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9. DISCUSS AND APPROVE A COMMITTEE TO INTERVIEW PERSPECTIVE CANDIDATES <br /> FOR CORRECTIONS DIRECTOR - Purdy stated that the committee discussed setting up a <br /> committee to do the interviews for the corrections director. They discussed including the county <br /> sheriff, police department, public defender, county attorney and one of judges. They talked to <br /> Chief Lamken and Sheriff Jerry Watson because the submitted letters of support and they may <br /> consider deferring this to someone else. Lanfear stated they also talked to the human resource <br /> director at the city about serving on the committee. <br /> Richardson stated that this is a good idea but she would like to attend. Discussion was held <br /> regarding the process. Lanfear stated they would do a background check but will need a <br /> release of information from the candidates. Discussion was held if this should be a public <br /> meeting. Arnold stated he does not want it to be a public meeting because people are guarded <br /> in what they say. Discussion was held to have an executive session but Lanfear expressed <br /> concern in doing that. <br /> County Attorney Jack Zitterkopf stated that Mr. Quandt stated he was going to raise some <br /> issues. He noted that from the perspective of an open meeting he understands the pressures <br /> on a candidate being interviewed in a public quorum but it is a public job and they would need to <br /> cope with it. It would give everyone on the board a good feel what is out there and the idea of <br /> having a committee narrow down the candidates in his mind is creating a closed session. He <br /> read the open meeting act nothing excludes appointment to a public position. This needs to be <br /> an open presentation to all members of the board. He stated that Mr. Purdy asked if he would <br /> participate in the interviews of the candidates and he stated he does not want anything to do <br /> with it and does not want any of his deputies sitting in his place. <br /> Quandt expressed serious concern about the committees and wants to get rid of them. The <br /> entire board needs to do the interviews. <br /> Schuppan noted the board would have the ultimate decision he doesn't feel qualified to do the <br /> interviews <br /> Richardson thanked Mr. Zitterkopf for his input and it does not hurt to hold a public meeting then <br /> no one is left out. <br /> Lanfear noted that the panel would ask the questions and he noted Quandt and Lancaster <br /> would attend. <br /> Arnold expressed concern that you do not get a good interview in a public meeting. It is not <br /> keeping things from the public it is doing the best job it is a public position but not an elected <br /> official. <br /> Richardson stated Mr. Zitterkopf has provided information that is in the best interest of the <br /> county and he works hard to interpret the state statutes and the board does not listen to him and <br /> now he has left and I do not blame him. He stated the board needs to go with a public meeting <br /> and you continue to argue. Lancaster stated the board needs to listen to Jack's guidance. <br /> Discussion was held on the applications. <br /> Lanfear agreed that Jack recommended a public meeting and they are not listening. <br /> 4 <br />