08-06-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 6, 2007 3234 Mr. Bennett said citizens need to be given the opportunity to vote on this issue; however, he feels questions still exist and prefers the item be tabled until the next meeting. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to receive the request from the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation for a county wide one-half of one percent sales tax to fund the Growth Plan Initiative and to set an election for the earlier date of November 6, 2007, subject to the State's Attorney confirming this is acceptable under the county's home rule charter by September 7, 2007; or to set an election date for June 10, 2008, which is the next regularly held county wide election. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. MOTION, passed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to appoint a committee consisting of County Auditor Mike Montplaisir; State's Attorney Birch Burdick; Commissioner Robyn Sorum; Commission Chairman Scott Wagner; and two representatives from GFMEDC to draft a resolution and a ballot question to implement an ordinance for a one half cent sales tax to fund the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation Growth Plan Initiative. Motion carried. 8. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, Updated security policies and procedures for county buildinas approved with exception of cell phone ban Sheriff Paul D. Laney was present to discuss recommended changes to security policies and procedures for county buildings. The Sheriff's Department oversees building security for the Cass County Courthouse and Annex. In April, the courthouse was evacuated as a result of a potential bomb threat. A security committee was created to study the issue and to develop policies and procedures to ensure the safety and security of county employees and the public while maintaining accessibility to county buildings. Sheriff Laney said the committee reviewed current policies and procedures; developed a prohibited items list; developed an equipment and personnel list; and interviewed county employees. The main changes include prohibiting cell phones and metal beverage containers brought into county buildings; open and closure times for the Courthouse and Annex; escorting any public out of buildings after closing time; and security during special events outside of normal business hours. Sheriff Laney said if approved, county buildings will be open at 8:00 AM (doors currently open at 7:45 AM) and close at 5:00 PM. The committee also recommends the purchase of x-ray machines, lockers, and additional security cameras as well as posting two deputies at each security station. He said the lockers and cameras will be purchased with funds from the 2007 buildings and grounds budget with the additional personnel and x-ray machines to be discussed during upcoming budget sessions. Bonnie Johnson, County Administrator, said the lockers will be installed only in the Annex lobby, as that building has more visitors who walk or ride bicycles and do not have a vehicle to store their personal items. Mr. Bennett suggested that in order to alleviate the financial burden of hiring additional personnel and x-ray equipment at two locations, the county use all revenue sources for security at the Courthouse and eliminate security at the Annex.