11-05-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--November 5, 2001 2377 a permanent one. Mr. Berndt believes the best long-term decision for the citizens of the county ,.-. is to construct a permanent levee to protect this area, however, there is some local opposition to that plan. Also, Mr. Berndt said the county would need to fund the cost of improving the temporary levee to make it permanent, and he does not have money in his budget for that purpose. He said Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds were used to construct the dike, and they would reimburse the county to remove it and restore the property to its original condition. Conversion of an emergency levee to a permanent levee is not an eligible expense. Mrs. Schneider said it seems like the county would be moving in the wrong direction by removing this dike and not making it a permanent levee. Mr. Berndt believes it would be in the best long- term interests of the citizens for the county to partner with the City of Fargo and the Southeast Cass Water Resource District in their undertaking of a larger flood protection project for the south side of Fargo. Mr. Wagner suggested delaying a decision on the dike removal today and contacting some of the area landowners to see what suggestions they might have for flood protection. Mr. Berndt was agreeable to delaying a decision at this time. Mrs. Sorum said there is some question about whether or not the dike will be in the new floodway and if this area is a historical site. She said several property owners are in the audience today, and Brent Johnson addressed the Board at this time. Mr. Johnson said he ,.-. would be opposed to making this a permanent dike because it limits what he can do with his land as far as future development. Also, he said a determination needs to be made if this land where the dike is located is a historical site. Mr. Berndt's next topic also concerns flood prevention, and the Board moved on to that item. 19. ROAD DEPARTMENT, Greenwav on Red and Wild Rice Rivers Mr. Berndt requested concurrence from the Commission to move forward with the acquisition of vacant property as a flood mitigation measure. The idea would be to create greenways contiguous with other land that has been acquired. He said the State Emergency Management Agency has approved the use of approximately $2 million in additional funds to purchase or gain easements to flood-prone properties on the Red River and Wild Rice River south of Fargo. Prior to developing or submitting a list to the State, Mr. Berndt wanted to secure the Board's continued support of the greenway initiative. MOTION, passed Mrs. Schneider moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to re-endorse the greenway concept and authorize the County Engineer to continue development of a greenway plan for the Red and Wild Rice Rivers, with the anticipation of acquiring additional platted and unplatted properties. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 20. ROAD DEPARTMENT, City of Arausville street maintenance aareement delaved __ Mr. Berndt asked for direction from the Commission on a proposed agreement with the City of Argusville for street maintenance. He said it has not been a problem to provide reimbursement services in the summer and winter for a number of jurisdictions in the county, however, the question on this one is who gets priority in the winter for clearing snow from roads and streets.