Cass County commissioners made a compromise Monday that temporarily dampened tensions over the fate of the county sheriff's residence.
Commissioners voted unanimously to hold off on the demolition process until hearing from North Dakota State Historical Society board members.
Board members have been asked to clarify a Feb. 6 letter that has fueled controversy among preservationists and Cass County commissioners.
In the letter, Historical Society Director Merl Paaverud recommended that the old Cass County jail be destroyed but the county preserve the 90-year-old sheriff's residence.
Some have interpreted the letter as a recommendation that would leave the ultimate decision up to commissioners.
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Others interpret it as a mandate that could ultimately block demolition of the sheriff's residence.
According to the motion made Monday, commissioners set a deadline of March 17 for board members to meet and clarify the letter.
"I see nothing wrong with a clarification," said Commissioner Darrell Vanyo in making the motion.
If the county does not seek such a clarification, there could be problems later, he said.
"Thank you for passing the motion you just passed," said Jens Tennefos, a former Fargo representative.
If the historical society's board does not make a decision by March 24, the county will start the demolition process or stand to lose thousands of dollars in compensation fees to construction companies contracted to do the demolition, said Terry Stroh of T.L. Stroh Architects.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Lisa Schneider at (701) 241-5529
