MFDA Planning Committee Meeting – October 8, 2026

See full minutes.

A meeting of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority Planning Committee was held on October 8, 2026. The following members were present: Josh Boschee, Mayor, City of Fargo; Shelly Carlson, Mayor, City of Moorhead; Rick Steen, Manager, Cass County Joint Water Resource District; Tony Grindberg, Cass County Commissioner and Kevin Campbell, Clay County Commissioner.

Member(s) absent: Eric Gjerdevig, Mayor, City of West Fargo.

1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Boschee called the meeting to order at 2:00 PM. Roll call was taken, and a quorum was present.

2. APPROVE THE AUGUST 2026 MINUTES

MOTION PASSED

Mayor Carlson moved to approve the August 2026 minutes, and Mr. Steen seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

3. APPROVE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA

MOTION PASSED

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

4. THIRD QUARTER GOVERNANCE POLICY REVIEW

Mr. Nicholson introduced and provided an overview of the third quarter Governance Policy, GP-6/ED/BR-4/OE-6 & 7. There was discussion around ED/BRP-4, Staff Accountability, line item #2, and whether board member(s) can evaluate, formally or informally, any MFDA staff member other than the executive director.

After extensive dialogue, it was determined to obtain clarification on the intent and wording from Mr. Shockley.

MOTION PASSED
Mr. Steen moved to approve the third quarter review as presented and Mr. Campbell seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the motion carried.

5. PROJECT DOCUMENTARY UPDATE

Mr. Bakkegard provided an update on the Project documentary and indicated that it is on hold for now. Dialogue centered around what is it worth, financially? What is the scope? Should we use the information that we already have and what are we trying to accomplish? If we want to educate the country how much do we want to spend doing so and are sponsorship or fundraising potential options?

It was decided to invite Ms. Willson to the next meeting to help determine what we can do and for how much and how the scope can be pared down.

6. CROP LOSS FUND MANAGEMENT RFQ

Mr. Barthel reported that RFQs were sent to several financial management firms and three letters of interest have been received to date. The cutoff date for responses is October 16, at which time Mr. Barthel will send the proposals that have been received to the Crop Loss Fund sub-committee for review prior to the meeting on October 21.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

There was no additional business to discuss.

8. OTHER MEETING

The next meeting will be on November 5, 2026.

9. ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Steen moved to adjourn, and Mayor Carlson seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 2:47 PM.