05-05-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--May 5, 1997 1618 BUDGET PROCEDURE, Department heads to prepare 1998 salary recommendation MOTION, passed Mrs. Schneider moved and Mr. Koenig seconded to request county department heads to prepare a salary recommendation to be used for budget purposes in the 1998 county budget process. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. am FLOOD UPDATE, FEMA report Representatives of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Alan Dobson, Rosemary Moran and Rita Kepner were present. Mr. Dobson, Community Relations Officer, said county residents are being urged to contact FEMA at 1-800-462-9029 for flood disaster assistance, no matter how big or how small the amount of damage incurred. FEMA's role, according to Mr. Dobson, is to act as coordinator to local officials making decisions on how to address the needs of their community. Mr. Wieland asked if FEMA would recommend a moratorium on issuing building permits for new construction in flooded areas; and Mr. Dobson said FEMA would advise local officials of the flood plain area. However, the decision as far as new construction or further development would be made at the local level. Mr. Wieland said the county does not issue building permits but could make that suggestion to local jurisdictions. Members of the Commission thanked FEMA representatives for their presence in the community. STATE'S ATTORNEY, Payment of legal fees for John Coif Mr. Koenig asked to place this item on the agenda and to approve payment of the bill for legal services from Wold Johnson law firm in the amount of $7,021.11 dated January 21, 1997. He provided copies of the bill, as well as copies of correspondence between Chairman Wieland, Attorney Robert Feder and State's Attorney, John Goff, concerning the bill. Mr. Feder was present to answer any questions. Mr. Koenig stated commissioners are aware of the October, 1996, complaint filed against Mr. Goff alleging violations of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the North Dakota Human Rights Act. He said the board of commissioners at that time retained a Minneapolis law firm for the months of September through December, and bills for those services have been paid. Mr. Koenig provided copies of North Dakota Century Code 34-02-01 regarding employer indemnifying employee for losses and expenses; and he said the question becomes whether Mr. Coif is considered an employee of the county since he is an elected official. Chairman Wieland sent a letter to Heidi Heitkamp, North Dakota Attorney General, asking for advice as to the county's legal obligations regarding this bill. Since the Commission has not received a response from the Attorney General yet, Mrs. Schneider suggested delaying a decision on payment of Mr. Goff's legal bill until a response is received. Mr. Feder said he is not sure the Attorney General will respond with an opinion because a specific format must be followed when asking a question in order to obtain an Attorney General's opinion. He said the chairman's letter was more of a request for guidance. Mr. Wieland was in agreement to send a follow-up letter to the Attorney General and phrase it in a more specific manner, if that is necessary.