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but if he were an employee, he would not view the HR staff as neutral because they work for <br /> the County. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that coaching and counseling before coming to the disciplinary stage <br /> is very important. He does not think that it is fair to not let the employee have a third party to <br /> at least listen in the meeting, especially when the employee's job is at stake and the staff <br /> members have professional degrees, etc. The third party would not have to be an attorney. <br /> Commissioner Carey agreed. <br /> Chair Jacobs suggested talking to the State Employees' Association. <br /> Annette Moore said that the State does not allow third parties at all. She thinks that the <br /> main question in allowing a third party is related to the qualifications of the third party. There <br /> are different models and she can look at these models. <br /> The Board agreed and this item will come back by the November 18th meeting. <br /> Annette Moore said that she would ask questions of the Office of State Personnel as <br /> well as the Sherriff's Department and the Register of Deeds Office. <br /> Michael McGinnis said that the intent of Human Resources is to help employees <br /> communicate with their supervisors and to help supervisors work with their employees to avoid <br /> these situations. <br /> 7. Proposed BOCC Retreat Process <br /> Commissioner Nelson said that Chair Jacobs, Pam Hemminger, Donna Coffey, and <br /> Laura Blackmon met with retreat facilitators about the needs of the Board of County <br /> Commissioners and what to get out of the retreat. <br /> The first half of the day is set aside to talk about issues regarding new Commissioners, <br /> meeting time changes, and work sessions with multiple items. <br /> The second half of the day is set aside to develop the shared vision of the County. <br /> Laura Blackmon said that once the Board approves the process tonight, the staff will <br /> bring back the contract with the consultants. She said that they are having a difficult time <br /> setting up the December retreat. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that on the first retreat day, it is important to have the Board <br /> and the appointed staff. In the subsequent days, she would advocate that it should just be the <br /> seven County Commissioners, since this is the first year of this new composition. The County <br /> Commissioners need to sit down and get to know each other. <br /> Commissioner Nelson said that this was discussed, and it was decided that for the first <br /> half of the first day it will be just the Board of County Commissioners, County Manager, <br /> Attorney, and Clerk to the Board. The second half of the day, the staff would be there just to <br /> observe the discussion. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that it should be made known from the outset that the <br /> others are there as observers only. <br /> Commissioner Nelson said that the list of 242 items from last year's retreat would be <br /> made available to the County Commissioners, but the Board would not start out with this. <br /> Commissioner Gordon asked about the six overarching goals from last year's retreat <br /> and Commissioner Nelson said that those six goals are coming back at the retreat in the <br /> afternoon. <br /> Discussion ensued about the retreat process. <br /> Laura Blackmon said that on November 141h, the Board would be looking at goals, but <br /> by the half-day session, specific issues would be addressed. <br /> Commissioner Foushee said that it seems essential to move to the January meeting. <br /> The Clerk will poll the seven County Commissioners about dates for December. <br />