4.7. SR 04-28-1997ity of
iver
Item # 6. ?.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
Mayor & City Counc~U~ ~
Pat Klaers, City Adn~i~ator
April 28, 1997
SUBJECT: Flooding Issue
At the last City Council meeting the Mayor and Council discussed what, if
anything, was appropriate for the City of Elk River to do to help the flooding
victims. City staff discussed this issue at a recent staff meeting. At this
meeting Fire Chief Bruce West stated that there has been no statewide
request for municipalities to provide assistance, but he would stay in contact
with County Emergency Preparedness Director Gary Peterson regarding this
issue. It is believed that municipalities can help the most after flood waters
have receded and clean up and repair work is needed. Things like street
sweepers may be hard to locate except from municipalities and also, general
manpower with experience in municipal infrastructure may be needed.
Another example is related to the electric utilities and the Utilities
Commission can anticipate a request to send a crew up to help.
In this regard I am requesting City Council approval to authorize sending
city manpower and equipment to help the flooding victims and cities as
deemed appropriate when the request comes forward or when the timing is
right. I am requesting this now so that when the request comes forward or
the timing is right we do not have to wait till the next City Council meeting.
It should be noted that concern was expressed at the staff meeting not only
for the city and citizens of East Grand Forks, but also some of the other
municipalities that have been moved to the background as Grand Forks/East
Grand Forks are highlighted. In this regard I am referring to cities like Ada
and Breckenridge who also need help in cleaning up and repairing their
systems.
Regarding supplies and items for the flooding victims, it appears that this is
currently being organized by local groups and organizations and doesn't
really seem to be a city function or issue.
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425