(Spirit Lake)– Whether or not any changes will be made anytime soon to the Lower Gar Outlet apparently comes down to a proposed agreement over what exactly will be done, who will pay for it, who will maintain it and who will be responsible in the event something happens downstream as a result. It’s the latter that may serve as a stumbling block.
The proposed agreement includes the installation of two additional culverts six inches above the height of the weir.
The Dickinson county board of supervisors today (Tues.) reviewed the proposed agreement drafted by Assistant County Attorney Lonnie Saunders. He told the board the city of Milford still wants TOTAL indemnification from any legal action whatsoever should there be any lawsuits over the issue, something the county is reluctant to offer. Saunders warned the supervisors it could serve as a stumbling block with the city.
Milford Mayor Don Lamb, who was on hand for today’s (Tues.) discussion, said to him the entire issue boils down to complaints from some on West Lake Okoboji over high water. He maintains the issue is over how high water is defined.
The proposed agreement now goes to the Milford city council which is scheduled to act on it at its meeting this coming Monday evening.
Both the county and the city have to sign off on such an agreement in order for any work to be done at the outlet as both entities have jurisdiction over the structure.
