Valley City, ND, (KCSi-T.V. News) -- The Valley City Commission met in Special Session, Monday morning at City Hall. Commissioner Wager was not present. Special meeting shown LIVE on CSi 68 & replaying.

Under discussion, first, was when to notify schools for sandbagging volunteers.

Mayor Nielson said the meeting was called to touch base with entities, with a longer lead-time this year to prepare. She added the city is being proactive in its flood planning.

With local schools….
The high school is requesting notification as soon as possible, and the projected number of students needed. Students will likely be “flighted” concerning the grades they are in, and alternating on sandbagging duties.

VCSU also requested notification as soon as possible and numbers needed. The Mayor noted proper documentation of all volunteers, is needed, to keep tab of the number of volunteers, for future monetary reimbursement, on a matching basis, formula, by FEMA. Reimbursement is for individuals 16 and older, but all volunteers will be asked to sign in.

Sandbagger signup will take place at Sandbag Central. Volunteers would take a bus ride to Sandbag Central, and returned to school, to limit car traffic. The schools will meet with staff on student volunteer issues.
Minor sandbagging needs to start when the Sheyenne River level is projected to reach 17 feet. City Adminstrator Jon Cameron says, based on last year’s numbers, it will be easier this year to know how many sandbags are needed, based on the projected river levels.

Barnes County Salvation Army reported to be set up and ready 24/7, if necessary, and will serve sandwiches to sandbaggers at noon. Other meals will be on their own, patronizing local restaurants. The Salvation Army will work in conjunction with the Red Cross.

Red Cross officials reported, they will provide First Aid Kits, at Sandbag Central, and at locations where dikes will be installed.

Mayor Nielson said it’s easier to prepare for “a worse-case senario,” and then back off later, than to continually “ramp up” for any severe flooding that may occur.

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