Planning Committee Meeting – May 9, 2023

See Full Minutes

A meeting of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority Planning Committee was held on May 9, 2023. The following
members were present: Dr. Tim Mahoney, Mayor, City of Fargo; Shelly Carlson, Mayor, City of Moorhead; Rodger
Olson, Cass County Joint Water Resource District; Kevin Campbell, Clay County Commissioner and Mary Scherling,
Cass County Commissioner.

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

1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Mahoney called the meeting to order at 1:03 PM. Roll call was taken, and a quorum was present.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM APRIL 2023

MOTION PASSED

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

3. APPROVE ORDER OF AGENDA

MOTION PASSED

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

4. ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION ON THE SHEYENNE & MAPLE RIVERS

Mr. Nicholson introduced the environmental mitigation plan for the Sheyenne and Maple Rivers. Detailed
discussions, design and construction conditions for acceptable fish passage across the aqueducts on the
Sheyenne and Maple Rivers are in the final approval stages. The proposed solution involves configuring the
engineered channels downstream of the aqueducts within the project right of way to create more natural
channel features. This is combined with constructed improvements to the upstream river channels to
provide flow conditions more conducive to fish passage.

These improvements will be constructed within the project right of way for the Maple River aqueduct but
will extend upstream on the Sheyenne River to approximately County Road 16.

5. BROADWAY BRIDGE DISCUSSION

Mayor Mahoney reported that the Broadway Bridge is slated for improvements and repairs in 2026. There
are many questions that need to be answered as well as education to the public.

Mr. Boerboom indicated that there are three major questions that need to be addressed and a response
relayed to MetroCog by year-end:

1. Can we obtain a permit to replace the bridge?

2. What is the cost/impacts of a bridge at a higher elevation so that it is not closed during spring
floods?

3. What is the cost/benefit ratio and fiscal impact if it is and is not replaced? Can we get additional
funding for it?

6. OTHER BUSINESS

There was no other business to report.

7. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be June 6, 2023.

8. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:58 PM.