12-16-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—December 16, 2013 4241 6. GREATER FARGO MOORHEAD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Funds approved for first half of 2014 Jim Gartin, President of Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC), was present along with staff members to provide an update on activities for 2013. He reviewed the nine objectives of their organization, and discussed business retention, development and expansion. He said staff conducted 143 retention visits, and assisted in 36 local expansion and 29 business development projects. Mr. Peterson asked how their organization plans to diversify its revenue streams. Mr. Gartin said GFMEDC has a program called "Just One", in which the 96 investors contact one person. He said nine new investors were obtained as a result of this program. Mr. Gartin said their goal is to double the number of investors by the end of 2014. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Scherling seconded to approve the release of funds to the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation for the period of January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2014. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 7. COUNTY CORONER UPDATE Dr. John Baird, County Coroner, was present to provide an update on office activities. He said effective November 1st, two death investigators were hired as county employees, and moved into space on the second floor of the Courthouse. He said the new office provides staff availability and increased visibility to the public. He said county departments have assisted with the transition, which has gone smoothly. The Information Technology department is in the process of creating a data base so records are readily accessible for coroner staff. Dr. Baird and other county department heads have met with area funeral home directors over the last month to discuss storage and transportation of bodies. The consensus of the funeral homes is they are willing to work with the Coroner's Office and cover as they are available; however, they believe there is a need for an outside morgue to serve as a neutral location. Dr. Baird said the funeral homes also assist with removal of bodies, and are not reimbursed as they should be for this service. He said bids will be let soon for the new Fargo Cass Public Health/Police Building and morgue space will be included as an alternative. Dr. Baird said two investigators from the Sheriff's Office will be trained to assist the death investigators on weekends if needed. Mrs. Scherling asked how they will be trained. He said the sheriff staff will be provided with hands-on experience when they go on calls with death investigators. He also said a week-long formal training course could be an option. Mr. Pawluk asked how the new office space has helped with their investigations. Kriste Ross, Death Investigator, said staff has more access to technology, and are able to meet with law enforcement and families as needed. She also has been able to use a county motor pool vehicle, which has been helpful. She discussed record storage and said she is up-to-date with files scanned for this year as well as a few prior years. Mr. Pawluk discussed the path forward. He encouraged discussion to continue with funeral homes, stay updated on the proposal for Fargo's new building, and train the two staff from the Sheriff's Office to assist the death investigators.