September 27, 2011 Special Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Board of Ward County Commissioners

September 27, 2011

 

      The special meeting of the Ward County Commission was called to order by Chairman Gruenberg at 1:00 p.m. with Comms. Erickson, Christianson, and Nybakken present.  Also present were Highway Engineer Dana Larsen, States Attorney Roza Larson, and Auditor/Treasurer Devra Smestad.

 

      Emergency Manager Amanda Schooling appeared. Moved by Comm. Erickson, seconded by Comm. Christianson to approve the Joint Powers Agreement with First District Health Unit and authorize the Chairman to sign. Roll call: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

      At 1:04 p.m., Comm. Fjeldahl joined the meeting.

 

      Schooling stated that the debris removal within the County ended September 19, 2011. She has had several inquiries to whether or not the County will do an extension. Moved by Comm. Christianson, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl to enter into contract to extend the debris removal within the right-a-way until Friday, October 14, 2011. Roll call: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

      Schooling presented the Demolition Plan that is required by FEMA. The plan has been reviewed by Attorney Howard Swanson and by States Attorney Roza Larson. FEMA, Swanson, and Schooling are still in discussion in regards to the “imminent collapse” and exactly what the defined criteria is for this terminology. Larson stated that this is the best plan for right now. Further discussions with FEMA and clarification on the terminology could make it a better agreement down the road. Moved by Comm. Nybakken, seconded by Comm. Fjeldahl to approve the Demolition Plan as presented. Roll call: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

      Moved by Comm. Christianson, seconded by Comm. Nybakken to call for bids once the bid specifications for removal of stick built homes are finalized, and upon the final approval of the Commission Chairman. Roll call: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

      Auditor/Treasurer Devra Smestad appeared and presented new information for the 2012 budget. Smestad stated that because of a change in the City of Minot valuation, the County’s valuation number is less. Smestad presented two options in which the budget could be adjusted to stay within the 72.46 mill levy rate as advertised. Moved by Comm. Christianson, seconded by Comm. Nybakken to decrease the interim amount of the General Fund to $237,000 and increase the cash on hand under the Park Board to $33,865. Roll call: all voted yes; motion carried.

 

      At 1:40 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.  

 

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED THIS 4^th DAY OF OCTOBER, 2011.         

s/ Jerome Gruenberg

Chairman, Ward County Board of Commissioners

ATTEST:

s/ Devra Smestad

Auditor/Treasurer, Ward County