07-06-1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--July 6, 1993 ].063 25. In support of the motion, Mr. Ness said Cass County would continue to maintain a high-quality weed control officer, however, the problem is that current weed board members refuse to charge for spraying areas that are not county responsibility as far as paying the bills. He said the county commission levies the taxes but has no input. Mrs. Toussaint and Mr. Ness believe Cass County's responsibility for weed spraying is along county highway right-of-way. Mrs. Toussaint said weed board members must have an interest in fiscal responsibility and enforce the law. Mr. Colberg said he has never sprayed an acre of private land in Cass County and never charged a township for spraying along township roads. He said it was incorrectly mentioned at a previous time that weed spraying costs are not recovered on Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way, but Mr. Ness said his concern is that true costs are not being recovered. When asked about sending certified letters, Mr. Colberg said he personally talks to people about controlling noxious weeds. Mr. Wieland said Mr. Colberg contradicts himself and asked if the weed board has a written policy. Mr. Colberg said it is not written policy but is in their board minutes. Sarah Vogel, State Agriculture Commissioner, said the old noxious weed ].aw was poorly written and difficult to enforce. However, under the new law, she said fines can be collected administratively with a right. to appeal to the court. Mr. Risher asked who sets the length of terms on the weed board, and Ms. Vogel said that is set by statute. At this time, Mrs. Toussaint closed the public hearing. Mr. Eckert said the County Commission made some adjustments in the fall of 1992 to the weed control budget, which was illegal because they did not have authority to do that. He said having people pay for their own weed spraying is very selective and similar to people paying school taxes who do not have children in school. Mr. Ness said he is concerned that the weed board refuses to charge for spraying on private land, and that the county commission levies the taxes but has no input. At the call for the question and upon roll call vote, the motion failed with Mr. Risher, Mr. Wieland and Mr. Eckert opposing; Mr. Ness and Mrs. Toussaint voting "Aye." VOUCHERS, Approved Vouchers were reviewed by Mr. Wieland, and he said his only comment is similar to a bill that was questioned last month for providing medical services for inmates when they are brought to the county jail. One bill this month totals $3,193.69 for medical services for a repeat offender.