1a. Red River Valley Fair release of funds

Commission Minutes-March 17, 2008 3337 the board's role is to set the budget and operation plans and his role is to hire and train staff, stay within the budget and handle the day-to-day operations. Mr. Wagner said since public dollars are involved, he believes public comment should be allowed at meetings. Mr. Schulz said the board considers emails and correspondence submitted by the public as well as allows citizens to provide comments at meetings. Mr. Vanyo said the 2008 budget includes $100,000 for the fair. Mr. Wagner said taking into consideration the new manager has knowledge of public office responsibilities, he is comfortable with releasing a portion of the funds to offset the costs associated with 4-H and FFA premiums and suggested the board re-assess the release of the remaining funds in August after the fair has been held and when budget hearings will begin for the next year. Mr. Wagner suggested releasing $70,000 to cover the costs of the premiums for 4-H and FFA exhibits as he does not want to short change youth programming held through the Extension Office. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve the release of $70,000 of the 2008 budgeted amount to the Red River Valley Fair Association, with the remaining $30,000 to be considered in August after the Red River Valley Fair has been held. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 9. FARGO SOUTHSIDE FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT, Presentation Fargo City Mayor Dennis Walaker was present to discuss the Fargo Southside Flood Control Project. He said over the last two months, public meetings have been held on both sides of the Red River to provide information about different alternatives. The 100-year flood plain will be changing and the city will be requesting state funding to assist with costs associated with the project. Also present was City Engineer Mark Bittner as well as other city officials, staff from Moore Engineering and water board representatives. The project will remove areas currently in the flood plain, prevent additional areas from being in the flood plain, and eliminate the mandatory requirement for flood insurance many property owners will face if nothing is done. A large area of Fargo south of 1-94 is in jeopardy of overland flooding from the Wild Rice River, similar to that which occurred in 1997. A presentation was given outlining the different alternatives to consider and flood insurance premium estimates. Mr. Bittner discussed the project schedule and other flood protection efforts. The city commission will work to select an alternative next month and another round of public hearings will be tentatively held in May. He anticipates construction to begin around June of 2009. Commissioners commended everyone involved for their time and effort toward the project. 10. ELECTION EQUIPMENT, Joint powers purchase aareement with North Dakota Association of Counties Mr. Montplaisir said the 2008 budget includes funds to purchase twenty (20) E-poll books, a new technology to use at the Early Voting Precinct during elections this year. He said Cass County is participating in a pilot project with some other counties across the state to use the E-poll books. He said through a joint powers purchase agreement with the North Dakota