11-17-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes—November 17, 2014 4388 6. ORDINANCE #2014-2 EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMUNICATION 9-1-1 FEE, First reading held County Auditor Michael Montplaisir said currently three different emergency services communications (911) fees are charged by Fargo, West Fargo and Cass County. In September, the commission approved a resolution to place a question on the November general election ballot regarding a county-wide 911 fee of$1.50 per month per communication device. The measure was passed by voters and in order to implement the fee, an ordinance needs to be adopted. In the past, all three entities have supplemented the fee with property tax revenue to cover the costs associated with 911 services provided to residents; however, this fee will be sufficient to pay the costs and will take effect January 1, 2015. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mr. Peterson seconded to approve the first reading of Ordinance #2014-2, Emergency Services Communications (9-1-1) Fee, direct that appropriate notice be published in the official county newspaper, and schedule the second reading of the ordinance for December 15, 2014. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 7. ORDINANCE #2014-1 AUTHORIZING SHERIFF TO POLICE PUBLIC EVENTS, Second reading held; ordinance to be revised and brought back for third reading A first reading of Ordinance #2014-1, Authorize the Sheriff to Police Public Events, was held on October 20, 2014. County Sheriff Paul D. Laney said current state law has been in place for many years that allows the sheriff to police events. The proposed ordinance includes language from existing state law with the addition of rodeos, car shows and car races under types of events. Captain Mitch Burris was present and explained the event that precipitated the ordinance being drafted. He and sheriff staff stopped by a rodeo being held by a property owner in the rural area outside city limits. Staff were asked to leave the premises by the owner. He said the ordinance will allow law enforcement to be proactive rather than reactive with these kinds of situations. Mr. Vanyo believes the state law is sufficient and clearly outlines the process to allow the sheriff to police events outside city limits and police chiefs to do the same within city limits. He suggested the ordinance be revised using state law and adding the definitions of rodeo, car shows and car races. Mr. Peterson said the board understands the intent of the ordinance, but he is struggling to know when the public is supposed to call the Sheriff's Office to provide notice of an event. Mrs. Scherling has received several calls and emails from residents concerned with the ordinance and its vagueness. Mr. Bennett said if the authority is already provided in state law, he is unsure why an ordinance is necessary. Bryan Schulz, General Manager, Red River Valley Fair Association, was present. He and his staff have a good working relationship with the Sheriff's Office. When events are held at the fairgrounds, costs are passed on to those holding an event. He is concerned the increased costs to hire security staff will deter potential customers from using their facility. Captain Burris suggested a sunset clause be added, which would allow the commission to review the ordinance annually to address any concerns.