1. Head Start building recommendation

Head Start April 3, 2008 5 Mr, Wagner thanked each of the bidders present for their proposals and the time they took to attend the meeting. He also reminded the committee that the committee's purpose is to make a recommendation on the bids to the Cass County Commission which will address the issue at their April 7th meeting. Mr. Burdick stated that as the North Dakota Century Code requires choosing the highest bidder he feels the committee members need to find compelling reasons for not recommending the highest bidder. Under the Home Rule Charter the commission can exercise powers beyond the North Dakota Century Code; however, the powers for property are not defined in county ordinance beyond the North Dakota Century Code. Discussion: Mr. Wagner stated the committee needs to look at the threshold for not accepting the highest bid and the structure has sentimental value in the neighborhood. He also stated the committee needs to be mindful of financial resources so the building does not return to county ownership at a later date. Ms. Walvatne stated the Horace Mann Area Neighborhood Association has held three meetings regarding this building and the consensus of the association is they would like to see the structure remain in its original state as much as possible. She stated they are concerned with the impact on the neighborhood not the revenue it generates. She also thanked the commission for inviting the association to have a voice in the process. Mr. Montplaisir asked if the association would prefer commercial or residential use. Ms. Walvatne replied they do not have a preference as long as the property is maintained. She said there have been a large number of favorable comments in the neighborhood regarding the uniqueness of having an artist gallery and feel it would benefit everyone. Dr. Strom stated the definition of "sufficient" could be indicated by the amount of information the committee and commission receive and what would be feasible for the property. The Historical Committee is concerned with the building retaining its historical manner and she felt a number of the bidders did not give enough information regarding retaining its historical status. Mr. Montplaisir said all the proposals were good; however, he wishes Mr. Strand would have offered a higher bid. Mr. Wagner said he is impressed with the concept of an art studio and gallery and he is also impressed with Mr. Bartram's concept of opening up single dwelling homes thus giving families with children an option and impacting the neighborhood school. Ms. Walvatnesaid the Wilds addressed this same issue and the Horace Mann neighborhood has a main interest in making the neighborhood a great place to live. Dr. Strom asked which proposal would be most beneficial to the tax base. Mr. Montplaisir replied the condos and townhomes would. Mr. Bennett said all of the bids have merits, ranging from future tax dollars to more students for the Horace Mann School as well as the arts providing a unique opportunity in the area. He said he feels that the arts are better in the downtown area where they would attract people. His heart would like to see the building used for artists; however, his head tells him the tax dollars and additional students are a better future for the neighborhood. 5. FORMALIZE RECOMMENDATION TO THE CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Mr. Burdick stated that an attorney general opinion from 2002 stated a city is not vested to make a below market value decision on property. Mr. Wagner feels the committee needs to follow Mr. Burdick's direction. Dr. Strom asked if the committee could eliminate some of the bidders making the bidder group a smaller group to choose from. Mr. Bennett stated the committee was created for the purpose of making a recommendation to the county commission and that the commission has the