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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 03/23/2010MINUTES OF THE OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Government Services Center, Commissioners' Room 500 W. Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN Tuesday, March 23, 2010 9:30 a.m. Call to Order The Otter Tail County Human Services Board convened Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at 9:30 a.m., at the Otter Tail County Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN, with Commissioners Roger Froemming, Chair; John Lindquist, Vice-Chair; Everett Erickson, Doug Huebsch and Lee Rogness present. Approval of Agenda Motion by Erickson, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to approve the Human Services Board agenda of March 23, 2010 as mailed. Approval of Minutes Motion by Rogness, second by Froemming, and unanimously carried to approve the Human Services Board minutes of March 9, 2010 as presented. Committee of the Whole Discussion Commissioners Lindquist and Rogness reported on water flow from Otter Tail County that flows into Judicial Ditch #2. This was examined by an aerial flyover. Wilkin County officials took the opportunity to fly over the area as well. Probation Department Probation Director, Chuck Kitzman, reported that the Probation Advisory Board will meet March 25, 2010 at the Courthouse. He also apprised the Board regarding a summer internship in his office. ,'. . . ' Public Health Department Public Health Director, Diane Thorson provided a document from the National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) entitled "Public Health Funding in Final Health Reform Bill". Ms. Thorson reviewed the on-going funding in the bill for prevention, wellness, education repayment, family/home visitation and other public health activities. Ms. Thorson submitted a sampling of six different ways that Community Health Boards (Public Health Agencies) are organized and governed. Discussion followed regarding the existing alliances. Human Services 2009 Annual Report Human Services Director, John Dinsmore presented the Otter Tail County Human Service Department 2009 Annual Report and briefed Board members on the Mission Statement and various programs, i.e. Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Minnesota Health Care Programs (GAMC and MNCare), Out-of-Home Placement, Vulnerable Adult Reporting and Child Care Licensing. Commissioner Huebsch requested up-to-date dollar statistics relative to the Cost Report provided. Mr. Dinsmore reported that out of every $100 spent in a public program, Otter Tail County taxpayers spend about $7.40 with the rest of the dollars coming from State and Federal funds, most of which goes directly to care providers. OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes March 23, 2010 Page 2 Legislative Update Mr. Dinsmore provided a Legislative Update dated March 15, 2010 from the Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators (MACSSA). He submitted a document from the Kaiser Foundation with details regarding health care reform proposals (H.R. 4872). Human Services Contract Motion by Lindquist, second by Erickson, and unanimously carried to approve the following Human Services contract: Agency Program Effective Targeted Funding Source Date Population Joan Moerke & Adult Foster Care 0311512010 Elderly & Disabled ACIEW/CADI or TBI Waivered Valdean Merz through individuals Funds Addendum to 06130 2011 Current Contract Approval to Pay Bills & Claims Motion by Erickson, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve payment of the Human Services bills and claims as presented. Adjournment At 10:29 a.m., Chairman Froemming declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Human Services Board adjourned until Tuesday, April 13, 2010. Dated: oq/13 f..2010 p I OTTER TAIL COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES BOARD Call to Order The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at 10:36 a.m. at the Otter Tail County Government Services Center in Fergus Falls, MN, with Commissioners Roger Froemming, Chair; John Lindquist, Vice-Chair; Everett Erickson, Doug Huebsch and Lee Rogness present. Approval of Agenda Motion by Rogness, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners agenda of March 23, 2010 with the following additions: Closed Session -Attorney Client Privilege Regarding Ethanol Plant Approval of Minutes Motion by Erickson, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to approve the Board of Commissioners minutes of March 16, 2010 as mailed. Approval to Pay Bills Motion by Lindquist, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to approve payment of the County Board bills per Attachment A of these minutes. . I Closed to the Public OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes March 23, 2010 Page 3 At 10:39 a.m., Chairman Froemming declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners closed to the public regarding the 60-Bed CARE Facility and disputes regarding construction/mechanical contracts. The closed session is authorized by attorney-client privilege, Chapter 13D.05 Subd. 3b. Present were all five seated commissioners, County Attorney, Physical Plant Manager, County Coordinator and Board Secretary. 60-Bed CARE Facility At 11 :04 a.m., upon conclusion of the closed session, Chairman Froemming declared the meeting open to the public. Physical Plant Manager, Rick Sytsma requested approval of an Analysis Contract for the heating system in the 60-Bed CARE Facility. A motion was offered by Rogness and seconded by Erickson, to approve an Engineer's Study from Mcfarlane to determine the cause of the problem with the heating system in the CARE Facility, at a cost of $41,500.00. Chairman Froemming called for a roll call vote: Board of County Commissioners Everett P. Erickson Roger Froemming John Lindquist Douglas A. Huebsch Leland R. Rogness Motion carried. YEA X X X X X NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN Final Payments for Highway Projects Motion by Lindquist, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to approve Final Payment, in the amount of $6,587.02 (Est. #12), payable to Robert R. Schroeder Const, Inc. for S.A.P. 056-599-054, bituminous surfacing and bridge (#56534) removal and construction. Motion by Huebsch, second by Erickson, and unanimously carried to approve Final Payment, in the amount of $7,110.65 (Est. No. 8), payable to Lakes Paving Division of Strata of Detroit Lakes, MN, for S.A. P. 056-599-056, bituminous surfacing and bridge (#3300) removal. Motion by Froemming, second by Erickson, and unanimously carried to approve Final Payment, in the amount of $74,857.53 (Est. No. 9), payable to Central Specialties, Inc. of Alexandria, MN, for SP. 056-619-011, MN Project No. STPX 5608, bituminous surfacing and concrete curb.and gutter work. RESOLUTION Agreement for Cultural Resources/Archaeology Survey Bridge 56502 (CSAH 72) Replacement Project, S.P. 56-674-04 Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2010 -19 Commissioner Rogness offered the following and moved its adoption: WHEREAS, Otter Tail County is undertaking the replacement of Bridge 56502 (CSAH 72) over the Otter Tail River, and WHEREAS, Otter Tail County will secure and guarantee the local share of costs associated with this project and responsibility for seeing this project through to its completion, with compliance of all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes March 23, 2010 Page 4 WHEREAS, the Mn/DOT Cultural Resources Unit has identified the need for an archaeology survey to identify whether any properties within the Area of Potential Effects (APE) are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in order to assess impacts and to complete environmental documentation for the proposed project, and WHEREAS, the proposed budget amount for aforementioned archaeology survey is $14,314.89, and WHEREAS, the local share of subject budget is 20%. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Otter Tail County does hereby agree to provide the local share of the proposed budget for the stated archaeology survey, currently estimated at $2,862.98. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Chairman and the Clerk are hereby authorized and directed for and on behalf of the County to execute and enter into an agreement with the Commissioner of Transportation. Commissioner Huebsch seconded the motion and YEAS and NAYS are as follows: Board of County Commissioners Everett P. Erickson Roger Froemming John Lindquist Douglas A. Huebsch Leland R. Rogness NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN Adopted at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, this 23rd day of March, 2010 Dated: _.,.(?1/e:.· z,hu.o,..t,,..,D""""c""~''-'O;_j_. __ =--<; I OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By: ~ 'fA,&:-:-n7' Rogeroemrrfing, Board of Commissioners Chair Attest: _ _J.a,,~(......J.~~~- Larry Kroh High Water Discussion Highway Engineer, Rick West, after having met with the Highway Committee, requested approval to purchase another pump because of the various high water problems throughout the County. Motion by Rogness, second by Erickson, and unanimously carried to authorize purchase of a Premier Pump (75 hrs-full warranty) from Neil Dornbusch and Associates, at the lowest bid price of $26,000.00 plus sales tax. This pump is the same brand and model as the current pump owned by the County. Payment will be from the Highway Department's Capital Improvement Fund instead of purchasing two pickup trucks that were previously budgeted for CY2010. Health & Safety Services OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes March 23, 2010 Page 5 Physical Plant Manager, Rick Sytsma, and Highway Engineer, Rick West, requested approval of a proposal from Lakes Country Service Cooperative to contract services for a Lead Facilitator for the County's safety program. Motion by Huebsch, second by Erickson, and unanimously carried to approve the Proposal for Health and Safety Services dated September 17, 2009, from LCSC at an annual fee of $26,500.00. Acting Safety Director and Coordinator, Larry Krohn, was designated as the Otter Tail County contact person. Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust Annual Report Risk Management Coordinator, Karen Lundin, introduced MCIT Consultant, Jane Hennagir. Ms. Hennagir presented the 2010 MCIT Report to Members and briefed the Board on background of the organization, asset protection, rate calculations and dividends for Workers' Compensation and Property/Casualty Insurance. Recess & Reconvene At 11 :54 a.m., Chairman Froemming declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners recessed for lunch break. The meeting was reconvened at 1 :00 p.m. Public Hearing for Proposed Pawnbroker Ordinance At 1 :00 p.m., the Board of Commissioners' meeting was reconvened with Vice-Chair, John Lindquist and Commissioners Rogness, Huebsch, and Erickson present. Other County officials present were Lieutenant, Mark Englund; Sergeant, Al Frank; and the County Attorney. Mr. Lindquist opened the public hearing for consideration of enactment of the Otter Tail County Pawnbroker Draft Ordinance dated 12-31-09. County Attorney, David Hauser stated that notice of the public hearing was published in the Fergus Falls Daily Journal and copies of the draft ordinance were distributed to Pawnbrokers in the County and posted on the County website. SO Lieutenant, Mark Englund, stated that the proposed Pawnbroker Ordinance was drafted from State information for regulation of pawnshops. It requires pawnshops to submit information into a database chosen by the Sheriff. Mr. Englund noted that currently, one pawnshop owner is already data entering information into the database. The purpose is to be able to access information by name of person, serial number and model number of the item(s) being brought to the pawn shop. He stated that there is no requirement to input items into the database that are not identifiable. This will be a tool for law enforcement to recover stolen items for people throughout the country. Mr. Hauser stated that the draft Pawnbroker Ordinance is not more restrictive than State legislation (M.S. 325J) except for requiring the database information, which is the main reason for proceeding with an ordinance. Discussion took place regarding the automated pawn system software entitled "Leads on Line National Database" selected by the Sheriff and the benefits of that system. Commissioner Huebsch requested that there not be a fee to the pawn brokers. Discussion took place regarding the fee currently charged by the City of Perham. At 1:14 p.m., Vice-Chair Lindquist opened the hearing for public comment. Ken Williams, owner of the Fergus Falls Pawnshop and his Attorney, Jason Hastings were present. OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes March 23, 2010 Page6 Attorney, Jason Hastings, and Pawnshop Owner, Ken Williams, spoke in opposition of the proposed Pawnbroker Ordinance and cited the following concerns: • financial obligation with the fee and licensing application • implications of the ordinance that pawnshops are dealing with crime and theft • pawnshops are already being controlled by State statute • Clay, Becker and other counties do not have Pawnbroker Ordinances • Ordinance is not clear regarding duties and obligations of the pawnbroker • did not agree with the license suspension and revocation provision • expensive software the County will pay for without a large gain because pawnbrokers are already working with law enforcement • pawnbrokers are not dealing in large items, i.e. cars and 4-wheelers • expressed concern that this is not being done nationally because not all cities and counties have ordinances Vice-Chair Lindquist closed the public hearing at 1 :30 p.m. 800 Megahertz ARMER System Motion by Rogness, second by Erickson, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chairman's signature on a letter to State Representatives to encourage support of a bill (M.S. 297A70, Subd.8) that exempts payment of sales tax on ARMER equipment. Mr. Englund provided copies of a letter which invites interested individuals to an educational session on the statewide ARMER system on April 1, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ottertail Operations Center. A State regional interoperability person will give the presentation. Parkers Prairie Tower Site Land Acquisition Chairman Froemming was present at 1 :39 p.m. and assumed the Chair position. Mr. Englund requested approval of a change to the Parkers Prairie Tower Site Purchase Agreement. Motion by Erickson, second by Lindquist, and unanimously carried to correct the purchase price on the Parkers Prairie Radio Site Purchase Agreement from $17,500.00 to $17,750.00. Otter Country Trail Association (OCTA) Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2010 -20 Commissioner Huebsch offered the following and moved its adoption: WHEREAS, Otter Tail County has sponsored Grant-In-Aid Systems in the past; and WHEREAS, acceptance of the Grant-In-Aid Systems proposed extensions are subject to the review and approval of the County Attorney. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Otter Tail County shall continue to sponsor Grant-In-Aid Trail Systems as they exist for the Otter Country Trail Association Snowmobile Club for the 2010-2011 snowmobile season and proposed extensions of Grant-In-Aid Trails with the aforementioned condition. Commissioner Erickson seconded the resolution and, upon being put to vote, the resolution was unanimously adopted. Adopted this 23'' day of March, 2010 Dated: D.1/01o/42010 Atte& ~Jj;l2, Larry~ Clerk OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes March 23, 2010 Page 7 OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS By:_-"--'~~:::.:::....____,,,__'j=~=..:...::.:....,,,_' ----- Roger Froemming, Board of Commissioners Chair Voluntary Furlough Plan After discussion, a motion was offered by Huebsch and seconded by Rogness, to approve the Voluntary Furlough Plan presented in Attachment B of these minutes. Chairman Froemming called for a roll call vote: Board of County Commissioners Everett P. Erickson Roger Froemming John Lindquist Douglas A. Huebsch Leland R. Rogness Motion carried. YEA X X X X X NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN Premise Permit Otter Tail County Resolution No. 2010 -21 Commissioner Erickson offered the following and moved its adoption: WHEREAS, the responsibility for the regulation of lawful gambling and the issuance of licenses and permits for the conduct of lawful gambling lies with the Minnesota Gambling Control Board; and WHEREAS, the Cormorant Lakes Sportsman's Club, Audubon, MN, has made an application to the Gambling Control Board for the purpose of conducting lawful gambling at The Pelican, located at 44086 US Highway 59 in Pelican Township of Otter Tail County; and WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute 349.213 provides that the Gambling Control Board may not issue an initial premise permit unless they receive a resolution from the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners approving the application for a permit; and WHEREAS, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners is aware of no reason to oppose the conduct of lawful gambling by the Cormorant Lakes Sportsman's Club, Audubon, MN, at The Pelican, located at 44086 US Highway 59 in Pelican Township of Otter Tail County. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the conduct of lawful gambling by the Cormorant Lakes Sportsman's Club, Audubon, MN, at The Pelican, located at 44086 US Highway 59 in Pelican Township of Otter Tail County, provided the applicant meets all the necessary criteria for the licenses and permits as required by the Gambling Control Board. IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that notice of this application and approval shall be provided to the Township of Pelican by sending them a copy of this resolution. OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes March 23, 2010 Page 8 Commissioner Lindquist seconded the motion, and upon being put to a vote, was unanimously carried. Adopted and signed this 23rd day of March 2010. Dated: _ ____._,Oc:,'-l'-l-f-"'D'-"lo".f/,J""'-"'o:L.J/0'-'---OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Attest 0:J. ~ La~n,Derk By: ~ t~r"''? Roger Froemming, County Board Chair Payment Correction Motion by Erickson, second by Huebsch, and unanimously carried to correct the payment from $8,142.26 to $6,471.01 to Lindquist and Vennum P.L.L.P. for professional services rendered through January 31, 2010 for the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Otter Tail Ag Enterprises, LLC. Approval to Purchase Replacement Truck Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness, and unanimously carried to authorize the Solid Waste Director to develop Request for Proposals to replace a 1986 cardboard collection truck and compactor unit. Bid specifications will include a trade-in. Sheriff Department Staffing Sheriff Brian Schlueter requested approval for an internal replacement of a Lieutenant position (position anticipated to be vacant the end of May, 2010), internal replacE:lment of a Sergeant position, and replacement by open hire of a Deputy position. Motion by Huebsch, second by Rogness and unanimously carried to approve the Sheriff's request to replace a Lieutenant position by internal promotion, a Sergeant position by internal promotion, and replace the Deputy position that will be vacant due to the internal promotions. The reason for authorizing this hiring request is for public safety, the need for replacement of a key position to manage the 800 Megahertz state radio system project, and the initial exemption for law enforcement relative to the hiring freeze. Closed to the Public At 2:53 p.m., Chairman Froemming declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners closed to the public to discuss litigation in the matter of foreclosure proceedings relative to the Ethanol Plant. The closed session is authorized by attorney-client privilege, Chapter 13D.05 Subd. 3b. Present were all five seated commissioners, County Attorney, County Coordinator and Board Secretary. Adjournment At 3:30 p.m., upon conclusion of the closed session, Chairman Froemming adjourned the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners until Tuesday, April 6, 2010. Dated: _---',.0.LL/CL./--1 tJ"'-"'h'-l-(.:; .. J.10CLJLf2:z..._ __ ~, Attest: I@~ ~ Larry Kr n,lerk CB/kd OTTER TAIL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes March 23, 2010 Attachment A Page 1 WARRANTS APPROVED ON 3/23/2010 FOR PAYMENT 3/23/2010 VENDOR NAME A & STRAINING A-1 ENGRAVING A-1 LOCK & KEY LLC ALLEN'S AUTO BODY & 24 HR TOWI JEFFREY ARNDT ARNTSON CONSTRUCTION LLC BATTERIES PLUS BEN FRANKLIN BOB'S STANDARD BULK SERVICE BRETZ HARDWARE WADE BUGBEE CDW GOVERNMENT INC CHEM SEARCH CITIZENS ADVOCATE CONVERGENT SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC COOPERS TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATE HUMAN SERVICES INC VINCE CRARY DACOTAH PAPER COMPANY DENZEL'S REGION WASTE INC DESIGN ELECTRONICS DEX EAST KATHY DOMHOLT EGGE CONSTRUCTION INC ELECTION SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE IN FASTENAL COMPANY FERGUS FALLS DAILY JOURNAL FERGUS FALLS MEDICAL GROUP CITY FERGUS FALLS FERGUS POWER PUMP INC FOTH & VAN DYKE GALL'S INC GE CAPITAL (CA) GODFATHERS EXTERMINATING INC GOODIN COMPANY GOPHER STATE ONE CALL GRAINGER INC GRANT'S MECHANICAL GREEN LIGHTS RECYCLING INC CHRISTINE GREENE H & L MESABI DAVID HAUSER HAWES SEPTIC TANK PUMPING HEDAHLS HEADQUARTERS HSBC BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INDEPENDENT EMERGENCY SERVICES THE INDEPENDENT INNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS ISSUETRAK INC JOHN'S HEATING & AC INC ERWIN JOHNSON KELLY SERVICES INC KNUTSON ELECTRIC REBUILDING LAB SAFETY SUPPLY INC LAKE REGION HEALTHCARE CORP LARRY OTT INC TRUCK SERVICE LAWSON PRODUCTS INC AMOUNT 2,755.00 34.20 17.15 78.05 138.39 160.00 95.13 13.81 89.40 10.66 52.25 82.70 39.28 102.00 7,093.21 92.32 5,789.41 175.00 821.46 180.18 242.52 21.70 11.37 160.00 33,144.20 117.89 156.00 2,764.00 1,875.60 330.00 7,540.48 83.73 374.05 263.13 38.64 14.20 14.98 568.63 964.85 37.49 730.61 370.00 70.00 141.95 17.91 64.22 112.00 130.51 600.00 318.42 11.46 700.00 73.13 412.82 960.00 1,375.00 343.36 OTC Board of Commissioners' Minutes March 23, 2010 Attachment A, Page 2 ROGER LEWIS LITTLE FALLS MACHINE INC LOCATORS & SUPPLIES INC M-R SIGN COMPANY INC. MARCO MARCO INC ST LOUIS MCHRMA JAMES MCMAHON MFIA MID-CENTRAL EQUIPMENT INC MINNKOTA MN DEPT OF HEAL TH MN STATE AUDITOR NANIK'$ ELECTRIC NELSON AUTO CENTER KEVIN NEWBORG NORTH AMERICAN SALT CO NORTHSTAR TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC ONE CALL LOCATORS LTD OTTER TAIL CO EMPLOYEES COMMIT OTTER TAIL CO PUBLIC HEALTH OTTER TAIL TELCOM OTTERTAIL AGGREGATE OTTERTAIL BAKERY OTTERTAIL TRUCKING INC OVERHEAD DOOR CO OF FERGUS FAL OVERLAND MECHANICAL SERVICES PELICAN RAPIDS PRESS PEPSIAMERICAS PERHAM SAND & GRAVEL PITNEY BOWES PRO-WEST & ASSOCIATES INC PRODUCTIVE ALTERNATIVES INC RDO EQUIPMENT CO FARGO RDO TRUCK CENTERS RETROFIT COMPANIES INC ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY RUFFRIDGE JOHNSON EQUIP CO INC RUTTGER$ BAY LAKE LODGE SCHMIDT MARBLE AND WOOD SIMPLEXGRINNELL LP SPRINT ST JOSEPH EQUIPMENT INC STEINS INC STREICHER$ SUNRISE EQUIPMENT INC SYNERGY GRAPHICS TASER INTERNATIONAL GARY TORGERSON TRANQUILITY BUILDING SERVICES UGSTAD PLUMBING INC UNIFORMS UNLIMITED UNIV OF MN EXTENSION SERVICE US BANK VICTOR LUNDEEN COMPANY VIKING GARAGE DOOR COMPANY INC VOSS LIGHTING WALLWORK TRUCK CENTER WASTE MANAGEMENT WEST PAYMENT CENTER WHITE BANNER UNIFORM SHOP ZIEGLER INC 3RD DISTRICT SHERIFF'S ASSOC IA •••• FINAL TOTAL. ..... . 184.95 434.01 147.10 15.50 1,571.40 331.65 100.00 4.90 200.00 218.03 29.00 350.00 3,730.00 86.30 44,807.79 583.33 16,211.73 87.79 60.08 199.50 256.00 37.35 398.75 80.76 10,252.00 672.00 247.35 35.00 481.99 47.70 1,528.56 1,272.50 69.24 962.70 1,059.67 1,081.17 199.20 3,248.95 355.95 2,287.50 7,838.22 559.86 21.37 917.27 86.52 1,777.05 6,123.31 650.00 10.00 908.44 2,354.78 114.35 56.64 431.25 76.42 204.01 23.77 1,634.60 793.35 649.87 99.00 9.83 50.00 $192,291.76 •••• • To: Otter Tail County Employees From: Human Resource Department Subject: Voluntary Furlough Plan OTC Voluntary Furlough Plan Approved by County Board Attachment B, March 23, 20 I 0 The Otter Tail County Commissioners approved the following furlough plan. The plan will allow employees on a volunteer basis to request up to 96 hours offurlough (unpaid time off) during a calendar year, beginning April I. 20 IO and possibly continuing through December 3 I. 20 I 1. Employees on a volunteer basis may request up to 96 hours of furlough (unpaid time off) during a calendar year (January I to December 31 ). The plan will be in affect beginning April I. 20 IO through December 31, 2011. This is based on eight (8) hours per month. For 2010, the maximum furlough hours will be 72 hours. By agreement, employees may take more than eight (8) hours in one month. If an employee requests furlough time, the following will apply: A. The leave will not exceed 96 hours within a calendar year or 12 days for Exempt employees. B. For non exempt (hourly) employees leave time can be taken in increments of no less than one (I) hour. C. For exempt employees, leave time will need to be taken in increments of no less than a day. D. Exempt employees cannot work more than 40 hours during the week they use voluntary furlough hours. E. The employee's longevity and seniority will not be affected. F. The employee will not be prorated on insurance benefits, vacation accrual, or sick leave accrual, holiday accrual and/or holiday pay. G. The leave is subject to prior approval by the Department Head and the County Coordinator or their designees. The· County reserves the right to deny any employee's request for unpaid time based on the number of requests received, an employee's critical skills, and business needs. The County will only approve unpaid time in situations when the County could absorb the loss of hours within the department/unit without significantly impacting service. Voluntary furloughs shall be planned ahead of time on a quarterly basis (by April 30th for the 2"d quarter; thereafter, 30 days in advance of a calendar quarter). Requests for furlough (unpaid leave) will need to be in writing, and each department will be required to track the total hours taken so not to exceed the 96 hours. Employees must document the unpaid leave time on their timesheet in the explanation area as "furlough". *Please note that unpaid time will affect your PERA and Social Security as these are determined based on wages. For PERA: Generally, there is no effect on your pension unless you are within 5 years of retirement. If an employee chooses to pay their portion to buy back furlough time from PERA, it must be made within one year of your return or within 30 days of your tennination of public service, whichever is sooner. If an employee chooses a buy back, Otter Tail County will pay the employer portion. Date Date