10-06-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-October 6, 2008 3427 Mr. Bennett asked who completed the initial study on County Highway 17. Mr. Berndt said SRF Consulting Group conducted the study and provided the estimates used in the contract. Mr. Bennett suggested the county engineer look for other items, i.e. equipment, to remove from the 2009 budget. Mr. Pawluk asked if contractors have been paid for the County Highway 17 project. Mr. Berndt said a large percentage of the costs have been paid. Mr. Pawluk said the final decision on budget adjustments lies with the county commission, not with a department head. County Auditor Michael Montplaisir said with an audit, loading tickets and weight scales would be reviewed and the cost of an audit would be based on an hourly rate. However, he noted original estimates from the consultant did not address how to proceed with the project if it was determined that actual costs and quantities were substantially higher than the estimates provided to the county. Mr. Vanyo suggested a discussion be held between the county and SRF Consulting Group regarding the issues addressed today. Mrs. Sorum asked Mr. Berndt to submit information on the 80 items within the contract for the County Highway 17 project, and she suggested the board review the 2009 Highway Department budget for additional cuts to help pay back the loan from the building fund. Mr. Wagner said the two issues for the board to consider are: how this will affect the 2009 budget and where the funds will come from to balance the budget; and whether to conduct an in-depth review of the contract with SRF Consulting Group. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to authorize a budget adjustment to the 2008 Road and Bridge Fund line items and totals listed below; request the County Engineer draft a list of priorities from the 2009 budget for the board to consider possible cuts; and ask the State's Attorney to review the contract with SRF Consulting Group. Discussion: Mr. Bennett said Mr. Berndt could have informed the board about this situation earlier. Mr. Pawluk feels a vote today is premature. Mr. Wagner said the county is obligated to pay the contractors and the motion includes a review of the road budget for possible reductions to help pay back the building fund. On roll call vote, the motion carried with Mr. Wagner, Mr. Vanyo, and Mrs. Sorum voting "Yes"; Mr. Pawluk and Mr. Bennett voting "No". Fuel Costs Total increase Increase from $3,700,000 to $7,180,000 Increase from $200,000 to $1,050,000 (2007 anticipated expenditures did not occur until 2008) Increase from $400,000 to $500,000 $4,430,000 Road Construction Right of Way Costs 8. VOUCHERS, Approved MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve Voucher No. 229,870 through Voucher No. 230,223. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.