01-06-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—January 6, 2014 4249 Board (NTSB) will issue their findings, which most likely will take several months to complete. He said there have been recent discussions with the executive director from Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) about creating a task force to study how to improve responses to these types of events. He said the county needs to work on improving communication internally between departments. He also suggested the county look at regional fire-fighting capabilities and necessary equipment to handle these types of incidents. Dave Rogness, Emergency Manager, said according to the Emergency Operations Plan, the sheriff is designated as the incident commander for these types of events. He said shortly after the accident, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was opened at a minimal staffing level. The sheriff set up an incident command post at the school in Casselton. He said based on the wind and weather forecast, a decision was made to evacuate the City of Casselton, Durbin Township and Everest Township due to the contaminants in the smoke plume from the fire. He listed the numerous local, state and national agencies involved with the event, and noted that Burlington Northern Railroad will be responsible for all costs associated with the train derailment. Sheriff Paul D. Laney reviewed the timeline of the event from the beginning when he was first notified about the accident. He activated an Immediate Action Team (IAT), and said training to deal with an event like this was evident given the preparedness shown during the situation. He commended those involved in the response to this disaster. Mr. Pawluk said Burlington Northern Railroad kept the county well informed during the incident and worked with everyone involved to keep them up-to-date regarding the situation. He provided a few suggestions to better address similar events in the future: information be readily available regarding the type of contaminants in the smoke; request a wind forecast be tailor-made for the situation; and encourage the railroad to have fire-fighting resources on hand or within an hour's travel distance. Jason Benson, County Engineer, said training is integral not only for the county, but for the surrounding communities in order to be prepared for these types of events. He referred to the tornado training exercise held about one year ago in Casselton, which was very helpful for everyone who participated. Mr. Vanyo was absent for the remainder of the meeting. 9. FLOOD CONTROL, State Water Commission payment to City of Fargo approved During the last three legislative sessions, the state legislature approved a total of $175 million to be spent on flood control costs. Mr. Montplaisir said this is the 23rd request from the City of Fargo. The reimbursement claim in the amount of $1,200,184 is the local match on costs associated with lift station improvements at El Zagal Golf Course and dike construction in the Rose Creek neighborhood. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Peterson seconded to authorize the chairman to sign the approval letter for the State Water Commission to distribute funds in the amount of $1,200,184 to the City of Fargo pursuant to the terms and conditions of Senate Bill 2020. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.