09-05-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--September 5, 2000 2190 New Institution), which was a three-day seminar attended by the seven member transition team. He also said hiring of temporary staff to replace transition team members has begun, and he reported on progress with the new computer information system. Mr. Willis said he met with Robert Holmbeck, Information Services Director, earlier today to discuss some of the problem areas with the new system being developed by county information services staff. One staff member is modifying the software program and giving employees an opportunity to use it and suggest changes that still need to be made. Mr. Holmbeck informed Mr. Willis that January 1, 2001, is a realistic date for completion of the modifications and the addition of other necessary modules. Commissioners Meyer, Quick and Wieland attended a portion of the HONI training last Wednesday, and Mr. Meyer said some of the jail staff members serving on the transition team said they were unhappy with the new computer software and would have preferred purchasing a ready-made package rather than modifying the existing program. Mr. Willis said he is comfortable with the in-house work on the computer program and believes it is realistic that the Information Services Department can complete the programming by the January 1 deadline set by Mr. Holmbeck. Mrs. Schneider asked if any of the purchased software packages used by the jails Mr. Willis visited would have been feasible for Cass County, and Mr. Willis said most of those packages are quite expensive and one company went out of business shortly after selling the product. He said the package used in Duluth appeared to be satisfactory to the users, however, one problem might be interfacing with other departments or agencies who also access the information. In view of the conflicting information the Commission is hearing concerning a purchased package or modifying the current software, Mrs. Schneider suggested having a third party review and assess the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems and make a recommendation back to the board as soon as possible. With Glenn Ellingsberg's background, she suggested that he be asked to make this review. Mr. Ellingsberg was present and said he may be partial toward continuing to modify the present software in-house, however, he is willing to review the situation and report back to the County Commission with a recommendation. Bonnie Johnson, Jail Project Coordinator and transition team member, said Mr. Ellingsberg would be an excellent choice for such a review. Mr. Willis was also agreeable and said a good assessment could be expected from Mr. Ellingsberg and other staff. 15. VOUCHERS, Aoproved MOTION, passed Mr. Koenig moved and Mr. Wieland seconded to approve Vouchers No. 143,693 through No. 144,113. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. 16. MEETING UPDATES; BUDGET UPDATE; BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS PROJECTS; FLOOD BUYOUTS, Committee reports Commissioners reported on meetings they have attended in the past two weeks, as well as upcoming meetings.