Planning Committee Meeting – July 9, 2024

A meeting of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority Planning Committee was held on July 9, 2024. The following members were present: Dr. Tim Mahoney, Mayor, City of Fargo; Bernie Dardis, Mayor, City of West 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: no members were absent.

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 JUNE 2024

MOTION PASSED

Mayor Mahoney moved to approve the minutes from the June 2024 meeting and Mr. Campbell seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

3. APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA

MOTION PASSED

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

4. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Mr. Redlinger reported that the executive director job description will go to the board in July for final approval. Also, an RFP to procure a consultant to establish a compensation matrix and point and grade system for the executive director position will go to the board in July for final approval.

5. WATER TOPICS OVERVIEW COMMITTEE UPDATE

Mr. Grindberg reported that he met with Senator Sorvaag and provided him with an update on the epoxy coated rebar issue and the resignation of the executive director. Senator Sorvaag requested that the Diversion Authority be placed on the September Water Topics Committee meeting agenda and requested a tour of the project. Mayor Mahoney asked that the tour also include the North Dakota Water Project. Mr. Redlinger will work to coordinate this.

6. NORTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE PROJECT UPDATE

Mr. Grindberg reported that he had a call with Jayce Beehler and Andrea Travenik and they expressed that they want to be included in the September water meetings as well and the Governor indicated that he needs to be as up to date as possible.

7. ND LEGISLATIVE OUTREACH

Mr. Redlinger reported that the contract with the GA Group will be expiring soon and based on the minimal cost and the services that they provide, should the contract be renewed? After dialogue it was recommended that the contract be allowed to expire, and not renewed.

MOTION PASSED

Mr. Campbell made a motion to recommend to the board that the contract with the GA Group be allowed to expire and not renewed. Mayor Dardis seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the motion carried.

8. CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS UPDATE

Mr. Redlinger reported that he and Mr. Wilson are dividing attendance at meetings so that all bases are covered, and they will continue to provide updates as necessary.

9. OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Campbell reported that Clay County is looking at the possibility of hiring a lobbyist.

Mayor Mahoney asked for clarification on the open meetings law and asked if we are being overly cautious. Mr. Shockley provided a brief update to the group.

10. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be August 6, 2024.

11. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:30 PM.