings. Staff warned commissioners that the full-abandonment hearing could draw many attendees and that the two hearings may overlap because many interested parties are likely to comment on both petitions.

Commissioner Moina noted the potential time pressure and county staff recommended keeping the partial-abandonment hearing at 11:00 a.m. so it could start later if needed. The board approved the scheduling motions unanimously. Staff also scheduled a ditch Committee of the Whole meeting with legal counsel John Colburn of Rinke Noonan for May 19 at 2:00 p.m. to review legal requirements related to these petitions.

If the full-abandonment petition is ultimately granted, Detjen said the county would forfeit rights to oversee and maintain the ditch, and subsequent steps required by statute would follow. The public hearings will provide the formal opportunities for landowners and other interested parties to present arguments for or against abandonment.