[gview file="http://69.89.31.68/~vdoenhor/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PH083014.pdf"]Village District of Eidelweiss
Board of Commissioners
Public Hearing on Driveway Ordinance
August 30, 2014

The Board of Commissioners held a Public Hearing on the Driveway Ordinance on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 10 am at the Lodge. In attendance were Commissioners Ron Sandstrom and Mike Smith. 8 persons were in attendance. The meeting was taped for Madison TV by Tim Hughes. [expand title="More Text"]

At 10 am the Public Hearing was called to order by Chairman Ron Sandstrom.

The purpose of the meeting is outlined by Ron Sandstrom. Proposed changes to the Driveway Ordinance are outlined, reviewed and discussed.

The background of the Ordinance is outlined. The goals of the proposed changes are outlined. Adding clarity to the Ordinance and maintaining the District’s rights to establish drainage within the right of way are discussed.

Ralph Lutjen states that he thinks it is not a good idea to allow a second driveway. Additional complications to snow plowing are outlined. The lack of cleaning ditches within the VDOE and the resulting clogs in the driveway culverts are discussed. Lack of ability on a homeowner’s part to properly clean a culvert is stated. VDOE as cause for much of the driveway culvert clogs is stated. Adding more driveways and culverts is not advised.

Jay Buckley discusses changing terminology to use of the term curb cut in lieu of driveway. Ramifications of the addition of a second driveway that requires a culvert is stated with a recommendation to allow second driveways that do not require a culvert. Cleaning of culverts by the DPW is recommended. Installation and potential incorrect installation by the DPW is discussed. Road drainage is discussed, with a statement of approximately 10 chronic culvert issues within the VDOE.

Mike Smith outlines intent of Commissioners to purchase equipment to clean the ditch lines on the Warrant for 2015. Jay Buckley recommends obtaining outside contract cost in consideration when reviewing cost of equipment purchase. Mr. Buckley states belief that the responsibility for all drainage should be with the District. Ron Sandstrom outlines recommendation of legal counsel and compliance with the existing RSA’s as determination of responsibility. Ralph Lutjen discusses driveways causing damage to the roads and states that additional clarity when a driveway design delivers water onto the road creating damage should be added. Gloria Aspinall questions definition and statement of “owner or occupant”. Paul McKenna voices favor for the changes. Dinah Reiss discusses additional snow piles that need to drain for second accesses allows for additional puddles which create wear and tear on the roads. Formation of pot holes at additional entrances is stated. Dinah Reiss adds that the prior wording was in place to protect the roads. Discussion on private property rights and VDOE work on private property is discussed. Discussion on placing of culverts during initial installation is held. Outline that the property owner developing the property has always been responsible for placing the culverts. When the VDOE is establishing road drainage that creates the need for a culvert under an existing driveway, the District has placed the culverts. The culvert that was placed to reconnect Porridge View Drive to Oak Ridge Road being considered as a road culvert is reviewed. Consideration for enforcing standards on existing driveway is stated. Having a mechanism in place to force correction of driveways that damage roads is recommended. Section 6 Construction is recommended to be area for addition of meeting standard for all driveways, existing and newly created.

Disagreement with turning maintenance of the culverts back to the property owner is stated by Jay Buckley. Wording alternative to the change to Section 7; Construction is made and submitted by Jay Buckley. Correspondence from resident John Cooper and resident Bill Copeland is read.

Ralph Lutjen suggests statement of VDOE acknowledgement that VDOE will clean when VDOE is responsible for ditch maintenance that has not been done by VDOE. Discussion on Ordinance wording verses policy is held.

At 10:58 am Mike Smith makes a motion to close the Public Hearing. Ron Sandstrom seconds the motion and the motion passed 2-0.

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