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Home My WebLink AboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 01/28/1997• Q Call to Order The Otter Tail County Human Services Board convened Tuesday, January 28, 1997 at 9:32 a.m. at the Otter Tail County Courthouse with Commissioners Malcolm Lee, Chair; Andy Lindquist, and Virginia Partmann present. Commissioner Syd Nelson was present at 9:35 a.m. and Commissioner Bill Stone was absent. Approval of Agenda Motion by Partmann, seconded Lindquist, and unanimously carried to approve the Human Services agenda of January 28, 1997 as submitted. Approval of Minutes Motion by Lindquist, seconded Partmann, and unanimously carried to approve the Human Services minutes of January 14, 1997 as submitted. Adult -Juvenile Monthly Caseload Chuck Kitzman, Court Services Director, provided a handout of the Otter Tail County Adult -Juvenile Monthly Caseload from 1986 through 1996. Discussion followed. Appointments -Otter Tail County Community Health Services Motion by Partmann, seconded Lindquist, and unanimously carried to reappoint Dick Cloeter of Henning and Paul Baer of Parkers Prairie to the Otter Tail County Community Health Services Committee effective January 1, 1997 for a two year term. Further, the motion appointed Dr. Randy Carlson, Christine Carr, and Connie Stigen as new members of the committee effective January 1, 1997 for a two year term. Approval to Hire Temporary Contract Public Health Director, Diane Thorson, explained that due to temporary reduced hours by some current employees, a contract for an individual through Lake Region Hospital to perform post partum visits is needed. The Public Health Director requested permission to offer a contract to LRH at 90% of the cost that the county is currently being reimbursed. Further, Ms. Thorson requested permission to hire a temporary, two day per week employee if LRH does not accept the above contract offer. Motion by Partmann, seconded Nelson, and unanimously carried to authorize the Public Health Director to proceed with offering the above described contract with Lake Region Hospital for post partum visits. Additionally, the motion directed Ms. Thorson to bring the issue back to the County Board if Lake Region Hospital does not accept the proposed contract. Approval of Bills & Claims Motion by Partmann, seconded Nelson, and unanimously carried to approve the Human Services bills and claims as presented. Request to the State Board of Government Innovation and Cooperation for a Waiver from MN Statutes 245.4881 Otter Tail County Resolution No. 97-10 Upon a motion by Partmann, seconded Nelson, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners adopts the following resolution: · Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners January 28, 1997 Page 2 WHEREAS, the State Board of Government Innovation and Cooperation has announced the availability of waivers from administrative rules and the availability of temporary, limited exemptions from enforcement of state laws; and WHEREAS, application for a waiver of temporary exemption may be submitted at any time to the Board; and WHEREAS, MN Statute 245.4881 and Department of Human Services Rule 79, parts 9520.0900 to 9520.0926, require that individual Community Support Plans and Functional Assessments be completed every 90 calendar days, impeding case managers' ability to provide direct services to children with severe emotional disturbance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes County staff to apply for a waiver of MN Statute 245.4881 and Department of Human Services Rule 79, Minn. R. 9520.0900 to 9520.0926, for a period of four years to extend the required 90-day review of the Individual Community Support Plan and Functional Assessment for children with severe emotional disturbance to 180 days. YES NO ABSENT NELSON X LEE X LINDQUIST X STONE X PORTMANN X Adopted this 28th day of January, 1997. OTTER;;:f; COUNTY HUMA SERVICES ":>'',;/' /J . B~~,,, ~~ ..,...,«·" ,r~~p colm Lee, Chair Thomas M. Fawcett, Director Department of Social Services Approval of Contract Motion by Portmann, seconded Lindquist, and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate county officials signatures to execute the Purchase of Service Agreement between the Otter Tail County Department of Social Services and Meals By Wheels of Fergus Falls for home delivered meals for the period from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 1997. Approval of Contract Motion by Lindquist, seconded Portmann, and unanimously carried to authorize the appropriate county officials signatures to execute the Purchase of Service Renewal Agreement between the Otter Tail County Department of Social Services and Midwest Home Health Care, Inc. for alternative care, elderly waiver, and CADI services for the period from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 1997. Adjournment At 10:35 a.m., Chairman Lee declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Human Services adjourned until 9:30 a. m. on Tuesday, February 11, 1997. ~;ic.ff aZ: -By ~,,_,__~u:sr- ac<>irr(Lee, Chair Thomas M. Fawcett, Social Services Director Dated --'-Y.",""'~e<....e:=.::.::.;i==c....u.l(,_____.lw?:....il"+l ___ _ Board • 0 0 0 l 0 0 Call to Order Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners January 28, 1997 Page 3 The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners convened Tuesday, January 28, 1997 at 1 :00 p.m. at the Otter Tail County Courthouse with Commissioners Andy Lindquist, Chair; Virginia Partmann, Malcolm Lee, and Syd Nelson present. Commissioner Bill Stone was absent. Approval of Agenda Motion by Partmann, seconded Lee and unanimously carried to approve the County Board agenda of January 28, 1997 as amended: 2:30 p.m. -request from Employee Committee.member, Tiny Holm Discussion -EOT Soil & Water Conservation Report -Syd Nelson Approval of Minutes Motion by Partmann, seconded Nelson and unanimously carried to approve the County Board minutes of January 21, 1997 as submitted. Presentation of Appreciation Plaque Chairman Lindquist presented an appreciation plaque to Highway Maintenance Worker, Ralph Haman, in honor of his retirement. The Chair thanked Mr. Haman for his many years of service with Otter Tail County. Approval of Final Payment -CSAH 84 Motion by Portmann, seconded Nelson and unanimously carried to approve final payment, in the amount of $5,772.16, payable to Mark Sand & Gravel Co. for S.A.P. 56-684-01, Reconstruction of CSAH No. 84. Sale of Used Viking Snow Equipment The Highway Engineer advertised for bids for the sale of used Viking Snow Equipment. Upon receipt of bids by Decock Sand and Gravel and Steve's Road Maintenance, a motion was offered by Lee, seconded Nelson, and unanimously carried to approve the sale of the following snow equipment as recommended by the Highway Engineer: Henry Decock Decock Sand and Gravel Rt.1, Box41-2 Wadena, MN Steve Ehnert Steve's Road Maintenance Rt. 1, Box 355 Vergas, MN 56587 1 plow, 1 wing, and 1 mounting $1,200 1 plow and 2 wings $500 U.S. Fish & Wildlife · Wetland Easements Motion by Lee, seconded Portmann, and unanimously carried to certify the acquisition of wetland easements by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as follows: James H. Ruud T. 136N., R. 43 W., 5th P.M. section 24, W1/2NE1/4SE1/4, NW1/4SE1/4N1/2SW1/4 except the South 330 feet of the North 792 feet of the West 231 feet of the NW1/4SW1/4, All that part of the SW1/4SE1/4 lying westerly and northwesterly of the following. described line: Commencing at the southeast corner of said section 24; thence on an assumed bearing of west on the southerly line of said section 24 for a distance of 2,151.79 feet to the point of beginning of line to be described; thence on a bearing of north and at right angles for a distance of 713.63 feet; thence on a bearing of east and at right angles for a distance of 555.31 feet; thence on a bearing of north and at right angles for a distance of 603 feet more or less to the northerly line of the SW1 /4 of said SE1/4 and there terminating, containing 22.4 acres more or less. Lynn E. Nellermoe T. 136 N. R. 43 W. 5th P.M. Section 24, S1/2SW1/4 Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners January 28, 1997 Page 4 EOT Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioner Partmann questioned the reason the EOT Soil & Water Conservation District is not in compliance with pay equity and has been assessed a fine from the Department of Employee Relations. The County Attorney stated that the Conservation District has been assured that they are now in compliance and are waiting for the final determination of the proposed fine by DOER. Approval of 1996 Pay Equity Report Motion by Portmann, seconded Lee, and unanimously carried to authorize the Chair's signature on the 1996 Otter Tail County Pay Equity Compliance Report. New Commissioners Conference Commissioner, Syd Nelson, reported on several issues discussed at a recent commissioners conference which included transportation, welfare, education, HACA and LGA. Minnesota Extension Update Minnesota Extension Educators, Donna Geiser and Steve Handegaard, briefed the Board on several 4-H programs. Ms. Geiser reported on a Sewing Project. The project involved about 20 teenagers making Polar Fleece caps and neckwarmers. Mr. Handegaard reported on the West Central Junior Leadership Workshop(s). 0 Storm Closing Policy Chairman Lindquist introduced discussion with County Department Heads regarding the County's Storm Q Closing Policy. The County Attorney clarified the issue of using 30 days to "make up" time an employee misses due to weather. Mr. Senyk stated that, under the FLSA, if employees work over 40 hours per week, the employee is entitled to time and one-half compensation. General consensus of the Board is to not allow 30 days to "make up" time missed due to weather because of the time and one-half requirement. Discussion with Department Heads followed. Motion by Partmann, seconded Lee, and unanimously carried to adopt the following storm closing policy effective January 28, 1997. Otter Tail County Weather Closing Policy 1. The Chair of the County Board of Commissioners, or the Chair's designee, will close county offices only when travel is impossible in the City of Fergus Falls. Chairman Lindquist designated Commissioners Nelson and Stone to determine closure of the New York Mills building as weather conditions at the NYM location can be significantly different from the conditions in Fergus Falls. 2. When the county offices are not closed and non-essential employees are unable to safely report for work, the non-essential employees may: a. b. Account for their normal working hours by utilizing a corresponding number of hours of accrued vacation time; or Account for their normal working hours by utilizing a corresponding number of hours of accrued Q. sick time; or • • 0 0 . Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners January 28, 1997 Page 5 c. Account for their normal working hours by utilizing a corresponding number of hours of accrued compensatory time (accrued overtime) hours; or d. Account for their normal working hours by making up the hours within the week the time was · missed on an hour-for-hour basis subject to the approval of the employee's supervisor. e. Accol.frit for· their. riormal working hours by taking a corresponding number of hours without compensation. 3. Employees with questions regarding this policy should contact their immediate supervisor. Proposed Ordinance for Snow Emergencies Tim Hunt, Safety & Emergency Services Director, submitted a proposed Ordinance to Establish Emergency Services and Govern Emergency Operations During Disasters. Mr. Hunt reported that the proposed ordinance gives authority to the Sheriff and Highway Engineer to decide how emergencies are identified. Lengthy discussion continued. The County Attorney requested time to review the language of the ordinance in relation to State Statute requirements. Declaration of a Public Meeting will also be required to adopt the ordinance. The County Board will review the proposed ordinance and Mr. Hunt will return to the Board at a later date. FEMA Funds Mr. Hunt requested permission for Otter Tail County to act as fiscal agent for FEMA funds in order to expedite the process of recovering funds for costs of snow removal throughout the county. The County Board granted permission to serve as fiscal agent for the townships of Otter Tail County for purposes of the declared disaster area. Request to Hang Picture Tiny Holm, Employees' Committee, requested permission to hang a print donated to county employees by Rick Drevlow of NorWest Bank. County Board members granted permission to hang the picture. Clarification of Non-Union Compensation The County Attorney reported that a 2% increase in compensation for employees not subject to collective bargaining units was approved along with a freeze in step increases until an implementation decision is made following negotiations with the labor unions. Employee(s) whose current compensation including longevity is higher than the proposed range for their position would not receive a 2% increase. The County Attorney requested clarification from the County Board on this position. Motion by Portmann, seconded Lee and unanimously carried to approve the above clarification as stated by the County Attorney. Coverage Clarification Motion by Portmann, seconded Lee, and carried, with Lindquist abstaining, to authorize BCBS to continue coverage of a physician prescribed medication for an ongoing claim that had been covered previously. Closed to the Public Adjournment At 3:12 p.m., Chairman Lindquist declared the meeting of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners closed to the public for purposes of discussing labor negotiation strategies with the County's four Collective Bargaining Units; AFSCME, Local Union No. 1830, Highway Maintenance Unit; Minnesota Teamsters Public and Law Enforcement, Local Union No. 320, Human Services Professional Unit; Sheriffs Department -Essential Unit; and the Social Services Support Specialists Unit. Commissioners Andy Lindquist, Syd Nelson, and Malcolm Lee were present during the closed session. Commissioner Bill Stone Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners January 28, 1997 Page 6 was absent and Commissioner Virginia Partmann was absent from the beginning of the closed session until i 3:52 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., upon conclusion of the closed session, Chairman Lindquist declared the meeting of O the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners adjourned until Tuesday, February 4, 1997 at 9:30 a.m. ··· Dated: _1-i ...... ~ .... R...,.t1 .... , o ..... cr-¾'-+--'L'--'9---'9_._7 __ OTTER TAIL COUNTY Attest: Larry ~%1erfL CB/kd 0 0