Planning commission recommends appointment of Joel to Moorhead wellhead protection update team

Moorhead Public Service has begun a process to update the Moorhead Wellhead Protection Plan for wells that draw from Moorhead and the Buffalo Aquifers and asked the Clay County Planning Commission to recommend a planning commission representative to join the update team.

Staff said the team will include local government units and other entities that overlie or surround the aquifer areas. Meetings are expected to begin in November and run once a month for about six months. The commission discussed potential conflicts of interest and past participation by watershed and SWCD members in similar efforts.

With little volunteer interest from other commissioners, Commissioner Jenny moved — and Commissioner Kurt Stubstead seconded — a motion to recommend appointment of Joel (last name not recorded on the transcript) as the planning commission representative to the wellhead protection update team. The motion carried on a voice vote with no opposition recorded. Staff said it will forward the recommendation to the County Board for formal appointment.

The commission’s recommendation does not, in itself, change the wellhead protection plan but signals local coordination with Moorhead Public Service as the plan update proceeds. Staff said they will notify the commission of meeting schedules once they are available.