02-21-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-February 21, 2006 3036 Mr. Zimney said he received a request late last week from the State Emergency Services Office for a resolution and a funds commitment letter to accompany the grant application indicating the homeowner is responsible for paying the 25% local match. He referred the request to State's Attorney Birch Burdick for his review. Genevieve Thompson, who works with the Greenway on the Red Program, was present to support the project and said the property owner, Mr. Moller, was unable to attend today's meeting; however, she could reach him by telephone if needed. Mr. Wagner said he assumes the grant application would be structured the same as last time with the homeowner being asked to pay the 25% local match and the Highland Park Association providing future maintenance of the lots. Mr. Bennett said there is no maintenance agreement addressed in the memo, and Mr. Pawluk believes that would follow approval of the grant application. MOT/ON, passed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to direct the highway superintendent to re-apply for a grant application for funds to acquire a residence and surrounding lots at 1319 64th Avenue North in Highland Park Subdivision, subject to the commission and the state's attorney reviewing a funds commitment letter, resolution and a liability waiver. Discussion: Mr. Burdick will review draft documents which were. forwarded to him from the State Emergency Management Office. He said the commission would not be responsible for any erosion downstream if they are not responsible for the original problem, however, he cautioned the board about doing any work that may cause problems for any other property. This topic came up during discussion on an erosion problem last year in a subdivision south of Fargo. Ms. Thompson said the greenway riparian project would become involved in designing plantings that would help minimize further erosion. At the call for the question and on roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 8. COMMISSION POLICY MANUAL, Amend Section 34.00. Tax Incentive Policv Mrs. Johnson proposed a change in Commission Policy Section 34.00, Tax Incentive Policy, to reflect changes in state law. She attended a meeting with City of Fargo officials last week and commissioners also received information prior to the meeting regarding this topic. She said the county has no projects under the tax incentive policy at this time, and Cass County has not granted a business exemption for some time. The change in NDCC 54-60.1-08 became effective January 1, 2006; and Mrs. Johnson is proposing a change in the language of county policy to state that political subdivision grantor reporting requirements must follow state law. Also added are the requirements for a statement of public purpose and a business incentive agreement for each project valued at $25,000 or more. Also present today was Brian Walters, President of the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (EDC). He assured the commission that the EDC does not advocate a project if it would negatively affect the local school district or other entities. He said extensive research is done, such as economic impact analysis and employment verification on each project, as well as collecting past financial statements and conducting an analysis to gauge the viability of the company. He said the EDC would like to discourage competition among local political subdivisions for new and expanding businesses.