03-27-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-March 27, 2009 3490 SPECIAL MEETING OF CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MARCH 27, 2009 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER A special meeting of the Cass County Board of Commissioners was called to order by Chairwoman Robyn Sorum at 11:00 AM in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse, to discuss updated flood issues. All members were present as follows: Scott Wagner, Ken Pawluk, Darrell Vanyo, Vern Bennett, and Robyn Sorum. The following county staff was present: Keith Berndt, County Engineer; Dave Rogness, Emergency Manager; Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor; Bonnie Johnson, County Administrator; Birch Burdick, State's Attorney; Paul D. Laney, County Sheriff; Jim Thoreson, Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy; Frank Klein, County Tax Director; Chip Ammerman, Social Services Director; and Terry Schmaltz, Information Technology Director. Also present were Senator Byron Dorgan; Congressman Earl Pomeroy; Governor John Hoeven; Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff Lance Gaebe; Major General Dave Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard; State Representative Kim Koppelman; Byron Sieber, Director of Red River Regional Dispatch Center; and Greg Gust, National Weather Service. Members of the local media were also present. 2. FLOOD UPDATE Congressman Pomeroy commended the commissioners and county staff for their work during this time. He said Senators Dorgan and Conrad have flown over the area to assess the flooding. Mr. Gust said the rise of river levels is slowing down; however, there is still a significant amount of water to the south that needs to move north. He still believes 42 feet is realistic for the river crest. He anticipates high water levels for several days. Senator Dorgan said he will do everything in his power to resolve issues resulting from the flood. He said the first step is to make it through the flood; the second to deal with the aftermath; and third to look at future flood protection. Governor Hoeven wants to ensure the county is receiving the necessary coordination and assistance from the state. He said the work with this flood event is a local, state and federal effort. Sheriff Laney discussed rescue efforts over the last few days. He said 50 rescues were completed yesterday and 16 the day before. The majority of the rescues were in the 76tH Avenue South to Oxbow corridor. He said the extra assistance from the state is appreciated. The Border Patrol is helping to patrol levees and the Coast Guard is helping with rescues.