j. Personnel Overview action ratified

1. o Personnel Overview Committee January 5, 2009 - 1 - PERSONNEL OVERVIEW COMMITTEE JANUARY 5, 2009-1 :00 PM MEETING TO ORDER A meeting of the Personnel Overview Committee was called to order by Commission Chairman Robyn Sorum, at 1 :00 PM in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse. The following members were present: Robyn Sorum, Scott Wagner, Vern Bennett, Ken Pawluk, Bonnie Johnson, Keith Berndt, Tracy Peters, Birch Burdick, Paul Laney, Mike Montplaisir, Chip Ammerman, Linda Skogen, and Kristi Hoistad. The following members were absent: Darrell Vanyo and Jim Brent. EMPLOYEE REQUEST REGARDING BENEFITS, Approved formina subcommittee Cass County Deputy Gail Wischmann presented a power point regarding domestic partner benefits for Cass County Employees. Ms. Wischmann referred to the mission statement adopted by the Personnel Overview Committee which reads as follows: "The mission of the Cass County Personnel Overview Committee is to ensure that county personnel policy and practice provide a fair and equitable work environment for all employees and comply with all applicable federal and state laws." She stated in 2003 when a family member of her partner passed away, she was denied funeral leave and required to take annual leave. The current Cass County Policy defines family as: husband, wife, son, daughter, father, mother, parent, grandchild, foster parents, foster child, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law of the employee and employee's spouse. She stated this discriminates against unmarried heterosexual and same sex couples when it comes to funeral, medical and sick leave. She said Cass County has many dedicated employees with partners and policies should not be created on political, moral or religious beliefs. The State of North Dakota only recognizes family as a husband and wife. Ms. Wischmann said Cass County needs to be a leader and treat all couples equally. She noted that sixteen states and other local governments spanning the nation offer their public employees domestic partnership benefits. She also listed national as well as local businesses which offer benefits to all couples/families. Ms. Wischmann offered a proposal and is asking Cass County to consider amending the current policy. Domestic partners would be defined as a pair of individuals who are of the same or opposite sex; not legally married to another nor in another domestic relationship; at least 18 years of age; not related by blood; have resided together continuously for at least 12 months. In addition, domestic partners must demonstrate financial dependance; be jointly responsible for each others basic living expenses and can provide documentation on at least two of the following: joint lease; mortgage or deed; joint ownership of a vehicle; joint ownership of a checking, savings or credit card account; joint responsibility on household utility expenses; designation of the domestic partner as a beneficiary for the employee's life insurance. Mrs. Johnson asked how the situation would be handled when the partnership breaks up since there would be no divorce decree. She asked how the Federal Family Medical Leave Act would apply. Mr. Ammerman asked if Ms. Wischmann based this proposal on another proposal. She replied it is patterned after the policy used by Noridian. Mr. Pawluk asked if there are indications that Cass County is not in compliance with state and federal laws. Ms. Wischmann stated it is a matter of providing equality.