04-28-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

15, Commission Minutes--April 28, 1997 1614 Township. She distributed copies of a report on the flooding situation in their area, not only this year, but over the last four years. The group is asking that this area be a top priority of study to find solutions to their flood situation. LeRoy Johnson, President of The Lower Sheyenne Flood Victims Association, suggested giving priority to construction of the proposed Maple River Dam and increasing the storage capacity at Bald Hill Dam. He said this is the 4th week their roads have been under water, thus denying access in and out of their homes, other than by boat or tractor. Also speaking on the flooding in this area were Ken Pawluk, Clayton Brennan, Jerry Quast, Patrick Denny and Gall Smith. There were about 35 people in the audience at this time. Concerns about raw sewage from septic systems being flooded were referred to Fargo Cass Public Health, and Mr. Wieland asked Mr. Berglund to report back to Commissioner Quick on this item. On the issue of safety for children waiting for the school bus and traffic speeds on County Road 17, Mr. Wieland said this should be addressed by the school district; and traffic speed was duly noted by the Sheriff, who was also present at the meeting. Mr. Wieland said the Maple River Water Resource District is waiting for a permit for the Maple River Dam project, and he believes the dam will be a part of the solution to flooding but not the entire solution. He is encouraged by this group's support of the Maple River Dam project. Also, he said the Corps of Engineers is doing a study on raising Bald Hill Dam to increase capacity. Commissioners offered sympathy to this group of people whose homes are in a flood area, and Mrs. Quick complimented them on their organization and the professional manner in which they conducted themselves in presenting the information to the Commission. Mr. Wieland invited the delegation to stay longer and hear reports from the Sheriff's Office, Social Services, Highway Department and Disaster Emergency Services on flood-related activities in their respective departments throughout the flood crisis, and continuing with providing basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter, as well as ongoing road repairs. FLOOD-RELATED ACTIVITIES, Report by county departments Highway Department--Keith Bemdt, County Engineer, said there are about 200 damaged sites on the county road system and about 1,000 on township roads. Repair crews are working 50- hour weeks, and he anticipates contracting for equipment and labor to help out. After visiting with the State and Federal governments, it is anticipated that the county match on road repairs will be 10-15%. As far as clean-up efforts, Mr. Berndt will contract to provide loaders and trucks to haul away the sandbags used by rural residents, who are being asked to place them in a common area to avoid the risk of damage to private property from heavy equipment. He estimated it will take 2-3 weeks to get them picked up. Sheriff's Department--Don Rudnick, Sheriff, said his department rescued about 50 people stranded by flood water, made 115 welfare checks and 22 supply runs. They also rescued about 20 animals. He reported that no lives were lost in Cass County due to the flooding. Social Services--Kathy Hogan, Director, said her department remains extremely busy with clean- up efforts and the influx of Grand Forks residents, who are not able to return to their homes due