Ditch Concerns Take Center Stage at Commissioners Meeting
by Trinity Gruenberg
The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 11.
Ditch Concerns
Jack Heimbuch questioned the credentials and approach of H2 Overviewers, expressing concern that they promote themselves as being able to “fast track” and “expedite” difficult projects. He also raised concerns about the $72,000 already spent on the project and the potential total cost of $500,000.
Heimbuch worried that the redetermination of benefits could lower the water table, negatively impacting his sod farm operations.
The board explained that this process is mandated by state law, as the county is the ditch authority. They advised Heimbuch to bring his concerns directly to the H2 Overviewers representatives at the upcoming landowners meeting.
County Engineer Anthony Maule provided an update on ditch matters, noting that landowner packets are being sent out with contact information for further questions.
Auditor/Treasurer Heather Olson reported issues printing full viewer reports from the H2 Overviewers website, as the files become too small and unreadable when printed.
Commissioner Murlyn Kreklau explained that viewer reports show each landowner’s estimated cost for a $100,000 project, but actual costs will likely be much lower.
Maule discussed how both the MnDOT Highway 10 project and the city of Wadena utility relocation project may involve dewatering, which could discharge water into the County Ditch 2 watershed....
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