06-21-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--June 21,1999 1998 Mr. Wieland believes it is time to lend some support to this situation. In addition to the resolution the board is being asked to adopt today, he is requesting authorization to spend travel funds for Commissioners to tour the Devils Lake area again. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Koenig seconded to adopt Resolution #1999-11 as follows: Discussion: Mrs. Schneider said Devils Lake flooding has been a concern for the last number of years and she would like to tour the area again before taking action on this resolution. Mr. Wieland was concerned with any kind of delay, and he said Cass County is not being asked to commit any dollars or county resources but to provide encouragement for the Governor and the State Water Commission to try to alleviate the present emergency situation. It was noted that the Fargo and West Fargo City Commissioners are also considering this resolution. At the call for the question and on roll call vote, the motion carried with four members voting "Aye" and Mrs. Schneider opposing. RESOLUTION #1999-11 WHEREAS, due to the present wet cycle, an excessive quantity of water has accumulated in the closed Devils Lake Basin causing a rise of over 24.5 feet since 1993; and WHEREAS, the quality of water deteriorates from west to east by a factor of up to 15 times; and WHEREAS, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the State Water Commission have studied proposals for an outlet to relieve the condition under controlled conditions; and WHEREAS, the US Army Corps of Engineers has determined to allow another six-foot rise from the present 1447 elevation to an elevation of 1453 before taking any action on an outlet; and WHEREAS, each foot of rise causes approximately $25 million in damages to infrastructure and untold damages to economic condition of the area; and WHEREAS, an uncontrolled outlet at an elevation of 1459 into the Sheyenne River would do irreparable damage in both quantity and quality to all downstream interests, including international concerns. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Cass County Commission suggest to Governor Schafer and the State Water Commission to proceed on their own, within legal limits, to alleviate the present emergency situation and develop a temporary controlled outlet to lessen current levels until a permanent controlled outlet can be designed and constructed. Dated at Fargo, North Dakota, this 21st day of June, 1999. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to approve up to $1,000 for County Commissioners to acquaint themselves with the Devils Lake issue for travel and any other expenses, to be paid from the County Commission travel budget. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.