02-05-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

COmmission Minutes--February 5, 2001 2245 County, and if there is enough support from the residents of Cass County to make any new business viable. --- The Cass County Commission is being asked to contribute $10,000 for a survey of residents in a specified geographical area of Cass County concerning economic development issues. The total cost of the survey is estimated at $12-14,000.00. Mr. Leier said this group has been in contact with NDSU asking them to help formulate the survey questions and interpret the results, and the committee has approached the Fargo Cass County Economic Development Corporation (FCCEDC) about possible involvement from them. Both Commissioners Meyer and Wagner visited with John Kramer, President of FCCEDC, concerning the Rural Cass Area Business Development Committee's letter to the Commission dated January 19, 2001. Mr. Kramer indicated to them a willingness to conduct the survey, tailoring it to the needs of the rural committee. Mr. Wagner said Cass County appropriated over $600,000 in this year's budget for economic development in the county. Mr. Wieland said he would like to see a detailed budget of the estimated survey cost, and he suggested that Commissioners Sorum and Wagner, along with representatives of FCCEDC, meet with the Rural Cass Area Business Development Committee to define what information they are seeking and determine a timeline for the survey. ----- Mr. Leier said his group had initially hoped to complete the survey by mid-summer. He believes it will provide an important piece of information once it is completed. He said the group is willing to work with Commissioners Sorum and Wagner, as recommended by Mr. Wieland, and he will contact Mr. Kramer at FCCEDC. Mrs. Sorum said the proposed survey is being well perceived in the rural area, and she is anxious to have this committee move forward. Jeannette Stanton, Fargo, asked how many mills are being levied for economic development, and she was told it is 2.75 mills, or $661,000, in this year's budget. Mr. Wieland said this amount includes money for a loan pool, Customs Service and Lake Agassiz Regional Council. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Wagner seconded that Commissioners Robyn Sorum and Scott Wagner be appointed to serve on a committee to meet with the Rural Cass Area Business Development Committee and the Fargo Cass County Economic Development Corporation concerning the rural survey discussed today. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 16. VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE, Budaet adiustment for cODier James Brent, Veterans Service Officer, submitted a request for a 2001 budget __ adjustment to purchase an updated office copier at a cost of $2,889. However, since submitting his written request, he obtained three different bids and would like to purchase a Konica copier for $5,159, which includes a maintenance agreement. He said the current copier still provides service, however, it does not have the enhanced