05-19-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-May 19, 2008 3358 f. Contract approval Qwest Corporation-renewal of existing contract to provide circuits and long distance phone service. g. Approve a raffle permit for the Cass County Historical Society to be held December 8,2008, at Bonanzaville U.S.A. in West Fargo, North Dakota. h. Approve modification of a position analysis questionnaire (PAQ) for the Highway Department C41 Purchasing and Inventory Manager to a B23 Account Technician and approve recruitment for the position. 6. ORDINANCE #2008-1, First readinQ on Economic Growth Plan Sales Tax Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor, provided a time line regarding implementation of a sales tax in relation to the ordinance process. The half cent sales tax question for the economic growth plan is on the June 10th primary election ballot. If approved by voters and if the commission wants the tax to become effective October 1st, the State Tax Department needs a signed contract from the county by June 30th. Today, a first reading of the ordinance is scheduled, and a notice will be published 21 days before a second reading. He said pending approval from Cass County voters, a second reading and adoption of the ordinance will be scheduled for June 16th. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to hold a first reading of the Economic Growth Plan Sales Tax Ordinance #2008-1, direct the appropriate notice be published and schedule a second reading of the ordinance for June 16, 2008. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 7. ROAD ISSUES, Public comment from Robert Thompson Robert Thompson, resident of rural Page, was present. He discussed spring load limits on gravel roads. He said 60,000 Ibs. for a five-axle vehicle is too low and recommends it be raised to 70,000 Ibs. Keith Berndt, County Engineer, was present and said spring load limits for asphalt roads are based on pavement strength as determined by tests, but there is not a scientific method used in arriving at the gravel road spring limits. He agreed to consider Mr. Thompson's request in determining postings for next spring. Mr. Thompson also discussed speed limits on paved county highways. He recommends the speed limit on paved county highways be raised from 55 mph to 65 mph. He distributed petitions gathered in 2001 to designate Cass County Highway 26 as a state highway and said 90% of area residents favor an increase. He said a majority of the time traffic counts on rural county highways are low, which he feels warrant a speed limit change. He said a speed limit increase will save time for residents living in rural communities commuting to and from the metropolitan area. He suggested interstates, which have heavier traffic flows, be decreased from 75 mph to 65 mph to save on gas usage and associated costs as well as for safety reasons. Mr. Pawluk asked if state law allows the county to raise the speed limits on county roads. Mr. Berndt said the county may post county highways at 65 mph under state law. Mr. Pawluk is concerned about traffic safety if speeds are increased. Mr. Berndt said design standards would need to be reviewed and some roads may require upgrades, such as guard rails and possibly other features. Mr. Berndt also suggested input from the State's Attorney and Insurance Reserve Fund regarding any added liability implications.