Council weighs ditch‑cleaning limits after engineers find uneven culvert elevations in older subdivisions

City staff reported results of field surveys showing uneven culvert inverts and settled ditches in older subdivisions and discussed options and risks for cleaning or regrading ditches.

Staff said many culverts in Saint Pierre and other neighborhoods have different elevations — "one's high, one's low" — which means digging one spot can leave other sections holding water. Staff and councilors warned that partial digs can create temporary pools that increase mosquito breeding and that replacing undersized or collapsed culverts can be costly; one previous culvert replacement in another neighborhood cost about $15,000, a councilor said.

Given the scale of work required, staff recommended the council select a single pilot area for surveys and a public process. After discussion, councilors agreed to start with Sys Lane for the pilot survey and public meeting; staff said their survey crew would attempt to be available and that the public hearing and notification requirements in the ordinance would be followed. Staff also emphasized the need to document drainage maintenance schedules for FEMA CRS credit.

Council members stressed the importance of public outreach and warned residents that digging can change how ditches look and function — e.g., creating a visible scooped channel in front yards or leaving culverts partly covered. No final work contract or large‑scale authorization was approved at the meeting; staff will survey Sys Lane and present findings at a public meeting.