Minden board meets with county commissioners

Douglas County commissioners met with the Minden Town Board on Tuesday for a wide-ranging conversation that covered economic development, town boundaries, water and drainage.

"It's a pleasure for both boards to be here together," said commission Chairwoman Nancy McDermid. "We share in many of the same concerns and issues. Our board fully recognizes Minden's role in bringing safe water to the community."

Last week, commissioners approved development of a finance plan for the proposed $21 million pipeline to distribute Minden's water supply through north Douglas County, alleviating supply and quality concerns.

Minden board member Bob Hadfield said one of the town's greatest economic concerns is "hanging on to what we have: Small businesses, family business and trying to make sure people can still get to these businesses."

"When I look at economic development in Minden, I really appreciate the efforts of the Copeland Cultural Arts Center," he said.

Hadfield said town officials "thought we had it made" with the now-bankrupt Minden Gateway Center.

"I think the big concern is working with the county at successfully attracting bigger businesses," he said. "The whole population we're dealing with will be very different in a decade. We can't survive as a retirement community for California. Help us understand what a more logical future for this Valley is," Hadfield said.

County Engineer Mahmood Azad updated both boards on the fight with the Federal Emergency Management Administration over changes in flood insurance rate maps to take effect in January.

The new maps place hundreds more property owners within the floodplain, requiring the purchase of flood insurance for mortgage holders.

"If you want control of your destiny, don't rely on FEMA. They take it away," Azad said.

He and Mimi Moss, director of community development, met Aug. 4 with FEMA officials in an effort to get the maps revised for accuracy.

"FEMA concurred the maps are incorrect, but they're adopting them anyway," Azad said. "We will not give up the fight."

He said the county had contacted the congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. and they were ready to send FEMA a letter "that a terrible mistake had been made."

Azad urged the town board to encourage property owners who might be affected to sign up for flood insurance before the maps are adopted so they can qualify for a lower rate.

Both boards agreed on the importance of open communication between the town and the county.

"It's no secret we were frustrated with other people (commissioners) at other times. We work for the people of Minden, we work with you. Communication is the key. Communication, communication, communication," Hadfield said.

Commissioner Doug Johnson said in the past, "any success was Minden's, any failure was the county's. I think we're past that. The proof is in the water pipeline."

"We need each other," McDermid said.