03-27-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-March 27, 2009 3491 Representative Koppelman praised the volunteers and government officials for their efforts. He provided a brief update on the Sheyenne Diversion in West Fargo and said it is holding up well and being monitored closely. He said the legislature adjourned Wednesday due to flooding throughout the state. Numerous regions of the state are dealing with flood threats. Mr. Ammerman helped with organization of volunteers this week. He said cooperation from area churches has been helpful in the process. He said preparations for recovery have begun in the next phase of planning. His staff has been responsible to make daily contact with the smaller cities in Cass County to evaluate their needs. Mr. Sieber discussed staffing and infrastructure at the dispatch center. He stressed that citizens need to be reminded to call 911 only for emergencies. The center has been inundated with non-emergency related calls which take staff away from real emergencies. 3. COURTHOUSE AND ANNEX FLOOD PREPARATIONS Mr. Schmaltz discussed Information Technology issues which need to be addressed as follows: the county phone system, network communications system and applications/data stored on servers. Mr. Schmaltz said the phone system is located in the basement of the Courthouse and if flooded, connections to the county will be lost. A phone trunk is being installed today at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and phone calls will be transferred to the EOC. He said the best option is to provide flood mitigation efforts to protect the basement from water. He suggested the server equipment on the first floor be transferred to the Cass County Jail as a precaution. Mrs. Johnson suggested the Cass County Courthouse and Cass County Annex be closed at noon today to prepare the buildings in case of flooding. She said the sewer lines to both buildings need to be shut down. The Cass County Jail was evacuated yesterday. Mr. Bennett asked if a ring dike has been considered around the Courthouse. Mrs. Johnson said a ring dike may stop overland flooding, but the basement of the Courthouse is dirt and is porous, which is an issue. She said sand bags will be delivered to place around the doors of the Courthouse and Annex. MOTION, passed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to close the Cass County Courthouse and Cass County Annex at noon today until further notice and direct staff to prepare the structures to be flood ready. Discussion: Mrs. Johnson said county government will remain open at the Emergency Operations Center. All court hearings for District and Juvenile Court have been cancelled next week. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Schmaltz discussed the costs to purchase a new phone system. He said the equipment being installed at the EOC will cost $64,000. Funds are available through the telephone trust fund and may be reimbursable through FEMA.