06-07-1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--June 7, 1993 1044 18. State's Attorney John Goff said the North Dakota Century Code is totally silent about reorganizing the weed control board, and it is his opinion that there is nothing illegal about the proposed motion because nothing in the statutes prohibits this. He said the commission has the discretion to re-establish these districts, if that is what they choose to do. He said the public hearing is for appointment of the board members, and he understands this would take place at the next meeting, June 21st, according to the motion. Mr. Eckert raised a question about existing board members, and Mr. Goff said that if current board members no longer live in a weed board area, they are then incapable of performing their functions as a weed board member; and statute says they can be removed for incapacity to act as a board member. If a board member still resides in a district and he has been appointed for a specific term, Mr. Goff said it would be reasonable that the member could complete that term. Mrs. Toussaint asked the State's Attorney about liability because of chemical spraying, and Mr. Goff said any litigation would likely come back to the board of county commissioners. Mrs. Toussaint asked about billing for weed spraying on private land since it is her understanding that the county only is responsible for the control of noxious weeds along county road right of way. Mr. Colberg said they have never sprayed a single acre of private land. Mr. Colberg said it is the policy of the board when a small patch of weeds is found on private property in the City of Fargo and West Fargo to spray the weeds on the spot rather than take time to find the land- owner, cite him for a violation, and wait for him to do the job. He said they have spent a lot of time spraying weeds at Hector Airport. Mr. Wieland recognized that there is a problem and that some thought has gone into the resolution proposed today, but he is not sure of the solution at this point. He said he doesn't think the competency of the weed officer is in question but that some of the weed board policies need to be examined. He said Mr. Colberg contradicted himself about spraying on private property. Mr. wieland moved, seconded by Mr. Ness and carried unanimously on roll call vote to table the motion until the July 6th, 1993, Cass County Commission meeting to allow an opportunity for commissioners to obtain additional information and to re-examine the proposed resolution. COUNTY CALENDAR Donna Chalimonczyk from the Fargo League of Women Voters proposed that Cass County Government participate in a calendar project with them and the City of Fargo, which would provide pertinent information about government offices, meeting dates, election and tax dates. In a letter from the County Auditor and the County Coordinator, it was estimated that 12,000 calendars would be needed for distribution to residents outside the City of Fargo at an estimated cost of 50 cents per calendar, plus the cost of postage.