01-06-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--January 6, 2003 2546 Former Cass County State's Attorney Robert Hoy, of the Ohnstad Twichell Law Firm, was recommended and has agreed to assist the county at the rate of $150 per hour. Mr. Hoy was State's Attorney in the early 1980's and resolved some property issues for the county during his tenure, Mr. Wagner said. Due to time constraints and the workload in his office, Mr. Burdick said he is willing to accept the commission hiring Robert Hoy as outside counsel and will work with him as needed. Mr. Burdick said the issue is that the county commission has looked to remove the old jail and sheriff's residence in order to perhaps build a new structure at that location. The county received a letter from the State Historical Society of North Dakota in early December, 2002 indicating these structures are historically significant a nd a re listed 0 n the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Burdick conducted some initial research, reviewing State statutes and the Cass County Home Rule Charter, and he thinks it would be a significant investment of time to address issues now and in the future if a decision is appealed to the Supreme Court. He said the statutes allow for hiring outside legal counsel, and Mr. Hoy has a great deal of talent and experience in private practice, as well as his years of public work as former State's Attorney. Mrs. Sorum asked about funding and setting a limit on the dollar amount the county would pay for outside counsel. She also asked if this decision is premature. Mr. Montplaisir said the county has a $1,000 budget line item for legal services. Mr. Meyer said the board has been working on this project for nearly two years, and he thinks it is time to move forward. As a county taxpayer also, he is interested in consolidating public services where possible, and the county has had preliminary discussions with the City of Fargo on combining court services. Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator, updated the commission 0 n the project t imeframe. She said the bid phase for the demolition has begun, and contractors will walk through the buildings tomorrow with the architect. Bid opening is scheduled for 10:30 AM on January 16th. The bidding process has also started for lead paint and asbestos removal. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve an hourly contract with Robert Hoy for legal services relating to demolition of the old jail and sheriff's residence. The motion carried on roll call vote with four members voting "Aye" and Mrs. Sorum opposing. 23. VOUCHERS, Approved MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to approve Vouchers No. 170,936 through No. 172,308. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 24. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE; JAIL INTERACTIVE TV; WORKER'S COMPENSATION ANNUAL REPORT; MEETING UPDATES, Committee reports Mrs. Johnson reported on upcoming legislative hearings, and weekly meetings with Cass County department heads will begin this Friday at 3:00 PM in the Commission Room. An ITV (interactive television) meeting is scheduled for Thursday of this week to move into the purchasing phase for equipment at the new jail, according to Mrs. Johnson.