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V. Cass Annex Building Update <br />Chair Bollinger reported having meetings with Gene Gartner, Cass County Building and <br />Grounds Director, Robert Wilson, Cass County Administrator, and representatives from T.L. <br />Stroh Architects in 2022 to discuss possible renovations that could be done in the Cass <br />County Annex Bui lding. Funds have been allotted in the 2023 budget with intentions to <br />update flooring, paint, refine spaces and create efficiencies. The next meeting has not yet <br />been schedu led, but it is anticipated that T. L. Stroh w ill present their estimate and then <br />determine the phases of the project. <br />VI. Director's Re port <br />On December 29, 20 22, Cha ir Bollinger hosted local leg islators for coffee and discussion <br />about the upcoming legislative session. She prepared key talking points that included <br />Temporary Ass istance for Needy Families (TANF) and workforce equity. Com missioner <br />Grindberg and Mr. Steen both attended Chair Bollinger's event and ag reed it was good <br />discussion and felt the talking points resonated well with the group. <br />Chair Bollinger reported staff were offered a retention bonus at the end of 2022. This was <br />a voluntary bonus. The majority of the staff accepted the bonus, ag reeing to remain <br />employed with Cass County Human Service Zone through June 2023 . If they choose to <br />leave before the six months are over, they would be responsible to pay the rema in ing <br />portion of the funds back. <br />A sample of Cass County Human Service Zone's new logo was provided in the Board <br />packet. Chair Bol linger hopes to debut it in early 2023. The Zone has entered in an <br />agreement with Jason Matthews, JM Strategies to facil ity development of Zone Mission, <br />Vision, and Values. <br />VII. Program Updates <br />Year-to-date the Zone is reporting approximately 49% turnover in staffing. There are <br />currently 114 active employees and 22 vacancies . Administration continu es to see ba rri ers <br />with the hiring practice due to barriers with the Merit System process, inadequate <br />compensation, as well as unrealistic position requirements. An example would be the five <br />years of experience needed to be an Economic Assistance Superviso r. There are few <br />Elig ibi lity Workers that would meet that requirement due to most having only been with <br />the Zone for a short period. Ms. Col lins and Chair Bollinger are working with the State to <br />review and update some requirements to allow those with other experience that aligns <br />with the position to qualify. <br />Ms. Collins explained the Economic Assistance Department has received favorable <br />response to the request of assistance in application backlog. A blitz is in development to <br />get through the backlog prior to the redesign implementation. <br />The Economic Ass istance Department continues to prepare for the redesign <br />implementation on February 13, 2023. There will also be a state-wide Customer Care <br />Center for cl ients to call when they have questions regarding the process or their benefits. <br />VIII. Adjournment <br />Ms. Haugen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:03 p.m. Ms. Fry seconded. Motion <br />carried.