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Metro Flood Diversion Authority—March 23, 2017 3 <br /> <br />Mr. Dodds said in order to sell the parcels, a flowage easement is needed since the land is <br />in the staging area. Mr. Campbell wants to ensure a precedent is not being set with future <br />flowage easements as the cost for this one is unique and should not be used as a basis for <br />the future. <br /> <br />There was discussion on the usage and estimated cost of the land. Mr. Dodds said the most <br />likely use of the property will be for hunting. Pifer’s could establish a reserve amount for the <br />sale. <br /> <br />Mr. Strand prefers to wait and not sell the property now. He believes the revenue received <br />from the sale will not cover the cost that was spent to purchase the land. Mr. Piepkorn also <br />prefers to wait and asked if it could be part of a trade similar to other types of transactions <br />that have occurred with area farmers. Mr. Piepkorn said there are too many unknowns to <br />support moving forward with the sale. <br /> <br />Mrs. Scherling understands the concerns of Mr. Strand and Mr. Piepkorn; however, she said <br />residents from this area are concerned with the land being used by individuals to hold parties. <br />She supports the sale and believes the Diversion Authority should be a good neighbor to <br />surrounding land owners. <br /> <br />Mr. Peterson said the land swap is not prudent as only 11 acres are considered tillable. He <br />believes the best use of the land is for hunting purposes and supports the sale. Mr. Campbell <br />said Clay County Commissioner Jenny Mongeau has received complaints from residents <br />about parties and other activities occurring on this property. Mr. Campbell is concerned with <br />ongoing trespass issues, and he supports the sale. <br /> <br />Mr. Dodds said the property is in the staging area and will be impacted by the project. The <br />Diversion Authority purchased the parcels to remove the house and other buildings. <br /> <br />Mr. Olson supports selling the land because there is no value as an exchange property. He <br />believes it exposes the Diversion Authority to liability if something happens. He said the home <br />was removed because the land is needed for the project, and the Diversion Authority has <br />received value through the purchase. <br />MOTION, passed <br />Mr. Campbell moved and Mrs. Scherling seconded to approve the sale <br />of the four parcels in rural Clay County owned by the Diversion <br />Authority. On roll call vote, the motion carried with Mr. Campbell, Mrs. <br />Scherling, Mr. Vanyo, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Mahoney, Mr. Hendrickson, Mr. <br />Weyland, Mr. Olson and Mr. Thorstad voting “Yes”; Mr. Piepkorn and <br />Mr. Strand voting “No”. <br /> <br />Draft Land Acquisition Status Report <br />A draft land acquisition status map was prepared for board members. Mr. Dodds said it shows <br />all of the properties needed for the project and the status, i.e. appraisals pending; in <br />negotiation; purchase agreements signed; properties acquired and easements secured; and <br />condemnation for acquisition. <br /> <br />Draft Mitigation Plan <br />Mr. Campbell thought the intent was for the Diversion Authority to approve the draft mitigation <br />plan. Mrs. Scherling said the plan is over 200 pages long and members have not had a <br />chance to review it. She said the plan is a draft and will be changed. Mr. Olson said the <br />Agricultural Policy Subcommittee will meet on April 4th to consider ag property to include in <br />the plan. Mr. Mahoney suggested the plan be discussed at the next board meeting.