A new turn of events has taken place in the search for an environmental health officer to replace recently retired Leroy Halberg in the Cook County Planning & Zoning Department. The last time Director Tim Nelson reported to the county board, the only two qualified candidates to apply had declined the opportunity to interview for the job.
Local resident Mitch Everson was one of those two people, and after further consideration, he asked again to be considered.
According to a June 18 memo from Nelson to the county board, “Mr. Everson would be coming to the county with nearly 20 years of experience in septic system design, installation, inspection and management and would need training in only some of the environmental health functions of the position.” Nelson said 85% of the job is septic management. Everson has extensive knowledge in county soils, protocols, and ordinances and worked closely with Leroy Halberg.
On Tuesday, June 22, 2010, the county board voted to hire Everson. He will work two days a week from July 6 to August 1 and will start full-time August 2.
Another newcomer to the county payroll is Highway Engineer David Betts, who started his job June 28. Personnel Director Janet Simonen reminded the board that Bill Parish, Anne Zellner, and Russell Klegstad had been paid at out-of-class rates while picking up extra duties since former Highway Engineer Shae Kosmalski stepped down. Simonen wonder if they should continue at those rates while they help Betts assume his responsibilities.
Commissioner Bruce Martinson recommended returning them to their regular pay rates two weeks after Betts arrives. Commissioner Fritz Sobanja said he would be willing to go with that recommendation, saying, “There’s going to be a learning curve here.” Commissioner Bob Fenwick favored returning them to their regular pay right away. Helping a new boss is part of the job, he said, although if this were the private sector, he said, he would write them a bonus check.
“We relied on these three individuals to help us through a tough transition time,” Commissioner Jim Johnson said. He thought they should at least be recognized and thanked for their work.
“I’m sure they’re not going to say, ‘ I’m not going to help you here, I’m not getting paid!'” said Commissioner Jan Hall.
The board talked about personally thanking them and the other employees as well and maybe bringing them doughnuts, Snicker bars, or cookies. No formal action was taken, and the three employees will return to their regular pay the day Betts starts as stipulated in the motion that had authorized their time-limited extra pay.
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