08-15-1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--August 15, 1989 310 to authorize the Chairman and the Auditor to sign a lease with the North Dakota Attorney General for office space in the Courthouse south wing with a 90-day notice of cancellation. Mr. Wieland had withdrawn his second but again seconded the motion. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 13. BONANZAVILLE, Concerns aired A delegation was present from Bonanzaville, U.S.A informing the County Commission of their concerns about actions of the Cass County Historical Society Board. Mr. Arnie Pauls read a letter addressed to the Commissioners dated August 8, 1989, and signed by one member of the Historical Society, one former Board member, and seven past Presidents, stating that Eddie Biewer, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, was presiding over the August 1st meeting and immediately advised everyone present that only board members would be recognized to speak. Mr. Pauls read from the letter that those in the audience were denied the freedom of speech, and asked that the County Commission be aware of this violation of civil rights and that they investigate this matter. The Commissioners also received a copy of a letter from States Attorney Robert Hoy to Eddie Biewer stating that Mr. Hoy had received several complaints about Mr. Biewer's handling of a recent meeting at Bonanzaville, said meeting being the same referred to by Mr. Pauls in the letter which he read to the COmmission. The Commissioners also received a copy of a letter to the States Attorney from Mar§o Lang, Operations Manager for the Historical Society, stating that she may have misunderstood the States Attorney's replies to her questions on how to handle Board of Directors meetings which are out of control due to interruptions by those present in the audience. Mr. Pauls stated that the group he is represen%ing is concerned about a lot of things, particularly that there was a resolution passed by the Historical Society that no steel siding would be placed on buildings that are historic in nature, and that no buildings would be constructed at Bonanzaville unless they had the money in advance. Steel siding is presently being put on the school; and as far as he knows there is no money for the agriculture building which was recently approved for construction. Mrs. Toussaint asked the States Attorney what the Commission's responsibility is to Bonanzaville, besides funding. Mr. Hoy stated that since there are tax dollars going into Bonanzaville and he understands the County owns the land, there is certainly a basis for the Commission to have an interest in that property. How far the Commission wishes to take that, he felt, would be a matter of policy of the County Commission. Mr. Wieland felt that the Commissioners may have to be more involved as individuals, but he feels the County Commission is limited to three issues, these being construction of buildings, insurance, and the 1/4 mill levy which is provided to the Historical Society.