Resident seeks culvert work at 716 15th St.; council recommends engineer review and permits

Joan and Doug Liermann asked the Wisner City Council on March 2 for guidance about installing a culvert in the creek behind their home at 716 15th St. The couple said they have a contractor quote and that City Administrator Randy Woldt had told them to bring the matter to the council.

Councilman Barry Meyer and Administrator Randy Woldt discussed sizing and prior examples. Minutes record that an engineer had previously recommended not using smaller culverts under a street and that two 36-inch culverts run beneath nearby pavement. Meyer said a 24-inch or larger culvert could be adequate; the Liermanns said they had been quoted for a 20-inch culvert and were considering two 24-inch pipes or a single larger pipe.

Woldt told the Liermanns that if they proceeded with smaller culverts contrary to an engineer’s recommendation, they would be responsible for the installation and any future issues; if they chose to upsize the culvert the city did not have budgeted funds for that work this year but could consider it for next year’s budget. Councilmembers noted that homeowner-paid work is an option and that the Liermanns should obtain a building permit before starting work.

No formal motion or city-funded commitment was recorded in the minutes. The Liermanns said they were seeking advice on where to begin and asked about permits; Councilman Meyer suggested the homeowners obtain a building permit and, if they want city assistance, the council would need JEO (engineer) involvement, which would increase cost.

The minutes record no action taken on this agenda item.