03-17-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--March 17, 2003 2572 Mr. Walters also discussed the Growth Initiative fund, which is capitalized with total public funding of $5.8 million over the course of eight years. Cass County's contribution was $3.7 million, or approximately 60% of the fund. He expressed that he would like to present an annual report to the Commission specifically on this fund. The audit on this fund will be completed within the next two months. Currently, there are 53 outstanding loans at a total of $2.9 million. There is $617,000 set aside for new and expanding projects not yet expended. Total project activity is approximately $3.5 million with this fund. In cash reserve, there is a balance of $3.6 million. The total fund now has total assets of $6.5 million. In response to questions regarding the funding of a rural economic development survey, Mr. Walters said the original budget was $15,000. It has come back with fewer costs incurred, at $9,500. The funding is to be a partnership between FCCEDC and some of the rural communities that would be a beneficiary to the survey. 11. VOUCHERS, Approved MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve Voucher No. 174,302 through No. 174,825. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 12. PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Wagner opened the meeting for public comment. Jens Tennefos, Jeannette Stanton, Mark Schatz, Jon Offutt and Nettie Berger presented comments regarding the old sheriff's residence. Questions were posed regarding removal of the handicap ramp to the house, removal of furniture, and assurances the house will not be damaged during removal of the jail. Mr. Meyer responded the ramp had to be removed by the contractor to move machinery, and he does not agree the handicap ramp is part of the historical aspect of the house. Bonnie Johnson said all of the furniture has been removed from the house and will be used by county departments. Mr. Wagner explained there are questions on the integrity of the structure of the house during removal of the jail. The State Historical Board was given this information before they voted that the county could proceed with demolition of the jail. Mrs. Stanton inquired about how to get on the Commission agenda. Mr. Wagner said anyone wishing to be placed on the agenda can contact the secretary for the county commission and provide any written material regarding the topic to be discussed. 13. ANNEX DAMAGE UPDATE; MEETINGS; LEGISLATIVE UPDATE, Committee reports Commissioners reported on meetings they recently attended and upcoming meetings. Mr. Meyer has been appointed Chairman of the East Central County Commissioners Association. The September meeting of the association will be in Fargo. Mr. Montplaisir has been appointed to a federal committee to work on the implementation of the Election Reform Act. He will be attending an upcoming meeting in Colorado on behalf of the County Auditor's Association.