Planning Committee Meeting – March 12, 2024

See full minutes

A meeting of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority Planning Committee was held on March 12, 2024. The following members were present: 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: Dr. Tim Mahoney, Mayor, City of Fargo and 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 JANUARY 2024

MOTION PASSED

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

3. APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA

MOTION PASSED

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

4. CHRISTINE FLOOD PROTECTION PROJECT UPDATE

Mr. Bakkegard reported that a meeting was held with the City of Christine regarding their desire to re-align their proposed levee. This alignment is larger than the footprint the MFDA staff reviewed. They have submitted an amended scope of work to the MFDA and as a part of this scope is coordination with the NDDWR to see if the new alignment is permissible. If it is permissible, a new permit will need to be obtained by the City of Christine.

Ms. Smith reported that a meeting was also held with property owners in Christine regarding the flowage easement notices that they will be receiving. The meeting was well received, and a number of the residents were not in opposition to the rights of entry. For those properties that we cannot obtain a right of entry, a court order will have to be submitted and approval should be granted in approximately 120 days at which time appraisers and surveyors can begin the appraisal process.

5. ABANDONED RAIL CORRIDOR AND CHS ELEVATOR PROPERTY UPDATE

Ms. Smith reported that the old RRVW/BNSF rail corridor near Horace will be included in the excess land that will be presented to the Land Committee for approval to sell. It was discussed by the Land Committee and their recommendation is to sell the corridor parcels in three separate sections, with the first right to purchase going to neighboring property owners. If there is no interest, the land will go up for public sale.

The Horace Elevator appraisal has been completed and the “as is” appraised valuation on the 2.8 acres of usable space is $1,025,000.

6. OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Bakkegard reported that the MFDA will be meeting with FEMA on March 13-14, to discuss the LOMR process.

Mr. Barthel reported that the USACE has signed a tree removal order on Reach SE-4 and tree removal has begun on the Minnesota side.

7. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be April 9, 2024.

8. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:42 PM.