02-21-1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

198 Personnel Assistant Sandra Brumfield was present and referred to a memo she sent to Cass County Commissioners, dated February 17th, regarding leave of absence without pay and continuation of medical benefits. She stated that a Social Service employee is on medical leave of absence without pay, and the County does not have a written policy on this. In the past, if an employee has completed at least one-half a month of service, the County provided matching benefits. Employees who leave the County's employment before one-half a month is completed would not receive paid benefits. Mr. Shannon suggested referring this matter to the appropriate committee on Personnel Policy Manual Review for a long-term solution. Mr. Wieland moved and Mrs. Toussaint seconded to adopt the recommendation of Sandra Brumfield in regard to Social Service employee Michelle Sturtz on medical leave of absence, whereby the medical insurance premiums be picked up by Ms. Sturtz beginning with the March premium, which is due in February. The motion carried on roll call vote with all members present voting "Aye". Sandra Brumfield also addressed the Commission on a new position in the Emergency Management division in the Sheriff's Department. Also present was Glenn Ellingsberg, Cass County Emergency Manager. Miss Brumfield stated that since the Salary Review Committee has been defunct for some time, there are a number of positions in the County which have not been graded, including this position for an emergency program specialist. Mr. Ellingsberg stated that he can maintain the current disaster plans to the best of his abilities, but the plans will remain as they are rather than be improved. Office space is available for this person and all the necessary equipment to begin work. He recommended that it be a full-time position in a salary range of $1,524-$2547 per month and that the starting salary be $18,288 annually. Mr. Wieland moved and Mrs. Toussaint seconded to approve a new position in the Emergency Management Department as outlined, tentative to the pay grade being set by a salary and pay grade committee. The motion carried with three members voting "Aye", Mr. Shannon opposing, and Mr. Sondrall being absent. Glenn Ellingsberg was present on behalf of Sheriff Don Rudnick requesting that the Commission appoint a Jail Advisory Committee to work with the Sheriff's Office and the County Commission in developing guidelines as to where the County wants to go in developing a jail for Cass County. A lengthy discussion followed. Mr. Wieland stated that the needs and desires of the citizens of Cass County must be studied and determined in regard to incarceration, social needs, and political aspects of a jail facility. Mr. Shannon suggested that each Commissioner list five or six items that they identify as problem areas that need attention and at the next regular meeting, the Commission can set aside some time to develop these items into a mission statement. This item will be placed on the March 7th County Commission agenda. Mrs. Toussaint moved and Mr. Wieland seconded that the Chairman sign the reauthorization letter reflecting that the same policy and procedure manuals apply for the Jail and Juvenile Detention Center as presently on file. Motion carried.