Opinion ID: 1219632
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Appellants' Argument on Appeal

Text: Abbotts contend that the School District trespassed when it altered the Savage Lateral on Abbotts' property because the school district did not obtain their consent, and the license granted the school district exceeded the scope of the easement. Abbotts maintain that the license agreement between the Irrigation District and the School District merely states that the school district desired to make modifications to the ditch or canal across the school district property and the only mention of any planned construction on Abbott's property is in an exhibit to the license agreement. Furthermore, Abbotts point out that the license agreement specifically states that the construction is only to benefit the School District and is not for the benefit of the Irrigation District. Abbotts, therefore, argue that the license is invalid in so far as it gives the School District authority to place the inlet and safety screen on Abbotts' property. Furthermore, Abbotts complain that the school district does not have the right to place an attractive nuisance on their property merely because the irrigation district gave its consent to place it within the easement. Abbotts also express concern that the district court did not consider that the safety screen will build up with debris and cause the ditch to back up and flood their property or that the concrete inlet structure located in their front yard is unsightly and causes a devaluation of their property. Abbotts claim that the devaluation as well as the unsightly mess created by the concrete structure improperly expands and exceeds the scope of the easement, especially when the license agreement specifically states that the Irrigation District will not benefit from the construction. Further, Abbotts argue that the license agreement inappropriately delegated the statutory responsibilities of the Irrigation District to the School District in violation of I.C. § 43-304. On appeal Abbotts claim that the district court failed to understand the case before it and that it failed to address the specific question of whether the School District had the right to enter Abbotts' property and construct the concrete collar and safety screen.