12-02-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--December 2, 1996 1552 Though no substantiated evidence of "inappropriate relationships" has been found as alleged, the Commission is concerned about the appearance of impropriety and dysfunction in the SAO, perceived by a number of SAO employees and now by members of the public. The Commission is also concerned about the view of some SAO employees that a hostile or retaliatory environment exists in the SAO. The Commission urges all elected county officials and SAO employees to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with County policy, and high moral and ethical standards. High moral and ethical standards include appropriate conduct in the SAO on a day-to-day basis and being truthful at all times in statements made by SAO employees in the course of their duties, and to members of the public. The Commission directs that a copy of Ms. Jerich's report and of this resolution be placed in Mr. Goff's personnel file. The Commission urges Mr. Goff to take all necessary steps to re- establish an appropriate working environment for SAO employees so that the public interest may be served in the best manner possible. The Commission also urges and directs SAO employees to support Mr. Goff and other SAO employees in all good faith attempts to re-establish a healthy and productive work environment. At the call for the question and upon roll call vote, the motion carried with Mr. Wieland, Mr. Ness, Mrs. Schneider and Mrs. Toussaint voting "Aye;" Mr. Eckert opposing. Proposed chanpes to State's Attorney's Office work environment The Board next discussed changes to improve the work environment and employee morale problems in the State's Attorney's Office. A suggestion was made to appoint a committee of three people, consisting of Mr. Goff, a member of the Commission selected by the Commission, and a person mutually agreeable to Mr. Goff and the Commission, for the purpose of hiring an administrative assistant for the State's Attorney's Office. The duties of the administrative assistant would include, but not necessarily be limited to, administrative, personnel and related office management duties. Mr. Wieland recommended hiring as counsel to the Commission, someone who is experienced in political subdivisions, which would allow Mr. Goff more time to spend as a prosecuting attorney. Any decision to hire additional staff, such as a secretary, should be made by the new Commission in January, according to Mr. Wieland, because they will be charged with finding the funds for more staff. Also, Mr. Wieland recommended moving the State's ^ttorney Investigator to the Sheriff's Department. The position could be assigned as needed to assist with investigations for the State's Attorney's Office, he said. Other Commissioners did not support this suggestion at this time.