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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBypass Truck Repair tro-ffi�7m B uty ■ ar Phone:406-628-6308 Cell Phone:406-670-4931 Fax:406-628-1089 PO Box 275 Toll Free:866-628-6308 1301 Thiel Road Cell Phone:406-860-2229 Laurel,MT 59044 August 31,2010 City of Laurel D � r l�� � E2 Bill Sheridan-Chief Administrative Officer V Kurt Markegard—Public Works Director Sam S. Painter-City Attorney AUG 3 1 2010 James Caniglia.-City Planner Laurel City Council Members CITY O F LAUREL Park Board Members Re: Davis Ditch Dear Sirs,Laurel City Council Members&Park Board Members: I would like to bring to your attention a matter that affects the City of Laurel,particularly Riverfront Park and property I own,both of which border the Davis Ditch. Ernie Friend from the Laurel Rod and Gun Club took a back door approach and contacted me with his concerns about excessive flooding in the horseshoe pit and camping areas,which has been a frequent occurrence at Riverfront Park. For several months I have had discussions with members of the Davis Ditch Board of Directors regarding the overflow of the Davis Ditch and its subsequent flooding into Riverfront Park as well as my property. My attempts to have the Davis Ditch Board recognize and remedy this flooding has been ineffective. In essence,the board has absolved themselves from any responsibility and has disregarded my concerns. Enclosed is a copy of correspondence I received from Greg Childs, secretary of the Davis Ditch Board of Directors. In iesponse to my concerns,the board had Phil Lentz,who holds the treasurer's position on the board,examine the flooded areas. His findings confirm that indeed the six inch culvert leading from the ditch is working at full volume and is discharging beyond its normal capacity and flooding into Riverfront Park as well as my property. This situation is dire and has resulted in me having to pay several thousand dollars to prevent further damage to my property. I ask the City of Laurel to review this matter and to contact the Davis Ditch Board of Directors. I appreciate your consideration. Sincerely, Rick H. 01 n c: Davis Ditch Board of Directors Davis Ditch Members 0 DAVIS DITCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS Aug 18 2010 To Rick and Gail Olsen; In response to your letter dated Aug 8, 2010, the entire Board of Directors made a field trip to the area of the two ditches you believe are causing a high water problem on your property. Our findings are as follows: 1) Davis ditch appears to be completely intact with no noticeable bank overflowing. 2) The culvert you believe to be perforated at the bottom may or may not be. If in fact it is, the only water that may be entering , cannot discharge into your lateral ditch because of elevations and, it is closed on the SE end. Too, this is a private culvert and Davis Ditch has no responsibility for it. What water may be entering the culvert and is discharged onto the Park Area should be ,r of no concern to you. 3) As a result of the unusual wet summer we are experiencing, ground water is high for everyone in our neighborhood. 4) It is possible that by controlling the flow in your Danford Lateral Ditch your pond level may be reduced. 5) It is a possibility that your pond area may be affected by water flowing along the recently installed oil pipe line trench belonging to the refinery. At this time we see nothing that indicates our Davis Ditch is affecting your pond level other than the normal charging of ground water any stream would cause. To lower our ditch level is impractical as that would result in our seventeen ditch users to be allotted an inadequate water supply. Also, it is doubtful that by lowering our ditch water level would alleviate your problem as your ditch is running parallel and full twenty-four hours every day. You would need a detailed hydro geologic study to conclusively determine the source of any water level problems you may be having. On a final note, you must realize that because the Davis Ditch water supply is "waste water" from the Danford Ditch, precise controlling of our ditch level is impossible as upstream users are continually changing our supply. In the future, should the Davis Ditch overflow onto your property, be assured we will promptly remedy the problem. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors of the Davis Ditch; Greg Childs, Secretary cc Board of Directors John Christensen (Attorney) Berg, John 406-628-8860 1434 McMullan Lane Laurel, MT 59044 Blades,Joe & Carol 406-628-6188 1809 Denittis Lane Laurel, MT 59044 Childs, Greg Wrench Ranch 2128 Thiel Road Laurel, MT 59044 Cli , Chaz 406-628- Hellesvig, Ed 406-628- 1926 Thiel Road Laurel,MT 59044 Lance, Stephen 406-628-7612 1422 Lance Lane Laurel,MT 59044 Uj Letz, Phillip 406-628-6361 2010 Thiel Road Laurel, MT 59044 Oberly, Dave 406-628-4960 1620 Denittis Lane Laurel, MT 59044 Pheasants Forever 406-628- Laurel, MT 59044 �+ Riders, Bob V 1710 Thiel Road Laurel, MT 59044 Wyant, Larry 406-628-6435 2208 Thiel Road ' Laurel, MT 59044 03 H