09-03-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

14. 15. Commission Minutes--September 3, 1996 1510 State's Attomey John Goff said there have been a number of river searches--14 of them as listed on a hand-out from the Sheriff. According to Mr. Goff, this case presents some unique problems because the body of Jeanna North has not been found. He has said before that he has enough evidence to charge Kyle Bell, a former neighbor of the North family, with being responsible for the homicide of Jeanna North, and that is still the situation. However, he said charging and convicting are two different things. He is interested in another search if there is a chance that a piece of physical evidence might be found. Mr. Wieland expressed concern about the county's liability in this river search, and he asked if the water resource board and Corps of Engineers have been contacted since it involves diverting the river. Mr. Knutson said the water board is agreeable. Sheriff Rudnick said county equipment would be operated by county employees, and the search would be conducted as a law enforcement function. Mrs. Schneider asked if the Sheriff feels law enforcement has done all they could up to this point, and Sheriff Rudnick said they have done an adequate job but this effort will expose another 10-20' of river bottom that they can search visually. MOTION, passed Mr. Ness moved and Mr. Wieland seconded to authorize the Sheriff's Department to conduct this final search of the Sheyenne River using County Road Department equipment to construct the dam and to remove it after the search, this being subject to approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Southeast Cass Water Resource Board. On roll call vote, motion carded with four members voting "Aye" and Mrs. Schneider opposing. RESOLUTION #1996-21 AND #1996-22, Street Improvement District No. 96-1 Attorney Daniel Twichell was present along with Alan Clark, Engineer for the Street Improvement District No. 96-1. Bids were opened on the date of August 27, 1996 at 11:00 AM in the Cass County Courthouse concerning said project. MOTION, passed Mrs. Schneider moved and Mr. Wieland seconded to adopt the following resolutions concerning Street Improvement District No. 96-1: RESOLUTION #1996-21 ACCEPTING BID, SHOWING RECEIPT OF ENGINEER'S STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED COST AND DIRECTING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT AND RESOLUTION #1996-22 DIRECTING ASSESSMENTS TO BE LEVIED. On roll call vote, motion carded unanimously. VOUCHERS, Approved Mr. Ness reviewed the bills this month and suggested that the county consider contracting with Fargo Cass Public Health rather than hiring an additional part-time jail nurse because these health services have become extremely expensive. Also, he suggested that the Auditor's Office contact office supply vendors concerning discounts they offer to the county and provide that information to all county departments. In addition, Mr. Ness suggested that county employees using cellular phones be encouraged to keep cellular calls below the three hours of free service each month under the county contract wherever possible, recognizing that some employees must use their cellular phones more than others. Concerning vehicle repairs, Mr. Ness suggested establishing guidelines whereby competitive bidding would be required for damages estimated to be over a certain amount.