04-07-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

19. 20. 21. Commission Minutes--April 7, 2003 2579 Also commenting on the north basement location, Mr. Montplaisir said this is the area where election equipment and supplies are stored. This move will also affect access to the file storage room, which courthouse employees use daily. Mr. Vanyo said he believes contact with the public would be minimized by using the north basement for temporary holding of inmates, however, he is disappointed that the information the board received did not contain all of the costs, and commissioners are being asked to make a decision in a short timeframe. At the call for the question and upon roll call vote, the motion carried with four members voting "Aye" and Mr. Wagner opposing. VOUCHERS, Approved MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve Voucher No. 174,826 through No. 175,242. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. JAIL/SHERIFF'S RESIDENCE, Public comment Jens Tennefos, Fargo, said he is concerned about what is happening in Cass County with the jail demolition, and he wants to save the sheriff's residence from the same fate. He wanted someone from the board or the auditor to look at the condition of the concrete with him today because he does not believe it is in such bad shape. He thinks the commission should explain the plans for a new building west of the courthouse and identify how the building would be financed. He wondered what the extra space would be used for if Fargo Municipal Court does not relocate to the building. Mr. Wagner and Mr. Vanyo responded to Mr. Tennefos' questions. Mr. Vanyo said any plans the county commission has at this time are preliminary plans and when a decision is finalized on the sheriff's residence, the board will work more closely with the City of Fargo to reach a consensus on the possibility of combining court services. He said municipal court is certainly not the sole purpose in terms of courthouse expansion. The county has to build according to what their needs are, and the building will probably be expanded over the years like the additions on the courthouse. Mr. Tennefos said commissioners need to listen to what other people have to say, and not only talk to other members of the commission. MEETING UPDATES, Committee reports Commissioners and county staff attended the annual spring meeting of the Cass County Township Officers' Association in Casselton last week. Mrs. Sorum said commissioners have talked to numerous citizens about the jail and sheriff's residence. For every one person who wants the buildings saved, she estimated ten do not want the county to spend the extra money. Mr. Wagner said commissioners do try to listen to a number of county residents, not just one group, and he believes the vast majority of citizens understand the board's position. Mr. Bennett talked about people's needs versus wants, and he read from the National County Government Week Proclamation adopted today. It addresses the needs of children, providing critical services to children and families, providing needed eldedy services and healthcare to the disabled and needy, and providing necessary emergency services when natural or man-made disaster strikes. He views the sheriff's house as a want, and not a need of the county.