PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2020 9:00 a.m.
Place: Virtual Meeting Held due toPeacetime Emergency Declaration in response to COVID-19 Pandemic.
Members present via computer: Eric Johnson, Teresa Walter, Jack Miller, Robert Burns, and Greg Myhre
Call to order.
Presiding: Chairman Johnson
Call to order. Pledge of Allegiance.
Miller moved, Burns seconded, unani-
mously carried to approve the agenda.
Public Comment: None at this time
Walter moved, Myhre seconded, unanimously carried to approve the exclusion of the employees of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, specifically all members of Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc., Local #60 (Jailer/Dispatcher Unit), Local #237 (Licensed Deputies Unit), Local #415 (Licensed Lieutenant Unit); the Minnesota Association of Professional Employee positions of Chief Deputy Sheriff and Jail Administrator; and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 65 position of Emergency Management Coordinator from the Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
HR Director Arrick-Kruger and Sheriff Inglett recommended the Board approve this exclusion due to the critical safety and security roles and essential services provided by the employees of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. This exclusion does not apply to the administrative positions supporting the Sheriff’s office.
The Commissioners reviewed and reassigned committee member assignments to Myhre. Myhre will assume duties on the Finance Standing Committee, the Airport Commission, Planning Commission, Bear Creek Watershed Committee and SEMCAC Board. He will also serve as the County delegate to the AMC General Government sub-committee.
There being no further business and the time being 9:33 a.m., motion was made by Walter, and seconded by Burns and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.
Following the Emergency Board Meeting, the Board called their regularly scheduled Board Workgroup Session to Order.
The Board discussed the proposal from SELCO for the next 3-year contract supporting the Libraries of Houston County. SELCO proposed a 3% annual increase to their contract amounts. Walter suggested a negotiation session with SELCO was appropriate, given the fiscal uncertainty we currently face. The Board was in consensus and asked Administrator Babinski to arrange the session, with Commissioners Walter and Burns representing the board.
Administrator Babinski updated the Board on current operations of the county and plans for a Preparedness Plan similar to what Executive Order 20-48 required of companies to return to normal operations. He briefed opening up the County facilities would look similar to their closure, in a phased approach. Physical barriers have been placed in key areas and the facility is being prepared for social distancing and other safety measures.
The workgroup session adjourned at 10:45.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
HOUSTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
By: Eric Johnson, Chairperson
Attest: Jeffrey Babinski, County Administrator
THE ABOVE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COM-MISSIONERS IS ONLY A SUMMARY. THE FULL TEXT IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE HOUSTON COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE AS WELL AS ON THE HOUSTON COUNTY WEBSITE LOCATED AT THE FOLLOWING WEB ADDRESS:
http://www.co.houston.mn.us/
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