1. Head Start building recommendation

Head Start April 3, 2008 1 HEAD START BUILDING BID RECOMMENDATION COMMITTEE APRIL 3, 2008-9:30 AM 1. MEETING TO ORDER Committee Chairman Scott Wagner called a meeting of the Head Start Building Bid Recommendation Committee to order at 9:30 AM on Thursday April 3, 2008 in the Cass County Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse. Cass County Commission member and chairman of the committee Scott Wagner introduced and thanked the following committee members: Vern Bennett, Cass County Commission: Dr. Claire Strom, Fargo Preservation Commission; Mike Montplaisir, CassCounty Auditor and in the absence of Merrill Piepkorn, Tracy Walvatne was present representing the Horace Mann Area Neighborhood Association. Also present was Birch Burdick, Cass County States' Attorney. 2. REVIEW OF BID PROCEDURES BY STATES' ATTORNEY Mr. Burdick presented a handout outlining the transfer of county property obtained from Section 11-27-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, which states the property advertised shall be sold to the highest bidder if the highest bid is deemed sufficient by a majority of the members of the board of county commissioners. Mr. Burdick explained that county commissioners should choose the highest bidder if the bid is sufficient. He researched meaning of "sufficient" as 'It appears in the code and was unable to find any conclusive information thus, using the dictionary for a definition finding it to mean amount or competent. Seven bids were received by the county auditor and opened on March 17, 2008 with project plans, bid amounts and contingencies varying. Mr. Wagner explained the Head Start Building Bid Recommendation Committee was formed to review the bids received; make a recommendation to the county commission; and provide additional information regarding the bids to the commission. 3. REVIEW OF BID PROPOSALS Mr. Montplaisir stated the Head Start building was built in the early 1900's and used as a hospital for contagious disease in the early days. Cass County purchased the building in 1952 for $25,000. The building presently houses two apartments on the third floor and Head Start had leased the main floor until November 12, 2007 when their lease was terminated with the county. An advertisement for bids on the property was published on February 25th, March 2nd and 10th. An open house was held on February 28th The building which belongs to the county has been removed from the tax roles with the exception of the apartments. Mr. Montplaisir reminded bidders that they would be subject to property taxes on the property. A handout outlining each bid including name of bidder, bid amount, contingencies and proposed use was distributed to everyone in attendance. Six of the seven bidders were present. Mr. Wagner invited each bidder to give a 10 minute presentation to the committee giving an overview of their bid and projected plan. Following each presentation committee members held a short question and answer session with each bidder. The following bids were received: 1) John A. Strand, bid-$1.00; no contingencies; proposed use-mixed use of commercial and residential. John Strand accompanied by James Wolberg, local working artist and Mike Allmendinger, Kilbourne Group addressed the