11-18-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

10. Commission Minutes--November 18, 1996 1540 Today, the Cass County Board of Commissioners received two reports authorized by the Board several weeks ago to investigate complaints of possible inappropriate conduct and employee morale problems in the State's Attorney's Office. The Board was obligated by county policy and federal law to take action based on employee complaints. It is clear the investigations were thorough and comprehensive. The Board will continue to discuss the issues with their legal counsel with regard to any action which may be taken. The Board believes that within two weeks it will be prepared to determine a course of action and issue a statement outlining findings and proposed actions. When the Board determines its course of action, a statement will be issued outlining our findings and proposed actions. Our goal is to ensure the highest standards of public service and to create a healthy work environment for all county employees. Copies of the press release were provided to those members of the media present today. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, Requests approved Sheriff Don Rudnick presented several requests for staff and equipment. He asked that the first item on the agenda, an equipment grant application in the amount of $5,000, be omitted because the application deadline has passed. The Sheriffs vehicle replacement request is for a 1997 Dodge, full-size van or a 1997 Dodge Intrepid to replace the vehicle driven by the Drug Task Force Officer, and their recommendation is to purchase the van. Mr. Ness said an older model van would be less conspicuous since this vehicle will be used for drug surveillance. Sheriff Rudnick said the used vans they looked at have a lot of miles on them for the dollars. MOTION, passed Mr. Wieland moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded to allow the Sheriff's Department to purchase a replacement vehicle utilizing vehicle line item budget, asset forfeiture funds and/or block grant funds for the current year, plus any trades available. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. The Sheriff also requested approval of 1996 law enforcement block grant funds and authorization to hire a gang officer. Concerning an offer made by the State's Attorney about a month ago to assign his office investigator to work with the Sheriff on a gang task force, Sheriff Rudnick said it appears that would not solve their problem. The job description for a gang officer was attached to the Sheriff's request at this time. Mr. Ness had some questions of the Sheriff concerning this position. MOTION, passed Mr. Eckert moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded that the Sheriff be authorized to hire a gang officer with grant funds. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.