07-21-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-July 21,2008 3381 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That this resolution will be inscribed upon the permanent records of the proceedings of the Board of County Commissioners and a copy forwarded to his family. Dated at Fargo, North Dakota, this 21st day of July, 2008. 6. RETIREMENT PLAQUE, Presented to Kave Parfit Commission Chairman Ken Pawluk presented Kaye Parfit with a plaque upon her retirement in appreciation of her 26 years of service with Cass County Social Services. 7. BASIN-WIDE FLOOD CONTROL, Waffle concept presentation Beth Kurz, Grand Forks Energy and Environmental Center (EERC), was present to provide a presentation on basin-wide flood control for the Red River Basin. She said in 2002, the EERC received funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to study the feasibility of basin-wide distributed storage for mitigation of large springtime flooding. The waffle approach provides an augment to current flood control measures through utilization of existing "depressions" for temporary storage of springtime runoff. The concept involves gated culverts with overflow standpipes, which store water for a period of time, and is then released in a controlled manner after a flood crest passes. The waffle concept may also provide flood relief to rural areas as well as urban cities. Ms. Kurz said waffle field trials were conducted during the springs of 2004 through 2006 in Gilby, North Dakota; Lake Bronson, Minnesota; Shelly, Minnesota; and near the Lake Agassiz Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota. The length of the water storage ranged from 7 to 14 days and trials were conducted on active cropland and CRP land. She said results from the field trials concluded that soil moisture was maintained at a higher level longer into growing seasons on flooded portions; the frost thaw rate was greater in soils that were flooded; and no adverse impacts to water quality were experienced from the storage of water. Ms. Kurz said an economic analysis was conducted by North Dakota State University to provide a first assessment of cost-effectiveness of the waffle concept; develop estimates of potential mitigated flood damages and benefits; and develop cost estimates to implement and maintain the waffle concept. She said the full report is being compiled onto a CD, which she anticipates will be completed within the next week. She said the EERC will then gauge the level of interest after the report is distributed. Mr. Pawluk thanked Ms. Kurz for her time and presentation at today's meeting. 8. ABATEMENT HEARING, Approved for Fran Snelarove Frank Klein, Tax Director, was present to discuss an abatement application from Fran Snelgrove. Mr. Snelgrove is appealing the 2007 assessment on a residential property located at 551 Wall Avenue in Stanley Township, near the City of Horace, and is requesting the value of $228,500 be lowered to the purchase price of $111 ,825. The Stanley Township board held a hearing on the appeal and recommended the assessment on two parcels, which comprise the residence, be set at $135,000. Mr. Klein reviewed the information provided by the applicant and met with Mr. Snelgrove. Mr. Klein concurs with the township and recommends the 2007 property assessment be lowered to $135,000. His recommendation was sent to Mr. Snelgrove prior to today's meeting.