MFDA Planning Committee Meeting – June 11, 2026

See full minutes. 

A meeting of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority Planning Committee was held on June 11, 2026. The following members were present: Dr. Tim Mahoney, Mayor, City of Fargo; Kevin Campbell, Clay County Commissioner; Rick Steen, Cass County Joint Water Resource District and Bernie Dardis, Mayor, City of West Fargo.

Member(s) absent: Shelly Carlson, Mayor, City of Moorhead and Tony Grindberg, Cass County Commissioner.

1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Mahoney called the meeting to order at 2:02 PM. Roll call was taken, and a quorum was present.

2. APPROVE THE MAY 2026 MINUTES

MOTION PASSED

Mr. Campbell moved to approve the May 2026 minutes, and Mr. Steen seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

3. APPROVE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA

MOTION PASSED

Mayor Dardis moved to approve the order of the agenda and Mr. Campbell seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

4. CITY OF FARGO SALES TAX AND ELECTION RESULTS

Mayor Mahoney advised that if the Diversion Authority intends to make a financial request from the City of Fargo to utilize a portion of the approved sales tax extension, it should be done formally so it can be added to the city budget. If not formally requested, the sales tax funds will be used for other city projects.

Mr. Benson reported that Mr. Fisher, Mr. Bakkegard and himself met with West Fargo mayor-elect, Mr. Eric Gjerdevig. They provided him with a brief orientation and history of the Project.

Staff will be meeting with City of Fargo mayor-elect Josh Boschee on June 23 to provide an orientation session and potentially a tour. Orientation sessions will also be scheduled in July for the Fargo City Commission members as they are appointed to the Diversion Authority board and committees.

5. MN FUNDING UPDATE

Mr. Benson reported that the $1.2 billion bonding bill in Minnesota was passed and the MCCJPA will receive $10 million for the projects needed on the Minnesota side. The MFDA will match the funds granted up to $10 million. Funds will be disbursed from the MnDNR via their grant process and transferred to the MCCJPA for disbursement. It is anticipated that seven of the nine lift stations can be replaced. Mr. Bob Zimmerman and Mr. Steve Larson will be assisting with the grant process.

6. GOVERNANCE POLICY SECOND QUARTER REVIEW

The second quarter governance policies were reviewed and there were no recommended changes.

 7. OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Fisher reported that Mr. Ben Askegaard has been offered a $62,000 settlement from the contractor, however, he will not accept the settlement unless the clause that states that he will not file any future claims is omitted.

Mr. Matt Ness is willing to settle on $28,000, versus the actual $37,000 in damages to finalize the process.

Mayor Mahoney inquired about the Horace Elevator and Mr. Fisher reported that it is still for sale and there hasn’t been much interest. Mr. Fisher also indicated that perhaps reducing the price may be beneficial, however, the special assessments that are on property owners in Horace have been a deterrent.

Mr. Fisher reported that Hwy. 75 will be closed beginning June 15 to the end of August rather than July 1 to the end of September as originally proposed by the USACE.

8.  NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be on July 9, 2026.

9.  ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 2:55 PM.