May 22, 2007 Special Meeting Minutes

 

A special meeting of the Ward County Commissioners was called to order by Chairman Watne at 4:02 pm with Comms. Fjeldahl, Gruenberg, Erickson and Lee present. Also present were Auditor/Treasurer Devra Smestad; State's Attorney John Van Grinsven; the following department heads: Dan Richter, Social Services; Allison Hughes, Juvenile Detention; and Cindy Almer-Krueger from Veteran’s Services and Dave Bosh from the Sheriff’s Department.

 

Chairman Watne explained that the meeting was regarding building and space needs plans. She asked Comm. Erickson to report on a meeting held May 21 with Owen Larson and Dan Richter about the possibility of Social Services leasing more office space from the Oppen Center.

 

Comm. Erickson and Richter gave a presentation on their meeting, explaining that Larson was interested in leasing additional space to the County. Richter informed the Board that he would be able to move into the new space with a minimal amount of remodeling. Van Grinsven also appeared briefly for comment. After much discussion it was moved by Comm. Fjeldahl, seconded by Comm. Erickson to rent the additional space requested, approximately 9,786 square feet, at the Oppen Family Guidance Center until June 30, 2008. Roll call: all voted yes, except Comm. Lee who voted no; motion carried.

 

Van Grinsven again appeared for comment regarding an amendment to the lease.

 

After further discussion, it was moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl to ask the architect to figure the remodeling costs of the Oppen Family Guidance Center and produce a revised plan and cost for a two story office building to be located north of the Courthouse. Roll call: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

Chairman Watne then appointed Comms. Gruenberg and Fjeldahl to form a committee to decide which offices would move to the Oppen Center and to follow-up with the architect on the two projects.

 

Brief discussion was held on the transfer of Regional Child Support Enforcement Unit to the State and the current building lease Ward County has for their office. No action was taken.

 

Smestad informed the Board that the appraisal has been conducted on the former Tollefson Slumberland building and a deed has been prepared, but can’t be recorded until the taxes are paid current. Moved by Comm. Watne, seconded by Comm. Erickson for the County to pay the taxes for the former Slumberland building. Roll call: all voted yes; motion carried. Smestad then questioned what fund the money would come from. Moved by Comm. Gruenberg, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl to take the money to pay the property taxes from the Commissioner’s Contingency fund. Roll call: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

At 5:08 p.m. it was moved by Comm. Gruenberg to adjourn the meeting.

 

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED THIS 5th DAY OF JUNE, 2007.

 

s/Darlene Watne, Chairman
Ward County Board of Commissioners

 

ATTEST: 
s/Devra Smestad
Ward County Auditor/Treasurer