Drainage board approves encroachment for Monarch Springs RV Park along Theodore Applegate drain
May 18, 2026 | Howard County, Indiana
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The Howard County Drainage Board approved resolution HCDB 2603 on a voice vote, granting an encroachment permit for Monarch Springs RV Park that allows roads and several lots to be located within the easement of the Theodore Applegate regulated drain.
Tory Trip, of Trip Engineering Consulting, told the board the project abuts County Road 150 East and will create 74 lots. Trip said the development will place roads and some lots within the legal-drain easement but will not cross the existing drain pipe; the plan includes sanitary and water crossings and a sanitary manhole, and the owners have discussed adding a playground and dog park in a northwest corner of the parcel in the future.
The measure drew a question from an adjacent landowner during the public-comment period. Tracy Cole, who identified herself as the owner of land immediately north of the project, said the development "will affect the drainage" to her field. Board members and the applicant responded that surface water from the development is designed to flow first to an on-site pond before entering the regulated drain and that, based on the presentation, the work "should have no effect to your current drainage situation." The board stressed that any items placed in the easement could be at risk and might have to be moved if the board must access the drain for maintenance; the transcript notes owners would be responsible for moving and replacing such features.
Board members clarified the site lies inside city limits and within a city overlay district; the applicant noted difficulties obtaining campground zoning and said geogrid would be used for drives to improve water quality. The board noted the regulated drain was replaced during the U.S. 31 construction and that notices were sent to adjacent property owners prior to the hearing.
The motion to approve HCDB 2603 was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote; the transcript does not record a numerical roll-call tally.
The board returned to other agenda items after the vote.
Tory Trip, of Trip Engineering Consulting, told the board the project abuts County Road 150 East and will create 74 lots. Trip said the development will place roads and some lots within the legal-drain easement but will not cross the existing drain pipe; the plan includes sanitary and water crossings and a sanitary manhole, and the owners have discussed adding a playground and dog park in a northwest corner of the parcel in the future.
The measure drew a question from an adjacent landowner during the public-comment period. Tracy Cole, who identified herself as the owner of land immediately north of the project, said the development "will affect the drainage" to her field. Board members and the applicant responded that surface water from the development is designed to flow first to an on-site pond before entering the regulated drain and that, based on the presentation, the work "should have no effect to your current drainage situation." The board stressed that any items placed in the easement could be at risk and might have to be moved if the board must access the drain for maintenance; the transcript notes owners would be responsible for moving and replacing such features.
Board members clarified the site lies inside city limits and within a city overlay district; the applicant noted difficulties obtaining campground zoning and said geogrid would be used for drives to improve water quality. The board noted the regulated drain was replaced during the U.S. 31 construction and that notices were sent to adjacent property owners prior to the hearing.
The motion to approve HCDB 2603 was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote; the transcript does not record a numerical roll-call tally.
The board returned to other agenda items after the vote.
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