09-15-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--September 15, 2003 2652 8. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, Aareement to be drafted for ioint emeraency manaaement with City of Farao City of Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness and City Administrator Pat Zavoral were present to discuss the possibility of a joint city/county emergency management office. Mayor Furness said the City of Fargo is looking for approval of the concept, with final details being in the form of a joint powers agreement. Mr. Zavoral said working together would provide a focal point for the public on emergency matters and would encourage county, city and state coordination, along with working together on homeland security issues and receipt of federal funding. He said there would likely be no change in county or city staffing. Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator, provided background information on Cass County's Emergency Management Department, indicating it was a stand-alone operation a number of years ago. With the resignation of a former emergency manager, the duties were placed under the sheriff's department supervision. The current emergency manager, Gregory McDonald, was unable to attend today's meeting; however, he has expressed enthusiasm about separating the duties from the sheriff's department and continuing to work with the City of Fargo's staff on emergency-related events. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to recommend the City of Fargo proceed with drafting a Joint Powers Agreement for a city/county emergency management department, and that County Auditor Michael Montplaisir and City Finance Director Kent Costin work out the financial details; said agreement to be brought back to the board for approval. Discussion: Mrs. Sorum and Mr. Meyer believe this action will save money and time by eliminating duplicated efforts. Mr. Bennett agreed the idea is good and wondered if any other city, such as West Fargo, has a separate emergency management department that could be included in this combined effort. Mayor Furness said he is not aware of any other agency having a separate emergency management department. The motion today, Mr. Vanyo said, is an indication this board is open to the concept and he will be interested to see the details of the contract. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 9. BUDGET, Public hearina on 2004 county budaet Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor, said a public hearing was advertised for this date, time and place to allow for public input on the 2004 Cass County Budget. The notice of hearing contains the budget funds and levy summary for the coming year. He said this is the time for the board to hear any citizen input, and the next budget meeting is scheduled for September 19, 2003, at 8:00 AM in the Commission Room at the Courthouse. The chairman opened the public hearing. Crystal Dueker, Fargo, asked about the proposed weed and vector building fund in the amount of $900,000 and if the $750,000 building fund under capital projects is for planning of a west addition to the courthouse. Mr. Wagner responded that 2004 budget funds for a proposed west addition would pay for the planning and preparation of construction documents to get the project ready for bidding. Ms. Dueker believes the decision to construct a building to the west of the courthouse should be a vote of the people.