Special Valley City Commission Proceedings
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 11:00 AM.
Members present: Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson.
Members absent: Commissioner Powell.
Others present: City Administrator Schelkoph, City Auditor Richter, City Attorney Martineck, Chad Petersen from KLJ, Police Chief Hatcher, Barnes County Emergency Manager Sue Lloyd, Barnes County Highway Department Representative Dennis Mortiz, Deputy Auditor Klein.
RESOLUTION
Approve Resolution No. 2221, a Resolution Declaring Flood Emergency
City Administrator Schelkoph read the following report:
We are here today asking the Commission to declare a flood emergency and ask the county and state to do the same. I have been emailing you about the potential river flows from the lake and the runoff from last week’s snowfall. The Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) has give us a new projection of river flows after they had conducted an evaluation of the snow pack located in the upper Sheyenne River watershed. This morning at 8:30 and again at 10:00, Scott Tichy (ACE) gave me a call and informed/confirmed to the city that we should plan on protecting to a 16 foot flood level. Scott said that the projections of input into the lake could be as high as 9000 cfs. They will do their best at keeping the flow around 3500 cfs but this is not a guarantee. 3500 cfs is around 15 feet flood stage. This of course does not include the runoff from the city to the dam. If all falls apart the flows from the dam could reach 4100 cfs. This is a 16 foot flood level without any input from runoff between us and the dam.
Jeff and his crews, with the help from Marshall and his, are putting up pumping stations around town. As of this writing we have enough pumps to keep the city dry but there are areas along the city’s temporary flood protection that will need additional clay to protect to a 16 foot flood stage. To that end we will be asking for help from FEMA when all the appropriate paperwork is filed by the county and state. Right now given the projected numbers the city does not need any sandbags at this time.
City Administrator Schelkoph reported the City will bring lower areas along the river that are 16.5’ to 18 – 18.5’ with clay. Schelkoph will ask the county to declare an emergency; the state will also need to declare an emergency.
Chad Petersen from KLJ reported the Elks footbridge is at 17.7’ and Viking Drive closes at 17.2’. VCSU may have parking lots close. Schelkoph expects Viking Drive bridge to close within two to three days to maintain a two foot freeboard. Floodwalls go in between the 17-18’ range. Commissioner Magnuson asked the City to be proactive on these issues.
Schelkoph stated the ACOE and FEMA typically take care of clay and contractors.
Commissioner Magnuson moved to approve Resolution No. 2221, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. The motion passed unanimously.
Approve Resolution No. 2222, a Resolution Requesting Emergency Flood Assistance
City Administrator Schelkoph recommends since the City will be moving clay and installing floodwalls that state assistance is requested.
Commissioner Bishop moved to approve Resolution No. 2222, seconded by Commissioner Magnuson. The motion passed unanimously.
Barnes County Emergency Manager Lloyd will ask the County Commission to ask for emergency declaration. Barnes County Highway Representative Moritz is watching river levels for possible bridge closures south of Valley City.
Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 11:12 AM.
Dave Carlsrud, President of the
City of Valley City Commission
Attested to by:
Avis Richter, City Auditor
City of Valley City