10-27-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--October 27, 1997 1734 In order to implement a master flood control plan, Mr. Berndt made the following recommendations: 1) Set a goal of completing a master flood plan for unincorporated Cass County in the next six months. Ao Formally request assistance from the Corps of Engineers in developing a master plan. If the Corps of Engineers is unable to provide this service in a manner consistent with our immediate needs, then Cass County should contract with a consultant to assist county government in preparation of a master plan. 2) Submit a list of potential mitigation projects to the State Division of Emergency Management for Hazard Mitigation Grants or other funds. If the approach of State Emergency Management continues to be to commit funds on a first come first served basis, Cass County should submit a list as soon as possible (30 days). Priorities and projects may change as the plan develops over the next six months. If waiting six months would not jeopardize chances of receiving funds, the plan should be developed prior to the list of projects being submitted. 3) Request assistance from the Corps of Engineers in 1998 funding and construction of any diking projects in the county's master plan. 4) Separate from, and in addition to, a master plan, develop and adopt a flood plain management ordinance and the means of administering it. At this time, Chairman Wieland invited questions and discussion among those present. In response to an inquiry concerning possible updating of the 100-year flood delineation in Cass County, Tim Bertschi, Corps of Engineers, said he is not aware of any such undertaking at this time. JeffVolk, from Moore Engineering and representing Cass County water resource boards, updated the group on flood-control projects. Mr. Wieland suggested a time frame of December 1, 1997, to April 30, 1998, to develop a master plan which would include proposed flood plain management ordinances, prioritizing projects, establishing a working committee, hiring professional consultants and identifying funding sources. No one disagreed with the idea of hiring professional consultants. Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator, said representatives from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) indicated that Cass County government may use disaster relief funds for the planning process as part of the grant administration costs; and they are supportive of the county undertaking the master planning in this area. Cass County's goal, according to Mr. Wieland, is to be complete and comprehensive in the study, to cooperate with other local, state and federal agencies, not duplicating efforts, and to be effective. He wants the final report to be a useful document.