At the November 8 meeting of the County Board, possible structural adjustments for a couple of key employees were discussed.
Jessica Erickson, Director of Nursing, had submitted her resignation, which was accepted at the October 25 meeting. She resigned to maintain family life balance. County Coordinator Bobbie Vickerman said Erickson was willing to do the work of the Director of Nursing at a .5 to .7 FTE position. Normally department heads are full time employees.
Vickerman favored going ahead with the arrangement on a trial basis because of Erickson’s abilities. She maintained Erickson has done an excellent job with Public Health and said she would like to see her continue in that capacity.
Commissioner Randy Dahl explained Erickson’s focus would be the Director of Nursing responsibilities. Commissioner Mitch Lentz said that he will support this arrangement along with other changes that have been made. Commissioner Duane Bakke insisted a department head should be full-time. Chairman Marc Prestby called it a temporary arrangement and agreed she has done a good job. Bakke said you have to have set hours to hire someone.
Kristina Kohn, Human Resources, said Erickson’s time will be set at .5 and could rise to .7 when the need arises. She will be paid by the hour. The board approved the part-time position for Erickson. Bakke voted no.
A discussion followed on the role of the county coordinator in 2017. Vickerman’s current role includes her responsibilities as county coordinator, also oversight and budget for community services and the lead for accounting functions and the provision of oversight for the interim auditor/treasurer. This arrangement will expire at the end of 2016.
Bakke suggested they should have this discussion in two weeks when they know the result of the questions on today’s ballot. It will make a difference whether the voters decide to continue with an elected A/T or if they decide to allow the commissioners to appoint this position. Dahl said in either case he would like the county coordinator to continue with oversight of community services. He maintained his interest in moving forward with centralized financing.
Kohn said the discussion can be tabled, but suggested it needs to be acted on before the budget is acted on. Bakke said if the voters decide on an appointed A/T, we will have a job description drafted and advertise for an A/T in a few weeks. Dahl commented that the ballot questions allow the public to be included in the decision, adding we will work with whatever they decide. The issue was tabled.
A student intern was approved for Public Health. It is not a paid position.
Approval was given to hire Alexis Hall as an RN/Social Worker in Community Services/Public Health effective November 18.
Approval was given to hire Abee Yasiin and Eric Karsten as intermittent jailers.
Eagle Scout project
Matthew Gregg, a Fillmore Central student and member of Boys Scouts Troop 67 of Harmony, Preston, and Lanesboro, requested permission from the county board to install pavement markings to remind people to “Buckle Up.” This is his Eagle Scout project in his effort to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
Gregg and Brenda Pohlman, Public Health Educator, are working on the project together. Money for the stencils will come from Toward Zero Deaths grant funds ($83.21). Gregg will raise money to purchase acrylic paint. The markings will be painted on with a brush in key locations in Harmony and Preston.
Lentz suggested it would be good to do this in other school districts. Commissioner Harry Root asked Gregg how long he has been a Scout. Gregg answered he has been in the scouts since he was 7 or 8. Root called it a good project and thanked Gregg for doing it.
The board gave Gregg permission to install the markings (For Safety Buckle-up) on county parking lots. Gregg said he will begin the project when the stencils arrive, this fall or in the spring, depending on the weather.
Other business in brief
• Approval was given to use remaining 2016 Wellness Grant dollars to purchase no maintenance, handicap accessible picnic tables. The tables cost over $900 per table.
• The annual True-up order for Microsoft Enterprise agreement was approved at a cost of $41,039.
• Canton has requested to purchase a tax forfeiture property in Canton which is located next to the city offices for its estimated market value, $1,600. Prestby noted that tax forfeiture properties are first offered to a government entity. The small parcel is a vacant lot. The purchase was approved. The difference between the taxes owed and the estimated market value of the property (about $600) will be forgiven.