02-18-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—February 18, 2014 4263 8. HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM (HMGP), Application to be submitted; west side alignment flood protection option approved Jason Benson, County Engineer, was present to discuss a request to apply for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to acquire 47 additional homes along the southern corridor of County Highway 81 and south of County Highway 16. This item was discussed at the January 21st meeting, and the board requested the county engineer to contact affected homeowners. Mr. Benson said a public meeting was held two weeks ago with residents to discuss the potential buyout of additional homes, and three possible options to provide permanent flood protection in the area. He recommends the board approve the application for HMGP funding to acquire the 47 additional homes, and to select the third option of the west side alignment, which requires the least expensive local cost share of $1.9 million. Mrs. Scherling asked for confirmation that appraisals will be based on 2011 values as residential values have increased by 6% each year since then. Iry Rustad, Executive Director of Lake Agassiz Regional Council, was present and said 2011 values will be used during the appraisal process since that is when the emergency flood declaration was issued. Keith Berndt, County Administrator, has reviewed all three flood protection options and agrees with the recommendation from the county engineer. He said there are geotechnical issues with the two other plans and concerns with long-term viability on building a levee through Chrisan Subdivision. Mr. Benson said with the other options, part of the road would need to be removed in order to build a flood wall, and long-term maintenance costs would need to be considered. Mr. Benson said the county needs to focus on certifiable projects that will remove homes from the flood plain given the recent significant increases in flood insurance rates in this area. Mr. Berndt spoke with Fargo officials about annexation plans for this area and an associated timeline. He said the city intends to annex land to the south in the very near future. Mr. Pawluk said the west alignment destroys the most homes; however, the cost to the county is less than the other two choices, and he supports this option because he believes it is best for the taxpayers. Mr. Vanyo also prefers the third option as it will provide certifiable protection to residents. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to select the west side alignment as the preferred option for flood protection along County Highway 81. Discussion: Commissioners asked about feedback from homeowners. Mr. Benson has not spoken with anyone who has said they will not accept a buyout offer. Mr. Rustad said currently 12 individuals have expressed interest in their properties being acquired. Mr. Vanyo asked how homeowners will be notified. Mr. Benson said an additional mailing to impacted residents will be sent to inform them that the commission is moving forward with the buyout process. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.