Galaxy Estates Drainage Project.
by Joseph Schultz
The Wayland City Council Monday night considered a solution for drainage issues that have been plaguing Galaxy Estates.
Allegan County Drain Commissioner Chris Machiela was on hand to explain that the county can do up to $10,000 a mile for the required maintenance needed. However, the lowest bid was north of $15,000, which requires city approval of an assessment for homeowners.
Machiela explained the situation was caused by homeowners putting up fencing to their property line. Residents generally are unaware that there is an easement for drainage that goes through part of their property. The fencing is hindering the water from draining properly.
The maintenance project will regrade the culvert, and move fencing back out of the easement.
Mayor Pro Tem Joe Kramer pointed out that this type of maintenance was done back in 2010, and wanted to know what would guarantee that this would not happen again. Machiela stated that it depended on whether residents put fencing back up in the easement again.
After some discussion, the council approved the maintenance agreement resolution.
In other business:
- The regulations regarding fencing came up again when the council discussed the zoning permit application. Grace Sefranek mentioned that when she went to put up a fence on her property, she got conflicting information as to what was allowed, and what was not. The council approved the application process, but agreed to address fencing regulations.
- Council also approved working with Tricia Anderson, of Williams & Works Professional Services. City Manager Erik Wilson saidt he would ask her to review regulations the city has, including what they have and don’t have for fencing.
- A request from Matt Miller, the Safety Officer for Wayland Union schools, to set off fireworks at Friday’s high school football game was reviewed. Wayland High School student representatives explained that this week they were honoring heroes, and raising funds for the Folds of Honor organization. The council approved the request, with the caveat that no city employee would be setting off the fireworks.
