The Marshall County Drainage Board had a full agenda for their meeting Monday morning.
Last month the Drainage Board denied the variance request of James and Stacey Heying at 5099 Sage Road to install two walking bridges over the Lemert Powell Ditch. With several concerns presented by Surveyor Craig Cultice, and the Heyings not attending the meeting the vote was 2 in favor of the variance and 3 to deny it.
Monday morning Jim Heying attended the meeting and said they would like to install one bridge so they have access to their property on the other side of the ditch.
The surveyor reviewed his concerns and observations and Heying agreed to them. The board approved the variance with the restrictions and stipulations by a vote of 3 to 2 with Kevin Overmyer and Randy Glingle voting against. Overmyer noted that he was concerned that more requests will come in.
Drainage Board president Kurt Garner said, “I think there’s a fine line where this drainage board can start to deny people the use and enjoyment of their property.” He said this family has to go out on the county road to access a portion of their property. Garner said, “Our job is to maintain drainage. What we’ve said in these stipulations is that if we feel that it (bridge) becomes an issue with maintaining the drainage that he has to have it removed.”
