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To reroute a portion of the Kuhn ditch and construct three drop structures, J.F. New & Associates representative John Richardson petitioned the Kosciusko County Drainage Board today.
The petition was continued from May because Richardson failed to appear at the May meeting.
The ditch to be rerouted is on the Warner Historical Farm Inc. property. The purpose of this project is to reduce sedimentation into the Tippecanoe river and lake.
County surveyor Richard Kemper suggested the board approve the petition with five conditions.
Kemper said the permanent pool elevations or structure elevations should not be above 855 mean sea level. "They haven't proposed to do that."
There can be no tree plantings within the 75-foot regulated drain easement. The petitioner, Kemper said, already addressed that issue by removing several trees.
The project can have no adverse drainage impacts to adjoining properties or properties upstream in the Kuhn Ditch. "I don't see that happening," Kemper said.
Approval of the petition does not constitute a waiver by the board of any statutory authories cited in Indiana Code. Kemper said, "Basically, we're not relinquishing any future rights."
The last issue was that of sediment basin maintenance needing to be addressed. Richardson said that will be handled by the White Farm or the foundation.
"I would recommend we approve (the petition)," said Kemper. "I think it's a good project. It's good for the river and the lake."
Board chairman Brad Jackson agreed. "It's a good project," he said.
The board unanimously approved the petition.
In other business, Kemper said Beth Krull is working part- time in the county surveyor's office, putting the drains into the Geographical Imaging System. Krull is working two days a week with the help of GIS director Bill Holder.
"She's doing a good job. She's working pretty quick," Kemper said.
He also said he is working on the budgets for the surveyor's office and drainage board.
"Drainage board-wise, there's no significant changes," he said.
Members of the county drainage board include chairman Brad Jackson, vice chairman Donald Goon, Dorris Harrold, Eldon Watkin and Maurice McDaniel. They meet at 9:15 a.m. in the county courthouse on the fourth Thursday of every month.
