06-07-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--June 7, 2004 2733 attorney approval, and authorize the chair to sign: On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Airborne Custom Spraying--aerial mosquito spraying of rural subdivisions around urban fringe, if needed; Various cities and rural subdivisions--spraying of adult mosquitoes; Clay County, Minnesota--50/50 cost share on Cass 20 Red River bridge project. 16. NORTH DAKOTA AIR NATIONAL GUARD, Contribution to retain air auard David Martin, Interim Executive Director of the F-M Chamber of Commerce, was present along with Dick Walstad, Chamber President and Chairman of the Fargo-Moorhead Air National Guard Support Group. Mr. Walstad requested a $25,000 contribution from Cass County Government to help support the retention of the North Dakota Air National Guard/119th Fighter Wing in Fargo during the current United States Department of Defense Base Realignment and Closure process authorized by Congress. According to Mr. Walstad, closing the base would have an estimated total economic impact of $120 million, according to an economic study by North Dakota State University economics professor, Larry Leistritz. The Air National Guard Support Group is soliciting funds from other local government entities and has raised about $130,000 thus far, in anticipation of needing $200,000 to hire expert consultants to lead the committee through a review with the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. Mr. Walstad said the support group, which is made up of 20 volunteer members, hopes to raise $50,000 from the business community next. He said a complete accounting of the committee's expenses will be provided to all of the investors in this cause, and Mr. Martin said any surplus funds will be returned on a pro rata basis. Commissioners spoke in favor of the base retention efforts and asked the County Auditor, Michael Montplaisir, where the funds could come from in this year's budget. Mr. Montplaisir responded that the county contingency fund contains $10,000, and none of that has been used in 2004 so far. MOTION, failed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Meyer seconded to invest $25,000 with the Fargo-Moorhead Air National Guard Support Group, with $10,000 being paid from the 2004 county budget and $15,000 from the 2005 budget. Discussion: Mr. Vanyo said he supports the group's undertaking and appreciates the county having $10,000 in the 2004 budget that could be used for this purpose; however, he would have concerns about committing to $15,000 from the 2005 budget before commissioners even begin the upcoming budget session. In addition to funding economic development efforts through the Fargo Cass County Economic Development Corporation, Mr. Vanyo said the usual funding in the county is in the way of human service type issues. Mr. Wagner supports the efforts of the Air National Guard Support Group and using the 2004 contingency fund in the amount of $10,000; however, he suggested the additional $15,000 be requested as a part of the 2005 budget process. Mrs. Sorum was in agreement, also recognizing the importance of the Air Guard and its impact on Cass County's economy. At the call for the question and upon roll call vote, the motion failed with Mrs. Sorum, Mr. Vanyo and Mr. Wagner opposing.