TENMILE CREEK DITCH HEARING…At the October 27, 2020 Commissioners Meeting, Fulton County Engineer Nate Wilhelm took time to show the commissioners, and land owners who are in the watershed area, the Tenmile Creek Ditch 2143 and how it would be affected by being cleared. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
Present at the October 27, 2020 meeting for the Final Hearing on Ditch 2143 were Fulton County Commissioners Jeff Rupp, Bill Rufenacht and Jon Rupp; County Administrator Vond Hall; Pike Township Trusett Jack Wagner and Land Owners Michael Hoen, Carol Grabarczyk and Ernest J. Gorey.
County Engineer Nate Wilhelm shared the information needed to determine need for action, and following some questions and comments from the land owners, it was agreed that the Bidding for the Ditch clearance will be held on December 3, 2020. The commissioners voted to pass Resolution 752 Affirming former order, confirming the assessments and ordering the letting of the contracts for Ditch 2143.
During the hearing, Wilhelm explained, “The last drainage improvement of record on Branch 20 of Tenmile Creek was petitioned by the Pike Township Trustees in 1916. At that time the open ditch was cleaned and brush cleaned. Branches 20a and 20b were also cleaned and tile was installed along the roadway. This drainage improvement was initiated through a single county drainage petition filed by John Gillen.
The petition calls for the cleaning and brush clearing of the open ditch known as Branch 20 of Tenmile Creek, located in Pike, Royalton and Amboy Townships. Fulton County, Ohio.”
He pointed out, “The primary objective of this improvement is to improve the drainage capacity of Branch 20 of Tenmile Creek by removing nuisance brush and accumulated sediment from the open drainage channels in order to reestablish an outlet for adequate modem drainage. Another objective is to establish an ongoing maintenance program to keep the drainage improvement in good condition throughout its useful life.”
The preliminary construction total estimated cost for all of the work proposed including contingencies, construction financing, engineering and administrative costs is $43,977.38. Wilhelm assured land owners that the erosion would be taken care of with stone and that grass seeding would occur as they clear away the brush. He also mentioned that if they want a larger tree left uncut, they should let him know, otherwise the trees will be taken down as part of the cleaning.
Apparent favorable factors he listed for getting the ditch cleaned and switched to the county for maintenance were:
- Crop yields will be maintained or improved.
- Property values will be improved or protected.
- Erosion will be controlled helping to improve water quality.
- Public health and safety will be protected by providing adequate drainage
- TI1e ditch will be placed on permanent maintenance to insure that it can be kept clean and free flowing, thus protecting the investment in this proposed improvement.
Apparent unfavorable factors were:
- Temporary disruption to farming operations will occur during and immediately after construction
- Disruption to farming operations can be expected to occur periodically during future maintenance activities.
Commissioners agreed that from all the pictures he showed and the explanations given, it does look like it needs some work, and they set the date for bids to be accepted.
In regular business the commissioners voted to approve:
- Minutes for previous meeting, agenda for present meeting and payment of bills
- Resolution748 Increase and transfer appropriations for various departments
- Resolution 749 Increase Contract 103 with Allied Waste Services
- Resolution 750 Approve oversight with Genacross Lutheran on behalf of JFS
- Resolution 751 Approve Purchase orders and travel request
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com