09-10-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

Flood Diversion Board of Authority—August 13, 2015 4 Eric Dodds from AE2S briefly outlined the philosophies for the board. The mission is “to acquire the property necessary for the FM Area Diversion Project, in compliance with State and Federal guidelines, and in accordance with the philosophy of being friendly, fair and flexible to those whose property is required for the project”. Both the Finance Committee and Land Management Committee discussed guidelines used for properties in the staging area and rural residences that states, “Housing of Last Resort to be determined on a case by case basis. It is anticipated that some of these properties may qualify for this designation.” The Finance Committee approved the philosophies with deletion of the entire paragraph because of concerns with a precedent being set. The Land Management Committee approved the philosophies, leaving the entire paragraph within the document. Mark Brodshaug, CCJWRD Chairman, said both the Finance and Land Management Committees will make land acquisition recommendations to the CCJWRD. At their meetings today, the Finance Committee approved five out of six property acquisitions in Oxbow, and asked for more information regarding house style change betterments on the sixth property. The Land Management Committee approved all six property acquisitions. The CCJWRD will consider both recommendations and take action at their meeting tomorrow. Mr. Campbell believes the language regarding housing of last resort should be included in the philosophies; otherwise, it may create issues with residents in the staging area. Ms. Otto said the last sentence of “it is anticipated that some of these properties may qualify for this designation” is unnecessary and could be deleted without losing the intent of the paragraph. MOTION, passed Mr. Campbell moved and Ms. Otto seconded to approve the Property Acquisition Philosophies, including the paragraph titled “other considerations” under the staging area and rural residential properties stating “Housing of Last Resort to be determined on a case by case basis” but deleting the last sentence as noted above. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Hardship Property in Minnesota The committee discussed the one hardship property case in Minnesota that was put on hold a few months ago. The committee authorized that staff to talk with the Minnesota DNR to see whether there are issues with moving forward on the acquisition of this property given the MN EIS is not finalized. MOTION, passed Mr. Campbell moved and Mr. Williams seconded to authorize staff to talk with the Minnesota DNR regarding the hardship property in Minnesota to ensure there are no issues with moving forward on the acquisition process. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. CCJWRD update A handout was provided to the board regarding land acquisitions completed through July 31, 2015, which includes completed acquisitions, budget figures, and completed negotiations. Relocations on the Park East apartment complex are complete and the building is vacant. 9. FINANCE UPDATE Committee report The Finance Committee met this morning. Kent Costin, Fargo Finance Director, said the total disbursed on the project to date is $137 million. The committee discussed the following items: Voucher approval The bills for the month are with Erik R. Johnson & Associates, Ltd. for legal services; U.S. Geological Survey for river level information; CCJWRD for costs associated with right of entry work, in-town levees, OHB ring levee, Diversion Project Assessment Committee (DPAC) work, OHB levee, and Oxbow Country Club golf course construction; Ohnstad Twichell, P.C. for legal services; and Dorsey & Whitney, LLP for legal services.