1. Local Governance Comm report - Laserfiche WebLink

Public works and road access issues The committee stressed the need for communication between Cass County and surrounding cities to ensure that adequate planning is done on road issues as land is platted. It is imperative to consider the long term needs of the county and of the cities when planning for right of way acquisition for roads and utilities. The county and cities need to work together when a county road is affected by a growing population and construction of new developments. 3) State yersus local funding issues The committee received information about a legislative task force study on the Regional Child Support Enforcement program becoming a state office. Cass County needs to be at the table when this issue is discussed to work towards a solution that maximizes the support effort for the amount of tax dollars spent. In cases where the enforcement effort is going to be consolidated within one of the regional offices, the county's Southeast Region should offer to take over services they excel in to provide added dollar value of services to the rest of the state. 4) Education of economic assistance recipients about North Dakota Job Service Since the mid 1990's, Cass County Social Services and Job Service of North Dakota have had co-located services at the Cass County Annex five days a week to provide employment assistance to recipients of economic assistance. In addition, social service staff has provided technical information and assistance at Job Service during training sessions. This collaboration has been nationally recognized by the federal Department of Human Services as an innovative practice. 5) Water management and communication The projects undertaken by the Cass County Road Department and Water Resource Districts impact each other. The committee understands there has been a good working relationship between the two agencies in the past and encourages continued communication in the future. The group recommends the County Road Department, Water Resource Districts, as well as the County Commission hold a meeting each spring to discuss the upcoming road and bridge projects before construction season begins. This will allow for issues to be addressed before work is underway. The committee recognizes the significance of water issues and commends the work of the various boards, agencies and local governments involved in water management. The committee recommends that the County Commission consider a review of the organizational structure, responsibilities and governance of all agencies and boards that work with issues related to water management. Water supply, drainage, water quality and flood mitigation are important issues and the committee feels the functions of water-related government could potentially benefit from a review of governance. 7