ITASCA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

JANUARY 12, 2010

 

Pursuant to adjournment, the Itasca County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, in the Itasca County Boardroom with the following members present: Chair Lori Dowling (District #1), and Commissioners Catherine McLynn (District #2), Karen Burthwick (District #3), Rusty Eichorn (District #4) and Mark Mandich (District #5).

 

Chair Dowling called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

MINUTES

 

Commissioner Eichorn moved to approve the minutes of the January 5, 2010, County Board meeting.  Commissioner McLynn seconded the motion.  Motion carried: Ayes - Districts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5; Nays - None.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

Commissioner Mandich moved to add Consent Agenda Item #12 (Grant Application) and approve the Consent Agenda as amended and delineated below.  Commissioner Burthwick seconded the motion.  Motion carried with the following roll call vote: Ayes - Districts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5; Nays - None.

 

  1. Approve the Commissioner Warrants with a check date of January 15, 2010.  [$3,344,777.61]

 

  1. Approve a 2010 tobacco license renewal for Stanley Martin Hager, dba: SS Meat, 1510 NW 4th St., Grand Rapids, MN 55744.

 

  1. Approve the purchase of a new HP high speed printer in the amount of $5,795.73 for printing tax statements and property notices to be paid from the Recorder’s Compliance Fund.

 

  1. Adopt the Resolution Re: Minimum Salary for Elected Officials, which approves the establishment of the minimum salary to be paid to the County Attorney as per M.S. 388.18, subd. 2; County Auditor/Treasurer as per M.S. 384.151, subd. 1(b) and M.S. 385.373, subd. 1(b); County Recorder as per M.S. 386.015, subd. 2(b) and County Sheriff as per M.S. 387.20, subd. 2(b).  (Resolution #01-10-01)

 

  1. Approve the draft 2 minutes of the December 14, 2009, Department Head Performance Appraisals.

 

  1. Approve the minutes of the January 5, 2010, Local 1452 Step 3 Grievance.

 

  1. Approve change to the Itasca County Code of Ethics Policy, section E.) Acceptable Use Policy for Electronic Communications, sub-section 5) Internet Use, to reflect business use of audio/video streaming on County networks.

 

  1. Abolish one (1) Assessor/Appraiser I position and create one (1) Assessor/Appraiser II position based on the successful completion of State certification by Russ Namchek.

 

  1. Approve additional funding in an amount up to $5,000 from the Recorder’s Compliance fund to purchase necessary software that was overlooked when request for new GIS server was made in December.

 

  1. Authorize the County Highway Engineer to pay the $10,000 Administrative Penalty Order (APO) for violations of environmental law from the Transportation Department budget, and authorize the Auditor’s Warrant be issued to meet the required timeline.

 

  1. Approve a $10,000 cost-share grant application to Trails Task Force for the Itasca Regional Park & Trail Overlay/ Rehabilitation project.

 

  1. Authorize the Facilities Management Division of the Administrative Services Department to submit a grant application to the Minnesota Department of Commerce Office of Energy Security in the amount of $100,000.

 

ADDITIONS/CORRECTIONS

 

Commissioner Eichorn moved to approve the Regular Agenda as presented.  Commissioner Mandich seconded the motion.  Motion carried: Ayes - Districts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5; Nays - None.

 

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION – CONTINUOUS SERVICE

 

The following Itasca County employees who moved into a new benchmark recognition category during 2009 for continuous years of service were recognized:

 

10 continuous years – Tina Glorvigen, Stacey Kingsley, Stephanie Longmore, Cindy Palkki, Sara Duell, Jennifer Sackett, Paula Butler, Ron Storlie, Dianna Gielen, Dale Randall, Matthew Cheney, Leeha Gustason, Rob Geving, Ryan Danielson, Jeffrey Braaten, Adam Olson, Candida Foster, Todd Webb, Jerry Edin, Dennis Larson, David Mueller.

 

15 continuous years – Maureen Kangas, Kate Lavalier, Michael Olson, Tony Anick, Anthony Carter, Daniel Swedberg, Don Warwas, Brenda Simonson.

 

20 continuous years – Tim Thomas, John Rubesh, Dean Scherf.

 

25 continuous years – Sue Lelonek, Cindy Malmquist, Cheri Savaloja, Terry Worth, Mary Jo Davis, Max Benolken, Randy Chalber, Jim Kluck, Neal Bluntach, Lana Bjorgum, Jim Sweeney.

 

30 continuous years – Bonnie Drake, Sue Erzar, Bob Scheierl, Doug Maki, Tom Olson, Kelly McCauley.

 

35 continuous years – Kim “Red” Matthiesen

 

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

 

The following employees were recognized:

 

Erin Lindgren – newly hired Social Worker, Family Services and IMCare Division(s), Health and Human Services Department, effective December 28, 2009, due to a newly created position.

 

Tracey Jensen – promoted from her position of Office Support Specialist, Clerical Division, to Eligibility Specialist, Family Services Division, Health and Human Services Department, effective January 4, 2010, due to a retirement.

 

STAFFING

 

Commissioner Mandich moved to authorize the external posting and filling of two (2) Regular F/T Office Support Specialists in the Clerical Unit of the Itasca County Health and Human Services Department, if there are no internal candidates.  Commissioner McLynn seconded the motion.  Motion failed: Ayes – Districts #2, #5; Nays – Districts #1, #3, #4.

 

Commissioner Burthwick moved to refer the items regarding Temporary Staffing - Office Support Specialist, Temporary Staffing - IMCare, Office Support Specialist Position Vacancies and Temporary Staffing - Land Department to the January 19, 2010, Administrative Division meeting.  Commissioner Mandich seconded the motion.  Motion carried: Districts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5; Nays – None.

 

FEDERAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL GRANT PROGRAM

 

Commissioner Mandich moved to approve receiving a proposed 50/50 matching grant from the Federal Highway Administration – Federal Recreational Trail Program for the purchase of a new groomer by the Driftskippers snowmobile club and naming County Auditor as fiscal agent with the understanding that the Driftskippers snowmobile club is the owner of the equipment and agrees to maintain the equipment for no less than 20 years or until such time as appropriate disposition actions are approved by the State of Minnesota.  Commissioner Burthwick seconded the motion.  Motion carried: Ayes – Districts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5; Nays – None.

 

PRE-LEGISLATIVE SESSION DISCUSSION

 

A Pre-Legislative Session Discussion was held by Representative Alzelc and Senator Saxhaug.

 

COMMISSIONER CONCERNS

 

Commissioner Dowling announced that the Lake County Power and Great River Energy is holding and Open House meeting at the Wildwood Township Hall on Thursday, January 21, 2010 from 4-7 p.m. to discuss the proposed Lake Country Power substation.

 

CLOSED SESSION RE: LABOR NEGOTIATIONS

 

Commissioner Mandich moved to go into Closed Session Re: Labor Negotiations.  Commissioner Eichorn seconded the motion.  Motion carried: Ayes – Districts #1, #2, #4, #5; Nays – None.

 

Commissioner McLynn moved to go into Open Session.  Commissioner Mandich seconded the motion.  Motion carried: Ayes – Districts #1, #2, #3,#4, #5; Nays – None.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Chair Dowling adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m.

 

ATTEST

 

Lori A. Dowling, Chair of the County Board

Irene C. Koski, Clerk of the County Board

 

 

 

ITASCA COUNTY BOARD SESSION

FOR DEPARTMENT HEAD PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES CONFERENCE ROOM

DECEMBER 14, 2009

 

Board members present:  Chair Karen Burthwick (District #3) and Commissioners Catherine McLynn (District #2) and Mark Mandich (District #5).  Commissioners Lori Dowling (District #1) and Rusty Eichorn (District #4) were absent.

 

Others present:  Irene C. Koski, Coordinator; Gina L. Teems, Administrative Services Officer; Brian Connors, County Assessor; Tim Wotzka, County Surveyor; Don Dewey, Environmental Services Administrator; Randall Carlson, Veterans Service Officer; Garrett Ous, Land Commissioner.

 

The meeting was called to order by Chair Burthwick at 9:02 a.m.

 

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05, Subd. 3, Brian Connors chose to have his performance appraisal as an open meeting.

 

Commissioner Lori Dowling entered the meeting at 9:12 a.m.

 

The Board of Commissioners conducted the 6 month performance appraisal for Brian Connors, County Assessor.

 

Commissioner Mark Mandich made a motion that Brian Connors has successfully passed his 6 month performance appraisal and that he be awarded a one step increase from 14/5 to 14/6, effective September 23, 2009.  Commissioner Catherine McLynn seconded the motion.  Motion carried:  Ayes – Districts #1, #2, #3, #5; Nays:   None; Absent:  District #4.

 

Commissioner Rusty Eichorn entered the meeting at 9:16 a.m.

 

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05, Subd. 3, Irene C. Koski chose to have her performance appraisal as an open meeting.

 

The Board of Commissioners conducted the annual performance appraisal for Irene C. Koski, Coordinator.

 

Commissioner Mark Mandich made a motion that Irene C. Koski has successfully passed her annual 2009 performance appraisal.  Commissioner Rusty Eichorn seconded the motion.  Motion carried:  Ayes – Districts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5; Nays:  None; Absent:  None.

 

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05, Subd. 3, Tim Wotzka chose to have his performance appraisal as an open meeting.

 

The Board of Commissioners conducted the annual performance appraisal for Tim Wotzka, County Surveyor.

 

Commissioner Catherine McLynn made a motion that Tim Wotzka has successfully passed his annual 2009 performance appraisal and that he be awarded a one step increase from 14/6 to 14/7, effective December 20, 2009.  Commissioner Lori Dowling seconded the motion.  Motion carried:  Ayes – Districts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5; Nays:  None; Absent:  None.

 

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05, Subd. 3, Don Dewey chose to have his performance appraisal as an open meeting.

 

The Board of Commissioners conducted the annual performance appraisal for Don Dewey, Environmental Services Administrator.

 

Commissioner Rusty Eichorn made a motion that Don Dewey has satisfactorily passed his annual 2009 performance appraisal and that he be awarded a one step increase from 14/6 to 14/7, effective November 15, 2009, without the inclusion of Commissioner Catherine McLynn’s letter.  Commissioner Mark Mandich seconded the motion.

 

Commissioner Catherine McLynn requested a division of the question.  Commissioner Lori Dowling supported.

 

Commissioner Rusty Eichorn made a motion that Commissioner Catherine McLynn’s letter not be included in Don Dewey’s performance appraisal.  Commissioner Mark Mandich seconded the motion.  Motion failed:  Ayes – Districts #4, #5; Nays:  District #1, #2, #3; Absent:  None.

 

Commissioner Rusty Eichorn made a motion that Don Dewey has satisfactorily passed his annual 2009 performance appraisal and that he be awarded a one step increase from 14/6 to 14/7, effective November 15, 2009.  Commissioner Mark Mandich seconded the motion.  Motion carried:  Ayes – Districts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5; Nays:  None; Absent:  None.

 

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05, Subd. 3, Randall Carlson chose to have his performance appraisal as an open meeting.

 

The Board of Commissioners conducted the annual performance appraisal for Randall Carlson, Veterans Service Officer.

 

Commissioner Mark Mandich made a motion that Randall Carlson has satisfactorily passed his annual 2009 performance appraisal and that he be awarded a one step increase from 11/3 to 11/4, effective November 14, 2009.  Commissioner Lori Dowling seconded the motion.  Motion carried:  Ayes – Districts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5; Nays:  None; Absent:  None.

 

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05, Subd. 3, Garrett Ous chose to have his performance appraisal as an open meeting.

 

Commissioner Lori Dowling exited the meeting at 11:35 a.m.

Commissioner Lori Dowling returned to the meeting at 11:37 a.m.

 

The Board of Commissioners conducted the annual performance appraisal for Garrett Ous, Land Commissioner.

 

Commissioner Mark Mandich made a motion that Garrett Ous has satisfactorily passed his annual 2009 performance appraisal.  Commissioner Rusty Eichorn seconded the motion.  Motion carried:  Ayes – Districts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5; Nays:  None; Absent:  None.

 

Chair Burthwick adjourned the meeting at 11:58 a.m.

 

 

Gina L. Teems

Administrative Services Officer

 

 

 

ITASCA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

STEP 3 GRIEVANCE

05 January 2010

 

Pursuant to the meeting notice posting, the Itasca County Board of Commissioners met on 01/05/2010 in the Itasca County Board Room.

 

Members present: Chair Karen Burthwick (District #3), and Commissioners Lori Dowling (District 1), Catherine McLynn (District #2) and Rusty Eichorn (District #4).  Commissioner Mark Mandich (District #5) was absent.

 

Chair Karen Burthwick called the meeting to order at 11:04 AM.

 

This was a meeting of the County Board to hear a Local 1452 Step 3 grievance.  Pursuant to the Open Meeting Law, MS 13D.05, Subd.1, data that are not public may be discussed at the Board meeting without penalty or liability.  Grievances are private data; the meeting was recorded.

 

The issue of the grievance was:

Did the County violate the collective bargaining agreement (cba) by assigning ticket taker/scaling work to temporary employees?

 

This was not a matter of just cause for discipline; therefore, Local 1452 presented first.

 

Local 1452 representatives presented information on behalf of the Union.

 

County representatives presented information on behalf of Itasca County.

 

At 11:27 AM Commissioner Dowling exited the meeting.  At 11:28 AM Commissioner Dowling joined the meeting.

 

At 11:30 AM Commissioner Burthwick exited the meeting.  At 11:31 AM Commissioner Burthwick joined the meeting.

 

Commissioner McLynn moved to deny the grievance.  Commissioner Eichorn seconded the motion.  Motion carried:  Ayes – Districts #1, #2, #3, #4; Nays – None; Absent – District #5.

 

Chair Burthwick adjourned the meeting at 12:17 PM.

 

Louise A. Koglin Fideldy

Human Resources Director