Minot, ND – Minot City Council head a special session Thursday afternoon held a special session at around 2 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. A busy week following Tuesday’s joint meeting with the Park Board to discuss their proposed increase of sales tax, Thursday, however, they had a focus on critical infrastructure updates, including flood control measures and the future of the Minot Police Department and other municipal facilities.
Council members heard updates on the Minot Police Department and Municipal Court Space Needs Analysis, which was initiated after the City of Minot moved out of the connected Legacy City Hall building. This included a site survey to assess current building conditions and infrastructure needs for the Police Department, with the goal of identifying future upgrades or potential relocation. No immediate action was taken by council on this subject.
The conversation surrounding flood control centered on a new plan for the Maple Diversion project, aimed at reducing flood risks along the Souris River. With ongoing studies to refine the flood control system, the city is hopeful that adjustments, such as reducing the number of property acquisitions, will decrease the overall project costs. One of the most significant proposed changes is the Livingston bypass plan, which is expected to save an estimated $40 million. These revisions are also designed to align the project with available federal and state funding, ahead of the January legislative assembly session.
City Council were briefed on the history of flood protection efforts in the city, dating back to the devastating 2011 flood, which led to the construction of an emergency levy to safeguard critical infrastructure like Legacy City Hall and the Minot Public Library. While these measures helped mitigate damage, they highlighted the need for a more permanent flood protection strategy. The city, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has been reworking the flood control plan in light of newer funding opportunities, including those from FEMA and the National Disaster Resilience Competition.
The Minot Public Library, situated in a flood-prone area, remains a focal point in discussions about flood risk. Although the library’s main floor sits above the 2011 flood level, its basement remains vulnerable. The city is evaluating various options to address these risks, from elevating the library to flood-proofing its facilities. Council members are tasked with balancing the need for flood protection with the cost of such improvements, while considering potential impacts to the surrounding community.
As the city moves forward, there will be continued discussions on the appropriate level of investment in flood protection for the library and police station. The council is expected to weigh different options, including relocating key facilities or enhancing flood defenses at existing locations. The upcoming planning efforts are critical to securing the necessary funding and ensuring the long-term resilience of Minot’s vital infrastructure, particularly as the city prepares for potential future floods.
