Minutes, Annexation and Budget public hearings, 12-1-2020

Annexation Hearing

In attendance: Brandon, Dennis, JoLynne, Wade Nicholas, Adam Johnson, Troy Karren and Jackie Lilienquist.

Brandon introduced the annexation, saying the district is trying to adjust its boundaries after so many propoerties were dropped from the tax roles.

Wade Nicholas said his property is being hurt by the drain because when it is full, the pressure causes the water table to rise because the ditch is below the clay layer, and it pushes water through the sandy loam toward his house. He said he understands the ditch needs to be there to drain property in the “middle valley” but it harms him and he does not want to pay taxes. He has been in that property for 4 years.

Brandon and JoLynne asked if he is sure he is getting more harm than good from the ditch. Brandon said the ditch has been cleaned a lot since it flooded in 2017.

Dennis told the attendees about the history of the board working to understand its boundaries. The parcels are being considered because the ditch runs through them and as such the district is providing services, however there has been some discussion among board members about whether properties near Nicholas and others living near him should be annexed. That’s the reason for the hearing, he said.

Dennis said the concern is valid and needs to be considered.

Jackie Lillenquist asked if new homes will interfere with drainage. Adam Johnson said part of the permit process is to get a signature from the board president regarding drainage. Brandon said there are clear statutes that state that those who interfere with drainage can be liable for damages. Adam said the board may need to remind the city that they need to talk to Brandon.

Brandon said he hopes the drain cleaning will help Wade.

Dennis showed the participants where the original boundary went, and where it was changed in 1932. The areas are illustrated on the map that was mailed out to all property owners who are in the proposed annexation.

Dennis said John Dent has asked for his house to be annexed into the district, though his house is across the road from the drain and it drains the opposite direction from the road. He also has a lot of property within the district.

Brandon said the work done this year may change the water profile in Lewiston and benefit citizens.

BUDGET HEARING 8 PM

In attendance: Brandon, Dennis, JoLynne and Troy Karen

Dennis went through the proposed budget, saying 4,877.39 was being carried over from 2020. The proposed expenditures will be smaller than the balance, so $1827.91 will be transferred to the Capital Funds budget.

Capital funds will include a weed burner for $2000.

Troy asked if the district is involved in new homes going into the south who are putting in culverts. There is potential for drain interference.

He asked about the old irrigation ditch along Main Street near his place and nearly a mile south. It’s below grade and water will run into it. It eventually runs into the boat reservoir. It doesn’t feed any of our drains.

Brandon said we put an inlet pipe so it could go through there.

Troy also asked if the city could use a fire house to clean out culverts along there.

He also said he was asked to clean out that ditch and was offered payment for it by the former board president. This led him to believe the ditch was part of the drainage district.

Brandon encouraged him to talk to his neighbors and work out a way for them to maintain the drain together as landowners.

Brandon moved to accept the budget. Dennis seconded. All agreed.