01-19-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--January 19, 1999 1925 12. FLOOD UPDATE, Report from Lake Agassiz Regional Council: Committee formed to recommend future use of properties purchased in connection with the 1997 flood Irv Rustad, Lake Agassiz Regional Development Corporation, provided a financial update of FEMA and HUD funds allocated and spent since the 1997 flood. He also provided a hand-out on property acquisitions in the Phase II buyout process. Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor, provided a memorandum dated today on disposal of properties acquired in the buy-out program. He suggested establishing a committee to review each property and recommend future uses based upon the following criteria: 1) desired use by local homeowners' associations within established subdivisions; 2) proximity to developed property, such as lots between other developed lots; 3) proximity to agricultural property with the potential of being used in agricultural production; and 4) potential for recreation or natural habitat areas. Mr. Montplaisir said his office has been getting telephone calls about the future of these properties, and the County Commission needs to make some decisions. MOTION, passed Mrs. Schneider moved and Mr. Koenig seconded to establish a committee to recommend uses and, if possible, leasing of the flood properties purchased as a result of the 1997 flood; and for that committee to make a report to the County Commission at its March 15,1999 meeting; the committee members to be as follows: County Engineer Keith Berndt, Tax Director Frank Klein, County Auditor Michael Montplaisir, and Commissioner Robbie Quick. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 13. FARGO CASS COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, Contract amendment tabled Mr. Koenig, who serves on the Fargo Cass County Economic Development Corporation (FCCEDC) Board of Directors, along with Commissioner John Meyer, presented a draft Amendment NO.1 to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Fargo, the City of West Fargo, Cass County, and the Growth Initiative Fund (GIF), which administers the PACE Loan Program through FCCEDC. The amendment reflects Cass County's 1999 budget contribution of $400,000, as well as the adjusted amount of $260,000 from the City of Fargo and $45,000 by the City of West Fargo for 1999. Also included in the contract amendment is a new paragraph, item #1 (c), giving the GIF authority to use funds from the Loan Pool to encourage the development of speculative buildings. There is a lack of available properties or buildings for attracting new businesses which are considering relocation here, according to Mr. Koenig. He said some companies want to lease rather than build. The contract amendment was approved as to form/format by the State's Attorney, Birch Burdick. Mr. Burdick is attending the winter conference for the North Dakota State's Attorneys Association, and was represented at today's meeting by Connie Cleveland, Assistant Cass County State's Attorney. Mr. Montplaisir suggested a change in the wording of paragraph 1 (a) because the County would not have the tax money collected by the first quarter of 1999, as stated in the amendment.