10-01-2018 Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Flood Sales Tax Committee—May 7, 2018 3 the regular budget of CCJWRD. In 2013, the Western Cass Flood Insurance Study requested that CCJWRD take part in reviewing the information provided by FEMA and it has proven to be very beneficial. Mrs. Scherling said she understands the importance of the work provided by CCJWRD, but she would like to know why a request for reimbursement has not been brought forth until this time. Mrs. Scherling would also like to know the current fund balance for the water resource districts. Mr. Steen asked what the main function of the water resource districts is. Mr. Opat said it is to manage water. Typically, the floodplain mapping efforts should go through a department that handles planning and zoning or floodplain management. MOTION, passed Mr. Steen moved and Mr. Benson seconded to table the FEMA Floodplain Mapping Efforts Project until further information can be provided. Discussion: Mrs. Scherling said a representative of CCJWRD should be present for the discussion and to answer questions relating to the timing of the request and the water resource districts fund balance. Mrs. Scherling asked why the work is not run through the County Planner. Mr. Benson said each township has its own zoning authority and floodplain manager, so there is not one person who is suited to complete this work in Cass County other than CCJWRD. Mrs. Scherling asked if it has been difficult to work with FEMA in this capacity. Mr. Benson said no and much of the work has been educational. While most information is accurate, a very large effort is required to meet with communities to ensure accuracy. Mr. Steen said while the work being done is beneficial, he is not sure it falls under the mission of the Flood Sales Tax Committee or if the county should be funding the work separately. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Harwood Levee Improvements Project Update Engineer Andrew Aakre of Moore Engineering said this committee approved the Harwood Levee Improvements Project in 2015. One component of the project included the buyout of a property next to the levee. The property owner and the city were unable to come to an agreement at that time and the buyout did not take place. The landowner has now contacted the city and is ready to negotiate a deal to finish the buyout process. Mr. Aakre said after the property is bought out the structure will be removed and the property will be restored to a vacant lot to reconstruct the levee off the shoulder of the riverbank as the levee is sliding.