EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE KOOCHICHING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Held on Tuesday, June 20, 2002; 11:00 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Reporters Roger Jerome, Kelly Cameron, Wayne Kasish; Susan Congrave, Steve Blair

000 The Board Chair opened the meeting at 11:00 a.m. stated that due to flooding, an emergency situation exists in Koochiching County and that the Board having declared a local emergency, is holding the emergency meeting to provide public statements regarding the protection of person’s property and life.

The Board Chair informed the public that the Sheriff is working with FEMA staff who are in the area assessing the damage and conditions for the purpose of providing federal assistance both publicly and privately. The County has been declared a disaster area at the State level but until FEMA’s assessment is done, we will not know if a federal disaster area will be declared, which determines if federal assistance will be made available to the County. The Board was informed today that the lake level has risen with more rain predicted in the near future and property owners are in need of assistance to protect their property. The County has certain rules and laws on the books that restrict property owners from doing shoreline work to protect their property as it requires that they first obtain permits, permission, etc. Due to the urgency of the situation, the Koochiching County Board unanimously supports the lifting of the rules and restrictions to the extent possible to allow property owners to do what is needed to protect their property from the high and increasing water levels. The Board asks the people, however, to use common sense in doing so. In addition, the Board is also asking people to take care in creating wakes on the lake as this is detrimental to the properties in the flood areas. The Board was informed that the DNR would not require permits to place fill on properties to protect it from floodwaters.

Commissioner Pavleck stated that he continues to receive calls from stressed property owners in the lake area with concern on the high and rising water and not being able to take immediate action due to fear of rule and law violations. Commissioner Pavleck, as raised at the last meeting, stated that the majority of the problem comes with violation of the County Shoreland Ordinance.

Commissioner Chezick stated that the County Board has the authority and responsibility for the health and welfare of its citizens and even more so in public health statutes and ordinance because the high water level is or has reached septic system levels and is causing a health threat. For this reason alone, the Board must suspend restrictions so property owners can take immediate action to protect septic systems to the extent possible from the floodwaters. In addition, wakes caused by boats on the lake create more stress on these flooded properties and the Board encourages boaters to use care. There is no clear indication that the water will recede soon or that the rain will subside.

Commissioner Lepper being in complete support of the Board’s position today, stated that the Shoreland Ordinance should be reviewed for the long term, especially with what appears to be an annual flood event, and is in support of the Planning Commission handling this matter.

Commissioner Hanson stated that the river has ebbed somewhat but as stated before, more rain is expected which means further damage. He stated that the flood damage is on both sides of the watershed, meaning our Canadian neighbor is also suffering from the effects and there is widespread erosion occurring. He informed the Board and public that Church members from his area have informed him they stand ready to assist where they can.

2002/06-50 Motion by Chezick, seconded by Lepper that due to the flooding, an emergency situation exists in Koochiching County and that the Board having declared a local emergency, suspends the necessary County rules and laws within its land and water plans to allow property owners and contractors to perform work as necessary to isolate waste water systems and protect their shoreline and structures using common sense and that in the absence of the County Board, the Board Chair is authorized to take action as necessary for continued protection of citizen’s life and property during this flood emergency. Voting yes: McBride, Lepper, Hanson, Chezick, Pavleck. Motion carried.

The Board Chair, before closing the session, stated that it is not the intent of the County Board to cause detriment to the shoreline but that in emergencies, citizen’s health and well-being come first and it is hoped that people will use common sense and foresight in their actions to protect their property.

000 The Board Chair recessed the meeting at 11:26 a.m. until Friday, June 21, 2002 at 3:00 p.m.

000 The Board Chair reconvened the Emergency Meeting on Friday, June 21, 2002 at 3:00 p.m. Present were Commissioners McBride and Chezick, Reporters Roger Jerome and Kelly Cameron and Public Health Director Susan Congrave. The Coordinator stated that in talking with the Sheriff this morning, FEMA completed damage assessments for both public and private properties and that we should know in a few days whether this area will be declared a disaster area for federal assistance. The Sheriff also placed information in the newspaper and on the radio giving people a FEMA number to call. Public Health Director Congrave stated that even though we have not received a federal declaration, people should call and register with FEMA. She also stated that Red Cross is readily available to assist people. With no further business, the Board Chair adjourned the meeting at 3:20 p.m.