Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Two variances for setbacks were approved Thursday by the Kosciusko County Drainage Board.
The variance for Kevin Walker, EMS B33A Lane, Warsaw, will allow him to build a garage 35 feet from the Stoneburner-Putney drain. The setback for drains by ordinance is 75 feet.
"That's what I'd like to get because it is a flood zone," said Walker.
From a "practical standpoint," said Kosciusko County Surveyor Dick Kemper, "I don't think he's any closer to the ditch than anyone else." However, a restrictive covenant on the variance form states that if additional costs occur to maintain the drain because of the proximity of the garage to the drain, Walker must incur the costs.
Steven and Susan Frecker, CR 450N, Tippecanoe Township, requested their variance to add on to their barn.
"We would like to add on to our pole barn and we'd be closer to the ditch than we're supposed to be. I think we already are a little bit," said Susan Frecker.
The approved variance will allow them to build on to the barn at 42 feet from the Allen Rupple drain. Frecker said they want to add on more in a few years to be 28 feet from the ditch.
Kemper said that while 42 feet wouldn't be a problem, 28 feet may be too close. "Right now," said Kemper, "I don't think the 42 feet is going to be a problem. I don't see a problem with that."
In another matter, the drainage board discussed an upcoming petition by landowners to reconstruct the Walter Phillips drain in Flagstone Terrace. The old county drain tile runs through a subdivision to Winona Lake.
"They're having problems obviously or otherwise they wouldn't be petitioning to do this," said Kemper.
The preliminary "rough" cost to reconstruct the drain with 24-inch pipe is estimated at $50,000.
"It's not etched in stone yet," said Kemper.
The public hearing on the reconstruction may be as early as June. However, since there are some wetlands on the drain, Kemper will consult with the drainage board attorney to see if any permits from Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Natural Resources or Army Corps of Engineers is needed. If permits are required, the board told Kemper to get them first. Getting the permits, if needed, may delay the public hearing.
The engineering plans for the best way to handle the reconstruction are still being worked on.
The assessment rates for the reconstruction, the board recommended to Kemper, should be based on the storm water run-off rates.
Members of the drainage board include: President Brad Jackson, Donald Goon, Eldon Watkins, Maurice McDaniel and Dorris Harrold. They meet at 9:15 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month in the Kosciusko County courthouse.
