08-14-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--August 14, 2006 3106 Mr. Pawluk said it is important to preserve the past, but asked if artifacts are ever sold to raise revenues or if charitable gaming has been considered to raise money for the historical society. Ms. Peterson said there are certain rules to follow when returning or selling artifacts. In response to the gaming question, she said their organization is concerned that private donations may suffer and said another staff member would need to be hired to handle the duties involved with a charitable gaming license. Mr. Vanyo supports reasonable increases to budgets. He said the commission approved a 15% increase last year. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to approve the 2007 preliminary budget for the Cass County Historical Society in the amount of $52,000, a 16% increase from last year. Discussion: Mr. Wagner feels their group is a private entity. Ms. Baird said they have been seriously under-funded for several years. Mr. Pawluk said the commission looks at the percentage of increase in dollars when making a budgetary decision and encouraged the historical society to increase their membership numbers and gate fees to bring in additional dollars for their organization. Mr. Bennett appreciates the work of the historical society and prefers to contribute more than $52,000, but will vote in favor of the motion because he wants to be on record as supporting the agency. At the call for the question and on roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 7. WEED CONTROL Stan Wolf, Weed Control Director, and Larry Wilcox, Weed Board Chairman, were present. Mr. Montplaisir said the request of 2.35 mills is the same as last year. Mr. Wolf said the budget includes a 10% increase in contract spraying for road right-of-way due to rising chemical and fuel costs; one extended cab pickup truck; and two GPS receivers to assist with their mapping of the county. Mr. Pawluk said the Weed Control Department is well run and commended Mr. Wolf and Mr. Wilcox for their work. MOTION, passed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve the 2007 preliminary budget for Weed Control as presented. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 8. PEOPLE'S DIVERSITY FORUM Randy Long, Board of Directors President, and David Ideele, Executive Director, were present. The purpose of their organization is to educate new Americans on the legal system and provide support on legal issues. The total budget for their organization is $46,000 and they are requesting $3,000 from the county. Mr. Wagner asked if other agencies, such as Lutheran Social Services, provide similar support to citizens. Mr. Ideele said no other organization does the type of work that they do. Mr. Vanyo served on the Cultural Diversity Forum board for eight years and asked if the People's Diversity Forum has any association with this group or if they have ever