11-05-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--November 5, 2001 2379 r' said eliminating various components, which he outlined, could reduce the construction costs to $4.4 million, as originally estimated. Mr. Wagner asked why the architect didn't prepare a written proposal and cost estimate based on Option C, approved by the Board in May, which did not include relocating District Court. He said the estimated $8.8 million is double what the Board was talking about in May, and he does not think the county can afford that amount. Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator/Jail Project Coordinator, said all avenues were explored and all proposed participants in this project were consulted. The proposed players were given a copy of the Schematic Design Report provided by Foss Associates, and she is waiting for comments back from them. Cass County would be reimbursed in some manner if the Fargo Municipal Court decided to move to the courthouse campus. There was an agreement among Commissioners in June that Mrs. Johnson should contact the State Court Administrator about the possibility of using the services of an architect from the National Center of State Courts to help explore the option of moving criminal court from the courthouse to the proposed west addition. Doing so would eliminate the need to move prisoners through the public spaces in the Courthouse, according to Mrs. Johnson. r' Mr. Hoganson said the Board should keep in mind that he is not asking for a decision today on spending $8.8 million. He said the municipal court and district court need to be contacted along the way to make decisions also, and to determine what funds will be committed to the project on their behalf. District Judge Lawrence Leclerc was present at this time, and Mrs. Johnson indicated the plan is being widely reviewed by the North Dakota Supreme Court; and they are interested in further dialogue with Cass County. She also received an initial response from the City of Fargo that they are interested in a meeting to continue discussing the plans. She said a future budget will be based on who decides to participate in the project, and the county will live within that budget. She does not think the county should preclude any prospective partners at this time, however, the plans could be scaled back as the Board sees fit. Mr. Wagner asked about additional costs if the project is scaled back, and Mr. Hoganson said that would not add any costs. - Mr. Wagner said the Board looked at three different options, and the most expensive one was presented here today. He requested that the architect provide written estimates on the original option selected by the Board. Mr. Hoganson asked for some direction from the county on what costs they would like to have presented. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to receive and file the schematic design documents presented by Foss Associates for the west addition of the Cass County Courthouse; and further, to authorize the following actions: Discussion: Mr. Wagner asked if approving this motion includes any decision on item #4 below. Mrs. Johnson said the board is not making any decision on the project today but receiving and filing the schematic design and authorizing further dialogue. The motion carried unanimously. 1) Direct the County Coordinator to meet with representatives from the City of Fargo regarding the municipal court component;