Residents press council over flooding and ditch maintenance; town to compile priority ditch list

During public comment, multiple residents described chronic flooding, clogged ditches and slow responses to drainage complaints. One resident requested a public grievance meeting to bring multiple local concerns to the town outside the council agenda context. Council and staff discussed whether ditch maintenance on private property could be undertaken under town contract and how to fund it.

Staff warned that expanding ditch maintenance responsibilities would require equipment and personnel with estimated upfront costs that could be substantial; they suggested using the stormwater fund or contracting out seasonal work after compiling a prioritized list of critical ditches by district. "If we are going to enter onto private property, we must have agreements with it as well," a staff member cautioned, and the council directed members to submit candidate ditches for an initial contractor estimate.

Council asked staff to scope one-time or seasonal cuts and report cost estimates rather than immediately expanding recurring town responsibilities.