The Village of Ephraim’s board met Wednesday via teleconference to address an objection to the German Road storm drain construction set to begin next week. The goal of the project is to create a sewer that would collect runoff from German Road properties that is currently pooling in the Water Street Gallery parking lot. Owner Fred Bridenhagen fears that the creation of an easement on his lot would reduce its value. The board was unable to resolve its issue with Bridenhagen. Still, it passed a measure proposed by Trustee Paul Ruppold to lower the water main pipe to the proper elevation so that a potential sewer drain could be connected if Bridenhagen and the village come to an agreement.

Without the amendment, Ephraim was going to be forced to issue a costly stop-work order to the firm contracted to install the stormwater drain.