06-20-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--June 20, 2005 2916 Mr. Hoganson said July 8th is the anticipated date for construction documents to be completed, with bidding to be held the week of August 15, 2005, and contract negotiations being completed by the September 6th county commission meeting. If the bids are favorable to begin construction, the county could occupy the jail addition in January, 2007. Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator, talked about alternates and cost increases included in the estimate presented today. She said the estimate does not include the architect fees. Mr. Wagner asked how much money is in the jail sales tax fund collected for the expansion project, and Mr. Montplaisir said the fund has approximately $5.2 million at this time. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to proceed with the bidding process on the jail expansion project. Discussion: Mrs. Johnson said the county auditor is proposing that a draft ordinance be prepared for the first meeting in July and second reading at the first meeting in August for the construction and financing of the jail addition. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 12. RIVER KEEPERS, Request for Qravel parkinQ area on north side of Forest River Road Robert Backman, Executive Director of River Keepers, submitted a letter dated May 31, 2005, and he was present today regarding a request that Cass County install a graveled parking area on the north side of Forest River Road, close to where it is blocked with a gate. This parking area would be on county owned flood land and used by people wanting to access the Red River for recreational use with canoes and kayaks. He indicated the cost of improvements would be about $1,500, which would be paid from a grant to River Keepers from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Keith Berndt, County Engineer, believes this amount is sufficient to pay for the gravel needed for this project. Mr. Wagner suggested keeping this option open and to discuss the future use of flood lots with the county park board and include the Fargo Park District because this land is in their extra-territorial area. Mr. Pawluk views the river as a resource and anything the county does to use the land in this area does not prohibit the board from making other decisions. MOTION, failed Mr. Pawluk moved that the commission authorize the expenditure of $1,500.00, contingent upon the receipt of grant funds sought by River Keepers, for the installation of a gravel parking area on the property adjacent to the Forest River Road. The chairman called three times for a second to the motion and hearing none, declared the motion failed for lack of a second. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to keep the current options open; however, the commission would direct the request to the county park board as an overall discussion on land use policies. Discussion: Mr. Pawluk agrees with the idea of future land use discussions, however, he does not want to hold up the parking lot project which is an asset for River Keepers and involves only five loads of gravel. Mr. Vanyo asked for comments in terms of any legal issues, and Mr. Burdick said the county has recreational use immunity by not charging a fee to use the parking lot. He has intended to contact the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund to inquire if there have been any particular concerns around the state on these matters. Mrs. Sorum suggested calling a park