Planning Committee Meeting – January 9, 2024

See full minutes here

A meeting of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority Planning Committee was held on January 9, 2024. The following members were present: Dr. Tim Mahoney, Mayor, City of Fargo; Kevin Campbell, Clay County Commissioner; Shelly Carlson, Mayor, City of Moorhead; Tony Grindberg, Cass County Commissioner and Rodger Olson, Cass County Joint Water Resource District.

Member(s) absent: Bernie Dardis, Mayor, City of West Fargo.

1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Carlson called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM. Roll call was taken, and a quorum was present.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 2023

MOTION PASSED

Mayor Mahoney moved to approve the minutes from the November 2023 meeting and Mr. Campbell seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

3. APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA

MOTION PASSED

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

4. SOUTH UNIVERSITY FLOODWALL REPAIR

Mr. Paulsen provided feedback regarding the following questions:

• Is the slumping of the floodwall covered by insurance?

No, the slumping of the floodwall is not covered by the existing insurance that is in place.

• Is submitting a request or grant to the ND State Water Commission an option that has been researched?

Additional funding from the ND State Water Commission is not an option as they have given the maximum amount of $850 million that is allowable for flood protection. This is dictated by HB1020.

MOTION PASSED

Mr. Campbell moved to revisit the floodwall issue with the finance committee and if approved, the repair process can begin. Mayor Mahoney seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the motion carried.

5. CITY OF CHRISTINE PROJECT UPDATE

Mr. Paulsen reported that a city council meeting will be held in Christine on January 10th. Mr. Paulsen, Ms. Smith and Mr. Dodds will be in attendance to address the new proposed levee they are requesting. Citizens will also be notified that the MFDA is going to be moving forward with acquiring the easements needed for the project.

6. OTHER BUSINESS

Letter from USACE

Mayor Mahoney referenced a response letter from the USACE regarding damage to county roads and commented that the relationship/partnership with them needs attention.

7. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be February 13, 2024.

8. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 2:07 PM.