04-06-1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--April 6, 1992 837 Mr. Wieland said testimony was given at the public hearing by area wildlife club members and farmers. While there was no opposition to the sale of this land to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there were concerns from adjacent landowners about weed and grasshopper control. Noreen Olson and Harris Hoistad from the Service were present, and Mr. Hoistad said he will work with area farmers on their concerns. MOTION, passed Mr. Shannon moved and Mrs. Toussaint seconded to recommend to Governor George Sinner that the acquisition of the N 1/2 of Section 20, Township 138 North, Range 54 West by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service be approved. Mr. Eckert said he will vote in favor of the motion but has some concerns about the amount of land that is being acquired for wetlands in North Dakota, this being an agricultural state. Ms. Olson said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services owns about 3,100 acres in Cass County, and the majority of that is in Eldred Township. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 13. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, Payment in lieu of taxes If the land acquisition in Eldred Township by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is approved by the Governor, Cass County would receive a lump sum payment of $6,100. This is in addition to revenue sharing payments which take the place of the Service paying property taxes and which is about three-fourths of one percent of value. County Auditor Michael Montplaisir said the proposed lump sum payment is designed to make up for loss in taxes to the county and other governmental units. He suggested that a lump-sum payment be distributed to entities who will not be benefitting from the revenue sharing payments. Another option would be to escrow the funds and use the interest earning to offset loss in tax funds each year, but Mr. Montplaisir said this would create a lot of paper work for the small amount of money involved. MOTION, passed If the land sale in Everest Township to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is approved by the Governor, Mrs. Toussaint moved and Mr. Shannon seconded to make a one-time distribution payment of the $6,100 based on the formula outlined by the County Auditor. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 14. ABATEMENT APPLICATION, American Lutheran Homes/Bethany Tax Equalization Director Frank Klein said the hearing on an application for abatement and settlement of taxes for Bethany Homes in Fargo has been re-scheduled for 8:30 - 12:00 Noon on Monday, May 4, 1992, in the Commission Room at the Cass County Courthouse. State's Attorney John Goff said the record needs to be established at this level of proceedings because the appeal process, if utilized, would be a review of the record made at the County level. Steve Aakre, attorney for Bethany Homes, requested additional time to present any evidence, and Mr. Goff said he may need that additional time also. Mr. Klein said the City of'Fargo and Cass County will be providing additional information, and Chairman Wieland said all information must be submitted one week in advance of the hearing.