Ciko, was brought in to meet the Commissioners along with his handler Officer Justin Kangas. Recently returning from 10-weeks of training the new partnership of Kangas and Ciko, a sable German Shepard, the duo have already been in action.
“I encountered a gentleman that I have had to run after previously in my career. This time when he saw me with Ciko, he just said …Okay…and did not try to run,” said Officer Kangas of his current work with Ciko. Officer Ciko is ready and already making his keep as a new recruit for the Pacific County Sheriff’s Department.
“Ciko is ready and we are available for demonstrations at any time,” said Officer Kangas prior to leaving the commissioners meeting.
In General Business the commissioners confirmed a $1,000 limit for a new credit card to be used by the Department of Community Development and approved vendor claims in the amount of $150,535.24 for vendor claims 121631-121765.
A 20-year service award was noted for Joyce Kidd and the meeting moved into the items for Public Works.
Four items were approved for public works to include the Networkfleet Pilot Program with Verizon, the authorization for the 2014 Bush Pioneer Maintenance and Operation contract, the hiring of a new lead man, Kurt Clements, to the road maintenance division, and to advertise for temporary engineer aides to assist the summer construction season.
There was a lateral transfer for Anna Miller from her current position with the Health Department to the Department of Community Development to start May 1 under items for Community Development.
In items regarding the Sheriff’s Office, there was approval to spend $14,552 to purchase software; an amendment to the contract with Valley View Medical to provide jail health services and an award to have Natasha Nesbitt write the Pacific County Hazardous Material Response Plan. The last item was for the hiring of a new corrections officer, Chanel Wirkkala to start on May 1.
The Department of Health had four items on the agenda dealing with a reduction of work for one employee at their request to run from May through September, an approval to expand the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and the approval of contract with Raymond Peer Helpers with the Raymond School District.
The commissioners also approved the advertising for temporary help for the Spartina Field Crew from June through mid-October of this year to assist with Vegetation Management.
There was a movement of funds from the current expense fund into the ER&R fund in the amount of $526.334 to assist with equipment rentals and depreciation. And the south county courtroom will be seeing a new camera system at a cost of $798.49 plus tax.
A new Senior Deputy Prosecutor will be taking the job starting April 30, Donald J. Richter will fill the vacant spot.
The Commissioners also approved the immediate appointment of Tiffany Turner to the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council and approved the advertising of a part-time position for a Behavioral Health Program Assistant.
The next Pacific County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for May 13, 9 am at the Courthouse Annex in South Bend.