02-03-1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--February 3, 1992 820 MOTION, passed Mrs. Toussaint moved and Mr. Risher seconded to authorize the Chairman of the Cass County Commission to sign the agreement with the Red River Valley Fair Association as presented by the State's Attorney. Discussion: Mr. Eckert said he is opposed to this agreement because he doesn't feel it is in the best interests of the general public of Cass County. He thinks it is circumventing the law by lowering the value to less than $1,000. Mr. Shannon said any benefit that the taxpayers of this county ever enjoyed was deeded away in April, 1979. Mr. Wieland said the 1979 Board of Cass County Commissioners proceeded to ask for five seats on the Fair Board so they could have more control. He doesn't think the present Board of Cass County Commissioners wants to control the fair or Bonanzaville, and this agreement would preclude that from happening. Mr. Risher asked about ownership of the fairgrounds prior to April, 1979. Mr. Goff said the Board of County Commissioners on April 11, 1979, deeded the property in total to the Red River Valley Fair. On April 12, 1979, the Fair Association conveyed the property back to Cass County government with all of the restrictions as shown on the proposed agreement, beginning at the bottom of the first page. Since that time, he said Cass County government had nothing except name ownership, 1 iabil i ty for potential injury and responsibil i ty for special assessment taxes. In Mr. Goff's opinion, the value of the property to Cass County government, absent the right to use, possess or convey it without the consent of the Fair Association, is very little. The Chairman moved the "public comment" agenda item up to this time to allow people in the audience to speak on the subject. People expressing disagreement on the value to Cass County government of ownership of the fairgrounds, as establ ished by the Board of County Commissioners on January 21, 1992, included Jeannette Stanton, Don Slocum and Ken McIntyre. Ken McIntyre said he prefers that Cass County government own the land where the pioneer village, Bonanzaville, is located. He expressed concern about their tax status and about paying future special assessments if the Red River Valley Fair Association deeds the property that Bonanzaville is located on to the Cass County Historical Society. Mr. Shannon said Bonanzaville's tax status, whatever it is at the present time, won't change as a result of this agreement. Jonathan Garaas, Attorney for the Red River Valley Fair Association, said the concept that has been envisioned by the Cass County State's Attorney, at the request of various members of the County Commission, has been discussed at length with the 9-member Fair Board. He said the concept is very workable, and as legal counsel for the Fair Board, he will recommend approval. Jeannette Stanton thinks a public hearing should be held. Mr. Garaas said the 9-member Fair Board will discuss this agreement on February 11th, 1992, and he extended an open invitation for anyone to attend their meetings.