11-19-01 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Road Advisory Minutes--November 19, 2001 1 ROAD ADVISORY COMMI'I-rEE NOVEMBER 19, 2001-2:00 PM MEETING TO ORDER Commissioner Sorum called to order a meeting of the Road Advisory Committee at 2:00 PM, Monday, November 19, 2001, in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse. The following members were present: John Meyer, Scott Wagner, Robyn Sorum, Jurgen Suhr, Dennis Rust, Keith Berndt and Rich Sieg. Alon Wieland arrived later in the meeting. Donna Schneider and Mark Johnson were absent. LEONARD ELEVATOR ROAD UPDATE Mr. Berndt met with Clark Holzwarth, Chaffee Lynchberg Elevator, and a representative from ConAgra Trade Group, Omaha, to further discuss their request. The group has several decisions to make before proceeding on the road project and at this time, no formal action is needed from the committee. WEST FARGO/EAGLE RUN BIKEWAY Mr. Berndt spoke with the West Fargo City Planner regarding enhancement funds for this bikeway path from West Fargo south two miles to 40th Avenue adjacent to County 17. They decided the county should wait to submit the application for enhancement funds until next year after the County Road 17 Corridor Study is completed. This will also allow time for public input. EMERGENCY TOWING OF STRANDED CARS, County Engineer to meet with Sheriff and Fargo Police Chief to develop polic~ Mr. Berndt said after the October snowstorm, an unusually large amount of stranded vehicles were [eft abandoned and locked, at times in the middle of roads throughout the county. He said this presented many problems, with safety being the largest issue. He said snow plows were unable to plow roads because of vehicles that were abandoned. In the past, enforcement were notified, conducted a license plate search to find the owner and a tow truck was called; however, due to the large number of cars stranded, tow trucks were not able to get to them as quickly. He wants to meet with our County Sheriff and Fargo Police Chief to develop a policy to ensure that stranded vehicles are considered a top priority with towing companies. He said the county may have to pay a premium for this type of arrangement. The car owner would then have to pay a fee when picking up the car. CONSTRUCTION PROJECT REPORT Mr, Bemdt reviewed highway and bridge projects as outlined in the project status report distributed to committee members. RATCHENSKI FIELD ACCESS, Proposed settlement aqreement scheduled for County Commission meetinq Mr. Semdt met with Commissioner Sorum, States Attorney Birch Burdick, David Ratchenski, his attorney and Gene Piper. Mr. Ratchenski said he was willing to sell his land for $38,700 to Mr. Piper. Mr. Piper agreed to purchase the land at a $15,000 discount. Mr. Ratchenski also requested attorney fees and administrative costs in the amount of $3,863 be paid. Mr. Bemdt said the cost to the county would be approximately $19,000. The County Commission will act on a settlement agreement at today's Commission meeting.