08-18-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

26. Commission Minutes--August 18, 1997 1689 within the confines of the rules and regulations, which they are now writing. If that is done, the county would not have to obtain the waiver at all. Mr. Rustad mentioned five projects approved by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), and one of those is a joint application through the Southeast Cass Water Resource District for a sewer and road paving project in the St. Benedict area. Commissioners discussed this project earlier today at the Road Advisory Board meeting and decided they could not make a commitment, which must be made by this Friday, because of a $200,000 local matching requirement. Mr. Rustad said a survey will be conducted in the project area to see if it meets the Iow-income requirement, thus allowing use of HUD funds for the local match. MOTION, passed Mr. Koenig moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to approve funding of the sewer and water paving project in the St. Benedict area subject to successful receipt of HUD direct appropriations. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Koenig commented on "jumping through hoops" to access federal funds for the local share in the buy-out program, and he said meeting in Grand Forks with the congressional delegation was frustrating because the county may never be granted access to some of that money. Ms. Johnson said so far, only the State CDBG money is contingent upon the Iow-income waiver. HUD is still developing the rules and regulations for the direct appropriations. She indicated she has had good cooperation with the people in Denver. Mr. Meyer asked if some people may receive 100% and some receive 85% on the buy-out program, and Mr. Rustad said this could be true because only 4-5 homeowners in the rural flood area may meet the Iow-income requirement, making them eligible for 100% funding. TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT POLICY Mr. Meyer asked for a review of Commission Policy 13.80, travel reimbursement. At the present time, commissioners are not reimbursed for travel within Cass County. He proposed amending the policy whereby commissioners can receive travel reimbursement by documenting trips on a county voucher for travel except to the Cass County Courthouse, Cass County Annex, or any place where there is a regularly held Cass County Commission meeting. Mr. Koenig suggested excluding the Cass County Road Department also. Mr. Meyer said the Road Department is not the Board's regularly scheduled meeting place. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mrs. Quick seconded to amend county policy whereby County Commissioners can receive travel reimbursement by documenting trips on a county voucher for travel except to the Cass County Courthouse, Cass County Annex or any place where there is a regularly held Cass County Commission meeting. Discussion: Mrs. Quick said she believes Mr. Meyer is concerned with attending water resource district meetings at the Road Department, and as commissioners rotate duties, the policy would be the same for the next person attending water board meetings. She inquired about trips she makes to Metropolitan Council of Govemment meetings in Moorhead. Mr. Wieland, who lives in West Fargo, said he has never charged the county mileage for attending