Tensions rise at Metro Flood Diversion Authority after executive director’s resignation, He Responds

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Tensions were high at the Metro Flood Diversion Authority, as the conversation revolved around the resignation of the executive director.

 “Help me understand, however, how this issue led to us not having an executive director anymore.” said John Strand of the MFDA.

Some of the board members, like John Strand and Dave Piepkorn, questioned the decision making by Chair Person and Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson, who originally wanted to put Joel Paulsen on non-disciplinary, paid-administrative leave.

But Paulsen resigned before an emergency meeting could be called to discuss what had happened.

“No one was hired. No one was fired. We had an employee who resigned when he was told there was going to be some scrutiny given his conduct.” said David Ebinger of the MFDA.

The issue at hand that was brought up was according to the Board, Paulsen had discussed the contract for the flood diversion with the developer when it was strictly said that legal representation would handle those proceedings.

“And when we have an executive director who is arguing against our project agreement and suggesting the acceptance of noncompliance of a P3 developer. I had extreme concerns related to the communications and I wanted to ensure that our project was not going to be in jeopardy.” said Mayor Carlson.

Some supported Carlson for her decision, while others took her to task over what happened with Paulsen.

“And if the chair felt through this process somebody wasn’t following that direction she had every right to do what she did,” said Kevin Campbell of the MFDA. “Chair Carlson was trying to do here was to make sure what would not happen would be something that would take a position other than what we directed. And what we have as a contract.”

“How embarrassing.” said Dave Piepkorn of the MFDA.

In a press release following the meeting, Paulsen called the allegations regarding improper discussions with the contractor completely unfounded.

“It appears there was a misunderstanding by the General Counsel and the Chair on my intent to find a reasonable resolution within the confines of the contract concerning the epoxy-coated rebar issue.” Paulsen wrote.

During a visit to the construction site it was observed that the crews were not using epoxy covered rebar for the project, which goes against what was agreed to in the contract.

Joel Paulsen issued a statement tonight through his lawyer, Tim O’Keeffe:

In light of recent developments, I wish to address the allegations regarding improper discussions with the contractor on the project. These allegations are completely unfounded. Throughout my tenure as Executive Director of the Metro Flood Diversion Authority, any substantial contact with contractors was always conducted transparently and reported to either the General Counsel of the Authority or the Chair.

My primary duty has always been to uphold the contract and advance the Authority’s best interests. I am proud of conducting my role with utmost integrity and dedication to the welfare of the project and community. It appears there was a misunderstanding by the General Counsel and the Chair on my intent to find a reasonable resolution within the confines of the contract concerning the epoxy-coated rebar issue.