Water board: Member drained land illegally
A member of the Stutsman County Water Resource Board was found to have illegally drained water from his land to other people’s property, according to Ken Dalsted, secretary/treasurer of the board. The finding against Jeff Mitchell was issued during the Water Resource Board’s regular meeting Wednesday.By: Keith Norman, The Jamestown Sun
A member of the Stutsman County Water Resource Board was found to have illegally drained water from his land to other people’s property, according to Ken Dalsted, secretary/treasurer of the board.
The finding against Jeff Mitchell was issued during the Water Resource Board’s regular meeting Wednesday.
“There was a complaint filed of improper draining,” Dalsted said. “He (Mitchell) was found in violation but it was determined the ditch had already been filled (with dirt) and the board ordered it should remain filled.”
Mitchell could not be reached for comment Thursday or Friday. Mitchell and Joel Lees, chairman of the board, recused themselves from the discussion because of a conflict of interest, Dalsted said. Lees was not available for comment.
The remaining three members of the board acted on the complaint, said Tony Roorda, Water Resource Board member.
“The rest of us handled it like any case,” he said.
The incident occurred in Nogosek Township, northwest of Courtenay, earlier this summer. It was originally brought to the attention of the Stutsman County Commission by adjacent property owners.
“The commission sent a letter to the Water Board asking them to determine if there is a problem,” said Casey Bradley, auditor/ chief operating officer of the county. “Part of the claim presented (in the letter) said there was damage to township and county roads because of the drainage.”
Bradley said the County Commission is waiting for a letter from the Water Resource Board detailing its findings. The commission could refer the issue to the Stutsman County State’s Attorney for civil action to recover any damage to public roads caused by the drainage.
“The commission will also have to determine what to do with the individual on the board,” Bradley said. “They have to determine if being found to have had an illegal drain affects his ability to serve on the water board.”
Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at knorman@jamestownsun.com
Tags: local news, news, water
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