Rivers rise, berms in place

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Vigilance is the price of peace.

Thanks to a team effort and well-built berms, the City of New Ulm appears to be in good position to face the rising Minnesota River.

They plan to rest Saturday, but starting Easter Sunday, city crews and the New Ulm Police Auxiliary will provide round-the-clock watches as the river is expected to climb to 807.5 feet.

The Minnesota rose four-tenths of a foot since Thursday. It was measured at 804.3 Friday. It is expected to climb to 805.4 today, 807.5 Sunday, 808.3 Monday and crest at 808.5 Tuesday before gradually descending. The New Ulm crest is about 2 1/2 feet lower than the 1997 crest.

The Cottonwood River rose a half foot in New Ulm Friday, reaching 13.6 feet, which is expected to be its crest. It is predicted to remain at that level through Sunday then slowly recede.

New Ulm Street Commissioner Tom Patterson led a meeting of affected residents Friday afternoon at city hall.

Patterson stressed the importance of ensuring people stay off the clay berms protecting the city's utility infrastructure in the southeast corner of town.

"We really don't want anybody on those berms," Patterson said. "They are slippery with water on one side of them now. All our people will go out in twos so there is somebody to help if there is a problem."

City crews will examine the berms during the daylight hours starting Sunday. The Police Auxiliary will patrol during the night until river water falls below critical levels.

Patterson said river levels are expected to remain critically high for several days since high rover levels are anticipated downstream of New Ulm and the Mississippi is expected to crest a little later than the Minnesota.

"That will keep the Minnesota backed up," Patterson said. "It seems kind of unreal that it could keep it backed up all the way to us from St. Paul. As long as there is water against the berms, we will continue our watch."

The river situation is much different than in 1997 because there is better protection this year, according to Patterson.

Bulldozers, skid steers, sand piles and bags remain located strategically near the river with operators on call. Excavators will remain in the clay pit if needed.

"If any water starts leaking through a berm, it's a 911 call so fire fighters can get to the site first and do what they can," Patterson said. "The equipment is there and personnel are minutes away."

Patterson said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Emergency Management people were amazed how much work was done in New Ulm with water touching just one berm on South Valley Friday.

"When I first called them, they were worried we hadn't capped our berms," Patterson said. "When they saw them, they amazed at the nine-foot berms and material they were made of."

He asked affected property owners if they were comfortable with what was done around their homes.

Shari Rogers said she was impressed with the way city crews did their work.

"They didn't just come in and bulldoze," Rogers said. "They asked us what trees we wanted to save and pulled them out and said they would try to save them. They really cared and were so darned good and efficient. It was a good feeling watching them come in even though it hurts."

Patterson said he owed a lot to MR Paving and Excavating.

Glen Mathiowetz complimented the city and its crews.

"This has been a tremendous cooperative team effort," Mathiowetz said. "Employees on both ends worked hand-in-hand and residents cooperated."

Patterson said the heros were MR, Hoffmann Construction, small contractors, city and PUC employees and staff.

A river front resident complained of gawkers.

Another resident complained that all-terrain vehicles were being driven in his backyard.

"Those berms are so slick on top, we already lost a skid steer," Patterson said. "Only our monitors should be on the berms. If kids are tearing up your lawn, call the police."

Patterson reminded residents to help their neighbors with their pumps and run their downspouts over the berms if possible.

"Don't make any ruts in berms with rain water," Patterson said. "That would be the weakest spot. If you can't get to the berm, use a pump and get rid of the water right away."

He reminded them that if the river level is over the top of the street, water will come out of storm sewers and flood the street. Sandbags are to be used to protect each storm sewer infrastructure.

Patterson said the city will request state and/or federal money to help pay for flood protection costs.

A resident suggested moving the berms 10 feet east after the river recedes.

Glen Mathiowetz of MR Paving and Excavating said others have asked him about what to do with the fill.

"When we get to that point, we'll discuss it with the city," Mathiowetz said.

Patterson said something long-term needs to be done but its not as simple as moving berms 25 feet east.

"Everybody affected needs to be a part of it," Patterson said. "We talked about that after the 1997 flood and we didn't get a grant. We had the '97 and '01 floods. Now we need a long-term solution."

Patterson said the city can help arrange meetings and find the contacts to help create a long-range action plan.