03-02-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-March 2, 2009 3478 Mr. Rogness said in 2006 the county implemented a policy for sandbag and sand distribution to county residents. Based on the success of the policy three years ago, he recommends the county adopt a similar policy today. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to adopt a policy, subject to the determination of the distribution area by the county engineer and emergency manager, that during the 2009 spring flood, Cass County will provide sandbags at no cost to rural Cass County residents; and for the county to pay half of the cost for sand to fill sandbags and residents to be responsible for the other half of the cost for sand. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Rogness informed the board he will also closely monitor water flows from the south as the Sheyenne River basin is saturated. Mr. Wagner said according to the Emergency Operations Plan, the county administrator is designated to appoint the public information officer. Given the circumstances of this situation, he believes the emergency manager is the appropriate person to serve in this capacity and should be endorsed by the board. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to designate Dave Rogness as public information officer for the county. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Sheriff Paul D. Laney said all licensed personnel within his department are prepared to divide into emergency response teams and are ready to go on 12-hour shifts in the event of a flood emergency. The department has conducted an inventory of supplies and equipment. Mr. Pawluk said the public needs to make plans now to protect their properties from possible flooding. He said load limits may soon be in place and he suggested if residents obtain their supplies early, this may help decrease damage to county roads. He asked what options the county has in regard to load limits. Mr. Berndt said the board may consider pulling load limits on county roads for any vehicles hauling flood-related materials-this practice was used in 1997. Mr. Pawluk said expectations of rural residents need to be addressed so they know the county is not able to provide the same level of protection as larger cities. Mr. Wagner believes rural residents are appreciative of county services received in the past and understand county services are not the same as those in urban areas, but said it is a good reminder to inform them about assistance available from Cass County. Bonnie Johnson, County Administrator, said at the last department head meeting, the Emergency Response Plan was discussed, which provides defined roles for each department during an emergency situation. She indicated department heads will continue to meet regularly through the emergency situation. 7. ROAD DEPARTMENT, Federal stimulus proiect update Mr. Berndt received information from the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) regarding availability of federal stimulus funding for counties. He is asking for