Planning Committee Meeting – February 21, 2023

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A meeting of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority Planning Committee was held on February 21, 2023. The following members were present: Dr. Tim Mahoney, Mayor, City of Fargo; Bernie Dardis, Mayor, City of West Fargo; Mary Scherling, Cass County Commissioner and Rodger Olson, Cass County Joint Water Resource District.

Members absent:  Shelly Carlson, Mayor, City of Moorhead and Kevin Campbell, Clay County Commissioner.

1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Mahoney called the meeting to order at 1:06 PM. Roll call was taken, and a quorum was present.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

There were no minutes to approve.

3. APPROVE ORDER OF AGENDA

MOTION PASSED

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

4. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE

Mayor Mahoney stated that the purpose of the meeting is to keep the Board focused and engaged in the construction progress, land acquisitions/eminent domain and day-to-day operations of the Authority.

5. STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Ms. Smith reported that approximately half of the eminent domain bills in the legislature pertain to Carbon Summit Solutions and the other half of the bills could have some impact to the Diversion Authority and the project.  Ms. Smith stressed that legislators would like to see resolution in eminent domain cases going forward.

Mr. Paulsen reported that the MN Governor’s $24 million government bonding bill will take care of the remaining flood control costs in the City of Moorhead. There are additional flood control costs in Clay County but for this year, the City of Moorhead ask was the priority. Clay County will ask for additional funds in future years for their projects.

6. CONSTRUCTION LOOK AHEAD

Mr. Bakkegard shared a draft of the construction map that shows current work in progress, 30 and 60 day projected progress. It was noted that the USACE section would be updated in future maps and it was suggested by Mr. Olson to make the USACE section separate colors from the P3.

7. FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

Mr. Paulsen reported that the five-year strategic plan will be a working document and will serve as a road map for the next five years.

8. CONTINUATION OF LUNCH AND LEARN

The Committee recommended continuing Lunch and Learn presentations on an as needed basis.

9. STAKEHOLDER COORDINATION

a. USACE Meetings

Mr. Paulsen reported that the USACE will be meeting in Fargo May 8-12, with General Spellmon and all the districts in attendance. The USACE is also tentatively planning their St. Paul Regional meeting in Fargo in April.

b. RRVA Leadership

Mr. Paulsen reported that the RRVA leadership team will be in Fargo for the quarterly meeting in April.

10. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be March 7, 2023. It was decided that the Planning Committee would meet on the Tuesday, 2 weeks prior to the Board meeting.

11. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 2:03 PM.