FARGO - Residents of the Forest River neighborhood say they just want to be kept in the loop when it comes to flood protection.
On Tuesday, Carlis Kramer, a resident there, spoke on behalf of his neighbors to the board of commissioners. He said the Forest River neighborhood of about 11 homes want to know what the future might hold for them after fighting floods the past three years.
Kramer said the temporary levees built on 76th Avenue cause "pushback" into the neighborhood, or up to another foot of higher water in that area.
Kramer said the neighborhood is not looking to demand anything from the county; they just want to be considered for future flood mitigation plans.
"All the protection you guys are doing to protect the others are affecting us," Kramer said. "We just want to know if we are part of the flood mitigation."
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Chairman Darrell Vanyo said he did not think residents' request was unreasonable and that staff is working on examining costs and prioritizing future mitigation areas. The results of that work may be presented before the end of the year.
In other business:
The board denied a request by Joe Gotta to reimburse him $27,458 for costs incurred on a buyout home he bought.
In May, Gotta bought a home at 802 Orchard Park Drive during the Cass County buyout auction.
Gotta said he was led to believe by the county that he would be able to move the home. However, he unable to do so without removing trees, which the homeowner's association would not allow. The home was eventually demolished.
Gotta said he was asking to be reimbursed for costs associated with the attempted moving process.
"I believe I've been harmed in this process," Gotta said Tuesday.
Commissioners Vern Bennett and Robyn Sorum agreed the county should take some responsibility in Gotta's incurred costs since staff told Gotta the house could be moved.
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"I was under the impression the house could be moved. I don't think any of us were aware of it at the time," said Irv Rustad, Lake Agassiz Regional Council director.
Commissioner Ken Pawluk disagreed and made the motion to deny all reimbursement which passed by a three to two vote.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Wendy Reuer at (701) 241-5530
