02-06-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--February 6,2006 3031 Discussion: Board members discussed the pros and cons of the formal bidding process, and Mr. Sieg said this gives the department more flexibility with the same results, hopefully. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 10. ROAD DEPARTMENT, Butler Machinery aQreement for rental of motor Qraders Mr. Sieg provided documents with the intention of renting five new motor graders from Butler Machinery Company of Fargo; however, Mr. Burdick said he is anticipating some different language in documents that were referenced in a letter from Commission Chairman, Darrell Vanyo, on June 6, 2005. Mr. Burdick said the board could approve the concept of the motor grader rentals, subject to state's attorney approval. Mr. Bennett asked if the county is purchasing the equipment, and Mr. Burdick said it is a rental agreement on a year by year basis, with the idea that it may last five years at the price they are negotiating. If the board wants to review those documents when they arrive, the agreement could be placed on the next commission agenda. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to authorize the commission to sign documents relating to rental agreements for five new motor graders with Butler Machinery Company, upon receipt and subject to state's attorney approval. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 11. RED RIVER VALLEY WATER SUPPLY PROJECT, Request for commission support Mr. Bennett added this item to the agenda today. Commissioners had received information on public hearings scheduled throughout North Dakota and Minnesota concerning the Red River Valley Water Supply Project. A hearing is scheduled in Fargo for 7:00 PM at the Ramada Plaza Suites on February 9th, which is before the next commission meeting. In the handout provided by Mr. Bennett today, Mrs. Johnson said it indicates the North Dakota Water Coalition is requesting testimony in support of North Dakota's preferred alternative and the need for water in the Red River Valley. She said Mr. Pawluk is familiar with the information through his work with the local water resource boards. Mr. Pawluk said the favored alternative would supplement existing water supplies to meet future water needs, and the principal feature of the plan would be a buried pipeline from the McClusky Canal north of Bismarck that would release treated Missouri River water into the Sheyenne River just above Lake Ashtabula. A buried pipeline would serve industrial water demands in southeastern North Dakota. Mr. Pawluk said the estimated project cost is $500 million to $660 million. Mr. Bennett said the economic cost of doing nothing to supplement the valley's water supply could be in the billions of dollars annually due to lost economic growth and production in the State of North Dakota. He said the Fargo-Moorhead would be hit the hardest if there was a shortage of water, like the drought in the 1930's.