02-01-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--February 1, 1999 1933 11. F ARGO-CASS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Contract amendment John Kramer, President, Fargo Cass County Economic Development Corporation (FCCEDC), was present with several FCCEDC Board members to answer questions from the County Commission regarding the Growth Initiative Fund (GIF) Amendment NO.1 to the Memorandum of Understanding, which was delayed from the last Commission meeting. Mr. Kramer provided some history on the Growth Initiative Fund, which administers the PACE Loan Program for Fargo, West Fargo and Cass County. He said there is $4.6 million in the fund at this time. The amendment to the memorandum of understanding includes a clause to allow the use of loan pool funds to assist in the financing of speculative buildings. Mrs. Schneider expressed concern at the last Commission meeting on the risks involved in such a program. Mr. Kramer said he foresees the "spec" building project to be a short-term program to get area developers accustomed to the idea that it will work for industrial purposes. The landowner, the developer, and the GIF would share any risks involved. He said there is a shortage of adequately-sized buildings available immediately, and he believes at least two prospective new companies declined to start a business here for that reason. The program would start with one "spec" building and, after getting a commitment on that one, Mr. Kramer said they would consider a second building, depending upon how the market responds. Mrs. Schneider mentioned a recent Newsweek article concerning the area's unemployment rate, and Mr. Kramer said they are trying to demonstrate there is a labor market here. However, office space is non-existent at this time. Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness addressed the Board and said the City of Fargo approved the amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding. He said the Growth Initiative Fund has been a useful tool in attracting businesses to our area, and the City has been concerned about losing prospective businesses because of the lack of available buildings. It is his understanding there will be only one "spec" building at a time and if no business is interested in it, the building would be retained as an asset by the GIF. He encouraged the County to approve the amendment. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mr. Koenig seconded to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Memorandum of Understanding for the Fargo Cass County Economic Development Corporation; with the understanding that paragraph 1 (a) would state that Cass County will remit their funds as they become available from tax collections. On roll call vote, motion carried with four members voting "Aye" and Mrs. Schneider opposing. 12. SOLID WASTE TRANSFER STATION, West Fargo City Limits Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor, received a request from Sheyenne Disposal, Inc. for a letter from Cass County Government indicating they do not wish to hold a special election, as allowed by North Dakota Century Code, regarding construction of a solid waste transfer station at 1620 Main Avenue West in West Fargo, North Dakota. Mark Thelen, President of Sheyenne Disposal, Inc., was present to answer any questions, and he outlined the services that will be provided by his company. Mr. Montplaisir received a letter from Mike McLeod, West Fargo City Auditor, supporting the project and indicating the transfer station site has been discussed at a number of public meetings with no strong opposition being