10-12-1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--October 12, 1992 940 10. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, Employee termination upheld Commissioners, State's Attorney John Goff, and John Schneider, Attorney for Jerry Mickish, received a copy of the report from Special Investigator David Glaspell of Corporate Human Services, Inc. with his findings in the termination of Jerry Mickish by the Cass County Sheriff's Department. Mr. Schneider was informed that a decision is expected today, but no one was in the audience to speak on this subject. Mr. Wieland asked the State's Attorney to outline the options in Mr. Glaspell's report. Mr. Goff said there were about four specific errors in judgement, according to Mr. Glaspell's report, that were exercised by Jerry Mickish concerning the escape of a federal prisoner, David Sterling, on July 20, 1992. Mr. Glaspell cited some jail policies that could be refined and updated, however, in his opinion, the board of county commissioners should uphold the termination of Jerry Mickish. MOTION, passed Mr. Shannon moved and Mrs. Toussaint seconded to uphold the Sheriff's Department termination of Jerry Mickish; and to forward a copy of the report to the Sheriff with a follow- up to the board of county commissioners at the first regular meeting in December to review the changes and modifications that the Sheriff might suggest as a result of this report. Mr. Shannon moved and Mrs. Toussaint seconded to amend the motion to include that a copy of David Glaspell's report be forwarded to the Personnel Department/ Personnel Overview Committee for review. On roll call vote, motion and amendment carried unanimously. Mr. Wieland suggested forwarding a letter to Jerry Mickish and/or his attorney informing them of the board's decision to uphold the termination. 11. REDUCTION IN FORCE, Budget resolution MOTION, passed Mr. Risher moved and Mr. Eckert seconded to adopt a resolution whereby a change in employment status of a county employee must be discussed by the commissioner proposing the change and the affected employee prior to any budget meeting and before commission action can be taken on the matter. Discussion: Mr. Shannon asked the State's Attorney if this changes the county's at-will employment position in the personnel policy manual. Mr. Golf said it does not compromise the county's at-will position, in his opinion. Mrs. Toussaint asked Mr. Risher if he proposes adding this to commission policy or to personnel policy, and he said it should be included in the commission policy manual. Mr. Wieland said he understands having sensitivity to the people involved, but he is concerned about the time frame and how the commission can inform an employee of any change when it takes a minimum of three commissioners to pass a motion, but three commissioners cannot meet with an employee without violating the open meeting law.