Fargo has taken a step toward funding water retention projects on the Red River and its tributaries.
The City Commission voted 5-0 on Monday to have staff develop a funding formula to determine the city's share of benefits if it decides to participate in the Bois de Sioux Watershed District's Redpath water retention project.
Commissioner Mike Williams said city funds for Redpath and other retention projects could come from the proceeds of a half-percent sales tax approved last June to pay for flood control projects.
Redpath is a roughly $25 million storage project that would take water from the Mustinka River, a tributary of Lake Traverse, near Wheaton, Minn.
District Administrator Jon Roeschlein said Redpath could be counted on to hold 16,200 acre-feet of water, and up to 21,700 acre-feet if water was allowed to rise to the top of the dam.
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In other business, the commission voted 4-1 to reimburse residents of about 19 homes in the 3100 block of 9 1/2 and 10th streets north, who had sewer backup Nov. 4 during a failed test of a temporary sanitary sewer bypass.
The residents will be reimbursed for depreciation of damaged property.
So far, $132,789 has been paid by the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund, and homeowners' insurance to fix homes and replace personal property.
Depreciation was pegged at $24,868.
The commission was originally asked to approve $930 in insurance deductibles by the finance committee. That group said paying depreciation might set a precedent should other backups caused by storms or mechanical failures occur.
Residents said city leaders promised to make them whole.
"We took that to heart," said Sue Joelson, 3133 9½ St. N. "In this case, there's been a lot of foot-dragging and some mistruths."
"I feel that justice in this case, is to pay us," she said.
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One claim of $7,334 won't be immediately paid. Commissioners directed staff to negotiate further with the homeowner.
Commissioner Dave Piepkorn said he was concerned the vote could be seen as a precedent that could force the commission to make expensive payouts, and he voted against the resolution.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Helmut Schmidt at (701) 241-5583
