06-02-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

15. Commission Minutes--June 2, 1997 1636 anyone in the audience wanted to speak on this issue. Jeannette Stanton, Fargo, urged the Commission to pay Mr. Goff's legal bills because she believes this was a political witch hunt, however, the November election brought some changes to this Commission. She said there will be more changes on this Commission if they do not pay the bill. Crystal Ducker, Fargo, said even though the county is not legally obligated to pay this bill, she suggested that the County Commission pay half and John Goff pay half. Mr. Wieland took the position that it is not a legal obligation to pay the bill, however, notice was received that if the county does not pay the bill, it may go through the courts. If that happens, this will continue to be a time-consuming issue for the Commission and the State's Attorney's Office. He said the insurance company has offered to pay $2,000 of this legal bill. Mrs. Schneider agreed this issue needs to be put to rest, however, she is concerned about setting a precedent that the County Board may not want to set. Mr. Koenig said the Attorney General's Office should have been engaged to investigate the complaint, and he is disappointed with the way things were handled. Mr. Wieland said the former Commission was dealing with totally uncharted waters. He suggested forming a committee to re-evaluate county policy regarding complaints that are filed. At the call for the question and on roll call vote, the motion carried with four members voting "Aye", Mrs. Schneider voting "No." Mr. Wieland asked Commissioners Koenig and Quick to co- chair a committee to re-evaluate county policy regarding complaints, and that they select five other people to serve on the committee and bring a recommendation back to the County Commission. Both Commissioners were in agreement to co-chair the committee. RESOLUTION #1997-12, Flood Insuran0e Program Glenn Ellingsberg, Disaster Emergency Director, said FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) informed him that Cass County government could not sponsor any hazard mitigation projects without participating in the National Flood Insurance Program. He presented a resolution and application form to complete and send to the State of North Dakota through the State Water Commission. The County Planning Department would oversee the program, according to Mr. Ellingsberg; however, townships in Cass County would continue to be the responsible party to do their own zoning. Mr. Wieland stated that the County knows, from past experience, that townships do not wish to relinquish their zoning authority. Mr. Ellingsberg said there is no cost to join the program; however, Joel Quanbeck, County Planner, said there may be some additional administrative work to be done by the County but he assumes it would be minimal. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded that Cass County join the National Flood Insurance Program and that the Chairman be authorized to sign the application form and Resolution #1997-12. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.