Homeowners press county to address drainage on County Trunk Highways Z and M; staff plans targeted ditch work

Two homeowners told the Adams County Highway Committee they are losing trees and seeing persistent flooding on properties adjacent to County Trunk Highways Z and M, and county staff described field measurements and constrained remediation options.

On County Z, staff reviewed plan/profile documents and recent elevation shots that showed an east-west grade difference that limits culvert placement. Staff reported rod readings indicating a differential where the best practical adjustment could move about three to five-tenths of a foot of water at the site and cautioned there were lower spots on the property that would limit full drainage. Staff recommended limited ditch cleaning or lowering culverts where feasible and said a more invasive approach would need additional direction.

On County M near 7th Drive, staff played video and noted small pools separated by a slight high spot in the ditch; an excavator could remove a roughly 0.75-foot rise over about 30 feet to help pools connect and improve flow. Staff and members emphasized such work would not eliminate groundwater or long-term lowland saturation but could modestly relieve surface pooling.

By consensus the committee asked highway staff to proceed with limited ditch cleaning or excavation where it can be done within right-of-way limits and to report findings and results back to the committee. Staff offered to coordinate with property owners before work begins.