In a brisk session, the Grand Forks County Commission conducted its business with Bridgie Hansen, county risk manager, giving an update on the "panic button" alarm systems. The new systems are up and running, with 65 alarms located in the county office building, and 59 alarms located in the county courthouse. Four additional alarms were added to the courthouse to be used by the public. The extra alarms were placed in jury rooms, and though not a part of the original plan, were within the allocated budget of just under $40,000.
In other business, the commission approved money for plaques, each at a cost of $20, for award winners of the 4-H Club.
The commission also approved a plan to hire a consultant to conduct a detailed analysis of the historic 113-year-old Northwood bridge, which collapsed on July 22 this year. This is necessary for the county in order to obtain a cost estimate for replacing the bridge. This estimate will then be presented to the insurance company for Larimore-based trucking firm Klass trucking, whose driver drove a loaded 43-ton truck over the bridge, well over the 14-ton weight limit.
Council member Cynthia Pic was absent this session and Tom Ford, director of administration, out as well. State's Attorney Haley Wamstad was off, with Deputy State’s Attorney Carmell Mattison sitting in for her.
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