06-16-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—June 16, 2014 4312 9. ROAD DEPARTMENT, Agreement approved with Midwest Testing for soil analysis study for County Highway 31 project Mr. Benson said a new slide area was identified this spring on Cass County Highway 31 just north of Northwood Drive and about % mile south of Cass County Highway 22 in Reed Township. He recommends a geotechnical study be completed because of ongoing issues in this area, i.e. previous slide repairs in Stockmen's Supply Subdivision. He received a proposal from Midwest Testing Laboratory to conduct the study. Mr. Peterson asked why the study costs, which range from $15,000 to $17,000, are so expensive. Mr. Benson said soil borings and cone penetration tests at multiple locations will be conducted for a more detailed and comprehensive analysis, which he believes is necessary given the history of slide issues in the area. Mr. Pawluk asked if proposals were obtained from other companies. Mr. Benson said Midwest Testing is the same company that completed soil analysis studies for Stockmen's Supply Subdivision and is familiar with the area, so he prefers to use their services to be consistent. MOTION, passed Mrs. Scherling moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to authorize the chairman to sign an agreement task order with Midwest Testing Laboratory to complete a geotechnical soil analysis study for a slide repair on Cass County Highway 31 along the Red River. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 10. TAX EQUALIZATION BOARD, Reconvened for 2014 and recessed until July 7th Chairman Pawluk reconvened the 2014 Board of Tax Equalization. Frank Klein, County Tax Director, said no additional appeals have been received since the last meeting; however, he and the Fargo City Assessor need additional time to review the appeal from Lynn Harrie. Mr. Klein recommends the hearing be continued to the July 7th meeting. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Peterson seconded that the County Board of Tax Equalization recess until July 7, 2014. Motion carried. 11. GREATER FARGO MOORHEAD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Funds approved for second half of 2014 Jim Gartin, President of the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC), and Mark Vaux, Executive Vice President of Business Development, were present to provide an update on organizational activities from the first quarter of 2014. Mr. Gartin said staff has conducted 84 business retention visits and assisted in 56 business projects related to expansion and retention opportunities. He said their organization has issued Request for Qualifications (RFQ's) to conduct a comprehensive work force study, which will clearly define and focus on business and market force in the region. Mr. Peterson asked how GFMEDC has diversified its revenue stream over the last six months. Mr. Gartin discussed increases to the investor program with his goal to bring an additional 20 investors on board for 2014—so far he has recruited eight new investors. Mr. Peterson asked how the organization is working to attract college graduates from other parts of the country to this area that are looking for employment. Mr. Gartin said there is a state program through the Department of Commerce that focuses on attracting recent graduates to work in North Dakota.