03-02-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-March 2, 2009 3477 Mr. Pawluk asked if written criteria are available regarding construction of emergency levees. Mr. Berndt said written criteria are not available; however, after the 1997 flood, a committee was created to review flood issues. As a result, the committee determined certain areas of the county that would best be protected by levees. The final decision is left to the county commission. Dave Rogness, Emergency Manager, said the anticipated flooding requires the county to take action. The first step is to approve an emergency declaration, which will activate the Emergency Operations Plan. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to approve the emergency declaration as presented. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. EMERGENCY DECLARATION #2009-4 WHEREAS, the County of Cass has a very high soil moisture content from precipitation received during 2008 and 2009; WHEREAS, the potential for severe spring flooding is significant due to spring thaw and accompanied by expected precipitation; and WHEREAS, the impact of this thaw, runoff, and precipitation threatens the health, well-being and public safety of citizens in Cass County; and WHEREAS, necessary mitigation measures, preparedness actions and other responses must begin immediately to protect public health and safety; and WHEREAS, the potential damage to public and private property in addition to roads are beyond normal anticipation and budgeted funds. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners declares an emergency and orders the activation and utilization of the Cass County Emergency Operations Plan, its procedures, attachments and appendices to recover from the situation, develop a detailed damage assessment, reduce hardship and initiate the appropriate relief actions and mitigation measures by departments and agencies of local government to limit the hardships and impact of this emergency upon the citizens of Cass County. Dated at Fargo, North Dakota, this 2nd day of March, 2009. Mr. Rogness said according to the county auditor, the Emergency Fund has a balance of approximately $400,000. He said the county has about 50,000 sandbags on hand. The fund will be used to purchase additional sandbags as well as other supplies. MOTION, passed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to authorize the use of the Cass County Emergency Fund for supplies, equipment and overtime as required for flood preparations and to repair damage to county infrastructure. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.