02-18-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--February 18, 2003 2563 Mr. Stroh explained the preliminary steps to be taken prior to demolition, as outlined to the ,,- board in a memorandum from County Coordinator Bonnie Johnson dated February 5, 2003, including photographing/sketching the buildings, preparations for an inmate holding area on the second floor of the courthouse, the sheriff to remove all property from the buildings and update the county inventory records accordingly, and maintenance staff to remove any unusable items for salvage/storage, including the shop area. Mr. Stroh said it will take 3-4 weeks to complete the preliminary work, and he estimated the demolition will take 5-6 weeks. Salvaging some of the exterior stone and decorative items that have been specified will also take some time, he said. At the January 22nd commission meeting with representatives of the State Historical Society, Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor, provided information concerning the cost of demolition, associated electrical and mechanical work, abatement of asbestos/hazardous materials, backfill of basement areas, replacement of the generator, construction of a temporary shop for the maintenance department and county equipment, and other incidental items. His estimate of the total cost of these items is $500,549.00, including the demolition base bid. ",.- The chairman next invited comments from the audience. John Strand, Fargo, said he begs to differ with Mr. Hoy's legal opinion that the commission can vote to demolish both buildings. He believes the board does not have permission from the State Historical Society to demolish the sheriff's residence. He read excerpts from an Attorney General's opinion relating to saving the McLean County Courthouse from destruction and also referenced Section 55-02-07 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to permission from the state historical board to destroy buildings deemed to be historically significant. Mr. Hoy responded that the Attorney General's opinion, which Mr. Strand referred to, is binding upon McLean County, since it was issued to that entity, and is not necessarily binding on Cass County. He stands by his opinion earlier today that the county could proceed with awarding bids for demolition of the old jail and sheriff's residence. ,,- Mr. Meyer said he believes all avenues have been explored for determining the best use of county property and resources in constructing a new addition where the jail and sheriff's residence are located. As a county taxpayer also, he believes saving one or both buildings brings up new concerns of the building's design and how it would fit with the existing courthouse, and he cannot ignore the additional costs of approximately $500,000 to $750,000 outlined by the architect. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved to award the low bid to Industrial Builders, Inc. of Fargo for the general demolition of the former Cass County jail/sheriff residence; to contract with Bergstrom Electric for electrical demolition and relocation work; Grant's Mechanical for mechanical demolition and relocation; Butler Equipment for generator purchase/lease; HES Environmental Services for asbestos/hazardous material abatement; and T.L. Stroh for construction of temporary shelters for mechanical/ electrical/Cass County needs. And further, to proceed with demolition steps as outlined in the memorandum dated February 5, 2003, from Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator.