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Flood Diversion Board of Authority—October 8, 2015 1 FLOOD DIVERSION BOARD OF AUTHORITY OCTOBER 8, 2015—3:40 PM 1. PRESENTATION – AGRIGULTURAL RISK STUDY INITIAL ASSESSMENT A presentation was given prior to the board meeting on the agricultural risk of temporary water storage for the FM Diversion project. The research team consisting of Dean Bangsund, Nancy Hodur, and <br />David Saxowsky from NDSU Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics were present. Mr. Bangsund said the study focused on the frequency (likelihood or probability of planting delays); magnitude (revenue losses); and geography (how effects vary among storage areas). The research team recommends impacted lands along the rivers be evaluated, implications of federal crop insurance be reviewed, and alternative compensation and mitigation strategies continue to be evaluated by the FM Diversion Authority. He said the study highlights the complexity of this issue and some issues remain unquantified. <br /> Mr. Vanyo said the findings from the study will be reviewed further by the Diversion Agricultural Policy Subcommittee and their recommendations will be forwarded to the Diversion Authority Board. <br /> 2. MEETING TO ORDER A meeting of the Flood Diversion Board of Authority was called to order on Thursday, October 8, 2015, <br />at 3:40 PM in the Fargo City Commission Room with the following members present: Cass County Commission representative Darrell Vanyo; Cass County Commissioner Ken Pawluk; West Fargo City Commissioner Mike Thorstad; Fargo City Mayor Tim Mahoney; Fargo City Commissioner Mike <br />Williams; Fargo City Commissioner Melissa Sobolik; Cass County Joint Water Resource District Manager Rodger Olson; and Clay County Commissioner Kevin Campbell. Moorhead City Council Member Nancy Otto was absent. Also present was ex-officio member Gerald Van Amburg, Buffalo-Red River Watershed District. Staff members and others present: Cass County Administrator Keith Berndt; Interim Fargo City Administrator Bruce Grubb; Moorhead City Manager Michael Redlinger; Clay County Administrator Brian Berg; Cass County Engineer Jason Benson; Fargo City Director of Engineering Mark Bittner; <br />Fargo City Engineer April Walker; Moorhead City Engineer Bob Zimmerman; Tom Dawson, Chairman; Chamber of Commerce Business Leaders Taskforce; and Bruce Spiller, CH2M. <br />3. MINUTES APPROVED <br />MOTION, passed Mr. Mahoney moved and Mr. Williams seconded to approve the minutes from <br />the September 2, and September 10, 2015, meetings as presented. Motion carried. 4. AGENDA ORDER <br />MOTION, passed Mr. Mahoney moved and Mr. Campbell seconded to approve the order of the agenda. Motion carried. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE/LEGAL UPDATE <br />Lawsuit update Attorney Erik Johnson provided an update regarding lawsuits filed by the Richland-Wilkin Joint Powers <br />Authority. The deadline for the briefing cycle of the base lawsuit is October 13th. Mr. Pawluk asked for additional information on the status of the case. Mr. Johnson said the preliminary injunction on the OHB levee was granted and clarified by the judge. The Diversion Authority filed an appeal on the <br />injunction, which is still pending. The injunction is contingent on completion of the Minnesota EIS process. Mr. Berndt asked if the presence of the lawsuit in any way prevents the project from moving forward. Mr. Johnson said the presence of the base lawsuit does not prevent the Diversion Authority <br />from moving forward on the diversion project.