Open Records Request Reveals FM Diversion Project Leader Was To Be Put On Leave

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — An open records request by KVRR Local News has revealed a letter that indicates former Metro Diversion Executive Director Joel Paulsen was placed on administrative leave shortly before he resigned.

That letter was never signed by Paulsen, who resigned shortly after.

The notice, which is signed by Metro Flood Diversion Authority Board Chair Shelly Carlson, lists questions regarding Paulsen’s communication with two developers, Red River Valley Alliance, LLC and ASN Constructors, as well as relationship issues with Authority staff as the reasons for this leave.

The notice also says that Paulsen would be investigated and possibly terminated pending the results of the investigation.

Paulsen released a statement earlier this week through his attorney, saying that he resigned over a dispute about contract language that he claimed posed both financial and logistical risks to the diversion project.

In a phone call with Paulsen’s attorney Tim O’Keefe, it was explained to KVRR News that the contract language in question had to do with the use of epoxy-coated rebar on the project, although it is unclear what the disagreement was at this time.

The notice also notes that if Paulsen were called to testify or be a witness in a deposition or other legal proceedings regarding the Authority, he would have to immediately notify the Authority’s General Counsel, John Shockley.

In a statement, Carlson also noted that the Board had authorized her to negotiate a new contract after Paulsen’s resignation to offer him compensation if he is deposed.

It is unclear at this time if there is any legal action pending against the MFDA.

Many Board members we contacted refused to comment, but Dave Piepkorn and John Strand made it clear that they were completely unaware of the notice prior to the vote to accept Paulsen’s resignation.

Strand said that the first time he had seen the notice was when it was released as part of the open records request.

Both Piepkorn and Strand expect Paulsen’s resignation and the notice of administrative leave to be discussed further at the Metro Flood Diversion Authority Board meeting next week, with both board members looking for answers.

KVRR Local News is still waiting on the release of more documents, and will have more in the coming days.