09-02-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—September 2, 2014 4366 need to be considered since the diversion will provide protection to many residents and will save them money on flood insurance costs. Mr. Pawluk said the concept of special assessments for the diversion project will require significant public education before a vote is taken to create an assessment district. Mr. Schneider said the vote will involve sending individual ballots to residents within the district and a detailed explanation may also be enclosed with the ballot. Mr. Schneider said DPAC representatives plan to meet with West Fargo and 20 additional cities and townships within the benefit area. West Fargo has requested a letter of intent regarding the assumption of sales tax paying for the special assessments, which has been drafted and could be sent to all 21 benefiting jurisdictions. Mr. Pawluk said a fair and accurate accounting of the dollars needs to be provided to the public. There also was discussion on the bond issuance amount and that the limit needs to be determined and approved by the Finance Committee and Flood Diversion Board of Authority. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mr. Peterson seconded to authorize the chairman to sign a letter of intent to the City of West Fargo and for the letter to be sent to other entities requesting special assessment information. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 8. FLOOD LOTS IN HERITAGE HILLS, Memorandum of Understanding with Audubon Dakota, Fargo Park District for grass restoration work Keith Berndt, Cass County Administrator, said discussions continue with the Fargo Park District to transfer county-owned lots in Heritage Hills, Orchard Glen and Forest River Subdivisions for a nature park preserve. The district is working with Audubon Dakota on native grass restoration at various Fargo park locations and would like to do some of this work in Heritage Hills. He said in order for the work to be done, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been drafted with the Fargo Park District, Cass County, and Audubon Society. Mrs. Scherling asked if the MOU involves all three subdivisions. Mr. Berndt said grass restoration will first begin in Heritage Hills, and if successful, will also be done in Orchard Glen and Forest River. Mr. Montplaisir said work continues on the process to deed county-owned land to the park district, which FEMA needs to approve in order to move forward with converting the land into a nature park preserve. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mr. Peterson seconded to authorize the chairman to sign the enclosed MOU between Cass County, Fargo Park District, and Audubon Dakota for grass restoration work in Heritage Hills Subdivision. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 9. FLOOD PROTECTION, Question from Maple Prairie resident Mr. Pawluk said a resident from Maple Prairie Subdivision was present and asked about flood protection after the levee is completed in Chrisan Subdivision. The subdivision is located in Stanley Township, south of Fargo.