07-21-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

13. 14. 15. Commission Minutes--July 21, 1997 1666 cities, counties and water resource districts to participate in the process of developing the most acceptable plan for flood control at Devils Lake. Mr. Wieland asked if the State's Attorney had any concerns about this joint powers agreement, and Mr. Goff said he did not have any concerns from the materials included in today's agenda packet. MOTION, passed Mrs. Quick moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded to authorize the chairman to sign the "JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT FOR CITIES, COUNTIES AND WATER RESOURCE DISTRICTS IN THE DEVILS LAKE BASIN AND ALONG THE SHEYENNE AND RED RIVERS;" and that John Meyer represent the Cass County Board of Commissioners on the Joint Powers Advisory Committee. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. VOUCHERS, MOTION, passed Mrs. Schneider moved and Mrs. Quick seconded to approve Vouchers No. 104,261 through No. 104,736. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. COURTHOUSE, Roof repairs authorized/insurance money accepted Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator, provided information on damage at the Courthouse this past winter due'to ice dams and build-up on the roof, which then caused interior damages to restrooms on third floor. Since these repairs, which total $23,222, are not budgeted items, she discussed foregoing painting projects and taking the balance from the operations line item in the 1997 Buildings and Grounds budget. The county's insurance carrier has agreed to pay $4,517 toward the cost of damage to restrooms in the Courthouse. Mr. Meyer suggested raising the water barrier, and Ms. Johnson said it was probably installed at a typical height but this was not a typical year due to excessive snowfall; however, she will explore that idea with the contractors. MOTION, passed Mrs. Schneider moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to authorize Courthouse roof repairs in the amount of $23,222 and accept the insurance payment of $4,517. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. TAX EQUALIZATION BOARD, Reconvened and recessed until special meeting on July 30th Chairman Wieland reconvened the 1997 County Board of Tax Equalization. Tax Director, Frank Klein, was present and he had submitted a letter to the board dated July 15, 1997, indicating three items which need board consideration as follows: 1) whether or not to assess the Tallackson hog operation; 2) whether or not to assess the Levos hog operation; and 3) whether or not to make adjustments to the Durbin Township residential assessments. In regard to the Tallackson and Levos hog operations, it is Mr. Klein's recommendation these operations need to be assessed for several reasons, including that they are clearly taxable under current law, citing the Butts Feed Lots, Inc. Supreme Court case, State Tax Department Guidelines, and a 1968 North Dakota Attorney General's opinion. He also stated the Cass County Mission Statement indicates the county will assess property as dictated by statute.