11-24-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

accident. A letter of sympathy will be sent to his family. Mr. Wieland suggested that anyone interested in the appointment of County Surveyor should submit an application in the next two or three weeks. Mr. Wieland stated that the Commission passed a motion on October 13, 1987, granting a $600.00 increase in the public defender contracts for 1988 and adding legal work for the Public Administrator. He was supportive of that motion until after talking with Judge Rothe about her concern that it may not be in the best interests of everyone involved. Also, it is an inappropriate time for the County Court to have to deal with the increased workload. A letter was received from States Attorney Robert Hoy, dated November 24, 1987, stating that the contract which the County signed for 1987 gives the County the option to renew without advertising. He recommended that the County renew the existing contracts for calendar year 1988 at the amended salary figure with each of the three current public defenders. He stated that Judge Rothe concurs in the Commission proceeding in this manner. Mr. Eckert moved and Mrs. Stanton seconded to rescind the motion of October 13, 1987, whereby the Commission approved an increase in the public defender contracts and included the legal work for the Public Administrator. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Stanton moved and Mr. Eckert seconded to renew the current public defender contracts for calendar year 1988 at an annual salary of $17,100.00, which represents an increase from $1,375 to $1,425 per month. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Regarding the public defender mental health contract with the Ottmar Law Firm at Jamestown, Mrs. Stanton suggested asking Judge Cynthia Rothe to propose a salary figure for 1988. The Chairman asked Administrative Assistant Diana Murack to contact Judge Rothe and obtain a suggested figure for consideration next week. County Auditor Ordelle Brua held a bid opening in her office at 10:00 A.M. for the sale of NCR computer equipment. One bid was received for $1,200.00. Mrs. Stanton moved and Mr. Eckert seconded that Richard Offutt, Director of Administrative Services, be authorized to review the bid and make a recommendation next week. Motion carried. A letter was read from County Judge Cynthia Rothe, dated November 20, 1987, regarding the appointment of a temporary judge for Cass County Court. She stated in the letter that during Judge Donald Cooke's most recent absence, the caseload has become unmanageable for one judge. Mrs. Stanton asked how this would differ from what is presently being done in County Court. States Attorney Robert Hoy stated that the current situation is that Judge Mikal Simonson from Barnes County is handling cases in Cass County Court as a courtesy, when his schedule permits.