01-22-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--January 22, 2003 2552 SPECIAL MEETING OF CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY REPRESENTATIVES CASS COUNTY COURTHOUSE, FARGO ND JANUARY 22, 2003 MEETING TO ORDER Cass County Commission Chairman, Scott Wagner, called the meeting to order at 11:30 AM in the County Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse, with all members present as follows: John Meyer, Robyn $orum, Darrell Vanyo, Vern Bennett and Scoff Wagner. The following were also in attendance: Merlan Paaverud, State Historic Preservation Officer, Tom Linn, Architectural Project Manager, and Fern Swenson, Director of Historic Preservation Division of the State Historical Society of North Dakota; Attorneys Birch Burdick and Robert Hoy; Amhitects Terry Stroh and Rick Hoganson; Auditor Michael Montplaisir; County Coordinator Bonnie Johnson; Jim Thoreson, Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy; approximately 20 Cass County citizens; and local media. Mr. Wagner stated the purpose of the meeting is for an information session between the County Commission and the State Historical Society where both sides could share ideas concerning the future of the former jail and sheriff's residence. He said the group would tour past renovations in the Courthouse itself, followed by a walk-through of the old jail and sheriff's residence. In view of the number of citizens present, Mr. Wagner said there will be two tour groups today, and he will set aside 15-20 minutes of time for public comment at the end of the meeting. TOUR COMPLETED, Discussion held After the tour was completed, and lunch provided for the meeting participants, Mr. Wagner called upon Mrs. Johnson to provide background information on the county's study process up to this point. Mrs. Johnson began with the county considering options for the new jail, which is located at 450 34th Street South in Fargo, and she gave a detailed account of how the county reached its decision to build a new jail and demolish the old one, with plans for a replacement facility at the site of the old jail and sheriff's residence in the future. Mr. Thoreson talked about public safety and security concerns because prisoners are now brought to the courtrooms via public hallways. A contemplated new facility would have separate hallways for moving prisoners from a secure transport area to the courtrooms to keep inmates away from victims and families. In addition, he said secure holding areas are needed for prisoners transported from the jail while they are awaiting their turn in court. Mr. Montplaisir talked about the one-half cent sales tax that was used to pay for the new jail, as well as the county's future building fund for a west-side addition. The North Dakota Legislature has been approached about providing funding for future Cass County Courthouse expansion to help pay for District Court space in the building. Municipal Court is also included in the future building plans for a "one-stop shopping" court concept.