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Metro Flood Diversion Authority—August 22, 2019 2 <br /> <br />5. CORPS OF ENGINEERS UPDATE <br />Terry Williams, Project Manager from the Corps of Engineers, provided an update, which <br />included excavation of the Diversion inlet structure construction site; issuance of RFPs for the <br />Wild Rice River structure with an anticipated contract award in November; construction of a <br />physical model of the Red River structure design; geotechnical borings and ongoing design to <br />incorporate Plan B into the Southern Embankment; and cultural resources mitigation of two <br />archaeological sites along the Diversion channel. <br /> <br />Mr. Grindberg asked about the timeline for the work being done by the Corps. Ms. Williams said <br />they are meeting their goals and are on schedule. She said work is getting back on track and <br />next year there will be more construction on the Corps projects. <br /> <br />6. ADMINITRATIVE/LEGAL UPDATE <br />SRF Loan Application <br />Attorney John Shockley said part of the financing package for the project will include loans. He <br />is working on an application through the North Dakota revolving loan program, which will be part <br />of the agenda next month for board consideration. <br /> <br />Executive Director Employment Agreement <br />Mr. Shockley said a successful employment agreement was reached with Joel Paulsen to serve <br />as Executive Director for the Metro Flood Diversion Authority. The agreement is for a three-year <br />term effective September 1, 2019, and a salary of $195,000 per year with benefit and retirement <br />packages to be provided through Cass County. He will be allowed the use of any vehicles that <br />are part of the Cass County motor pool, and will be provided with a cell or smart phone at no <br />cost to the employee. <br />MOTION, passed <br />Mr. Olson moved and Mr. Campbell seconded to approve the employment <br />agreement with Joel Paulsen as Executive Director of the Metro Flood <br />Diversion Authority. Discussion: Mr. Peterson asked about Mr. Paulsen’s <br />other duties as President of the North Dakota State University Chapter of <br />Engineers without Borders, USA and City Engineer for Middle River, <br />Minnesota. Mr. Shockley said the agreement includes limitations on these <br />duties and includes language that his full focus is his role as Executive <br />Director for the Diversion Authority. On roll call vote, the motion carried <br />unanimously. <br /> <br />Resolution – Fargo to Undertake Maintenance of Certain Project Elements <br />Mr. Shockley said a resolution has been drafted requesting the City of Fargo to maintain certain <br />miscellaneous project elements within Fargo, i.e. mowing and electricity, which would be billed <br />and reimbursed by the Diversion Authority. He said the resolution formalizes the relationship <br />and identifies project elements. <br />MOTION, passed <br />Mr. Steen moved and Mr. Judd seconded to adopt the Resolution <br />Requesting that the City of Fargo Undertake Maintenance of Miscellaneous <br />Project Elements Located within the City of Fargo and Authorizing the <br />Reimbursement of Such Maintenance Costs and Expenses. On roll call <br />vote, the motion carried unanimously. <br /> <br />New Public Outreach Committee Member <br />Mr. Shockley said there is a vacancy on the Public Outreach Committee as a result of Joel <br />Paulsen resigning from the Diversion Authority and being hired as Executive Director. The City <br />of Moorhead recommends Council Member Shelly Carlson be appointed to the committee. <br /> <br />