10-16-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-October 16, 2006 3139 10. ROAD DEPARTMENT, Authorize chairman to si~n ~rant application for City of Mapleton multi-use path Keith Berndt, County Engineer, was present. He was approached by the City of Mapleton about bicycle and pedestrian safety concerns along Cass County Highway 11. The city would like the county to construct a multi-use path from city hall south to 1-94. Mr. Berndt is requesting the county apply for transportation enhancement grant funding in the amount of $160,000 and that the county split the 50% local construction cost match with the city and the county pay for administrative and engineering costs. Mr. Berndt said the path would be approximately 3,500 feet in length and would cost about $200,000 to build. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) accepts applications of this type once a year and the deadline is November 9th. If the county receives a grant, 80% of the construction costs will be covered. The project would be completed in 2008. NDDOT rules allow only counties or cities with populations of over 5,000 to apply for the funding; therefore, the county must be the sponsor because Mapleton does not meet the population criteria. Mr. Berndt said the county has provided assistance and shared in costs for similar projects with Kindred, Casselton, Fargo and Briarwood. Jeff Shirley, Mapleton City Mayor, was present. He said the city appreciates the assistance of the county engineer to help encourage better safety for their residents and the city is prepared to work with the 10% match to help cover costs of the trail. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to authorize the chairman to sign a transportation enhancement grant application for a multi-use path adjacent to Cass County Highway 11 in the City of Mapleton, with an estimated construction cost of $200,000 and with approval contingent upon the City of Mapleton funding not less than 10% of the construction cost. Discussion: Mr. Wagner said he considers several criteria when approving requests such as this: a county road is running through the city; the city is willing to help pay for a portion of the costs; and the county is not setting a precedent because similar projects have been cost-shared. Mr. Pawluk asked about maintenance of the trail. Mr. Berndt said the county will maintain the path, but if constructed out of concrete, it will be virtually maintenance-free. He anticipates the city will provide mowing and landscaping of the area. Mr. Pawluk also asked about the total cost to the county. Mr. Berndt estimated that if the grant is approved, the county will pay about $30,000 (including $10,000 for administrative and engineering expenses) with funds to come out of their 2008 budget. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 11. TAX-FORFEITED PROPERTY, Appraisals Mr. Montplaisir provided a list of real estate forfeited to Cass County for delinquent taxes, pursuant to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 57-28. The list shows the minimum sales price as recommended by the county auditor and the director of tax equalization as well as photographs of each parcel. Mr. Montplaisir said out of the five properties taken, two have residents living within the structures.