1. Flood mitigation buyout-LARC - Laserfiche WebLink

CASS COUNTY M E M o c o v E R N M E N T TO: Cass County Commissioners FROM: Bonnie Johnson DATE: April 17, 2009 SUBJECT: Hazard Mitigation Plan County Administrator ---------------------------- Bonnie Johnson At the county commission meeting on Monday, the Board will hear a presentation from Irv Rustad from Lake Agassiz Regional Council (LARC) regarding the establishment of a hazard mitigation buyout program. At this time, no FEMA funds have yet been approved for such a plan. However, Cass County should begin preparations for the process and, in the event, funds are made available, the county would be in a position to move forward with property acquisitions. The first step in the process is to prepare a "letter of intent" for submission to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services. Dave Rogness plans to complete that letter under his role of Cass County Emergency Manager. Approving a contract with Irv Rustad would be the second step in the process, followed by the appointment of a county committee to work with Mr. Rustad on the process. I would recommend the following county officials be appointed to the county committee: Commissioner Ken Pawluk (holds LARC portfolio) Auditor Mike Montplaisir Tax Director Frank Klein County Engineer Keith Bemdt Lastly, I would recommend the county commission send a letter to the incorporated cities of Briarwood and Oxbow to determine how they wish/intend to proceed on mitigation planning and buyouts. As incorporated cities, they may wish to explore options available to city governments on their own with regard to the buyout process. The other option would be to work with Cass County officials under the county's strategy and priority list as a part of the application process. County Engineer Keith Berndt and I have had a brief discussion with state officials who have indicated this may be a viable alternative. If that is the plan, the incorporated cities should, through their elected bodies, convey that information to Cass County. I have prepared a letter (attached) which could be sent to these cities bythe county board. SUGGESTED MOTION: Move to appoint a buyout committee to work on behalf of Cass County with Irv Rustad of Lake Agassiz to include the following members: Commissioner Ken Pawluk, Auditor Mike Montplaisir, Tax Director Frank Klein and County Engineer Keith Bemdt. Box 2806 211 Ninth Street South AND Fargo, North Dakota 58108 SUGGESTED MOTION: 701-241-5720 Move to send the proposed letter to Briarwood and Oxbow regarding the hazard mitigation plan. Fax: 701-297-6020 www.casscountynd.gov K:\BJ\FLOOD MITIGATION MEMO 4-17-09.doc