PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
June 3, 2002
A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners' Personnel Committee was held on
Monday, June 3, 2002 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Chairman
Hopper called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. with a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Aaron Hopper, Chairman, Ted Postula and Bernard LaJoie
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Tim Dolehanty, County Controller, Lisa Wilcox, Ron Cross, Elizabeth Church,
Stephanie Baldwin
Additions / Deletions to the Agenda
Chairman Hopper called for additions or deletions to the agenda. Hearing none, the agenda was declared
approved as presented.
Agenda Items: Reorganization of Building Inspections Department
Controller Dolehanty presented a proposal from Building Inspector Anthony Bosley to reorganize the
Building Inspections Department. Bosley proposed combining two part-time building inspector positions
into one, and to delay hiring a part-time Clerk Typist until later in the year.
Commissioner LaJoie stated his opposition to Bosley's plan because it would result in many telephone
calls being answered by the voice mail system. He stated the plan would work if the Clerk-Typist
position was filled immediately.
Commissioner Postula agreed with Commissioner LaJoie regarding the Clerk-Typist. He cited the
distance many citizens had to travel for permits as the reason for his support.
The Committee agreed to forward the proposal to the Finance Committee for further consideration.
Animal Shelter Attendant
Controller Dolehanty presented the application of Christa Rennells for consideration as an Animal Shelter
attendant. He noted there were nine applicants for the position, four of whom were interviewed.
Dolehanty stated Rennells was the most qualified of the candidates interviewed.
Commissioner Postula noted the applicant does not reside in the County, but should be hired if she is the
most qualified individual. He also noted the County does not have a residency requirement.
It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to recommend appointment of Christa
Rennells as Animal Shelter Attendant. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Lieutenant Position - Sheriff Department
The Committee reviewed a memorandum from Sheriff Moran requesting reassignment of Sergeant Horka
to a management-level Lieutenant position. If approved, the Sheriff proposed maintaining Horka's pay
and duties at current levels. He stated the reassignment would allow the Department to function at a more
efficient level.
It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend
approval of the Sheriff's request to reassign Sergeant Horka as proposed. On a voice vote, the
motion was CARRIED.
Clarification of Hiring Procedure
Controller Dolehanty asked the Committee to clarify the County's hiring procedure. He referenced
differences in the process followed to hire the Animal Shelter Attendant and the process followed to hire
the Assistant Public Defender. He also referenced discussion at a previous work session where
Commissioners agreed to have appointment recommendations brought directly to the Board.
Chairman Hopper stated the Board Chairman wanted the Personnel Committee to review applicants and
to make a recommendation to the Board. Commissioner LaJoie suggested calling special Personnel
Committee meetings as necessary to review proposed appointments, thereby reducing any time lapse
between regular Board meetings.
It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend that all
personnel appointments be reviewed by the Personnel Committee for recommendation to the
Board of Commissioners, and that no one be allowed to begin working for the County until
appointed by the Board. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Non-Union Labor Wages
Public Defender Elizabeth Church presented a memorandum to the Committee regarding employee
workweek, increased wages and her department workload. She asked Committee members review the
memorandum and consider acting on her suggestions at their next regular meeting. Chairman Hopper
thanked Ms. Church for appearing before the Committee and expressed his appreciation for the
opportunity to review the memorandum.
Performance Evaluation
Controller Dolehanty drew the Committee's attention to Section 4.6.3 of the Bylaws of the Board of
Commissioners. This section assigns to the Personnel Committee responsibility of conducting a formal
evaluation of the Controller at least one time each year. He noted that a year had passed since his
appointment to the position. He also reminded the Committee that Commissioners not appointed to the
Personnel Committee wished to be included in the evaluation.
Commissioner LaJoie asked about the format of the evaluation. Dolehanty suggested following the
performance review procedure considered at a work session on April 18. At the request of the
Committee, copies of the procedure were distributed at the end of the meeting.
Collective Bargaining Strategies
It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to enter into a closed
session to discuss strategies connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement
with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO Local 1552 of
Michigan, pursuant to Section 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act, Act 267, P.A. 1976, as amended,
being MCL 15.268(c). A roll call vote was taken as follows: LaJoie - Yes; Postula - Yes; Hopper -
Yes. Motion CARRIED.
It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to resume the open
session meeting of the Personnel Committee. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Postula - Yes;
LaJoie - Yes; Hopper - Yes. Motion CARRIED.
Public Comments
No public comments were offered.
Committee Comments
There were no additional Committee member comments.
Chairperson's Comments
Chairman Hopper had no additional comments.
Adjourn
It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to adjourn the
meeting. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Chairman Hopper declared the meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
__________________________________ __________________________________
Timothy J. Dolehanty, AICP, Recorder Aaron Hopper, Committee Chairman