05-21-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

,-- ,-- - Commission Minutes--May 21, 2001 2286 The joint powers agreement has two goals, according to Mrs. Johnson, which are as follows: 1) to enhance public safety, and 2) to economize revenues. She said the State's Attorney brought one item to her attention in the contract that she will refer back to the attorneys who drafted the agreement. Mr. Burdick noted several references to the term 'governmental entities' and this should be changed because that terminology does not pertain to F-M Ambulance Services, which is also a party to the agreement. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to approve the Joint Powers Agreement and enter into a metropolitan joint dispatch/911 contract, and authorize the chairman to sign the agreement. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 9. HORSE PARK FACILITY, Farao-Cass County Economic Development discussion John Kramer, President of the Fargo-Cass County Economic Development Corporation (FCCEDC), was present to discuss a change in the Growth Initiative Fund that would allow a private sector loan for a proposed horse park facility. Several private and public groups have been discussing the development of a horse park facility for the past several months, possibly in conjunction with a program being proposed by the North Dakota State University (NDSU). He said a local group is interested in submitting a proposal to the State of North Dakota to develop this facility in Cass County. Mr. Kramer said he has not been involved in the details of the facility development, however, his involvement has been in the possible funding aspects, especially for the acquisition of land. The FCCEDC Board of Directors, and some of the members, 40% of which are public appointees to the board, do not want to use any public funds in the project. There is approximately $200,000-$250,000 in private sector funds which were put into the Growth Initiative when it was created in 1992, according to Mr. Kramer. These funds could possibly be made available on a 1 O-year loan program, using land as collateral. Once the facility becomes profitable and the loan is repaid, that money would be returned to the Growth Initiative Fund. Mr. Wagner, who is one of two Cass County appointees to the FCCEDC, said his concern on the Growth Initiative Fund is that no public sector funds should be used for the horse park facility, and that there would be no extension of the fund to make up the $200-$250,000 of private sector money, if it is used. Jeannette Stanton, Fargo, addressed the Board at this time and said she thinks it is most inappropriate and irresponsible to take any money, public or private, and put it into a horse park facility. She said the facility should operate on its own profits. 10. EXTENSION SERVICE, Youth development proiect Brad Cogdill, Extension Agent/Chair, was present to discuss a grant for the McCormick Neighborhood Youth Development Project, to be funded with USDA Cooperative State Research and Education Service funds targeted for educational programs for children, youth and families at risk. He said this neighborhood fit the criteria for this particular initiative, primarily due to its diverse socio-economic and ethnic representation. NDSU Extension Service is the fiscal agent for this project, and Mr. Cogdill said it involves the Cass County Extension Office as far as staff time, office space, telephone and computer for one agent, and support staff (which would be met through a temporary employment agency).