Planning Committee Meeting – September 12, 2023

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A meeting of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority Planning Committee was held on September 12, 2023. The following members were present: Dr. Tim Mahoney, Mayor, City of Fargo; Kevin Campbell, Clay County Commissioner and Mary Scherling, Cass County Commissioner.

Member(s) absent: Shelly Carlson, Mayor, City of Moorhead; Bernie Dardis, Mayor, City of West Fargo and Rodger Olson, Cass County Joint Water Resource District.

1. CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Campbell called the meeting to order at 1:01 PM. Roll call was taken, and a quorum was not present.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM AUGUST 2023

Approval of the August 2023 minutes was moved to the October agenda due to the absence of a quorum.

3. APPROVE ORDER OF AGENDA

The agenda was followed as presented in the absence of a quorum.

4. RECREATION FEASIBILITY STUDY UPDATE

Mr. Barthel provided an overview of the recreation feasibility study. Based on the complexities of the study, restrictions and additional costs, it was suggested that it be a topic at the next Lunch-N-Learn to dialogue and get input from the board and finance committee members.

Mayor Mahoney recommended appointing members to the recreation committee at the next meeting. Mr. Paulsen will send out the “draft” list of potential members and asked that the planning committee make any additions and/or changes.

5. PROPERTY DEMO RFQ

Mr. Bakkegard provided an overview of the property demo program that is being considered. The program would aid in management of the ongoing list of homes and farms that will soon be affected by demolition or relocation.

6. INLET STRUCTURE O&M

Mr. Paulsen reported that the inlet structure will be handed over to the Diversion Authority in October and the DA will assume the operations and management. The DA is potentially looking to contract with the City of Fargo and will be meeting with Ben Dow to see what services the city may be able to offer.

7. DIVERSION INLET STRUCTURE CELEBRATION

Mr. Paulsen reported that the celebration is tentatively scheduled for October 27, late morning. The USACE is solely planning and coordinating the entire event.

8. OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Campbell reported that the BRRWRD stated at their board meeting that the Wolverton, Georgetown and Comstock cemetery agreements are nearing completion as well as the Hwy. 75 road raise. Mr. Bakkegard confirmed that good progress is being made with the affected cemeteries.

9. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be October 10, 2023.

10. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:41 PM.