12-01-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--December 1, 1997 1749 Chairman Wieland next called on Sheriff Don Rudnick, who was present, for a report on the current conditions in the county jail. Sheriff Rudnick reported on a furnace problem in the jail over the weekend and on-going problems with jail overcrowding. Walt Willis, Jail Administrator, informed the board that about $10,000 per month is spent on boarding prisoners in other facilities due to reaching capacity in the Cass County jail. Sheriff Rudnick said he has written letters to the Commission and to State's Attorney John Goff trying to hasten the paperwork needed before transporting in-mates to the North Dakota State Penitentiary to serve out their sentences. Overcrowding in prison facilities has become a nation-wide problem, he said. Royce Yeater, member of the Jail Advisory Committee, was also present and said he believes it is time to construct a new jail in Cass County rather than spending more money to remodel or repair the present facility. Mr. Wieland publicly thanked the members of the jail task force for serving on the committee, and expressed appreciation to those who appeared before the group to provide their input. He noted that no response was received to the jail committee's press release inviting public comment. MOTION, passed Mrs. Quick moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to adopt the Cass County Jail Report and to pursue contacting the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) to begin review of a new jail in Cass County. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Wieland asked for assistance from Walt Willis in contacting the National Institute of Corrections. 16. ORDINANCE REGULATING SURFACE USE OF RED RIVER, First reading John Goff, State's Attorney, said he reviewed materials provided by the chairman about one month ago and drafted an ordinance, provided earlier today, which meets the county's procedural requirements in accordance with a proposed Clay County ordinance. Mr. Wieland said the ordinance restricts the speed of motorboats and personal watercraft on the Red River during times of flooding and allows the enforcement of a no-wake zone. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mm. Schneider seconded to approve first reading of an ordinance regulating the surface use of the Red River of the North, and publish a summary of the ordinance in the official newspaper at least 20 days prior to second reading/adoption. Discussion: Sheriff Don Rudnick asked the State's Attorney if this ordinance would be enforceable on overland flooding when the river is no longer in its banks, and Mr. Goff responded that he believes it would be appropriate to enforce this ordinance wherever the river is flowing at the time. At the call for the question and upon roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 17. INFORMATION SERVICES, Computer discussion on Year 2000 compatibility Mike Steiner, Information Services Manager, informed the Board he has been looking at year 2000 software compatibility for about the last four years and believes the county is prepared for the century date change from the standpoint of the computer system. There is great concern nation-