5. Discussion on auditor/treasurer/recorder positions

Commission Minutes--January 3, 2006 3020 MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to authorize signage of the courthouse and annex with the hours that each building is open to the public and stating which items are restricted from those buildings. Discussion: The board further discussed the hours which the sheriffs office is proposing the doors to the buildings to open and close because not all county employees have access to the building until it is open to the public. Their proposal is to staff the security stations and open the doors at 7:55 instead of 7:45 AM and to close at 5:00 instead of 5:15 PM. Mr. Bennett asked about delaying a decision for two weeks and Mr. Ellingsberg said that is not a problem. Mrs. Johnson said the county department head group is meeting tomorrow morning, and they could perhaps discuss the issues further with the sheriff. Mr. Vanyo questioned approving a motion at this time without being fully aware of the ultimate restrictions and hours of operation. Mr. Ellingsberg said he will report back to the board on possible changes in the list of restricted items, and he will continue to work with Mrs. Johnson, as buildings and grounds supervisor, on standard signage for the county. Mrs. Johnson said the county does use a standard sign, and she would suggest a stand-alone sign for appearance reasons, rather than attaching something to the front door. A previous question about security responsibilities in public buildings was addressed to Birch Burdick, State's Attorney. He said he did not find anything specific In state statutes on whether the sheriff or county commission is responsible for those duties and has not researched attorney general opinions. Mr. Bennett asked for a roll call vote, after which the motion carried with Mrs. Sorum, Mr. Bennett and Mr. Pawluk voting "Aye"; Mr. Vanyo and Mr. Wagner opposing. Mr. Bennett said he understands there will be other meetings to make some adjustments before a final decision is made by the sheriffs department. 421 ORDINANCE DRAFT, Failed to pass first reading on converting county position from elective to appointive Mr. Burdick provided background information on the Local Governance Advisory Committee discussion on the topic of elected versus appointed county offices. He prepared two draft ordinances, one that would convert the county recorder from elective to appointive position upon the retirement of the current recorder, or January 1, 2007, whichever occurs first. The second draft ordinance would include converting the county auditor and the county treasurer from elective to appointive positions, effective on the conclusion of the terms of those offices in 2011. He said there may be other options the board would wish to consider.