Drainage trustees approve IDALS constructed-wetland project and several invoices, hold one until attorney guidance

Trustees of Wright County's drainage districts approved a proposed constructed-wetland project and signed off on several invoices at their meeting after the supervisory session.

Sarah Smith, identified in the record as representing the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), presented plans for a constructed wetland in Section 20 of Grant Township, subdrainage district 155. Trustees moved and seconded to approve project number 922420d (IDALS prep program project in subdrainage district 155); the motion carried.

The trustees reviewed six invoices and approved them as listed in the record. Approved items included K Con work orders for DD3 main open ditch in Wall Lake Township for $340 and $373.34; a K Con invoice for DD223 main open ditch in section 22 for $510; a K Con invoice for another DD3 intake repair for $255; and two TBB spraying invoices for DD10 corresponding to previously approved change-order amounts of $3,500 and $2,000. Trustees confirmed that the TBB invoices reflected the amounts on the approved change orders.

A separate invoice from Jim Radke was held pending guidance from the drainage attorney, Eric Edie; the minutes say the board deferred action until counsel provided direction and that Clouse provided background on the invoice.

Why it matters: drainage projects and invoices affect landowners within drainage districts, maintenance budgets and schedules for ditch repairs or vegetation control. Approval of the IDALS project advances a conservation-oriented installation in subdrainage district 155; holding the Radke invoice reflects trustees' reliance on attorney advice for contested or complex claims.

Trustees also noted scheduling and administrative items: nine work orders were listed and approved earlier in the agenda; a future public hearing related to DD162-7 is awaiting Humboldt County's availability and was tentatively discussed for the 29th. After completing drainage business the trustees adjourned.

Next steps: project 922420d proceeds as approved; the Jim Radke invoice remains on hold pending the attorney's guidance; trustees will set the DD162-7 public hearing once Humboldt County confirms availability.