01-06-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--January 6, 2003 2545 19. CONTRACT APPROVAL, Dakota Medical Foundation: Farao Cass Public Health MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve the following contracts submitted by the respective department head, subject to state's attorney approval, and authorize the chairman to sign: On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Dakota Medical Foundation grant agreement for enrollment assistance project through Social Services; Fargo Cass Public Health for in-home services to eligible individuals. 20. ERIE TOWNSHIP, Authorize house to be torn down A letter was received from the County Auditor requesting authorization to demolish a house in Erie Township which the county acquired for non-payment of taxes. He said the property was offered for sale for $500 at the annual tax sale, however, no one bid on it. He believes the best solution would be to remove the residence and try to sell the vacant lot. Keith Berndt, County Engineer, said the cost would be nominal for his department to provide some equipment and manpower to demolish the building. His intention would be to contact the local fire department to see if they would be interested in using this as a controlled burning exercise. His department could bury the material on-site, with approval from the State Health Department, or haul it to an approved landfill if the building is knocked down. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to allow the County Auditor to contract with the Cass County Highway Department to demolish a house which the county acquired by tax-forfeiture, known as Lot 6, Block 3 of Erie Village in Erie Township, and to pay the costs from the contingency line item. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 21. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT, Greenway aCQuisition progress report Mr. Berndt provided a brief progress report on the Greenway Acquisition Project. He said Cass County's objective is to establish a natural buffer, or greenway, adjacent to the Red and Wild Rice Rivers to reduce flood damage and lower government expenditures. The greenway will be created on property purchased by the county through a $2.2 million FEMA grant paying for 85% of the cost, and county funds would be used to pay the 15% local match. About 25 landowners have expressed an interest in potential greenway acquisitions. In response to a question from Mr. Vanyo regarding City of Fargo discussion on a southside protection plan, Mr. Berndt said the greenway is intended to be consistent and compatible with other flood protection measures. Mr. Bennett asked what impact the greenway project will have on future flooding, and Mr. Berndt said it will not have a large impact on controlling flooding. The goal is to limit development on these properties through public ownership. 22. JAIUSHERIFF'S RESIDENCE, Hourly contract for legal services relating to demolition Mr. Wagner indicated he has had discussions with Birch Burdick, State's Attorney, over the past few weeks concerning the possibility of hiring outside legal counsel to assist with moving forward on the demolition of the old jail and sheriff's residence.