09-06-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--September 6, 2005 2976 Mr. Vanyo said starting the project in the spring would allow time for the consultant, Jim Rowenhorst, to evaluate jail operations, as agreed to at the Sheriff's Department budget hearing on August 18, 2005. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to award bids to Comstock Construction, Robert Gibb & Sons, and Dakota Electric Construction for the Cass County jail expansion project, commencing in the spring of 2006. Discussion: Mrs. Sorum said she would favor starting some of the work this fall rather than waiting to begin until spring. Mr. Bennett would prefer starting construction immediately. Since the board earlier discussed allowing the contractor to begin work this fall under a spring contract, Mr. Hoganson said the level of work that may be started this fall needs to be clearly communicated between the county and the general contractor. At the call for the question and upon roll call vote, the motion carried with three members voting "Aye"; Mrs. Sorum and Mr. Bennett opposing. 14. ROAD DEPARTMENT, County Hiahway 17 aareement with City of West Farao Keith Berndt, County Engineer, was present to discuss the Cass County Highway 17 Memorandum of Agreement between the City of West Fargo and Cass County Government for the transfer of ownership of Highway 17 for a stretch of three miles between Interstate 94 and 52nd Avenue South. The City of West Fargo submitted a letter dated August 16, 2005, proposing changes in the agreement, which Mr. Berndt summarized today. He said West Fargo is proposing to limit their one-half share of the local costs of the 52nd Avenue intersection improvements at $125,000. Mr. Berndt said no engineering or appraisals have been completed at the 52nd Avenue intersection so $500,000 is a rough estimate of improvement costs. The cost of improvements would likely not be less than $500,000 and may be higher, dependent upon project scope and right-of-way costs. Commissioners discussed the City of West Fargo's proposal and felt putting a maximum county contribution on the 32nd Avenue bridge replacement project would be equal to West Fargo placing a maximum on the 52nd Avenue intersection improvements. Funds from Cass County's federal bridge allocation would be used for replacement of the Sheyenne River bridge at 32nd Avenue, which is estimated to cost $1,000,000. It could exceed that amount, depending upon right-of-way costs, which Mr. Berndt said would be a non-participating cost by the federal government. Concern about maintaining fairness in future joint road projects and transferring ownership of other county roads to cities is a consideration of the county board members. Mr. Pawluk suggested sending the county's previous agreement back to the City of West Fargo because he thinks it is fair and generous on the county's part. Mr. Vanyo said the agreement could be changed by Cass County "capping" the amount they pay toward the local share of the 32nd Avenue bridge replacement, since West Fargo is putting a maximum on their contribution to the 52nd Avenue project.