08-19-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--August 19, 2005 2968 ~ He discussed the Work Force Housing Coalition, who asked for assistance from MetroCOG to conduct a study; therefore, the budget request will increase by $2,886 to help cover costs for the work force study. The total county share would be $15,607 for 2006. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve the 2006 preliminary budget for the Metropolitan Council of Governments as amended to include $2,886 for the work force study. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 6. BUILDINGS & GROUNDS JAIL BUDGET Commissioners discussed the Buildings and Grounds budget for the Cass County Jail, which includes $30,000 for an additional maintenance employee to work solely at the jail. Mr. Wagner suggested the vandalism issues at the facility be addressed before staff is added. He suggested Jim Rowenhorst, Jail Consultant, be asked to look at the concerns. Mr. Rowenhorst assisted with operation issues during the construction of the jail and is knowledgeable about the facility. According to Mr. Wagner, the sheriff and jail administrator support the idea. Mrs. Johnson spoke with Mr. Rowenhorst, who is willing to assist the county, and is available around the middle of September. A two-day visit may cost up to $3,000 in addition to airfare and expenses and there is $4,500 in the contingency fund that could be used to cover the costs. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to approve the use of contingency funds to secure the services of Jim Rowenhorst, Jail Consultant, to look at vandalism issues at the Cass County Jail. On roll \.,. call vote, the motion carried unanimously. There was discussion about the maintenance staff at the jail. Mrs. Johnson and Glenn Ellingsberg, Jail Administrator, will be meeting next week to discuss issues at the jail. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to approve the 2006 Buildings and Grounds Jail budget with the removal of an additional maintenance employee. Discussion: Mr. Wagner said the commission has a responsibility to know what is going on within county departments. Mrs. Sorum suggested commissioners visit the jail to see how the facility is running. Mr. Bennett said after the consultant visits and determines an additional maintenance staff person may be needed, whether a budget adjustment could be made for the position. Mr. Montplaisir said a budget adjustment may be made in a situation like this. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 7. HUMANE SOCIETY Suzanne Edson, Executive Director, was present. The Humane Society is in the process of building a new facility to serve as the municipal pound for Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding communities. \.,.. Commissioners asked how the additional funding will be used, since in the past, the county has funded their program to educate the public. Ms. Edson said it would go toward educating the rural community about spaying, neutering and not allowing animals to roam.