04-07-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

18. 19. Commission Minutes--April 7, 1997 1605 FLOOD EMERGENCY, Updates by Emergency Manacjer, County Engineer, Sheriff Department, Social Services Commissioners were updated by Glenn Ellingsberg, Emergency Manager, Keith Berndt, County Engineer, and James Thomson, Sheriff's Department, on emergency situations in the county due to the flood situation and further complications from last weekend's ice storm and blizzard. Mr. Ellingsberg said the ice storm took down most of the major power systems in the county, and he estimated it will take another 2-5 days until power is fully restored. Cass County's two radio towers were destroyed in the storm. Road Department crews have been cleaning ice and snow from culverts and ditches to keep the water flowing. Mr. Berndt has received a number of requests for technical assistance from homeowners for information on property and road elevations. He said about 18 county roads have water running over them at this time. Hearing no objections from the Commission, he intends to build up about 1,000 feet of County Highway 31 in order to provide access in and out of the Highland Park ama north of Fargo, which would otherwise be blocked due to flood waters. Mrs. Quick spent two days viewing the flooding in Cass County with Mr. Berndt, and she expressed appreciation to Mr. Berndt and Mr. Ellingsberg for their efforts and additional time spent during the snow and flood emergencies. Jim Thomson reported on the loss of a second patrol car this season due to icy roads. The latest accident happened Saturday morning west of Casselton on Interstate 94 while a County Sheriff's Deputy was assisting victims at the scene of an accident. Mr. Thomson also said the Sheriff's Department has received a number of telephone calls from county residents requesting rescue assistance from farmsteads surrounded by flood water. He is concerned about the danger of rescue attempts without the use of proper rescue equipment. He is aware of a vehicle in Morris, MN which sells for $11,435 and has eight-wheel drive to go through water, however, Mr. Berndt said that vehicle would be similar to one already owned by the county and used for mosquito control operations in the summer. Mr. Wieland suggested that two commissioners go to the Road Department after the meeting today to look at this vehicle with Mr. Thomson and Mr. Berndt; and see if it can be used to rescue people from flooded areas. If that vehicle would not be serviceable, the commission could hold an emergency meeting to determine the next course of action. Kathy Hogan, Social Services Director, reported that 16 communities in Cass County are still without electricity since Saturday's freezing rain and wind storm. She commended city mayors and local communities for establishing shelters, operating under generator power, for people who have had to evacuate their homes. It was a consensus of the Commission that emergency efforts should be concentrated on the safety of county residents. AMENIA TOWNSHIP, Drainage concerns David Habiger, Amenia, appeared before the board regarding drainage concerns on his property located in Section 19, Amenia Township. Mr. Wieland had previously responded to Mr. Habiger's concerns by letter dated March 26, 1997, referring him to the Rush River Water Resource Board. Mr. Habiger has made arrangements to meet with that board at their next meeting. He also