05-16-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--May 16, 1997 1622 DISASTER EMERGENCY SERVICES From a coordination standpoint, Glenn Ellingsberg, County Disaster Emergency Services Director, said things went very well. He saw a need for additional training and planning with the townships and rural areas. Jim McLaughlin, representing the Cass County Water Resource Boards, indicated FEMA is re- mapping the flood plain and floodway. JeffVolk from Moore Engineering, said questions are being asked about possible buy-outs/hazard mitigation, and Mr. Ellingsberg said the county has utilized the services of LARC (Lake Agassiz Regional Council) in the past. The county needs to decide what role it will take on the buy-outs, and Mr. Ellingsberg said the local share would be 15% and some individuals have agreed to absorb the 15% as in-kind services. A list is being formulated in the County Commission Office of those homeowners who have inquired about buy-outs. Irv Rustad, LARC Director, said his agency has applied for a grant coordinator position to administer such a program, and they are trying to get CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds for the match. County Engineer, Keith Berndt, asked if it would be advantageous to meet with township officials affected by flooding to find out what role they may wish to assume. Tom Fischer, Stanley Township, said this would be a good idea. Mr. Wieland asked County Coordinator, Bonnie Johnson, to contact Brad Burgum, Secretary-Treasurer of the Cass County Township Officers Association, to assist in arranging such a meeting. Ms. Johnson asked if the Board was intending to prioritize hazard mitigation areas. Steve Pratt, FEMA representative, said they are working with Stanley Township now in determining whether they have an interest in pursuing any of the options. He suggested the State Mitigation Officer, Lonnie Hoffer, could be of some assistance, and Mr. Ellingsberg will contact him. A suggestion was made to contact someone on the national level. The deadline for applying for FEMA assistance, according to Mr. Pratt, is about June 6th or 7th, which is 60 days after the disaster declaration was made. He said that date can be adjusted as conditions warrant. About 2,700 individual applications have been submitted to FEMA from Cass County residents, and Mr. Pratt said 1,168 individuals have received checks from the disaster housing program, with the average grant being about $950. Mr. Ellingsberg suggested that the county place an advertisement in local newspapers for county residents to call FEMA at 1-800-462-9029 if they have received any flood damage, regardless of their income level. MOTION, passed Mr. Koenig moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to approve funds to place an advertisement in local newspapers (The Forum, Cass County Reporter, West Fargo Pioneer, Midweek) notifying Cass County residents to register with FEMA prior to June 6th for spring flood damages to their property, regardless of their income level. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. ROAD DEPARTMENT Keith Berndt, County Engineer, said his department has already expended $300,00-400,000 in contract costs for repair of roads and bridges damaged by the flood, and the majority of county roads