04-21-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-April 21, 2008 3351 7. STATE MERIT SYSTEM, Proposed administrative code reaardina merit system amendments Bonnie Johnson, County Administrator, said in February the board discussed proposed administrative rules regarding the state merit system as notified by Kathy Hogan, Social Services Director. The chairman asked the issue be reviewed again before the May 5, 2008, Social Services Board meeting in which Laurie Sterioti Hammeren from North Dakota Human Resource Management Services (HRMS) will be present. Mrs. Johnson said Senate Bill 2321, passed into law during the last legislative session, allows counties to opt out of the merit system. She believes the legislative intent was to allow the state and counties to streamline personnel systems. After review of the proposed regulations, questions arose whether the legislative intent is being followed. She said two of the proposed rules were amended by HRMS, but sections were left unchanged regarding annual leave accrual schedules and re-employment following a reduction in force. Mrs. Johnson said a letter sent to HRMS on February 15, 2008, included a request for an Attorney General's opinion on the issue of "for cause" and "at-will" employment as addressed in the proposed regulations. To her knowledge, a request has not been made for an Attorney General opinion. She believes it would be important to obtain an Attorney General's opinion regarding the intent of the Code of Federal Regulations. She said the county's goals are to create a unified personnel system, reduce pay inequities, and ensure equitable compensation and benefits for all county employees. She said a legislative hearing will be held in June on the amendments. Mr. Pawluk asked commissioners to review the information presented in advance of the May 5th meeting. He believes an imbalance exists with the two systems and believes one unified personnel system with employees administered under the same program is the best option. He feels the county's current system serves employees very well. Mr. Wagner questioned when the administrative rules go into effect. He believes the county needs some level of flexibility during the hiring process for a new Social Services Director. He said inadequacies became apparent when salary ranges for the position were considered through the state merit system versus the county personnel system. Mrs. Johnson said the state salary range for the director is $48,624 to $81,048 per year. The beginning salary using the county scale is $72,485 per year with a maximum of $108,715. 8. VOUCHERS, Approved MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to approve Voucher No. 225,693 through Voucher No. 226,219. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 9. HEAD START BUILDING PURCHASE AGREEMENT; SOCIAL SERVICES FEDERAL REVIEW; BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING; RISK MANAGEMENT TRAINING; ANNEX AIR HANDLER; GFMEDC SALES TAX, Committee reports Mr. Pawluk asked about the status of the purchase agreement for the former Head Start building. Mr. Burdick said he prepared a draft and has spoken with Lloyd Sampson. Mr. Pawluk asked if Mr. Sampson requested the property be re-zoned. The county auditor said Mr. Sampson plans to submit the necessary paperwork after he receives the purchase