08-15-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--August 15, 2002 2488 DEPARTMENT HEADS-PLEASE POST IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE FOR STAFF TO READ RECESSED MEETING OF CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING IN BUDGET SESSION AUGUST '15, 2002 MEETING TO ORDER Chairman Alon Wieland reconvened the budget meeting at 9:30 AM on August 15, 2002, in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse, with members present as follows: Donna Schneider, Robyn Sorum, John Meyer, Scott Wagner and Alon Wieland. Also present were County Coordinator Bonnie Johnson, County Auditor Michael Montplaisir and accountant Deb Ness. BUDGET REVIEW .Extension Service Brad Cogdi]l, Extension Agent/Chair, highlighted budget changes, including new equipment, for his department. The computer upgrade line item was reduced by 50% because of cost sharing with NDSU. Commissioners talked about grant funding for the parenting resoumes center. Mr. Wagner and Mrs. Schneider had differing opinions on the advantages/disadvantages of having county dollars in the budget for these types of programs. Mrs. Schneider said it shows suppor[ for the program, and Mr. Wagner thinks it may lessen the chances of getting grant funds. Mr. Cogdill said the county dollars were not spent last year, and he will again use other sources of funding before using the Commission's appropriation this year. Mr. Cogdill asked Commissioners to considering becoming a member of the Fargo- Moorhead Chamber of Commerce because the Extension Agents believe it is a good partnership with the business community. Mr. Wieland asked what information the Extension Service is providing to the public regarding the noxious weed, Purple Loosestdfe. Mr. Cogdill said there was some confusien in the beginning about removing existing plants, and it has now been clarified that it is illegal to have a Purple Loosestdfe plant. He said his department is giving the same information that the Weed Control Officer is providing to the public. Commissionem took a ten-minute break, and Mrs. Schneider had to leave at this time. Cass County Rural Seniors The Cass County Council on Aging was represented by President Marian Iverson, Treasurer Rueben Braaten, and Secretary June Goodman. Mrs. Iverson said there are 15 clubs in the rural area, and they hold monthly meetings in buildings either owned or rented by them. Their total request is for $2,300.00 more than this year. Mr. Wieland said the board will take the request under advisement, as they have done with ether budgets. Farqo Senior Commission on Aoino Brian Arett, Executive Director of the Fargo Senior Commission, Inc. was present and gave a brief overview of programs. He said the focus is to help senior citizens maintain their independence as long as possible. Mr. Montplaisir said the total of the senior citizen budgets are $15-20,000.00 more than the county has available.