01-21-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—January 21, 2014 4253 - Farmland Services—contract to conduct field work for assessments in cities and townships (costs will be billed back to entities); - Automated Pawn System—service and software license agreement for Sheriff's Office staff to access lists of stolen items in Minnesota pawn shops. 6. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, Annex and Jail generator upgrades approved Keith Berndt, County Administrator, said new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission standards will require the county to either replace or upgrade generators at the Cass County Annex and Cass County Jail. He previously received quotes for emissions equipment and replacement generators. This item was tabled from the last meeting in order to gather additional information on annual operating expenses and associated costs to participate in the off-peak program through Xcel Energy. Since the last meeting, Mr. Berndt looked at obtaining additional bids and spoke with the local Cummins dealer, who declined to bid on a generator that meets the new emissions standards. He reviewed the operating history of both generators and said they have been used minimally over the last few years. His recommendation is to 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. There was a discussion about the cost since this is an unbudgeted item for 2014. Mr. Berndt said funds are available in General Fund reserves to cover the expense. Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor, said a budget adjustment would be needed, which normally would be done at the end of the year. Mr. Berndt obtained cost estimates through an informal proposal process. Mr. Pawluk questioned whether there are any additional vendors in the area that sell generators, and asked if a formal bidding process may generate additional bids. MOTION, passed Mr. Peterson moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve the purchase of a new generator for the Cass County Annex at an estimated cost of $153,000 and upgrade the generator for the Cass County Jail at an estimated cost of $58,000 with the intent of seeking public bids. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 7. HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM (HMGP), County engineer to coordinate additional acquisitions Mr. Berndt presented this item for County Engineer Jason Benson, who was unable to attend today's meeting. The City of Fargo applied for $25 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to construct a levee on 2nd Street, which is now a component of the diversion project and no longer qualifies for HMGP funding. Fargo has some other projects that qualify; however, $6 to $8 million may still be available for flood home acquisitions. Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) adjusted two criteria regarding buyouts: any structure under $276,000 and within the 100-year flood plain will be allowed to use a streamlined process that eliminates the need for a benefit cost analysis and will automatically be considered for a buyout. The county engineer has evaluated numerous areas for potential buyouts, and determined the most vulnerable houses that are most difficult to protect are located along County Highway 81 on the Red River. He identified 49 properties including all remaining homes