12-15-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--December 15, 2003 2680 Mr. Bennett asked what the elevator association's contribution would be toward this project. Mayor McConnell said the elevator contribution will be about $350,000.00, depending upon CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding, which can only be used for the interior of the elevator, and not for the road. He said the North Dakota Department of Transportation has verbally committed $200,000.00 toward the proposed road. Mr. Vanyo said he sees this project as a need for the community and hopes to see it succeed. He supports the county taking over the road and the financial contribution up to this point. Birch Burdick, State's Attorney, said he has read the draft agreement between Cass County and the City of Casselton; however, he has not had an opportunity to review it with their city attorney. He has a question about the timeframe on reimbursement costs to Cass County, and Mayor McConnell said the City of Casselton will have the construction costs in hand while the project is proceeding and should be able to pay their bills in 30 days. Mr. Mauch said a lot of time has gone into the project so far, and the new road will be built. He said construction costs continue to increase with new ideas they are incorporating into the facility. He asked Cass County to contribute as much as they can afford. MOTION, failed Mr. Meyer moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to authorize the chairman to sign an agreement with the City of Casselton regarding the proposed elevator road, Cass County's financial participation to be limited to $70,000.00; to approve a contract with Moore Engineering, Inc. for engineering services to prepare the design for the Casselton elevator road; and to authorize the county engineer to add the proposed road to the Cass County Highway System and proceed with all necessary design and construction activities to complete project. Discussion: Mr. Vanyo asked where the additional funds would be paid from, and Mr. Meyer said he believes the County Highway Department has some money in unspecified projects. Mr. Berndt said funds are generally earmarked in the budget for unexpected projects, but he does not have an additional $50,000.00 available. If the board wishes, he said he could review the budget to see if other projects could be cut. Mrs. Sorum asked if anything has changed as far as other commitments since the last Road Advisory meeting, and Mr. Berndt said he is not aware of any changes. Mrs. Sorum said the county receives many funding requests and cannot approve all of them. Mr. Wagner said he sees the county acting more as a pass-through agency and continuing to use county tax dollars for public roads. He supports limiting the county contribution to $20,000.00. Mr. Bennett said he feels very strongly that the additional money can be justified for this project. On roll call vote, the motion failed with Mr. Meyer and Mr. Bennett voting "Aye"; Mr. Wagner, Mrs. Sorum and Mr. Vanyo opposing. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to authorize the chairman to sign an agreement with the City of Casselton regarding the proposed elevator road, Cass County's financial participation to be limited to $20,000.00; to approve a contract with Moore Engineering, Inc. for