May 22, 2012 Special Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Board of Ward County Commissioners

May 22, 2012

 

      The special building space needs meeting of the Ward County Commission was called to order by Chairman Fjeldahl at 9:00 a.m. with Comms. Erickson and Nybakken present. Also present were States Attorney Roza Larson, Public Financial Consultant Myron Knutson, and Auditor/Treasurer Devra Smestad. Citizen Committee members also present were: David Kopp, Orlin Backes, Bruce Walker, Molla Romine, and Al Hanson.

 

      Comm. Nybakken stated that the meeting about the adjacent lots was canceled and is to be rescheduled prior to the next building space needs meeting.

 

      Architect Don Davison updated the Commission and the Committee on the new concerns for each of the Departments he visited with. Most of the departments have no new immediate changes to the proposed plans. The Ward County Social Service office is concerned about not having enough space. They also let Davison know that there are two different departments and could be split onto two separate floors. The State’s Attorney office is concerned about not having enough space. The Recorder’s office also has some concerns about needing more space in the future.

 

      Davison reported there is no new information about the MDU Substation.

 

      Myron Knutson presented information informing the Commission and the Committee of options for financing.

 

      Comm. Gruenberg joined the meeting at 9:17 a.m.

 

      Knutson presented information about general obligation bonds, lease revenue bonds, lease/purchase financing and leaseback. Without knowing how much the new proposed building will cost, it is difficult to pin point information to present.  

 

      Smestad stated that there are three key items that need to be researched: the adjacent lots, the MDU substation, and the Ward County Library.

 

      At 9:47 a.m., Committee member Walker left the meeting.

 

      Comm. Gruenberg would still like to consider a ½ cent sales tax with a sunset clause to fund the project.

 

       Comm. Fjeldahl asked that prior to the next meeting, information will be required on the number of square feet needed for the new building with an estimated cost, including the library, as a worst case scenario.

 

      The next meeting is scheduled for June 26^th at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission room. States Attorney Roza Larson will provide the answers on legal opinions for each of the finance options, what needs to go to a vote, and about the sales tax option. Davison will provide information about property access and estimated costs along with the MDU substation. Comm. Gruenberg and Christianson will meet with the adjacent property owners and discuss plans with them.

 

       At 9:58 a.m., with no further business, the meeting was adjourned. 

 

      ACCEPTED AND APPROVED THIS 5th DAY OF June, 2012.

        s/ John Fjeldahl –Chairman, Ward County Board of Commissioners

        ATTEST: s/ Devra Smestad - Auditor/Treasurer, Ward County