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Cooper Creek landowner dispute and gating of state-maintained road draws public concern
Summary
A public commenter said a private gate blocks a state-maintained road at Cooper Creek, asserting the gate prevents prescribed maintenance and access; the owner and other speakers disputed claims about state maintenance records and urged court resolution.
Multiple speakers discussed a long-running dispute over a gated road in the Cooper Creek area and whether the state maintained the lane before the gate was installed.
Robbie Brown told commissioners he had spoken at length with the county manager and relayed allegations from a tribal-enrolled property owner and others alleging threats and restricted access when a gate was installed. Brown asked the board and law enforcement to ensure the owner could access his property: "I don't think anybody should bully somebody out of their property," he said.
The property owner and other residents disputed claims that state maintenance ended only after a gate was erected, and presented affidavits, surveys and a 1991 letter they said show state maintenance signage and long-term maintenance practices. One speaker said he FOIAed DOT records and has video and affidavits showing property owners conducted road repairs when maintenance did not occur. Commissioners and residents said the matter may ultimately need resolution in court; the board did not take formal action to direct law enforcement or the DOT at this meeting.
