March 15, 2007 Special meeting minutes

        A special meeting of the Ward County Commissioners to continue discussion on the county space needs was called to order by Chairman Watne at 9:00 a.m. with Comm. Fjeldahl, Erickson and Lee present. Comm. Gruenberg was absent. Also present were State's Attorney John Van Grinsven and Auditor/Treasurer Devra Smestad.      

      Comm. Watne presented a review of the Cenex and Oppen building tours and suggested that Engineer Kluck and Comms. Lee and Gruenberg get into the buildings to check the structure; furnace and roof. 

Comm. Watne requested that Comm. Lee, Building Supervisor Ron Overly and Smestad put together building costs for each building, along with moving costs.

Comm. Watne informed the Board that the Bond Consultant and Bond Counsel have been invited to the next Board meeting on March 27.

      Brief discussion was held on a county sales tax to care for the building costs and other infrastructure.

      Comm. Watne informed the Board that the State may be taking over the Regional Child Support Office; how will this affect the county and space needs?

      Discussion was then held on both the Cenex and Oppen Center buildings. Moved by Comm. Lee, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl to remove the Cenex building from consideration. Comm. Fjeldahl made an amended motion to make the Oppen Center the first choice then look at other options if necessary. Amended motion seconded by Comm. Lee. Roll call on amended motion: all present voted yes; motion carried.

      Regional Child Support Director Larry Van Ness; County Agent Mike Rose; Juvenile Detention Director Allison Hughes; Library Director Jan Murphy; Extension office employee Gail Slinde; Sheriff Vern Erck; and Building Supervisor Ron Overly all appeared for comment.

      Comm. Lee informed the Board that Roger Tollefson had approached him and would like to give the County the Tollefson buildings located north of Minot; which would give the County room for the Emergency Management trailer; iron storage for the Highway Department: and an investigation bay for the Sheriff's Office, among other storage.

      At 10:20 a.m. with no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED THIS 27th DAY OF MARCH, 2007.

 

s/Darlene Watne, Chairman
Ward County Board of Commissioners

 ATTEST: 
s/Devra Smestad
Ward County Auditor/Treasurer