Minnehaha County
Minnehaha County
_________ Minutes _________
THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY COMMISSION CONVENED AT 9:00 A.M. March 17, 2020, pursuant to adjournment on March 10, 2020. Commissioners present were: Barth, Bender, Beninga, Heiberger, and Karsky. Also present were Olivia Larson, Commission Recorder, and Margaret Gillespie, Senior Deputy State’s Attorney.
MOTION by Heiberger, seconded by Karsky, to approve the agenda. 5 ayes.
MINUTES APPROVAL
MOTION by Karsky, seconded by Beninga, to approve the March 10, 2020, Commission Minutes. 5 ayes.
VOUCHERS TO BE PAID
MOTION by Barth, seconded by Heiberger, to approve the following bills totaling $3,515,742.68. 5 ayes.
A&B Business Lease-Rental Agmt 465.22, A&B Business Maint Contracts 172.17, Aaron George Prop Welfare Rent 1,306.00, ACEC/SD Education & Training 1,495.00, Adam Apts Welfare Rent 1,250.00, Airgas USA Small Tools & Shop Sup 94.77, Airway Svc Auto/Small Equip 2,006.41, Airway Svc Gas Oil & Diesel 161.37, Alcohol Monitoring Electronic Monitoring 67.20, Alcohol Monitoring Program Sup 374.40, Alignment Shoppe Truck Repairs & Maint 6,468.98, All Nations Interp Interpreters 80.00, Anderson, Jennifer Bd Evals Minnehaha 1,507.50, Angel, Edward P Attorney Fees 905.35, Argus Leader Media Publishing Fees 1,704.80, Automatic Building Jail Repairs & Maint 1,929.00, Avera McKennan Blood Withdrawal 79.20, Avera McKennan Hospitals 8,557.00, Avera McKennan Professional Svcs 5,865.50, Axis Forensic Toxico Lab Costs 532.00, Barth, Jeff Business Travel 696.00, Boyer Ford Trucks Auto/Small Equip 49.36, Boyer Ford Trucks Parts Inventory 82.75, Boyer Ford Trucks Truck Repairs & Maint -119.06, Brandon Valley Journ Publishing Fees 806.19, Brentwood Apts Welfare Rent 615.00, Builders Supply Building Repairs & Maint 2,358.50, Builders Supply JDC Maint 1,557.00, Burns, Jason Investigators Exps 118.44, Buttenhoff, Gene A Welfare Rent 333.00, C & R Supply Small Tools & Shop Sup 51.20, C & R Supply Truck Repairs & Maint 57.72, Center For Family Professional Svcs 539.00, Century Business Lease-Rental Agmt 60.95, Century Business Maint Contracts 1,832.80, Centurylink Contract Svcs 13.46, Centurylink Telephone 1,747.96, Chris Cam Office Sup 109.92, Chris Cam Small Tools & Shop Sup 302.15, Cliff Properties Welfare Rent 499.00, Computer Forensic Clinics Auxiliary Svcs 900.00, Construction Product Bridge Repair & Maint 18.35, Cummins Coliseum 423.40, Cummins HHS Maint 450.39, Dakota Lettering Uniform Allowance 99.00, Dakota News Store Inventory 576.59, Dakota Point Apt Welfare Rent 500.00, Dean Schaefer Court Court Reporters 120.00, Dell Rapids Fire Dell Rapids Fire Dpt 58,458.50, Denherder Law Attorney Fees 109.10, EH Hospitality Motels 625.00, Embe Education & Training 75.00, Family Svc Insurance-Other Costs 485.00, Fastenal Small Tools & Shop Sup 55.21, Feit, Matthew Welfare Rent 500.00, First Dakota Nation Homeland Security 3,764.75, First Dakota Title Attorney Fees Repaid 23.49, Force America Dist Truck Repairs & Maint 276.85, Galls Quartermaster Safety & Rescue Equip 270.89, Galls Quartermaster Uniform Allowance 1,488.65, Garretson Gazette Publishing Fees 909.77, Global Tel Link Telephone 11.39, Goering, James Business Travel 155.41, Gustafson, Tim Business Travel 140.00, Guzman, Sandra V Interpreters 100.00, Heidepriem Purtell Child Defense Attorney 1,287.50, Heise, Corey Extradition & Evidence 112.00, Heritage Funeral Burials 1,500.00, Hewlett Packard Data Processing Equip 53.46, Hidden Hills Apt Welfare Rent 1,100.00, High Point Networks Consultants 875.00, Huey Apts Welfare Rent 351.00, Hughes, Stuart Attorney Fees 361.00, Humboldt Fire & Amb Transportation 1,200.00, HyVee Pharmacies 659.76, I State Truck Center Parts Inventory 60.87, I State Truck Center Truck Repairs & Maint 39.62, Infrastructure Desig Architects & Engineers 18,048.25, Innovative Office Furniture & Office Equip 7,455.00, Interstate Office Office Sup 2,524.11, JCL Solutions Bldg/Yard Repair & Maint 105.68, John E Reid & Assoc Education & Training 575.00, Kamrath, Lyndee Taxable Meal Allowances 14.00, Katterhagen, Mark Bd Exp Fees Yankton 75.00, Kull, Lisa Court Reporters 699.20, Kyra Enterprises Motels 290.00, Lamp Interpreters 26.45, Languageline Solut Telephone 636.16, Leaf Capital Funding Office Sup 137.02, Lewis Drugs Pharmacies 1,403.45, Lewno Law Bd Exp Fees Yankton 831.00, Lockwood Law Attorney Fees 134.90, Lockwood, Darcy Bd Exp Fees Yankton 75.00, Long, Amanda Welfare Rent 478.00, Loving, Philip Bd Evals Minnehaha 480.00, Lutheran Social Svcs Interpreters 118.13, Marsh & McLennan Notary Exp 50.00, Medstar Paramedic Transportation 1,400.00, Menard Park & Recreation Material 20.94, Metro Coms Clinics Auxiliary Svcs 1,280.00, Midamerican Energy Natural Gas 1,198.76, Midcontinent Com Data Coms 248.00, Midcontinent Com Telephone 85.00, Midwest Alarm Maint Contracts 742.68, Midwest Alarm VOA Dakotas 104.28, Morse Correctional Contract Svcs 800.00, Motorola Solutions Com Equip 7,104.02, Multicultural Center Interpreters 55.00, Myers & Billion Attorney Fees 450.00, Myers Enterprises Safety & Rescue Equip 6,025.00, Napa Auto Parts Truck Repairs & Maint 227.76, Natalie Surkalovic Business Travel 30.66, National Tactical Homeland Security 5,799.00, Nebraska Salt & Gr Road Material Inventory 22,636.67, New Century Press Publishing Fees 1,076.57, Novak Lease-Rental Agmt 98.07, Novak Office Sup 102.73, Novak Tea-Ellis Range 21.00, Novak Trash Removal 1,007.73, One Sky Hvy Equip Repairs & Maint 111.95, Oreilly Auto Parts Auto/Small Equip 9.54, Oreilly Auto Parts Small Tools & Shop Sup 5.29, Osborn, Roxane R Court Reporters 16.50, Overhead Door Bldg/Yard Repair & Maint 137.76, Palluck, Ethan Extradition & Evidence 112.00, Paragon Health & Wel Blood Withdrawal 6,720.00, Pettigrew Heights Welfare Rent 500.00, Pierret, Donald W Right Of Way 4,609.00, Price, Thomas L Professional Svcs 1,200.00, Quail Hollow Town Welfare Rent 204.00, Qualified Presort Publishing Fees 616.00, Quality Efficiencies Motels 1,250.00, Quality Efficiencies Welfare Rent 500.00, Record Keepers Professional Svcs 49.44, Reker, Victoria Business Travel 187.74, Reliance Telephone Telephone 3.56, Roemen’S Auto Auto/Small Equip 15.75, Running Supply Bldg/Yard Repair & Maint 43.28, Running Supply Small Tools & Shop Sup 59.96, Saline County Sheriff Return Of Svc 50.00, Sanford Lab Costs 979.00, Sanford Medical Records 68.28, Sanford Health Plan Insurance Admin Fee 3,187.50, Scheels All Sports Uniform Allowance 100.00, SD Assoc Of County Due To Other Governments 3,936.00, SD Human Svcs Clinics Auxiliary Svcs 18.60, Security Labs Maint Contracts 100.00, Short Elliott Hend Architects & Engineers 11,086.49, Sierra Vista Welfare Rent 500.00, Sioux Falls Area Education & Training 75.00, Sioux Falls City Blood/Chemical Analysis 2,590.00, Sioux Falls City Gas Oil & Diesel 11,400.63, Sioux Falls City HIDTA Grant 320.13, Sioux Falls City Water Sewer 95.23, Sioux Falls Rubber Office Sup 71.65, Smith, Eric Taxable Meal Allowances 76.00, Snoozy, Scott Welfare Rent 700.00, Soderquist, Tina Right Of Way 4,596.90, Southeastern Behav Crisis Intervention Program 6,564.87, Southeastern Behav Professional Svcs 2,975.00, Spring Centre Apts Welfare Rent 589.00, Stan Houston Equip Gas Oil & Diesel 36.00, Stan Houston Equip Other Repairs 141.23, Stan Houston Equip Road Maint & Material 112.20, State of SD Amts Held Daily Scram 2,944.00, State of SD Amts Held Remote Breath 766.00, State of SD Blood/Chemical Analysis 10,540.00, State of SD Commitment HSC 17,717.25, State of SD Commitment Redfield 1,020.00, State of SD Contracted Construction 300.00, State of SD Due To Other Governments 3,137,784.61, State of SD Misc Exp 43.00, State of SD Outside Repair 6.30, State of SD Printing/Forms 122.35, State of SD Telephone 93.52, Strange Farrell John Attorney Fees 2,605.75, Streichers Uniform Allowance 2,322.00, Summit Food Svc Board Of Prisoners Meals 34,371.83, Summit Food Svc Child Care Food 1,019.25, Summit Food Svc Inmate Sup 117.41, Summit Food Svc School Lunch Program 1,733.20, Tammen Auto & Tire Auto/Small Equip 47.96, Tammen Auto & Tire Gas Oil & Diesel 39.58, TCN Telephone 1.86, Terrones, Jared Investigators Exps 1.13, Thomson Reuters Legal Research 1,888.41, Tiede, Pamela Bd Exp Fees Minnehaha 152.00, Tomacelli’ Too Jury Fees 123.30, Tower Campground Welfare Rent 500.00, Trane Correction Ctr Repairs & Maint 28.92, Trane Fairgrounds 489.12, Trane Fairgrounds -489.12, Trane Heat, Vent & AC Repairs 934.56, Trane Jail Repairs & Maint 807.72, Trane JDC Maint 31.20, Trane VOA Dakotas 43.80, Two Way Solutions Auto/Small Equip 150.00, Two Way Solutions Truck Repairs & Maint 282.98, Tzadik Sioux Falls Welfare Rent 2,090.00, UPS Postage 23.14, University Park Leg Witness Fees/Exps 537.50, Vankekerix, Roger Right Of Way 4,682.90, VB Tower Welfare Rent 376.40, Verizon Wireless Administrative Charges 44.00, Verizon Wireless Data Processing Equip 1,184.37, Verizon Wireless HIDTA Grant 87.47, Verizon Wireless Misc Exp 133.08, Verizon Wireless Safety & Rescue Equip 165.65, Verizon Wireless Telephone 4,906.36, Veronica Vander Vors Business Travel 19.32, Villas At Canyon Welfare Rent 500.00, Voisin, Alexander Business Travel 66.78, Wagner, Heidi Bd Evals Minnehaha 270.00, Walton, Marcus Attorney Fees 1,434.50, We Buy Houses Welfare Rent 574.00, Williamsburg Welfare Rent 480.00, Xcel Energy Electricity 1,881.92, Xcel Energy Welfare Utilities 1,146.60, Yankton County Return Of Svc 272.50, Zabel Steel Hvy Equip Repairs & Maint 64.44.
REPORTS
The February 2020 Register of Deeds Official Statement of Revenue Report, the Public Defender Advisory Board Meeting Minutes for December 10, 2019, the Auditor’s Office Financial Reports for February 2020, and the Annual Report for Minnehaha County as of and for the Year Ended December 31, 2019, were received and placed on file in the Auditor’s Office. Vicki Huitt, Accounting Manager, reported on the following Auditor’s Office Financial Reports: General Fund Cash Balance Report, Highway Fund Cash Balance Report, the General Fund YTD Expenditures Report, and the General Fund YTD Revenue Report. Kim Adamson, Finance and Budget Officer, reported on the Auditor’s Office county wide annual financial reports for 2019.
PERSONNEL
MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Karsky, to approve the following personnel changes. 5 ayes.
New Hires
1. Cecile Wollman, variable hour Election Worker for Elections, at $12.50/hour effective 3/23/20 to 6/26/20.
2. Darren Bryant, Jose Cardenas, Ryan Johnson, Kathi Zaddam, Lance Dunwoody, Alyssa del Plaine, James Williamson, Cydney Porter, and Ronald Svatos, Correctional Officers for the Jail at $19.47/hour (13/1) effective 3/23/20.
Step Increases
1. Neil Fossum, Senior Deputy Public Defender for the Public Defender’s Officer, at $2,887.20/biweekly (22/4) effective 3/18/20.
2. Bethany Jost, Paralegal for the Public Defender’s Office, at $26.83/hour (16/8) effective 3/19/20.
3. Mary Zeeb, Property Tax Administrator for the Auditor, at $32.69/hour (19/10) effective 3/7/20.
4. Julie Anderson, Administrative Secretary for the Juvenile Detention Center, at $18.99/hour (10/6) effective 2/18/20.
5. Albert Chagolla, Juvenile Correctional Officer I for the Juvenile Detention Center, at $20.96/hour (12/6) effective 3/4/20.
6. Deborah Deng, Juvenile Correctional Officer I for the Juvenile Detention Center, at $19.47/hour (12/3) effective 3/14/20.
7. Timothy Gustafson, Corporal for the Jail, at $27.51/hour (17/7) effective 2/18/20.
ABATEMENTS
Upon the recommendation of Chris Lilla, Director of Equalization, the following motions were made:
MOTION by Heiberger, seconded by Beninga, to approve abatements for 2019 Property Taxes representing the Elderly Assessment Freeze: Parcel ID 60662, in the amount of $579.87, 210 Jeanne Cir; Parcel ID 46572, in the amount of $635.23, 1703 N Jessica Ave; Parcel ID 44541, in the amount of $336.99, 1808 N Wayland Ave; and Parcel ID 50906, in the amount of $585.05, 705 E Pam Rd. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.
MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Karsky, to approve the following abatements representing the disabled veterans tax exemption under SDCL 10-4-40: Parcel ID 88944, 2019 Property Taxes, in the amount of $1,528.55; Parcel ID 43700, 2017 Property Taxes, in the amount of $1,521.19; Parcel ID 43700, 2018 Property Taxes, in the amount of $1,508.02; and Parcel ID 43700, 2019 Property Taxes, in the amount of $2,292.84. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jason Gearman, Emergency Management Director, gave an update on COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019). The County and the City of Sioux Falls have created a joint emergency management center. The Sheriff’s Office is delivering meals to kids in the County who are missing meals due to the school closures. The City of Sioux Falls also has a meals program. The local hospitals are on high alert. There have been four positive cases of COVID-19 in Minnehaha County. Mobile testing has been discussed if needed in the future. Maintaining essential functions and slowing the spread of the virus are the ultimate goals.
APPEAL
David Heinold, Planner, gave a briefing on an appeal filed by Josh Nelson on the Planning Commission’s decision to approve Conditional Use Permit (CUP) #20-08 to expand existing amusement and recreation facility to allow a roller coaster on the property legally described as E1/2 NW1/4 SE1/4 & NE1/4 SE1/4 (Ex. H-1 & Ex. Tract 1, Alvine’s Addn.), Section 36-T101N-R51W, approximately 3 miles west of Sioux Falls. The Planning Commission approved the CUP with nine (9) conditions unanimously at their February 24, 2020, meeting. Francis Phillips, 1700 S Carter Pl, Sioux Falls, General Manager of Wild Water West, addressed noise level concerns regarding the roller coaster and explained the chosen location for the roller coaster. Josh Nelson, 204 Park Dr, Lennox, owner of Blue Haven Barn, appellant, requested a decibel limit of 60, requested Wild Water West be required to put in some type of natural screening for the sound, and requested that construction not be allowed on Saturdays between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Mr. Phillips spoke on research showing the decibel levels should already be below 60 at the property line. Commissioner Barth spoke in favor of the neighbors keeping open communication and working together on any noise issues that should arise rather than requiring further regulation. In response to a question from Commissioner Beninga, Jacob Maras, Senior Project Engineer, spoke on the determination of speed on the highway in front of Wild Water West and Blue Haven Barn. MOTION by Barth, seconded by Beninga, to uphold the Planning Commission’s decision to approve CUP #20-08 to expand existing amusement and recreation facility to allow a roller coaster on the property legally described as E1/2 NW1/4 SE1/4 & NE1/4 SE1/4 (Ex. H-1 & Ex. Tract 1, Alvine’s Addn.), Section 36-T101N-R51W with the following conditions: 1) that Conditional Use Permit #20-08 shall allow one (1) roller coaster; 2) the subject property shall adhere to the submitted site plan and narrative; 3) the hours of operation for the roller coaster shall be from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm; 4) a set of plans certified by a registered professional engineer be submitted for review and approval prior to the building permit(s) being issued for the roller coaster; 5) the applicant maintain a South Dakota Sales Tax License; 6) the roller coaster perimeter should be enclosed with security fencing and a locking gate to prevent unauthorized access to the roller coaster track; 7) all outdoor lighting shall be of a full cutoff and fully-shielded design to prevent direct spillage of light beyond the property boundary; 8) the roller coaster meet all State and Federal safety requirements and inspections; and 9) the Planning & Zoning Department reserves the right to enter and inspect the amusement park and recreation facility at any time, after proper notice to the owner, to ensure that the property is in full compliance with the conditional use permit conditions of approval and the Minnehaha County Zoning Ordinance. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.
BRIEFINGS
Jeffrey Schmitt, City of Sioux Falls Planning, gave a briefing on the 2020 Census and encouraged everyone to complete their census online at www.my2020census.gov.
FUND TRANSFERS
Kim Adamson, Finance and Budget Officer, requested an Inter-Fund transfer of $273,964.00 from the General Fund to the Emergency Management Fund. This transfer was approved as part of the 2020 budget. MOTION by Heiberger, seconded by Barth, to authorize a $273,964.00 transfer from the General Fund to the Emergency Management Fund in accordance with the 2020 budget. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.
Kim Adamson, Finance and Budget Officer, requested two Inter-Fund transfers to insure an adequate level of cash reserves in the Capital Projects Fund for the Jail Expansion Project. A transfer of $250,000.00 from the 24/7 Fund to the Capital Projects Fund and a transfer of $250,000.00 from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund was requested. The projected construction costs for the Jail Expansion Project was projected to exceed the 2017 bond proceeds by $3,300,000. Due to the project coming under the projected cost, only $500,000.00 will be needed. The State Attorney General gave authorization to utilize $250,000.00 from the 24/7 Fund for the project. Any excess funds remaining after the close of the Jail Expansion Project will be returned to the General Fund. MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Karsky, to authorize a transfer of $250,000.00 from the 24/7 Fund to the Capital Projects Funds and a transfer of $250,000.00 from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.
PRESENTATIONS
Julie Hofer, Public Advocate, presented on the Public Advocate’s Office highlighting the following areas: staffing, 2019 expenditures, number of closed files in 2019, efficiency and cost saving efforts, partnerships, recidivism reduction efforts, and maintaining open communication with the Attorney General’s Office, State’s Attorney’s Office, and Public Defender’s Office.
Traci Smith, Public Defender, presented on the Public Defender’s Office highlighting the following areas: the history of the office, alternative court, cost per case, alternative sentencing, recruitment, the methamphetamine epidemic, recent projects, community education, and future projects.
RESOLUTION
Jacob Maras, Senior Project Engineer, presented a resolution for participation in the SD Department of Transportation (SDDOT) Bridge Inspection Program. The U.S. Federal Highway Administration requires inspection of all bridges every two years and box culverts every four years. Mr. Buthe requested participation in the program using Civil Design, Inc. of Brookings, SD for the inspection work. MOTION by Barth, seconded by Karsky, to authorize the Chair to sign Resolution MC20-15. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.
RESOLUTION MC20-15
BRIDGE REINSPECTION PROGRAM RESOLUTION
FOR USE WITH SDDOT RETAINER CONTRACTS
WHEREAS, Title 23, Part 650, Subpart C, Code of Federal Regulations, requires initial inspection of all bridges and reinspection at intervals not to exceed two years with the exception of reinforced concrete box culverts that meet specific criteria. These culverts are reinspected at intervals not to exceed four years.
THEREFORE, Minnehaha County is desirous of participating in the Bridge Inspection Program using Bridge Replacement funds.
The County requests SDDOT to hire Civil Design, Inc. (Consulting Engineer) for the inspection work. SDDOT will secure federal approvals, make payments to the Consulting Engineer for inspection services rendered, and bill the County for 20% of the cost. The County will be responsible for the required 20% matching funds.
Dated this 17th day of March, 2020, at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
(city)
Board of County Commissioners
Of Minnehaha County
ATTEST:
Jean Bender
Olivia Larson, Deputy
Chairman of the Board
County Auditor
AGREEMENTS
Jacob Maras, Senior Project Engineer, presented a Professional Services Agreement between Minnehaha County and Infrastructure Design Group, Inc. (IDG) for Project MC17-01, County Highway 146 Reconstruction. IDG will provide construction administration at a cost not to exceed $592,835.00. The project runs 6.91 miles from South Dakota Highway 11 to the Minnesota border and is expected to be complete and open to the public by June 25, 2021. MOTION by Heiberger, seconded by Barth, to authorize the Chair to sign the Professional Services Agreement between Minnehaha County and Infrastructure Design Group, Inc. for Project MC17-01, County Highway 146 Reconstruction, construction administration at a cost not to exceed $592,835.00. 5 ayes.
Jacob Maras, Senior Project Engineer, presented a Right-Of-Way Purchase Agreement for property owned by Adrian Krogstad. In conjunction with JSA Engineers, the Highway Department will rebuild County Highway 146 from County Highway 122 five and a quarter miles north to the city limits of Colton. Additional right-of-way is needed to meet current safety requirements. MOTION by Heiberger, seconded by Beninga, to approve the Right-Of-Way Purchase Agreement with Adrian J Krogstad, trustee of the Adrian and Marcella Krogstad Living Trust, for a total of $2,097.90 for the property legally described as Lot H-2 in the North Half (N½) of the Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section 10, Township 103 North, Range 51 West of the 5th P.M., Minnehaha County, South Dakota; a total of 0.259 acres. 5 ayes.
RESOLUTION
Craig Dewey, Assistant Commission Administrative Officer, presented a resolution to designate decision making authority to the Minnehaha County Board of County Commissioners Chair for emergency policy decisions regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019) related issues including leave time and the closure of buildings. MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Barth, to approve Resolution MC20-16. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.
RESOLUTION MINNEHAHA COUNTY 20-16
RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY TO THE CHAIR ABOUT EMERGENCY POLICY DECISIONS REGARDING COVID RELATED ISSUES INCLUDING LEAVE TIME OR CLOSURE OF BUILDINGS
WHEREAS COVID-19 infections are present in South Dakota; and
WHEREAS new developments have the potential to occur at a rapid pace; and
WHEREAS county operations include facilities that operate twenty-four hours a day; and
WHEREAS decisions regarding employee time off benefits and operational closures may require swift and timely decision making; and
WHEREAS, under SDCL 7-8-20 (7), the Board of County Commissioners has the power to superintend the fiscal concerns of the county and secure their management in the best possible manner; and
WHEREAS, under SDCL 7-8-20 (10), the Board of County Commissioners has the power to perform such duties and acts as it is or may hereafter be required to do and perform; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds that it is in the best interests of Minnehaha County to delegate its authority to the Chair to perform such duties and acts as set forth in this Resolution in order to ensure swift and timely decisions in response to the present public health emergency;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Minnehaha County, South Dakota, that the Chair is hereby authorized to make emergency policy decisions regarding COVID-19 related issues including employee time off benefits and building and operational closures.
DATED on March 17th, 2020
Jean Bender
Jean Bender, Chair
Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST:
Olivia Larson, Deputy
Bob Litz, Minnehaha County Auditor
POLICY
Carey Deaver, Human Resources Director, requested approval of changes to the Minnehaha County Extended Sick Leave for Illness policy and the Leave Advancement policy due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019). Employees or employees with family members who have an illness related to COVID-19, influenza, or a serious health condition, would be allowed to use Extended Sick Leave (ESL) without using other paid or non-paid time off benefits first. Additionally, ESL would be able to be utilized when asymptomatic employees have been quarantined by a local, state, or federal health order due to exposure to COVID-19. Minnehaha County policy does not allow employees to utilize time off benefits until accrued. The temporary Leave Advancement policy would change this to allow employees the option of taking paid time by advancing them leave hours before they are accrued for COVID-19 related illness or issues up to a maximum of 80 hours. MOTION by Karsky, seconded by Barth, to authorize temporary changes to the Paid Leave Benefits policy beginning on March 13, 2020, and ending May 31, 2020, relating to the extension of sick leave for illness and leave advancement. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Craig Dewey, Assistant Commission Administrative Officer, gave an update and status report on the 2020 Legislative Session.
LIAISON REPORT
Commissioner Bender reported on a March 13, 2020, meeting regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019). The County encourages the public to utilize online, mail-in, and kiosk services instead of coming to the County buildings.
OLD BUSINESS
Commissioner Barth stated that one of the approved bills in the amount of $696.00 accounted for his expenses to travel to the 2020 National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
MOTION by Barth, seconded by Karsky, to adjourn. 5 ayes.
The Commission adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION:
Jean Bender
Chair
ATTEST:
Olivia Larson
Deputy Auditor
Published at the approximate cost of $244.99.
March 25, 2020
