HomeMy WebLinkAbout052615_ca01Consent Agenda
Regular Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of Commissioners
Philip Morley, County Administrator
FROM: Su Tipton, WSU Financial Coordinator
DATE: May 26, 2015
RE: Request for Approval of Noxious Weed Coordinator Contract
STATEMENT OF ISSUE: New hire under contract for Jefferson County Noxious
Weed Control Coordinator, Joost Besijn, approval to hire.
ANALYSIS: The County has been in need to fill the Noxious Weed Control Coordinator
position. Candidate Joost Besijn has been chosen by a panel and he has accepted the
conditions of the contract.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding set aside in the 2015 budget is available and will not need
additional funding for this term.
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend approval and signing to finalize the contract.
DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Su Tipton
REVIEWED BY:
ip Morley Co mty A mimstrator
Date
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Noxious Weed Control Coordinator
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this IP day of May, 2015, by and between Jefferson
County, Washington, a municipal corporation, hereinafter call `Employer', as party of the first part,
and Joost Besijn hereinafter called 'Employee', as party of the second part, both of whom understands
as follows:
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Employer desired to retain the services of Joost Besijn as the Noxious Weed
Control Coordinator for Jefferson County.
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Board of County Commissioners of Jefferson County,
Washington, as the Employer, to provide certain benefits, establish certain conditions of employment
and to set working conditions of said Employee; and
WHEREAS, Employee desires to accept employment as the Noxious Weed Control
Coordinator for Jefferson County and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties
agree as follows:
Section 1. Duties
Employer hereby agrees to employ Joost Besijn as the Noxious Weed Control Coordinator for
Jefferson County to perform the functions and duties specified in the attached Scope of Work, and to
perform those functions and duties in accordance with state and federal laws and ordinances and
policies of Jefferson County, and to perform other legally permissible functions and duties as the
Employer shall assign from time to time.
Section 2. Tenn
The Term of this agreement shall be from the effective date through December 31, 2015. The
term of this agreement may be extended upon mutual agreement of the Employer and
Employee.
2. Nothing in this agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right of the
Employer to terminate the services of Employee at any time, subject only to the provisions set
forth in Section 3 of this agreement.
3. Nothing in this agreement shall prevent, limit or otherwise interfere with the right of the
Employee to resign at any time from his/her position with Employer, subject only to the
provisions set forth in Section 3, paragraph 5, of this agreement.
4. Employee is hereby granted continuing employment status with Employer for the term of this
agreement as outlined in this Section 2, subsection 1, and agrees to remain in the exclusive
Agreement: Noxious Weed Control Coordinator
employ of the Employer and neither to accept other employment nor to become employed by
any other employer except as provided herein.
5. The term "employed" shall not be construed to include occasional teaching, writing or
consulting service performed on employee's own time off.
Section 3. Termination and Severance Notice
Prior to the expiration of this contract and in the event the Employer no longer wishes to avail
themselves of the services of Employee, Employer shall endeavor to give Employee as much
notice as is possible with a minimum of two weeks, so that he /she may obtain suitable
employment elsewhere.
Should the Employee be terminated by the Employer without such notice and during such time
that Employee is willing and able to perform his/her duties under this agreement, the Employer
agrees to continue payment of salary and benefits to Employee for a period not to exceed two
weeks or until such time as the Employee obtains suitable employment elsewhere, whichever
period is shorter. The two weeks in this paragraph shall be measured from the date the County
Administrator (representing the Employer) determines that Employee should be terminated.
3. In the event Employee is terminated for conviction of any illegal act involving personal gain to
him/her, Employer shall have no obligation to pay the aggregate severance sum designated in
this section.
4. If the Employee resigns following an offer to accept resignation in lieu of termination, whether
formal or informal, by the County Administrator who represents the Employer, then the
Employee may declare a termination.
5. The Employee shall give Employer two weeks advance notice of his/her voluntary resignation
of the appointed position, unless the parties otherwise agree.
Section 4. Performance Evaluation
1. The Employer shall review and evaluate the performance of the Employee within six (6)
months of hire date and prior to December 31, 2015.
2. The Employer and Employee, in consultation with the Noxious Weed Control Board, shall
define such goals and performance objectives which they determine necessary for the proper
operation of the Noxious Weed Control program and shall document established goals and
objectives in writing. They shall generally be attainable within the time limitations as specified
and the annual operating and capital budgets. At the same time, the Employee shall provide a
self - evaluation of the prior year's goals and objectives.
Section S. Hours of Work
It is recognized that Employee may be required to devote time outside normal office hours to business
of the department and to that end Employer recognizes that there will be occasions at which Employee
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Employment Agreement: Noxious Weed Control Coordinator
will work non - traditional hours. Both parties recognize that the position is covered by the Fair Labor
Standards Act.
Section 6. Automobile
If Employee is required through circumstance to use their own automobile for business, Employee is
entitled to receive mileage allowance in accordance with the Personnel Administration Manual,
Appendix "D" — Travel and Transportation Policy and Procedures.
Section 7. Office Equipment
Employee's duties require that he /she shall have unrestricted use at all times during employment with
Employer of a personal computer, including hardware, software and printer and shall be subject to the
same use restrictions as outlined in the Jefferson County Personnel Administration Manual.
Section 8. Salary
Employer agrees to pay Employee $24.50 per hour.
Section 9. Health and Welfare Benefits
Employer agrees to put into force and to make required premium payments for Employee for health
and welfare benefits under the terns and conditions afforded UFCW Union and Exempt staff of
Jefferson County.
Section 10. Retirement
Employee shall participate in the retirement system afforded all other staff of Jefferson County.
Section 11. Vacation, Sick - Leave, Floating Holidays and Bereavement
1. As of the effective date of this agreement, Employee will accrue vacation, sick -leave and
floating holidays in accordance with the Jefferson County Personnel Administration Manual.
2. Employee may avail himself/herself to the same consideration with regard to bereavement
leave as is afforded all other employees of Employer.
Section 12. Professional Development
Employer hereby agrees to pay for, if programmed and budgeted in the Noxious Weed Control
Coordinator Program budget, the travel and subsistence expenses of Employee for short courses,
institutes and seminars that are necessary for his/her professional development and for the good of the
Employer. Time while at such training is considered time worked.
Section 13. General Expenses
Employer recognizes that certain expenses of a non - personal and generally job - affiliated nature are
incurred by Employee, and hereby agrees to reimburse or to pay said general expenses and the County
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Employment Agreement: Noxious Weed Control Coordinator
Auditor is hereby authorized to disburse such monies upon receipt of duly executed expense or petty
cash vouchers, receipts, statements or personal affidavits. Such payments are to be regulated by the
disbursement rules of Employer.
Section 14. Other Terms and Conditions of Employment
1. The Employer, in consultation with the Employee, shall fix any such other terms and conditions
of employment, as it may determine from time to time, relating to the performance of
Employee, provided such terms and conditions are not inconsistent with or in conflict with the
provisions of this agreement, the ordinance, charter or any other law.
2. All provisions of the regulations and rules of the Employer relating to vacation, sick leave and
any other fringe benefits and working conditions as they now exist or hereafter may be
amended, also shall apply to Employee as they would to other employees of Employer, in
addition to said benefits enumerated specifically for the benefit of Employee except as herein
provided.
Section 15. No Reduction in Benefits
Employer shall not at any time during the term of this agreement reduce the salary, compensation or
other financial benefits of Employee, except to the degree of such a reduction across - the -board for
other employees of the Employer.
Section 16. Notices
1. Notices pursuant to this agreement shall be given by deposit in the custody of the United States
Postal Service, certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follow:
EMPLOYER: Jefferson County
County Administrator
P.O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
EMPLOYEE: Joost Besijn
PO Box 3343
Omak, WA 98841
COPY TO: Laura Lewis, Director
WSU Extension Office
380 Jefferson Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
2. Alternatively, notices required pursuant to this agreement maybe personally served in the same
manner as provided by law. Notice shall be deemed given as of the date of personal service or
as of the date of deposit of such written notice in the course of transmission in the United States
Postal Service
Section 17. General Provisions
1. The text herein shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties.
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Employment Agreement: Noxious Weed Control Coordinator
2. This agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs at law and executors
of Employee.
Section 18. Effective Date
This agreement shall become effective upon the date first written above.
Section 19. Expiration
This agreement shall expire December 31, 2015 and may be extended upon mutual agreement of the
Employer and Employee, unless either the Employer or Employee terminate the agreement in a
manner consistent with Section 3 of this agreement. If termination of this agreement is undertaken by
either party to this agreement in a manner consistent with Section 3 of this agreement and if the terms
of Section 3 and this Section are in conflict, then the terms of Section 3 shall control.
Approved this day of
EMPLOYER:
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
David Sullivan, Chair
Appmed a to fbcm;onl
Jeffersm CO Prosecubw.500frice
David Alvarez, Chief Civil DPA
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2015.
EMPLOYEE:
Joost Besijn
Scope of Work
Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Coordinator
Summary
Implements Jefferson County's Noxious Weed Control Program. Leads the development and
establishment of a special property assessment to provide enhanced funding for the County Noxious
Weed Program. To develop an assessment proposal, coordinates with County departments and
officials for enactment in 2015 so the assessment can be included in 2016 property tax statements.
Develops, adapts and implements education and information programs as well as methods and
programs for the prevention, suppression, and removal of noxious weeds while safeguarding human
health and the environment. Develops action - oriented, community -based activities which involve and
educate citizens in noxious weed control. Understands the legal authority and requirements of the
program. Coordinates the activities of Weed Board staff, volunteers and contractors with relevant
county, state, and federal and private agencies and entities to conduct the program. Performs duties in
an office setting and in the field.
Staffs the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board and implements the Board's adopted
policies and programs. Supervision is provided by the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board
and the WSU Jefferson County Extension Director.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Provide project management to develop a special assessment for enactment by the Board of
County Commissioners in 2015 for collection in 2016 and beyond, to provide ongoing support
for noxious weed control, including, but not limited to:
• Work with the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, the Jefferson County Assessor
and other agencies to establish appropriate land classification for assessment;
• Coordinate the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board meetings and public
hearings and assist with the development of a resolution or ordinance recommending
assessment rates for each land classification with (�il®idlklfifi �# @;
• Coordinate the submittal of Noxious Weed Control Board assessment recommendations to
the Board of County Commissioners for consideration_ and. action _
• Survey and collect information on the distribution of n61 *LOG' wee$ species" &,`3 efferson County.
This information will be summarized and displayed offf maps and in other suitabte forms and
updated at least annually.
• Maintain information about environmentally sound methods of controlling noxious weeds in
Jefferson County, including prevention, land management practices, biological, chemical, and
mechanical controls.
• Conduct a sound overall noxious weed control program in Jefferson County by coordinating
efforts with the State Noxious Weed Control Board, the Jefferson County Extension Office, the
Jefferson County Conservation District, noxious weed control boards in neighboring counties,
and with other appropriate county, state and federal agencies (e.g., State Department of
Agriculture, County Road Department, State Highway Department, Olympic National Park,
Olympic National Forest, etc.), and with local non -profit organizations.
• Provide general and technical education to the public and landowners about noxious weed
control through seminars, speaking engagements, radio, newspapers, displays, posters,
brochures, farm tours, and other means as appropriate.
• Provide consultation, weed identification, vegetation management recommendations, and
education on general weed control to public agencies, industries, owners of recreational
grounds, property owners and residents.
• Respond to inquiries and complaints about noxious weeds by county residents.
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Scope of Work: Noxious Weed Control Coordinator
• Engage in weed control field activities, which may include the safe and responsible application
of specified herbicides in compliance with state license requirements and in compliance with
adopted Weed Board policies.
• Assist in recruiting, training, and coordinating the efforts of volunteers, and weed board
members, staff and contractors who assist with noxious weed identification, surveying,
mapping, and control in Jefferson County.
• Administer the State Noxious Weed Control Law (RCW 17.10) by working with landowners to
achieve voluntary weed control compliance, which may include using enforcement procedures
as allowed by law and as may be authorized by the Weed Board.
• Maintain and provide the necessary reports, budgets, and other paperwork needed by the Board,
the Board of County Commissioners, and County Road Department.
• Work closely with the County Weed Board, State Weed Board, WSU Cooperative Extension,
Conservation District, and other appropriate agencies and organizations to obtain and
administer grant funds to help support Jefferson County's noxious weed control efforts.
• Staff the Weed Board, including but not limited to: prepare and distribute agendas and minutes
of Weed Board meetings in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, and provide the
necessary clerical support to the Board to assure proper and timely distribution of Weed Board
correspondence and program materials.
• Work closely with the five - member Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board (and
designated ex- officio members) to implement the policies and programs adopted by the Board.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES : This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but is a
"lead" position in assisting with interviewing, training, planning, assigning and directing work of clerk
hire staff, contractors, and volunteers. Lead positions also provide input for performance appraisals,
and assist in addressing complaints and resolving problems.
COMPETENCY: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate competency in
the following:
• Project Management - Manages the assessment project, weed education and control programs,
and special projects.
• Technical Skills - strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with
others. Develops and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ecology and physiology of the
noxious weeds in Jefferson County and of environmentally sound methods of controlling
noxious weeds, including prevention, land management practices, biological, mechanical and
chemical controls.
• Customer Service - manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to
customer needs; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills - maintains confidentiality, listens to others; keeps emotions under control;
remains open to other's ideas.
• Oral Communication - speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens
and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings; displays competence
in public speaking.
• Written Communication - writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and
grammar; able to read and interpret written information including legal documents, laws,
legislative bills.
• Teamwork - balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to
others views; contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Cost Consciousness - works within approved budget; conserves organizational resources.
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Scope of Work: Noxious Weed Control Coordinator
• Diversity - demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural
differences; promotes a harassment -free environment.
• Ethics - treats people with respect; keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; works with
integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support - follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks
correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; encourages and respects
diversity.
• Planning/Organizing - prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for
additional resources; sets goals and objectives; develops realistic action plans. Organizes
activities in compliance with County and state regulations and policies, including but not
limited to contracting/purchasing policies, financial management and controls, public records,
records retention, and open public meetings.
• Professionalism - approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats
others with respect; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• ualit - demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; monitors own work to ensure quality.
• uantit - meets productivity standards; completes work in timely manner; works quickly.
• Safety and Security - observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe
conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability - adapts to changes in the work environment; able to deal with frequent change,
delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance /Punctuality - is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are
covered when absent; arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - follows instructions and responds to management direction; keeps
commitments; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative - asks for and offers help when needed.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each
essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill,
and /or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's or Master's degree in environmental studies, environmental sciences, natural
resources management, public administration, or related field; or four years of related work
experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common professional and technical journals, financial
reports, legal documents, laws, legislative bills, evaluations, etc. Ability to respond to common
inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business
community. Ability to write correspondence, speeches and articles for publication that conform
to a prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management,
public groups, and boards and committees.
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Scope of Work: Noxious Weed Control Coordinator
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions,
proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts
of basic algebra and geometry.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or
diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
COMPUTER SKILLS
To perform this job successfully an individual should have knowledge of Access
Database software; Explorer Internet software; Excel Spreadsheet software and WORD
Word Processing software. Experience with GIS is desirable.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
• Possess a valid Washington State Driver's License.
• Ability to maintain current Defensive Driving certification.
• Ability to maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
Must possess, or obtain within 90 days after hiring, and keep valid, a Washington State
Public Pesticide Operator /Public Pest Control Consultant license for both land and
aquatic application of pesticides.
OTHER SHILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of RCW 17. 10, especially Section 240, which deals with the assessment
process.
• Understanding of the legal authority and requirements of the program, and the ability to
interact with relevant county, state, federal and private agencies and other entities in
development of the assessment proposal, as well as the overall conduct of the weed
control program.
• Knowledge of other Washington counties' assessment funding and the processes
enacted to achieve it.
• Ability to organize and present assessment procedures, budgets, other materials, and
analysis, and to schedule meetings for the public, the Noxious Weed Control Board and
the Board of County Commissioners.
• Adequate working knowledge of the Noxious Weeds of Jefferson County, and methods
of control.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to speak
effectively and persuasively in a variety of settings and to diverse audiences.
• Good record - keeping skills are required.
• Demonstrated ability to create innovative programs and projects to encourage citizen
involvement is desirable. Requires the skill and ability to produce accurate, persuasive
and graphically attractive publications and other materials.
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Scope of Work: Noxious Weed Control Coordinator
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls;
reach with hands and arms, and to climb or balance. The employee is required to be able to walk three
miles on uneven ground. The employee must be able to lift and /or move up to 35 pounds. Specific
vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work situations will be very diverse, from in -office to fieldwork. The work environment
characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the
essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the office or field work environment is usually moderate.
Some fieldwork will occur on roadsides, or in open space, agricultural, forested, wetland, shoreline, or
riverine environments, in potentially adverse weather conditions (wet, cold, or hot), and on uneven
ground.
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