10-21-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes October 21, 2013 4218 Mr. Vanyo asked if the death investigator positions will be reviewed by the county's salary consultant to determine a pay grade. Mr. Berndt said Fox Lawson Associates reviewed the position and placed it in a C43 pay grade. Mr. Pawluk asked who the death investigators will report to on a daily basis. Sheriff Paul D. Laney was present and said his preference is to have staff report to the County Coroner since the position is appointed by the commission, similar to the Weed Control Officer; however, in order to move forward with this proposal, he supports the employees either reporting to him or to the County Administrator. Mr. Peterson believes the coroner is considered a department head and could confer with the administrator. Mr. Bennett said the death investigators should be responsible to the coroner. Mr. Vanyo expects the staff will most likely report to both —the coroner for day -to -day operation activities, and the administrator for administrative oversight and county policy issues. There was also discussion about the hours of operation during the regular work week, and whether the office will be open for eight hours or for a portion of each work day. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mr. Peterson seconded to employ the current Death Investigators from the Coroner's Office as county employees effective November 1, 2013, with one full -time and one three quarters time employee —being exempt level staff, they would not be eligible for overtime or holiday pay. Discussion: Mr. Vanyo believes any reporting issues can be worked out between Mr. Berndt and the two investigators. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. MOTION, passed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mr. Peterson seconded to allocate space on the second floor of the original Courthouse formerly used by Information Technology for the interim Coroner's Office. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. MOTION, passed Mr. Pawluk moved and Mr. Peterson seconded to provide a van from the motor pool for the Coroner's Office to use with the normal billing implemented for use of the vehicle, but that no modifications to the van be made until 2014. Discussion: Mr. Pawluk wanted to ensure the county is not taking away revenue from the funeral homes as they are reimbursed when they transport bodies to the medical examiner in Grand Forks. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 8. MOTOR POOL VEHICLE, Proposals to be solicited for van Mr. Montplaisir said with the approval of a motor pool van to be used by the Coroner's Office, a replacement is needed. Social Services staff use two vans to transport children, and he is requesting to solicit proposals through the state bid system. He said sufficient dollars are available in the Motor Pool Fund for the purchase, and costs are recouped through a charge of 40 cents per mile to each department that uses a vehicle.