08-16-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 16, 2001 2337 Red River Valley Fair Association Bruce Olson, Red River Valley Fair Manager, was present and said their budget request includes an additional $50,000 for improvements at the campground located to the east of the fairgrounds midway. He said the campground is in poor condition and it's ownership was discussed, but he said he was unable to find any written lease agreement. He had been told the Red River Valley Fair had a 25-year lease to operate the campground. Mr. Montplaisir said he thinks the campground is owned by the Cass County Park Board and that it could not be sold to the Fair Association because grant money was used to help build it. He also thinks it was leased to the Red River Valley Fair Association with the idea that proceeds from the rental of camping spots would maintain the property. No one objected to Mr. Wieland's suggestion to pursue a grant to help with repairs and consider a long-term lease for operation of the campground to the Fair Association. The Fair Association currently receives $80,000, which is used to pay for premiums, trophies, ribbons and liability insurance. Mr. Wieland suggested that the Commission consider some type of COLA (cost of living adjustment) for agencies such as the fair and the historical society. Far.qo Cass County Economic Development Corporation (FCCEDC) John Kramer and Tony Grindberg were present concerning the FCCEDC budget request. Cass County Social Services Director, Kathy Hogan, was also present for the discussion. Mr. Montplaisir commented on a separate proposal for a jobs training program that was to be submitted by the August 1st budget deadline, but it was not received by the Auditor's Office. Also, he said the loan pool was a revolving fund, and he understands it is now done. Mr. Kramer confirmed that the people appointed to the EDC Board from Fargo, West Fargo and Cass County felt the fund could sustain itself after it reached its goal of $8 million. Although no dollar amount was included, Mr. Grindberg talked about funding for a task force study entitled, "New Americans Skills Development." He said this jobs training program is still evolving and will probably be completed in two years time. Mr. Kramer said there is a shortage of entry-level people, and the new Americans are taking these positions. Mr. Wieland expressed concerns about the training program being directed to new Americans because it seems to exclude residents already in the work force who have Iow-paying jobs. He wanted them to be aware of some of the statistics concerning refugees, and that there are some down sides also. Mr. Montplaisir said the Commission needs to add this program to the preliminary budget today, if they want to consider it further during the budgeting process. Once the preliminary budget is approved next Monday, the number of mills cannot be increased. Mr. Wagner asked what the dollar request would be, and it was agreeable to add $180,000 to the budget at this time, with further consideration during the budget process. Commissioner Schneider was unable to attend today's budget meeting, and Mr. Wagner said he is aware that she has some questions about the proposed jobs training program. Discussing the program at a later time will allow for her input also. Cass County Rural Ambulance Association Daryl Lahren, Ken Habiger, Dan Ehlen, Amy Bush and Nancy Satrom were present for the budget hearing. The rural ambulance association is requesting the same amount as last year, and Commissioners were in agreement to leave that amount in the budget at this time.