01-06-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—January 6, 2014 4248 6. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, Courthouse chiller replacement for south addition Keith Berndt, Cass County Administrator, said the 2014 budget includes $100,000 to replace the air conditioning chiller unit in the south addition of the Courthouse, which was installed in 1986 when the addition was built. He received two proposals, and recommends the successful proposal from Grant's Mechanical in the amount of$98,600 be accepted. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Peterson seconded to authorize the chairman to sign a purchase order with Grant's Mechanical in the amount of $98,600 to replace the air conditioning chiller unit in the south addition of the Cass County Courthouse. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 7. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, Annex and Jail generator upgrades Mr. Berndt recently learned about new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission standards that will require the county to either replace or upgrade generators at the Cass County Annex and Cass County Jail. He received quotes for emissions equipment as well as costs to replace the generators. Cass County participates in the peak-controlled program through Xcel Energy and receives a discount on its energy costs. If this program was discontinued, the county would be exempt from the new rules because the generators would only be used during emergencies. Mr. Berndt said three options are available for consideration: 1) replace both generators; 2) upgrade the generators; or 3) discontinue the peak-controlled contract with Xcel Energy. He recommends the county replace the Annex generator at a cost of $153,000, since the existing one is 20 years old, and to upgrade the Jail generator at a cost of $58,000. The total amount is approximately $200,000, and is an unbudgeted item. He said according to the county auditor, sufficient funds are available in the General Fund. Mr. Pawluk concurs with the recommendations; however, he would like additional information before approving the request. He asked about the annual operating expenses for the generators and associated costs to participate in the off-peak program over the last three years. Mr. Peterson said this type of equipment may take a few months to arrive after it has been ordered, so he suggested the item not be delayed for long in order to meet the EPA requirement deadline. The board agreed to delay action on the item until the next regularly scheduled meeting on January 21St 8. CASSELTON TRAIN INCIDENT UPDATE Mr. Pawluk said a train hauling grain derailed on December 30, 2013, near the City of Casselton, and a crude oil train on a neighboring track collided with the derailed cars creating several tank cars to explode and start on fire. He said various city, county, state and federal agencies were involved in a community-wide effort to handle the disaster, and he commended the efforts of staff that responded to the accident. Mr. Berndt said the North Dakota Governor's Office has been in contact with Burlington Northern Railroad regarding train traffic safety through towns, and congressional hearings may be held in Fargo in the future to discuss this issue. The National Transportation Safety