09-02-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—September 2, 2014 4363 e. Contract approval - Centre, Inc.—continuation of agreement for 2015-2016 for minimum security services, day reporting and electronic monitoring services for jail inmates; - CBM Managed Services—contract amendment extending the agreement for three years for the period of March 1, 2015, through February 28, 2018, and increase jail inmate meals by 2.5% the first year and zero percent increase the last two years of the contract period; - Terracon Consultants, Inc.—task order to complete a geotechnical study on a slide near the south abutment of a bridge located on the Maple River in Sections 28-29 of Maple River Township; - Houston Engineering, Inc.—engineering services to complete a field survey and hydraulic analysis for a bridge on the Maple River located in Sections 28-29 of Maple River Township. 6. RESOLUTION #2014-14, Existing Emergency Services Communications (9-1-1) Fee increase Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor, provided a brief history on the emergency services communications (911) fee charged to residents. He said currently there are three different fees within the county that have been implemented by Fargo, West Fargo and Cass County. As a result, he has met with officials from both cities to discuss raising and converting it to a single county-wide fee. At the present time, all three entities must supplement the fee with property tax revenue to cover costs associated with 911 services provided to residents. He said telephone companies track city boundaries in order to charge the correct fee to remit to the appropriate jurisdiction, which at times is difficult to administer and has resulted in errors. Mr. Montplaisir said the resolution for consideration today is a county-wide fee to increase the 911 fee to $1.50 per month, which is the maximum amount allowable to charge residents. The deadline is today at 4:00 PM to submit a ballot measure for the general election scheduled for November 4, 2014. He said if the measure is approved by voters, an agreement with Fargo and West Fargo will be needed to handle any shortfalls in the fund. Mr. Bennett asked whether the fee is for land or cell phones. Mr. Montplaisir said it is for all communication devices, including wireless plans. Mr. Bennett asked for the reason behind the cost increases and Mr. Montplaisir said technology, manpower and equipment replacements attribute for some of the increase. Mr. Peterson asked about the issue of fee shortages and whether Fargo and West Fargo would be willing to negotiate with the county. Mr. Montplaisir believes both cities are willing to negotiate and enter into some type of agreement with Cass County. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Scherling seconded to adopt Resolution #2014-14, To Increase the Existing Emergency Services Communications (9-1-1) Fee. Discussion: Mr. Pawluk asked about educating the public regarding the issue. State's Attorney Birch Burdick discussed state law which states that public resources may not be used to advocate in favor or in opposition to a particular issue. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.