11-07-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--November 7,2005 2999 MOTION, passed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to adopt Resolution #2005- 18 Relating to a Project under the Municipal Industrial Development Act, Giving the Project Preliminary Approval, Subject to a Public Hearing (NDSU Development Foundation Project); and subject to state's attorney approval. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 19. ROAD DEPARTMENT, Overweiaht vehicle variance Paul Diederich, President of Industrial Builders, Inc. appeared before the board concerning his letter dated October 28, 2005 requesting a variance to the permit fees for overweight vehicles as adopted by the board May 2, 2005 in Commission Policy 9.90, Over Dimension Vehicle Regulations. Mr. Diederich said his company's headquarters have been located at the intersection of County Roads 10 & 17 since 1974, and they have over 100 licensed motor vehicles, including seven "heavy-haul" tractor trailer trucks. With the enactment of the county's permit fees this spring, he said the cost of moving equipment from their yard to the various jobsites greatly increased, putting them at a competitive disadvantage. He is requesting a variance from any additional fees or the issuance of any additional permits during the period that spring load limits are in place. In other words, seasonal permits would apply year around for loads hauled on County Road 17 from Industrial Builders' yard to Interstate 29 at Harwood. He said if they can make smaller loads, they will do that. Mr. Diederich talked about the estimated cost of the additional permits to Industrial Builders under the new county policy. Mr. Pawluk asked about the impact on the highway of 180,000 pound loads, and Mr. Diederich agreed there would be an impact to the highway. He said he is aware the county's permitting system is in place to protect the roads from excessive deterioration, and his company does support the permitting system and has made every effort to fully comply. He is not asking for anything other than to get out of his yard and onto a State highway. Prior to military leave, County Engineer Keith Berndt indicated to Rich Sieg, acting highway department head, that County Road 17 from West Fargo to Harwood is a concrete section that could sustain reasonably well with no spring load restrictions. This would address the concerns of Mr. Diederich and be consistent to other haulers. Mr. Pawluk asked for an overview of County 17. Mr. Sieg said the highway was built in the early 1970's, and he concurs with Mr. Berndt that the road would not be greatly impacted. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to omit that portion of County Road 17 from Highway 10 north to Harwood from the annual spring load limit resolution since this is a concrete section of road that could sustain reasonably well with no spring load restrictions and such action would be consistent to other haulers. Discussion: Mr. Pawluk said he is not necessarily opposed to exempting this road; however, he suggested taking more time to study the impact of the heavy loads. Mr. Sieg said next year's budget will include a line item for testing roadways. Mr. Diederich said he believes people who use the roads should pay for it, however, the additional annual permit is a tax increase to his business. On roll call vote, the motion carried with four members voting "Aye" and Mr. Pawluk opposing.