12-17-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-December 17, 2007 3304 problems with the fair management and board membership and believes the administration has a responsibility to create an atmosphere of teamwork. Mr. Pawluk said he appreciates the work provided by all the volunteers serving the fair, but feels the concerns need to be addressed. Mr. Vanyo said the motion today is to delay the release of funds, not eliminate the funding to the fair. Mr. Wagner feels the commission has a responsibility to the taxpayers of Cass County. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 9. HEAD START BUILDING, Property to be transferred to FarQo HousinQ and Redevelopment Authoritv Mr. Montplaisir said in 1952 the county purchased the property located at 57 11 th Avenue North in Fargo from the City of Fargo. The Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency (SENDCAA) leased the building from the county for several years and used the space for Head Start classrooms. This past November, SENDCAA chose not renew their lease. The facility also has two upper level apartments and in 1998, a rehabilitation grant agreement was approved for a 15-year period in order to allow the apartments to be rented based on income. He said the property is a desirable piece of land; however, a purchaser would either have to agree to assume the $86,000 grant or pay it off if not used for affordable housing. Mr. Montplaisir said the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority toured the building and is interested in the site. Lynn Fundingsland, Executive Director of the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority, was present. He said their organization is interested in redevelopment of the property into affordable housing and in order to accomplish this, the existing building would need to be demolished. The cost to demolish the structure would be approximately $65,000 to $70,000 and the $86,000 grant would have to be reimbursed. They are asking the county to consider conveying the property to Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority for $1.00. Mr. Bennett would like to see the county receive more than $1.00 for the property. Mr. Fundingsland said the housing authority is prepared to assume ownership as soon as the appropriate legal documents are prepared. MAIN MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to transfer the county property located at 57 11th Avenue North in Fargo to the Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority at a cost of $1.00 for the purpose of redevelopment of the site for affordable housing. Discussion: The housing authority would assume the $86,000 debt with conveyance of the property. Mr. Vanyo supports the motion and feels the transfer will limit future exposure to county liability. Mr. Burdick referred to state law regarding sale of property and the value placed on property and is unsure what process is needed in order place the value at $1.00. Mr. Burdick and Mr. Montplaisir will work together on this issue. On roll call vote, the main motion passed with four members voting "Aye" and Mr. Bennett voting "No." AMENDED MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to amend the main motion to include the transfer be subject to review and approval by the state's attorney and county auditor. On roll call vote, the amended motion carried unanimously.