05-03-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--May 3, 2004 2722 WHEREAS, there are numerous individuals, public and private organizations who work to increase public awareness of the needs of children in foster care and those leaving foster care, as well as the enduring and valuable contribution of foster parents; and the foster care "system" is only as good as those who choose to be part of it. NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in us as the Commissioners of Cass County, we do hereby proclaim Mayas Foster Care Month in Cass County and urge all citizens to volunteer their talents and energies on behalf of children in foster care, foster parents, and the child welfare professional staff working with them during this month and throughout the year. Dated at Fargo, North Dakota, this 3rd day of May, 2004. 12. WEED CONTROL OFFICER, Desianated as county employee for employment matters Michael Montplaisir, County Auditor, requested direction on how to proceed with the Weed Control Office. He prepared a letter to the board with background information on the weed control officer position dated April 21,2004; and he stated the County Commission adopted a motion on April 5, 2004, to separate the weed and vector control operations and authorize the weed board to hire a weed officer and oversee the duties of this position, as the Cass County Weed Control Board recommended. Mr. Montplaisir then attended the next meeting of the Weed Board held on April 8th, where they adopted a motion, at his suggestion, that the Weed Control Officer position be considered as a county employee for administrative purposes only, with the hiring, firing and supervision of duties being the responsibility of the Weed Control Board. After surveying 35 North Dakota counties, Mr. Montplaisir discovered that 29 counties still include the weed control officer in the county payroll system, and he recommends continuing to do the same. Mr. Wagner asked about possible legal and liability issues, and the State's Attorney, Birch Burdick, was asked to address the issue. Mr. Burdick said he understands the Weed Board is covered under the county policy with the North Dakota Insurance Reserve Fund, and the Weed Board is appointed by the County Commission; however, the Commission does not have much authority over the Weed Board, aside from appointing or removing its members. If the commission approves using the county employment system, and Mr. Burdick said he is not saying that decision would be wrong; however, it may imply responsibility for them without being able to control their actions, if that should become necessary. Mr. Burdick said the Weed Board cannot hire seasonal employees for weed spraying, other than the weed control officer, according to a 1993 Attorney General's opinion. He has informed the Weed Board of that. Mr. Montplaisir said the Weed Board intends to hire a weed control officer and to contract for weed spraying through commercial applicators. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mr. Bennett seconded to cooperate with the County Weed Board in their efforts to streamline the administrative part of running the weed department and allow the County Weed Control Officer to be a county employee for all employment matters with the exception that the Weed Control Board does the hiring, supervision, discipline and termination. As the Weed Control Board has already created a job description, vacancy notice, advertisement and has made a