11-20-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--November 20, 2000 2220 The options proposed by Mr. Burdick are as follows: 1) the outgoing commissioners leave office and the new commissioners take office on the first Monday in December; 2) the outgoing commissioners leave office and the new commissioners take office on the first Monday in January; or 3) the outgoing commissioners leave office on the first Monday in January, the new commissioners take office on the first Monday in December, and they jointly serve during the month of December. In conclusion, Mr. Burdick said it appears there is no right answer, however, it is his opinion that the Commission should follow the Attorney General's opinion, which would mean the term of the outgoing commissioners ends and the term of the incoming commissioners begins the first Monday of January, namely January 1, 2001. However, since January 1 st is a holiday, the new terms would actually begin on January 2, 2001. Commissioners discussed the options provided by the State's Attorney. Mr. Meyer suggested that the oath of office be administered to the incoming commissioners, Scott Wagner and Robyn Sorum, on the first Monday in December, and they would have the rest of the month to get acquainted with county department heads. Jeannette Stanton, Fargo, asked to address the board at this time and said it seems to her that the current law should be followed--the law passed by the 1997 legislature whereby commissioners would take office the first Monday in December. Mr. Burdick said all of the laws mentioned earlier are current also. Mr. Wieland said it appears the county will be in violation of state law, no matter what decision is reached, and it appears to him that the most practical solution is to have seven commissioners instead of five, from December 4 through December 31,2000, and to conduct routine business only during that time frame in order to limit possible future consequences due to the wrong commissioners voting on an issue. Both of the incoming commissioners stated their concurrence in resolving the term issue in the manner suggested by Mr. Wieland. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded to approve the third or combined option, as outlined by the State's Attorney, whereby the outgoing commissioners leave office on the first Monday in January, the new commissioners take office on the first Monday in December, and they jointly serve during the month of December. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded to authorize Chairman John Meyer to review the vouchers and give authority for payment of December bills and to sign contracts on behalf of the Board, which may be forwarded to Cass County during the month of December, subject to State's Attorney review and approval. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 14. COMMISSIONERS RECEIVE PLAQUES, Appreciation for service to county government Chairman Meyer presented engraved plaques to outgoing Commissioners Roberta "Robbie" Quick and R. Paul Koenig in appreciation of their years of service to Cass County government from January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2000. Comments followed on the board's accomplishments during the past four years.