Personnel Committee

July 13, 2006 - 9:30 am

DRAFT MINUTES

 

Members:                   Larry Cornell, Chairman; Mike, McKee, Vice Chairman; Sandy Price, Don Spaulding, John Troy, Tom Williams

Others Present:         Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Annette Barber, Personnel Director; Bob Howe, Board of Elections; Bill Wood, Board of Elections; Susan Morgan, Clerk of the Legislature; Corey Preston, Cortland Standard

Absent:                       Steve Dafoe  

Mr. Cornell called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m.

Mr. Troy made the motion to approve the minutes of the May 11, 2006 meeting; seconded by Mr. Williams.  All members voting in favor, minutes approved as printed. 

RESOLUTIONS:

Election Office

 

1.         Establish Fees for Election Workers – Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Spaulding.  Mr. Howe explained to the committee that this is just for this year and further explained that next year it may be expanded.  Mr. Wood discussed that next year there will be more voting machines which will result in a need for more workers.  Mr. Howe and Mr. Wood explained that on July 18, 2006, they will be attending a meeting in Waterloo, NY and will have some idea of what to expect in the future.  Mr. Cornell asked if the State had approved the voting machines yet and Mr. Howe informed the committee that they had not.  Mr. McKee asked if the fee is set by the State?  Mr. Howe and Mr. Wood explained that it is not set by the State but other surrounding counties pay more that Cortland County.  Mr. Schrader explained that last year the county was aware of an increase but did not know what that increase would be.  He further discussed that the funds were put in an employee account and now they are being transferred to professional services and further discussed that this will be an easier way to pay them.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

Mr. Howe explained that because the State has done nothing for two years now at the County level his office will need to work faster to have everything completed. 

 

Safety Office

 

2.         Create Temporary Safety Officer – Mr. McKee moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Troy.  Mr. McKee inquired about the last Safety Officer and if he was permanent or temporary and additionally inquired about the length of this temporary position.  Mr. Schrader explained that this is just a short-term temporary position to give the county a more adequate period of time to fill the position on a permanent basis.  Mr. Spaulding inquired about what the Safety Officer does.  Mr. Schrader discussed that historically he provided safety services to the County as well as other municipalities (City, Towns and Villages).  He addresses safety classes and inquired about employee injuries.  Mr. Schrader added that the municipalities are not in favor of the County Safety Officer doing this anymore but at the same time the County has an interest because the municipalities fall under the County Workers Compensation Plan and therefore this will impact the County.  Mr. Schrader explained the jurisdiction of a County Safety Officer.  He also explained that the last Safety Officer to fill this position was also a Code Officer and this was a benefit to the County.  Mr. Schrader would like to look at this position more thoroughly and be have additional time to advertise and fill the position.  Mr. McKee asked if this is a duplication of services provided by OSHA and PESHA.  Mr. Schrader explained that it was not and what the differences are.  He added that if the County has a Safety Officer on staff then it is an insurance benefit to the County.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

 

DISCUSSIONS/PRESENTATIONS:

 

1.                  Rules – Sub-Committee Report – Mr. Cornell explained that there is another workshop today following this meeting and the Sub-Committee has had a total of eight meetings and made a great deal of changes.  He added that Mr. Whitt has been working with them and it has been very time consuming for Mr. Whitt.    

 

2.                  Personnel: Vacancy Report – Ms. Barber explained that there are not great deal of changes but the good news is that two new nurses were hired and more applications are coming in for nurses. 

 

Mr. Spaulding made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Troy.  Mr. Cornell  adjourned the meeting at 9:45 a.m.