Resident tells commissioners county crews severely damaged windbreak; staff to place work order

Steven Grah told the Miami County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 20 that county crews had severely damaged landscaping and a windbreak on his property after trimming activity in the county right-of-way, and he asked the board for restitution and cleanup.
Grah said he brought photographs and that crews had cut metal posts and trimmed red cedar windbreaks in a way he described as irreversible. “I expect restitution for it. And I expect it to be cleaned up,” Grah said during the public-comment period.
The matter drew discussion but no formal vote. A county official said staff would place a work order to handle the material left in the ditch. “They'd probably take the boom tractor back out there and grind it up. But if he wants it picked up, they could take the skid loader out with a grapple,” a county speaker said, adding such work might be delayed until after asphalt season because crews are committed to road work.
County officials also said the county has authority to trim vegetation that extends into the county right-of-way so traffic can pass safely. A commissioner suggested that two commissioners and staff work with Grah and try to improve the condition. “Maybe those two commissioners can work with Eric and work with you and…attempt to make it better,” the commissioner said.
Grah told the board he may pursue legal remedies if the damage is not repaired. County staff and commissioners did not approve any compensation or formal settlement at the meeting; the public record shows only a staff work order commitment and a promise by commissioners to follow up.
The discussion occurred during the meeting's public-comment period; no agenda item or motion addressing damages or compensation was introduced at the meeting.