Stearns County Ditch 04 (CD04) - 2021 Project
If you have questions pertaining to the CD04 Proposed 2021 project after reading the information below, please call 320-654-4703.
Stearns County has been actively reviewing the drainage system to react to complaints of obstructions within the ditch channel. The goal has been to understand the issues and condition of the ditch and then determine an appropriate action plan. This page is meant to be a resource for property owners to understand past, present, and future projects that may incur costs for the ditch system.
Any costs incurred by the drainage system are paid by property owners in the system through special assessments.
The following project is being considered for approval at a future Stearns County Board of Commissioners meeting.
The data collected indicates an issue with two road culverts. Based on Minnesota Statute 103E.521 Subd. 2, a road crossing a county ditch is the responsibility of the road authority. Stearns County and Saint Wendel will partner on any approved project to repair CD04. The following slide show highlights the project details. Costs that the property owners of CD04 would be responsible for would be the excavation of sediment to properly seat the lowered culverts.
CD04 Property Owner Presenation
An online survey was conducted from 3/25/2021 through 4/18/2021 to collect thoughts from bennefitted residents of CD04. All responses offered will be compiled by staff and summarized in a report to be presented to the County Board, acting as the Drainage Authority, for its review and consideration. At the May 4, 2021 County Board of Commissioners meeting, the Commissioners will decide on this ditch repair. If it is approved, we will develop and implement a work plan by coordinating activities with St. Wendel Township in alignment with schedules and weather conditions for this year.
If you have any comments for questions, please call us at 320-654-4703.
11/16/2021
The Stearns County Board of Commissioners acting as the Drainage Authority for County Ditch 4 have in accordance with Minnesota State law, approved Special Tax Assessments for County Ditch 4 in the amount of $9,539.96 for project work completed in 2021. Detail of drainage system expenses and terms of the special tax assessment can be found below.
2022 Drainage Special Assessment Detail
Board of Commissioner Resolution Approving Assessments and setting terms
05/05/2021
At the May 04, 2021 Stearns County Board of Commissioners meeting, the Commissioners, acting as the Drainage Authority for County Ditch 04 approved the followed Board action:
Staff recommendation based on property owner feedback, the Engineer's report reestablishing records of the ditch, repair guidance offered by the Engineer, and estimated project costs is to proceed with a repair. Saint Wendel Township should be given notice to lower the culvert under 115th Avenue. The Drainage Inspector should be directed to engage a vendor to remove the accumulated sediment east of 115th Avenue to County Road 4 and to have staff exercise vegetative controls from 130th Avenue to County Road 3. Further, the Drainage Inspector will present an updated inspection report on CD 04 to the Drainage Authority in 2022.
Staff will begin the vendor section process for work between 115th Ave and Co Rd 4.
Ditch Frequently Asked Questions
Engineer's Re-establishment of Records