01-21-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

18. 19. Commission Minutes--January 21, 1997 1577 VOUCHERS, A_o_oroved MOTION, passed Mrs. Schneider moved and Mr. Koenig seconded to approve Vouchers No. 97,995 through No. 98,482. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. FARGO BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT; FARGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS BOARD; CPR TRAINING; LEGISLATIVE SESSION; METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS; COMMISSION COMMUNICATION; PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, Committee re.oorts County Coordinator Bonnie Johnson asked if the County Commission wishes to take a position regarding the establishment of a business improvement district (BID) in the downtown Fargo area. The courthouse, annex and adjacent parking lots are included in the district. Mr. Wieland asked if there is a potential for expense to Cass County, and it appears the new ordinance will create a special assessment of at least $11 per $1,000 valuation over the first five years, which could amount to over $100,000 cost to Cass County government. Mr. Wieland asked what the benefit would be to Cass County, and Mrs. Johnson said the purpose is to fund improvements for the neighborhood, such as parking lots, green space, security and economic development. Mr. VVieland said the county has already developed parking lots and provided green space. Mrs. Quick believes the county offers sufficient security through the employment of a private security service on the premises. Also, the county already levies for an economic development fund. MOTION, passed Mr. Koenig moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to authorize the chairman to send a memorandum to Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness, and members of the City Commission, outlining the county's concerns as stated above on the establishment of a business improvement district. Motion carried. Commissioners were in agreement to allow Bonnie Johnson to serve on the Fargo Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Board in her capacity as County Coordinator. Meetings will be held once per month. Mrs. Johnson is working with the Red Cross on a grant to provide non-certified CPR training for county employees who are interested in learning this life-saving technique. Commissioners were in agreement that she proceed with making the necessary arrangements. Mrs. Schneider said she will be absent from the next Commission meeting. Mr. Goff reported that he will be in Bismarck attending legislative hearings for the rest of this week, and he may have a conflict with the next Commission meeting, as well. Mrs. Quick said she attended the first board meeting of the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments, and she is meeting with the Executive Director, Brian Shorten, this week for orientation. Earlier today, Mr. Koenig met with his portfolio department heads and their staff as a way of opening the lines of communication among them. He said the meetings were very productive and staff members appreciated the opportunity to meet with him.