Clermont Examines Ditch Erosion

(posted 8.19.09)

Erosion of Log Run Ditch is beginning to become a problem for the Clermont Town Council. Town engineer Dick Mosier explained to the council at its August 13 meeting that the creek is eroding and eventually the channel will be in the town's right-of-way instead of on private property.

Mosier said the 60 inch pipe has reduced capacity due to four feet of silt built up in the pipe . He recommended contacting the property owners to inform them of the problem.

Council President Bob Hinshaw asked if it was the town's problem since it is on private property.

Mosier explained the town's drainage flows into the creek and the town is responsible for drainage.

Attorney Robert Lutz said the town is responsible for drainage pipes that are under streets and in the town's right-of-way, while homeowners are responsible for cleaning out of ditches going under their driveways.

Resident Linda Lucas suggested DPW should clean the ditch because they have cleared out Clermont's ditches in past years. Mosier noted that residents do pay the city's storm water drainage tax. He estimated the clean out could cost $20,000 to $50,000. The council tasked Councilor Walt Miller with contacting DPW to see if they had jurisdiction to clean the ditch.

Sergeant David Sutton received applause from the council and residents for capturing the suspect responsible for robbing the National City Bank on August 12. Barbara Hinshaw said she was at the drive-up window when the robbery occurred. Police Chief George Hughes said the suspect was on probation from Kansas.

Hughes also reported that a stabbing occurred on August 13 and the suspect and victim were both arrested.