Residents with flooded homes showed some frustration Thursday with the waiting game they are facing to both get into their homes and then get information about whether they should rebuild their homes.
An estimated 350 to 400 people attended a public meeting arranged by certain neighborhoods with city officials and representatives of assistance agencies in Minot Municipal Auditorium. A similar informational meeting will be held tonight at 7 p.m. in Minot Municipal Auditorium for residents of Ward 4.
Residents still out of their homes because of water levels wanted to know when pumping would begin.
"Get that water moving!" was the shout from the clapping crowd.
Lance Meyer, city engineer, said Wednesday was the first day that the water stopped going over the dike in some areas.
"We have ordered several large pumps from the state that are being shipped here now. One of the difficulties we are having is pumps (are coming) from Nebraska because we have basically drained this region of pumps," he said. "They have started pumping certain areas where we can get into them. You have to remember that some of these areas are still inundated. ... We will throw as many pumps at it as we can to get that water down as fast as we can."
Residents who suspect extensive damage or who have gone back to their homes and found extensive damage wanted to know the process for determining whether demolition is necessary and how that demolition will be handled.
Meyer said inspectors with the city and First District Health Unit will evaluate a house first to see if it is structurally sound and environmentally safe to work in. Demolition criteria will be based whether it is feasible to restore the house to meet the city's building code.
Demolition follows a legal process, and the city will work with the state to try to keep that process from becoming bogged down, Meyer said. It appears the federal government may pick up a majority of the demolition cost, but the 25 percent share remaining will fall to the property owner unless state and other funds are found. Meyer said the city is working to see how much other funding may be available.
Residents also wanted to know how they can assure themselves of FEMA's temporary housing units.
Noel Boxer, FEMA external affairs officer, said FEMA will determine eligibility for temporary housing based on the on-site inspections conducted once people are able to get back into their homes. Homeowners who face delays in getting back in their homes shouldn't be concerned that all the units will be gone by the time their houses are inspected, he said. However, they need to keep FEMA aware of their likely need for housing assistance based on the potential damage to their houses.
"Folks who have a need for temporary housing are going to be taken care of. It's important to the Secretary (of Homeland Security) that folks in this community and outlying areas are taken care of," Boxer said. "Make sure FEMA has your individual information about your specific case and detailed information."
Boxer said to follow up with a phone call after providing information to FEMA to ensure the information was documented.
"It's incumbent upon you to be proactive in the system, to keep pushing your application forward," he said. "The system does work, but there's some 'squeaky wheel' involved."
Boxer said FEMA is still working with the city to finalize locations to site temporary housing. However, FEMA's preference is to locate temporary units on the homeowner's properties when possible. The city has developed a one-page form to enable people to apply at no charge to obtain a permit for temporary units on their properties.
If living outside their homes and needing additional rental assistance, people need to apply to FEMA for a continuation, Boxer said. A host receiving rent or utility assistance needs to provide a signed receipt with phone number documenting the charge so the guest can receive FEMA assistance. The Internal Revenue Services will have representatives at the Disaster Recovery Centers to address any questions people have about the tax implications for hosts or other tax-related issues.
Some residents are concerned about an order by the city to move campers off streets. City engineer Lance Meyer said the city needs the streets cleared to repair sinkholes and broken water lines, and the Corps of Engineers needs a clear path to pick up debris on the curbs.
Boxer said FEMA will consult with the city to see if an alternate location for campers can be set up.
Bob Adkins, pastor at Spiritual Life Christian Fellowship, said some churches are working with the city to see if they can open up property for people to locate campers. He also said a command center to apply for free cleanup assistance from volunteers will be opening at North Hill Baptist Church on 21st Avenue Northwest.
In the longer term, residents continue to wonder about potential buyouts. If bought out, the price would be based on the value of their home before the flood and would not reimburse for any costs put into the house to restore it.
Meyer said the city still is developing a plan for future flood control and greenways.
"We are working on this day and night every day. When you are talking projects this big, it doesn't happen overnight," Meyer said.
"At this point, we don't know if that project will be a channel widening project, if we are going to cut a new channel, if we are going to improve what we have already. It's going to be a little bit before those recommendations are made," he said, telling residents, "Don't wait for us."
Even if the city developed a plan proposing buyouts, it could take 1-1/2 years or longer before money becomes available, Boxer said.
Meyer added that federal law requires the city to hold public input meetings on any future flood control plan.