11-17-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--November 17, 2003 2671 Mr. Bennett said he would like more information on how the 17% turnover rate compares with like institutions. Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator, read a list of reasons for employees leaving the jail from recent exit interviews, and only two of 14 listed better wages as their reason for leaving. Other reasons were getting a job with a police department or the highway patrol, moving out of state or spouse being transferred. Mr. Vanyo asked if the jail employee turnover is higher than ever before, and Mr. Ellingsberg said it is slightly above what it had been in the past; however, he said this could possibly be attributed to the increased number of employees in the new jail. Mrs. Johnson said jail turnover has always been high, and the county has created a policy for the jail to keep applications on file for six months. On the pay issue, Mr. Wagner said the Fox Lawson market review listed the correctional officers at 9% below the market for their classification. They will be in line with the market after the 2004 scale adjustment and cost of living increases the board approved at budget time. In conclusion, Mr. Ellingsberg said the 2004 board of prisoner contracts have been mailed to the Cities of Fargo and West Fargo. He said there is a need for more inmates housing, as the Federal Government is interested in obtaining more bed space, and he would like to work with the commission and the community to begin considering expansion plans. 13. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, Appointment of interim emeraency manaaer Mrs. Sorum said Cass County and the City of Fargo have been working together on a combined emergency management system, and she asked Bonnie Johnson to provide some of the details. Mrs. Johnson said a joint powers agreement is being drafted for the board's consideration at the December 1 st meeting, at which time the board will be asked to appoint a committee of county staff to oversee the combined emergency management agency. The City of Fargo will also appoint the same number of city staff to this oversight committee. The committee would then look to hire a replacement for the former county emergency manager, Greg McDonald. Also, a suggestion will be made to transfer the position from the county sheriff's department to the county commission. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to authorize the appointment of Chief Deputy Jim Thoreson as Cass County's Interim Emergency Management Coordinator, effective November 17, 2003, due to the resignation of Gregory McDonald. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 14. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, Membership approved David Martin, Public Affairs Director for the Chamber of Commerce of Fargo-Moorhead, and Nina Sneider, from the West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, were present for the board's discussion and consideration of joining the local chamber organizations. Mr. Wagner said Cass County Government is conspicuously absent from the membership in the local chambers of commerce and a number of their issues also involve county govemment. Mr. Martin and Ms. Sneider cited ways in which they could assist county government. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve memberships in the Chamber of Commerce of Fargo-Moorhead and in the West Fargo Chamber of Commerce at a cost not to exceed $328.00 in each one,