10-20-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-October 20, 2008 3432 Mr. Berndt previously recommended cutting $750,000 for 2009 chip seal projects on several highways and $400,000 for County Highway 31 overlay. At the last meeting, there was discussion about deferring the purchase of two gravel trucks for $385,000 rather than removing funds for the overlay project. He said either option will provide the necessary reductions to help pay back the building fund. Mr. Bennett suggested cuts to several line items for a total reduction of $1,710,000, which would pay back the building fund and provide an ending balance of $933,255 for 2009. Mr. Wagner said the issue today is how to pay back the $2.3 million loan from the building fund, not to hold another budget hearing. The final budget hearing was held last month. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve revisions to the 2009 Road and Bridge budget and delete $750,000 sealcoat project and $400,000 Highway 31 overlay. Discussion: Mr. Vanyo said with this motion, the goal to pay back the building fund is achieved. Mr. Pawluk said the board could have been informed about this situation before final budget approval and he has issues with projects being deferred another year. On roll call vote, the motion carried with Mr. Wagner, Mrs. Sorum and Mr. Vanyo voting "Yes"; Mr. Bennett and Mr. Pawluk voting "No". 9. JAIL, Purchase aQreement to be drafted for additional property at iaillocation Mr. Montplaisir said he, Mr. Pawluk and Mrs. Johnson spoke with Robert VanRaden, who represents the owner of land located directly south of the Cass County Jail. The property is undeveloped and is a 200 foot strip of land approximately 6 acres in size. The current site has room for future jail expansion to the east and for a possible joint law enforcement center in front of the current jail; however, if a center is built, parking may be an issue. The additional land would provide the county with options for the future. Mr. Van Raden is offering to sell the property for $860,000 in cash, and the county would assume $120,000 in special assessments. He said monies from the jail sales tax fund could be used to purchase the land. The offer amounts to approximately $3.74 per square foot. Mr. Vanyo asked if the county should wait to purchase the land until a definite answer is received regarding the joint law enforcement center. Mr. Pawluk feels now is the time for the county to secure the property. Mr. Vanyo said he is not opposed to the purchase, but just questioned if other options are available. Mr. Bennett said the county may have other potential uses for the land and believes the purchase is timely and a wise choice. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to direct the county auditor and state's attorney to draft a purchase agreement for additional land located south of the Cass County Jail property. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 10. VOUCHERS, Approved MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve Voucher No. 230,224 through Voucher No. 230,668. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.