The Crookston City Council met this afternoon for an Emergency Meeting in the City Hall Council Chambers.
The meeting began with the Council approving a declaration of a State of Emergency for the City of Crookston due to high water caused by the snow and ice melt and the current and predicted precipitation traveling through Crookston, with the potential threats of injury or damage to people and property.
Mayor Stainbrook reported that the Public Works Department has been working to make sand, gravel, clay, and other soluble bags of items to help hold back flooding, and suggested that the Council open the neighborhood’s levees and reach back out to the public in the different neighborhoods for volunteers to help move sandbags to block certain areas with high water as they currently have not gotten many volunteers to help place sandbags. “Each neighborhood has a flood, I call them “stations” where they can gather and have captains or heads to reach out to people to come and sandbag, block dikes, and report to that neighborhood’s area if they see problems.” Interim City Administrator Charles “Corky” Reynolds explained. “We’ll open those up, and anything will be coordinated through the Emergency Operations Center right here in City Hall.”
The Council then agreed to have Interim City Administrator “Corky” Reynolds reach out to Public Works Department Director Brandon Carlson to find out what they’re doing with the rising water and the upcoming precipitation. “I’m going to reach out to the Public Works Department to see where they’re at with this, where they’re working, and what they think the crisis points are and how we can deal with that. Whether it’s clay, sandbags, gravel, all of the above, and additional items to protect businesses and people here in Crookston.” Interim City Administrator Reynolds explained. Mayor Stainbrook also told the other Council members to do what is necessary to protect the residents and properties in Crookston in cooperation with the Public Works Department and the Emergency Operations Center.
The Council approved the motion unanimously.
While the Council has not taken immediate action yet, they advise the public to be aware and ready to help anyone if they are able. “Be aware of what’s going on in your area, and if you are able, please help sandbag, block dikes, and be observant.” Interim Administrator Reynolds explained. “It’s not a crisis at this situation yet, but we want people to be aware, be prepared, and help out friends and neighbors that you know here in Crookston or in areas that you know that need help.”
If you have any questions or concerns about what you can do to help or have something that is of immediate need. You can contact the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 218-281-4363 or 218-281-4383, or you can contact City Hall at 218-281-1232 or Crookston Fire Chief Tim Froeber at 218-289-1741.
