12-05-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--December 5, 1994 1275 10. 11. CONTRACT APPROVAL, AT&T contract for AUDIX hard drive MOTION, passed Mrs. Toussaint moved and Mr. Wieland seconded to authorize the chairman to sign the purchase/service agreement for installation and right-to-use fees for an additional AUDIX hard drive, subject to satisfactory review by the State's Attorney; and authorize county auditor to issue a check in the amount of ~2,163.00. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. FARGO CASS COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, Loan agreement amendment Representatives of Fargo Cass County Economic Development Corporation (FCCEDC) were present to request permission for the Growth Initiative Board to extend loans from five years to ten years when negotiating with clients in extraordinary circumstances, according to their letter to the Commission Chairman dated November 1, 1994. Speaking on behalf of FCCEDC were Brad Williams, Mick Hammerstrom, Gib Bromenschenkel and John Kramer. Mr. Hammerstrom provided a hand-out concerning the Growth Initiative Fund Board, and he said they need latitude and flexibility to compete with other economic development groups. Mrs. Toussaint referred to the terms of the December 7, 1992 agreement between Cass County Government and FCCEDC, relative to the "no risk loan pool." Changing loans from five to ten years appears to be a conflict, she said, and would require a contract change. Mr. Ness referred to an article in the local newspaper last Saturday concerning a study by the North Dakota Tax Department on using tax exemptions as a development tool. As a commissioner, he said he needs to be assured that the incentives are going to organizations who are concerned about their employees and not give incentives to employers who pay salaries near or below the poverty level. Mr. Bromenschenkel said the Growth Initiative Board is very conservative, and they are also concerned about employees and job retention over the long period. Mr. Hammerstrom said the client they are dealing with at this time brings great importance to this area in terms of job development. They are currently negotiating with two clients, and Mr. Kramer said the Growth Initiative Fund Board considers certain criteria, including pay scales and benefit packages, under-employment in the county and growth potential of the company. MOTION, failed Mr. Ness moved and Mrs. Toussaint seconded to refer the question on changing the loan from five years to ten years to the State's Attorney for a report to the Commission on how this action would impact the current contract. Discussion: State's Attorney John Goff said most contracts that he drafts can be modified subject to approval of both parties. At the call for the question and on roll call vote, the motion failed with Mrs. Toussaint and Mr. Ness voting "Aye;" Mr. Eckert, Mr. Wieland and Mr. Risher opposing.