07-05-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--July 5, 2005 2923 Mr. Wagner said the board has a process available through the statutes that should be followed in order to provide future infrastructure upgrades. He said it is important for the county to be consistent in offering fair market value. A special board consisting of the county auditor, county treasurer and county recorder is the next step in the process and they will meet to determine the amount of damages for taking the land for road right of way. Mr. Montplaisir said the landowners have the option to take the matter to the District Court if they feel the amount determined by the special committee is unacceptable. Mr. Pronovost said removing the culvert in the middle of the road would be a move in the right direction for them. On the drainage issue, Mr. Berndt said there is an existing centerline culvert through the road because, generally, roads should not act as dikes. He did agree to put a larger culvert in their field access and reshape the ditch in an effort to divert some of the water; however, Mr. Berndt feels it would be an injustice if the centerline culvert is removed because it serves as a function for a number of people to the south. He said the County Highway 14 improvements will help ease the traffic flow when future road work is done on Cass 17. Mr. Vanyo asked if a delay in the project would jeopardize funding, and Mr. Berndt said the funding through the North Dakota Department of Transportation will not be forfeited if the board wishes to defer the project for a year. Mrs. Sorum believes the project is important because it will reduce some of the traffic on County Highway 17, and she agrees with the appraisal process that the county follows. She does, however, favor taking time to review this drainage issue again on County Highway 14. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to delay a decision on the condemnation proceedings for the County Highway 14 project until the next commission meeting. Discussion: Mr. Wagner asked what direction this gives the county engineer before the next meeting, and Mr. Bennett suggested that the parties involved get together and possibly present a resolution of the situation that the board could address. If not, the board will have to make a decision. Mr. Berndt said the road advisory committee decided last August to proceed with this project, and the appraisal process began almost immediately. Because of the length of time it has taken, Mr. Berndt said a second appraisal or review appraisal has been hired. Also, in this instance, the county director of equalization attended a number of meetings to review those appraised values, which is like a third opinion. Mr. Berndt said the process has taken a long time and that is why he asked the board to approve the construction contract at the same time as trying to buy the land. Mr. Vanyo said he favors putting this item back on the next commission agenda; and he asked Mr. Pronovost to provide information and suggestions on what might change and how he feels the land should be valued. At the call for the question and on roll call vote, the motion carried with four members voting "Aye" and Mr. Wagner opposing.