09-19-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--September 19, 2003 2656 MOTION, passed For budgeting purposes and at the suggestion of the county auditor, Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to amend the revenue budget by $32,600 and amend the commissary expenditure budget by $32,600 because of the motion to pay the commissary clerk from revenues. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bennett suggested reducing the DARE program by one-half, and that the other half of the cost of operating the program be paid by those receiving the benefit. Sheriff Rudnick said there are about six schools participating in the program. He said Fargo and West Fargo provide for the DARE program in their respective schools. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded that the sheriff's department investigate the possibility of cost-sharing the approximate $50,000 expense of operating the DARE program with the entities who use the program. Discussion: Mrs. Sorum said she does not want to see the program discontinued without a back-up plan if the schools do not agree to help fund the program. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. A suggestion was made to delay the purchase of new and replacement vehicles in the Sheriff's Department budget, but it was decided that no further action on the sheriff or jail budgets would be taken at this time. It may be brought up again later in today's meeting. Vector Control Keith Berndt said there are 13 vehicles in the vector control unit. The City of Fargo also provided vehicles and employees, in addition to money they added to the Cass County vector control program this year. Instead of providing a sports utility vehicle for the vector control director, Mr. Wagner suggested using the county's motor pool or purchasing a used vehicle at auction. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to remove the sports utility vehicle for the vector control director from the 2004 budget. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Weed Control The board next discussed the new position of weed control supervisor with Kristi Biewer, Director of Vector and Weed Control. Brad Cogdill, County Extension Agent, was asked to discuss how his agency could help in the area of noxious weed control, with the goal of eliminating duplication of services. He said this is a good opportunity for planning strategies and coordinating efforts between the two agencies. Mrs. Sorum suggested trying a joint venture for a year and working on some strategic planning. Mr. Bennett and Mr. Vanyo favor looking at other areas to reduce spending instead of eliminating the position of weed control supervisor. Mr. Berndt said a current employee who was hired as weed control supervisor has been doing a good job of maintaining the vehicles and spray equipment. Instead of being the supervisor, Mr. Berndt suggests modifying his job description if a new weed supervisor is approved.