12-20-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--December 20, 2004 2837 MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to enter into discussions with the architectural firm of Foss Associates with regard to construction costs, bidding process, requested fee and consulting services for possible first expansion of the Cass County Jail; and direct County Coordinator Bonnie Johnson to assess consulting selections with Foss Associates. Discussion: Mr. Pawluk asked about the county's financial obligation at this point, and Mrs. Johnson said any further costs would be presented to the board in the form of a contract. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 17. JAIL INTERVENTION COMMITTEE, Commissioner Bennett to represent commission on the committee Mr. Ellingsberg said a committee was formed several months ago to study alternatives to incarcerating the severely mentally ill. He said the committee would like to report their findings to a local board or commission and to propose recommendations for changes to policies or lobby for changes in laws where appropriate. The group includes mental health/ medical professionals, law enforcement and other related professions. Mr. Wagner said the National Association of Counties may be able to provide insight also. Mr. Ellingsberg will contact them because the committee is trying to utilize all resources that are available. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to formally recognize the Jail Intervention Coordinating Committee and request that the committee report back to the Cass County Commission within 60 days with any recommendations on how Cass County can direct people with severe mental illness and/or chemical dependency toward high quality lives, and away from the revolving door of the criminal justice system; and that representatives from the Cass County Commission and the Fargo City Commission serve on the committee. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bennett volunteered to represent Cass County on the committee since he holds the Sheriff's Department portfolio. All commissioners were in agreement. 18. EMERGENCY SERVICES, Temporarily re-Iocated at Farao Fire Department Jim Thoreson, Chief Deputy Sheriff, reported that Dave Rogness, Cass County Emergency Manager, will temporarily relocate with the City of Fargo Emergency Manager to the Fargo Fire Department, 637 NP Avenue, to improve communication between the two jurisdictions. This location will be utilized until the planned move to the Fargo Industrial Park takes place. 19. ROAD DEPARTMENT, Transystems, LLC truck load limits Keith Berndt, County Engineer, received a request from Transystems, LLC for a permit to haul heavier loads on Cass County Highways 5 and 11. Daniel Rice, Vice President of Transystems, was present and also attended a meeting earlier today of the Road Advisory Committee, where a recommendation was made to approve the request for a special permit on certain county roads for a limited time and to consider future policy changes.