August 14, 2003

A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Personnel Committee was held on Thursday, August 14, 2003 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Chairperson Dale called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Rita Dale, Chairperson, and Earl Kay

MEMBERS ABSENT: Ted Postula

OTHERS PRESENT: Tim Dolehanty, County Controller, Sharon Kennedy, Register of Deeds / Equalization Director, Diane Cork, County Clerk, Brian Peppler, Prosecuting Attorney, Elizabeth Church, Chief Public Defender, Michelle Brosco, Juvenile Register, Karen Johnston, Deputy Juvenile Register, Holly Zaborowski, Deputy Probate Register, Ron Cross, Steward, AFSCME Local 1552

Additions / Deletions to the Agenda

Chairperson Dale called for additions or deletions to the agenda. Hearing none, the agenda was declared approved as presented.

Public Comments

Chairperson Dale called for pubic comments. No public comments were offered.

Correspondence and Information Items: Collective Bargaining Petitions

Controller Tim Dolehanty informed the Committee of collective bargaining petitions received from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The Union has asked to include animal shelter attendants and the information systems department staff in two different unions. Mr. Dolehanty briefly discussed the process and timetable for State consideration of the Union’s petitions.

Appointment of Undersheriff

The Committee acknowledged receipt of a memorandum from Sheriff Jeff Moran announcing his appointment of Captain Robert Savoie to the position of Undersheriff, effective September 13, 2003.

Agenda Items: Circuit Court Unit Contract Dispute

The Committee reviewed a letter from Hon. Nicholas J. Lambros, Chief Circuit Judge, regarding contested language in the AFSCME Circuit Court Unit labor agreement. Judge Lambros suggested calling a meeting of all interested parties for the purpose of reaching consensus on the matter. Committee members agreed with this suggestion.

It was moved by Commissioner Kay, seconded by Chairperson Dale, to schedule a meeting of interested parties at a time and date convenient to Judge Lambros. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

Position Description for Data Entry I Position

Register of Deeds / Equalization Director Sharon Kennedy appeared before the Committee to review the draft position description for the newly created Data Entry I position. It was explained that the proposal used language from the current Data Entry position as a starting point, and was modified to meet the needs of the proposed position.

Ms. Kennedy also asked the Committee to extend the work hours of her departments to 40 hours per week in recognition of an increased workload. The Committee advised that the Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee should review the question of work hours.

It was moved by Commissioner Kay, seconded by Chairperson Dale, to recommend approval of the Data Entry I position description as presented. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

Public Defender Business

Chief Public Defender Elizabeth Church reviewed her correspondence recommending appointment of Ms. Jennifer J. Miller to the previously approved part-time attorney position. Ms. Church reminded the Committee that Ms. Miller would handle only state prisoner cases, and that the State will reimburse the County for expenses related to such cases.

It was moved by Commissioner Kay, seconded by Chairperson Dale, to recommend Ms. Jennifer J. Miller be appointed to the part-time attorney position in the Public Defender’s Office. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

Ms. Church asked the Committee to consider a staff reorganization plan for the Public Defender’s office. Commissioner Kay advised it would be best to refrain from considering reorganization plans until the current personnel situation is resolved.

PC Specialist Resignation

The Committee acknowledged the resignation of PC Specialist Cindy Moniz. Mr. Dolehanty stated he would begin the recruitment process to identify a suitable replacement.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Actions

The Committee reviewed recent actions of an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Controller and Prosecuting Attorney. The Prosecutor was asked to address concerns raised with his staff.