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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 05/17/2001• • • MINUTES OF THE OTTER TAIL COUNTY LABOR/MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Otter Tail County Courthouse Commissioners' Room, Floor 1-B Thursday, May 17, 2001 1 :00 p.m. Call to Order Todd Smedstad called the Labor/Management Committee meeting to order at 1 :07 p.m. Attendance: Brooks Andersen, Leon Anderson, Tonya Anderson, Brain Armstrong, Sharon Bjork, Jack Dawkins, Rick Denzel, Sue Ewy, Pauline Fitch, Dawn Godel, David Hauser, Dave Jennen, Blake Johnson, Amy Kampa, Marion Kershner, Larry Krohn, Malcolm Lee, Mick McCormick, Wendy Metcalf, Syd Nelson, Michele Petterson, Todd Smedstad, Dennis Soderstrom, Joe Thompson, Gary Waskosky, and Rick West. Excused Absences: Joanne Derby, Terry Hoff, Cheryl Jones, Merle King, and Lori Morrell. Unexcused Absences: Tim Brand and Sandi Gundberg. Review of Mission and/or Norms of Behavior Joe Thompson read the Norms of Behavior list and Amy Kampa read the Mission Statement. Review of Minutes Committee members approved as presented, the minutes of April 19, 2001. Review of Agenda Committee members approved as presented, the agenda of May 17, 2001, by consensus with the following change: Phyllis Knutson's presentation on the Hepatitis B Vaccine will be moved up to the first item. Discussion Items A. Hepatitis B Vaccine -Phyllis Knutson, Public Health: Phyllis Knutson stated that there has been a question raised on whether all County employees should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. Phyllis asked for a show of hands of Labor/Management Committee members who have had exposure to blood or body fluid from individual(s) while working. The following departments represent employees who have been exposed: Sheriffs Office, Court Services Department, and the Detention Facility. Phyllis presented the following information on Hepatitis B: • This virus is spread when blood or body fluid from a person enters another person's body through an open cut or mucous membrane. • Virus is found in semen, vaginal secretion, blood secretion, and saliva. • Virus can be passed_ onto infants during birth. • Virus can be spread by sharing needles, drinking glasses, and silverware . • Hepatitis B can survive outside of the body for approximately one month. • Symptoms of the Hepatitis B virus include fatigue, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. • A third of the people infected with this virus show signs of yellow skin. • After being exposed to virus, it takes six weeks to six months to be diagnosed; the average time is two to three months. Otter Tail County Labor/Management committee May 17, 2001 Page 2 • After ten to twenty years, the Hepatitis B changes into cancer. • The State of Minnesota reports that there were no new cases of this virus reported in the C year 2000. • 1.25 million people in the United States carry the virus. • The cost for vaccinating one person is $111. There are three separate vaccinations: the initial one, a second one after one month, and the final one at four months. • The Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC have not identified clerical office employees as needing the vaccine. B. Training for New Members: Larry Krohn reported that the training for new members is tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 22, 2001 at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. There is training scheduled for the co- chairs on Wednesday, July 18, 2001 in the Twin Cities. As soon as Larry gets confirmation on dates and locations he will pass information onto the committee. Group consensus was reached to skip the June Labor/Management Committee meeting due to training being scheduled next month. Larry also requested committee members whose terms are ending, to email Sharon Jewell with your replacements. C. Labor/Management Committee Representatives List Group discussion ensued on whether Larry Krohn and David Hauser should be allowed to participate in consensus taking. Consensus was reached to allow Larry Krohn and David Hauser to participate in consensus taking. D. Violence in the Workplace -Rick Denzel, Recycling: Tabled item for the July Labor/Management Committee meeting. E. Courthouse Hours: The following items were discussed: C • Some support in changing the courthouse hours to 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. -, • Changing hours through the summer season. • Need to do what is best for the public. • Possibly asking County Board for a trial period. • Idea of sending ballots out with paychecks. • There are a significant number of employees that don't work the 8-5 shift; which consist of the Sheriffs Office, Detention Facility, Highway Department, and the Recycling Center. • If the courthouse changed the closing time from 5:00 to 4:30, what would Court Administration do? • If the courthouse were to change hours, the public could be notified through the newspapers within Otter Tail County. • Department head survey results show a majority to keeping the courthouse hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. • Courthouse would need a timeframe of a month or so to notify the public. • There are more County offices in the State of Minnesota with the office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. . Group consensus was reached that Syd Nelson and Malcolm Lee will present the Courthouse Hours options at the next County Board of Commissioners' meeting. F. Wellness Committee: Marion Kershner reported that the Wellness Committee presently consists of Kathy Domholt, Annamarie Tabery, and herself. This committee will need to be expanded in order to get representation throughout the Otter Tail County Departments. Marion mentioned that Kathy Domholt stated the Insurance Committee could become part of the Wellness Committee. Marion stated that if the Wellness Committee is going to be effective, that more representation C from other departments is needed. Group consensus was reached that the Insurance > Committee will become part of the Wellness Committee and that the Wellness Committee will contact Otter Tail County employees through department heads. • • • Otter Tail county Labor Management committee May 17, 2001 Page 3 Public Health and Human Services Labor/Management Updates Marion Kershner reported that the Public Health Labor/Management Committee is discussing the following issues: • Building Issues • Confidentially Issues • Control plan, OSHA related • Public Health Logo • Community Health Services Plan -updated every four years Sharon Bjork reported that the Human Services Labor/Management Committee is discussing the following issues: • Violence in the Workplace • Drugs found in workplace • Windows being washed • Nametags • New York Mills Office • Flextime, overtime, and comp time Information Sharing/Announcements Larry Krohn announced that the position of Safety and Emergency Service Director has been filled by Doug Harthan who will start employment with Otter Tail County on July 1, 2001. Labor/Management Committee members whose terms are ending are requested to turn over their three-ring binder to their replacement. Next Meeting The discussion items for the July agenda include: • Courthouse Hours • Violence in the Workplace • Wellness Committee Update • Introduction of New Members • New Co-chairs -Amy Kampa and Dawn Godel Adjournment At 2:50 p.m., Todd Smedstad declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Labor/Management Committee adjourned until 1 :00 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, 2001. srj Attachment . . • I. II. Ill. IV . • V. VI. VII. VIII. IX . • X. OTTER TAIL COUNTY LABOR/MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE otter Tail county courthouse commissioners' Room, Floor 1-B Thursday, June 21, 2001 1:00 p.m. ACENDA Call to order Attendance Review of Mission and/or Norms of Behavior Approval of Minutes -<Done by consensus> Review of Agenda Discussion Items A. courthouse Hours B. Violence in the worl<place C. Wellness committee Update D. Introduction of New Members E. New co-chairs -Amy Kampa and Dawn Godel '.I'"' .. v.., ~Com.It\.!¼~ Public Health and Human Services Labor/Management Updates Information Sharing/Announcements Next Meeting Adjournment / LABOR/MANACEMENT COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE/SICN IN CHECK SHEET MEETINC DATE: May 17, 2001 • Brooks Andersen Leon Anderson Tonya Anderson Brian Armstrong Sharon Bjork Tim Brand Jack Dawkins .Rick Denzel Joanne Derby Pauline Fitch Dawn Godel Sandi Gundberg David Hauser Terry Hoff Dave Jennen Blake Johnson • Cheryl Jones 7lA- F:\USERS\Human Resources\Labor Management\attendance sheet.doc Amy Kampa Marion Kershner Merle King Larry Krohn Malcolm Lee Mick McCormick Wendy Metcalf Lori Morrell Syd Nelson Michele Petterson Todd smedstad Dennis Soderstrom Joe Thompson Gary waskosky Rick west Public Health • • --------········· Hepatitis B "Hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver. This condition can be caused by drugs, alcohol, chemicals, and viruses that attack the liver, such as hepatitis virus types A, B, C, D, and E. This sheet contains only hepatitis B information. TRANSMISSION Hepatitis B virus is spread when blood or body fluids from an infected person enter another person's body through a break in the skin (e.g. cuts, needlesticks) or mucous membranes (e.g. eyes, sores in the mouth), or through sexual intercourse. In addition to blood, hepatitis B virus can be found in semen, vaginal fluids, and saliva. Hepatitis B virus is not found in urine or feces. Children born to mothers who are carriers of hepatitis B virus are at the greatest risk of getting infected from exposure to the mother's blood during birth. These babies can become chronic carriers of the virus unless vaccinated at the time of birth. Persons who put themselves at risk for getting hepatitis B include those who share needles to inject drugs, men who have sex with other men, and any person who has sex with more than one partner. Hepatitis B can also be spread by ear piercing, tattooing, and acupuncture if equipment or needles are not sterilized between use. Although rare, the virus can be spread if personal items, such as razor blades used by an infected person, are shared with a non-infected person. Employees in jobs which expose them to human blood may be at risk for hepatitis B infection. Also at risk are persons from certain areas of the world where hepatitis B is common. SYMPTOMS The symptoms of hepatitis B disease may develop between 6 weeks and 6 months (average time 2-3 months after exposure. Symptoms develop slowly and may include tiredness, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and mild fever. Joint pains, muscle aches, rash, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) may occur in some cases. Less than I% of the people who get hepatitis B die from it during the ·acute phase. Recovery from hepatitis B may take several months. Some persons who are infected with hepatitis B virus may have only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all and, therefore, may not see a doctor. These persons may not know they are infected. Between 6 and 10% of the adults who get hepatitis B can become "chronic carriers," which means they are infected with the virus for life: As long as the virus is present in the blood and body fluids, the person is infectious. Chronic carriers may later develop serious problems like liver cancer arid liver failure. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT Blood tests can tell if you are infected with the hepatitis B virus. These tests can also help your physician determine whether you are currently ill with hepatitis B or if you are a chronic carrier. Although there is no treatment for the disease, bed rest and an adequate diet are important. Alcohol and medications (unless prescribed by your physician) should be restricted. Follow-up blood tests are necessary to tell if the disease is gone . -over - Minnesota Department of Health 717 Delaware Street SE• P.O. Box 9441 ° Minneapolis, MN 55440 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF SPREADING HEPATITIS B: • Do not share needles, syringes or other drug injecting equipment. • Properly sterilize instruments used to puncture the skin. • Abstain from sex or have sex only with a mutually faithful, uninfected or vaccinated parrner. If you choose to have sex with more than one parrner, do not exchange blood, semen or vaginal secretions (use condoms or do not have penetrative sex). Although condoms are not 100% effective (they can slip, break or leak), they are better than no protection at all. • Maintain good personal hygiene. Do not share toothbrushes, razors or other personal items. Practice thorough, frequent handwashing with soap and running water, especially after concact with blood or body fluids ( changing bandages, cleaning bloody noses, etc.). • Clean and disinfect objects or surfaces that are contaminated with blood or body fluids. Clean first with detergent and water. Disinfect with a household bleach and water solution (use 1/4 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water). • If you are at risk for getting hepatitis B infection, talk to your physician about the need for hepatitis B vaccine . The vaccine is given intramuscularly in the arm (three doses) according to the following schedule: first dose second dose third dose elected date I month later 6 months after first dose , Injections of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) may be indicated for some exposed persons. Contact your physician or health department for information. • If you are infected with the hepatitis B virus: • Tell your medical and dental providers. • Do not donate blood, semen or organs. Current immunization recommendations include giving hepatitis B vaccine to: • all infants • all previously unvaccinated adolescents (age 12 and older) , all other persons whose lifestyle, occupation or health condition puts them at risk of getting the disease Printed by the Minnesota Department of Health. May be reproduced, unchanged, without permission. 1994. IC#141-0411 0 0. 0 .HEPATITIS B VACCINE (wHAT YOU NEED TO KNow) ( 11 Why get vaccinated? Hepatitis B is a serious disease. The hepatitis B virus can cause short-tenn (acute) illness that leads to: • loss of appetite • diarrhea and vomiting • tiredness • jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) • pain in muscles, joints, and stomach It can also cause long-tenn (chronic) illness that leads to: liver damage (cirrhosis) • Ii ver cancer death About 1.25 million people in the U.S. have chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Each year it is estimated that: • • 200,000 people, mostly young adults, get infected with hepatitis B virus ) More than I I ,000 people have to stay in the hospital because of hepatitis B • 4,000 to 5,000 people die from chronic hepatitis B Hepatitis B vaccine can· prevent hepatitis B. It is the first anti-cancer vaccine because it can prevent a fonn of liver cancer. 12 How is hepatitis B virus spread? Hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person. A person can get infected in several ways, such as: • during birth when the virus passes from an infected mother to her baby • by having sex with an infected person • by injecting illegal drugs by being stuck with a used needle on the job • by sharing personal items, such as a razor or toothbrush with an infected person • People can get hepatitis B virus infection without knowing how they got it. About 1/3 of hepatitis B cases in the United States have an unknown source. 3 Who should get hepatitis B ) vaccine and when? I) Everyone 18 years of age and younger 2) Adults over 18 who are at risk Adults at risk for hepatitis B virus infection include people who have more than one sex partner, men who have sex with other men, injection drug users, health care workers, and others who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids. If you are not sure whether you are at risk, ask your doctor or nurse. ✓ People should get 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine according to the following schedule. If you miss a dose or gel behind schedule, get the next dose as soon as you can. There is no need to start over . Hepatitis B Vaccination Schedule First Dose Second Dose Third Dose Infant whose mother Is Infected with hepatitis B virus Withi, 12 hours of birth 1-2 rmnths of age 6 mmths of age Infant whose mother Is not Infected with hepatitis B Vil'1Jl!I Birth -2 rmnths of age 1-4 rronths of age (at least I rronlh after first dose) 6-18 monlhs ofage Older child, adolescent, or adult Any tim: 1-2 rrontm after &rsc dose 4-6 JIDnths after 6rsc dose The second dose must be given at least I month after the first dose. The third dose must be given at least 2 months after the second dose and at least 4 months after the first. The third dose should not be given to infants younger than 6 months of age. Adolescents 11 to 15 years of age may need only two doses of hepatitis B vaccine, separated by 4-6 months. Ask your health care provider for details . Hepatitis B vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. 4 Some people should not get hepatitis B vaccine or should wait People should not get hepatitis B vaccine if they have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to baker's yeast (the kind used for making bread) or to a previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine. People who are moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting hepatitis B vaccme. Ask your doctor or nurse for more information. 5 What are the risks from hepatitis B vaccine? A vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of hepatitis B vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Getting hepatitis B vaccine is much safer than getting hepatitis B disease. Most people who get hepatitis B vaccine do not have any problems with it. Mild problems soreness where the shot was given, lasting a day or two (up to I out of 11 children and adolescents, and about I out of 4 adults) mild to moderate fever (up to I out of 14 children and adolescents and I out of 100 adults) Severe problems • serious allergic reaction (very rare). 6 What if there is a moderate or severe reaction? What should I look for? Any unusual condition, such as a serious allergic reaction, high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness. If such a reaction were to Q occur, it would be within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot. What should I do? • Call a doctor or get the person to a doctor right away. Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given. Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (V AERS) form, or call V AERS yourself at 1-800-822-7967. 7 The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program In the rare event that you or your child has a serious reaction to a vaccine, a federal program has been created to help you pay for the care of those w_ho have been harmed. For details about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, call 1-800-338-2382 or visit o the program's website at http://www.hrsa.gov/bhpr/vicp ( 8 I How can I learn more? ) Ask your doctor or nurse. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information. • Call your local or state health department's immunization program. Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): -Call 1-800-232-2522 or 1-888-443-7232 (English) -Call 1-800-232-0233 (Espanol) -Visit the National Immunization Program's website at http://www.cdc.gov/nip or CDC's Hepatitis Branch website at bttp://www.cdc.gov/ncldod/disease!ilbepatltis/ U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Immunization Program Vaccine Information Statement(Interim) Hepatitis B (8/23/00) 42 U.S.C. § J00aa-26 IC/1141-0376 0 • • • OTTER TAIL COUNTY COORDINATOR LARRY S. KROHN Inter-Office Memorandum Date: March 12, 2001 To: Labor/Management Committee From: Larry Krohn Re: Survey Results As requested at an earlier meeting, I have contacted the various department heads within the organization regarding courthouse hours. Perhaps a more accurate term would be public office hours as thirty percent of the county's employees currently do not work 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Examples include patrol deputies, highway maintenance in the summer months, detention, etc. The responses were received from most departments, with some containing responses from supervisors. Note the results do not balance in any fashion as some departments had multiple responses and others only responded to portions of the questionnaire. The results are as follows: a. How many hours should the courthouse be open? 9 hours per day 6 8 1/2 hours per day 6 8 hours per day I 8 1/2 hours per day + one evening per week - 9 hours per day for employees, 8 1/2 hours for the public -I 9 hours per day for employees, 8 hours for the public -I b. What should the hours be? 8:00 am. -5:00 p.m. -10 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m. 6 7:30 am. -4:30 p.m. I 7:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m. I 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m. I c. Are there alternative methods by which we can conduct business with the public? Internet solutions Flex hours None 6 4 4