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Chairman Eggert requested clarification on the background check for architects and <br />land surveyors as to whether or not the local AIA group would be contacted, and <br />Administrator Chandler assured her that local, as well as state and national credentials will <br />be checked. <br />Chairman Eggert also wondered if local newspaper checks would also be conducted, <br />and Administrator Chandler thought they might be done on major background checks on top <br />management as it had proved beneficial in the past year in a particular situation. <br />County Attorney Vitunac pointed out that a State law says we cannot deny hiring a <br />convicted felon unless the felonious act is related to the job being done. It was surprising <br />to him that it was a law and there were cases on it, but staff has had to design the policy with <br />that in mind. <br />Commissioner Adams stressed that credibility is an important part of why someone <br />is hired. She felt that if a felony conviction had anything to do with credibility, it should be <br />taken as part of the consideration. <br />Discussion continued on this topic and what can and cannot be considered in making <br />a decision. <br />Administrator Chandler pointed out that a waiver form, which will be required, will <br />give some protection because if someone refuses to sign it, they will not be considered for <br />employment. He also assured that information received in response to any inquiries will be <br />weighed very carefully. <br />County Attorney Vitunac commented that Public Facilities Director H.T. "Sonny" <br />Dean had made inquiries and found that none of the jurisdictions he contacted had any <br />models or policies. He drew the conclusion the people are concerned about violating some <br />individual's rights, so they have not developed a policy for background searches. <br />Commissioner Adams had no fear in making background checks, adding that the <br />Board has to protect the public's interest. She felt they had a right to know that a selection <br />is subjective, based on good facts and evidence. <br />Commissioner Macht commented that a felony conviction for a high-level crime <br />showed a distinct unwillingness to follow the law and a person who will not follow the law <br />will not follow anything else. <br />Administrator Chandler cautioned that State law is structured so that a felony <br />52 <br />OCTOBER 28, 1997 - <br />