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The Kentucky Association of Counties held a special executive committee meeting, pursuant to proper notice given in accordance with KRS 61.823, at 10:50 a.m. on Thursday, November 19, 2020 via teleconference.
The roll was called. The following Directors participated in the meeting: President Reagan Taylor, Madison Co. Judge/Executive; President-Elect Phil Sammons, Boyle Co. Magistrate; 1st Vice President Amy Milliken, Warren Co. Attorney; 2nd Vice President David Livingston, Scott Co. Magistrate; and Immediate Past President Gary Moore, Boone Co. Judge/Executive.
Others present included: Jim Henderson, Executive Director/CEO; Tim Sturgill, General Counsel; Karen Basham, Chief Financial Officer; Jennifer Burnett, Chief Innovation Officer; and Sonya Chesser, Chief Administrative Officer/Executive Assistant to CEO.
President Taylor called the meeting to order at 10:58 a.m.
Motion made by Phil Sammons, seconded by Amy Milliken, to approve the minutes of the October 26, 2020 meeting as presented. Motion carried with David Livingston abstaining.
President Taylor said KACo has a great legislative advocacy team but that more focus is needed in that department, which may involve additional staff and/or resources. Mr. Henderson said KACo had not dedicated as much resources toward its legislative advocacy in the past but in recent years began to increase its efforts including the addition of another staff person within that department. He agreed that KACo needs to invest in its advocacy department and provide additional resources including specialists in areas of expertise. Judge Moore concurred that KACo's legislative voice has risen over recent years with its advocacy days and legislative luncheons. He said KACo's legislative advocacy needs to be taken to a higher level with an emphasis on research and that KACo has a great opportunity to do just that as new members of the General Assembly are coming in. Judge Moore said he would be in favor of investing more resources and staff, whether hiring full-time, part-time or contract for services. Squire Sammons and Squire Livingston concurred. Squire Livingston said KACo has done a tremendous job working with the affiliate groups but that having someone with a vast knowledge of understanding the needs of counties of all sizes to assist in providing data and research would be beneficial. President Taylor asked Mr. Henderson how he perceived moving forward. Mr. Henderson said knowing that the executive committee is on board with hiring more staff and additional resources will allow him to pursue the best options. Judge Moore said it would also be important to have a clear job description and a plan of work for any new positions. President Taylor said Mr. Henderson has the support of the executive committee to move forward with seeking additional staff and/or resources and in being cautious in taking the time to have a plan in place first.
Ms. Basham presented and discussed the following financial reports: statement of financial position as of October 31, 2020; consolidated budget report for period July 1, 2020 through October 1 - 31, 2020; statement of activities for period July 1, 2020 - October 31, 2020; FY 2020/21 PAF budget reports for period July 1, 2010 - October 31, 2020. She also presented the credit card reports for the month of October 2020 and the out of state travel for the month of October.
Motion made by Phil Sammons, seconded by David Livingston, to acknowledge receipt of the financial reports as presented. Motion carried.
Ms. Basham presented and discussed the investment report as of October 31, 2020 including the security position changes for the month of October 2020.
Motion made by Phil Sammons, seconded by Amy Milliken, to acknowledge receipt of the investment report and approve the security position changes as presented. Motion carried.
Ms. Basham presented KACo's investment policy, as adopted December 20, 2018, for the board's annual review of the policy. She reported that staff does not recommend any changes to the policy at this time.
President Taylor requested approval to adopt a resolution in memory of Muhlenberg Co. Sheriff Ricki Allen.
Motion made by Amy Milliken, seconded by Phil Sammons, to approve the memorial resolution as presented. Motion carried.
President Taylor asked for a moment of silence in memory of Sheriff Allen.
Mr. Henderson provided the board with a written copy of his executive director's report. He said KACo's virtual conference was a huge success and KACo's Leadership Institute continues to offer virtual training to county officials across the state including three new classes in December. He said Mr. Sturgill is working on a compensation study and today the House is holding an election for leadership positions. He said to expect leadership changes in the Senate.
Mr. Henderson asked if there would be interest from the executive committee to have more involvement from the KACo Board to serve as ex officio members for the purpose of allowing geographic and affiliate diversity on the executive committee. Judge Moore said NACo has four regional representatives that are part of the NACo executive committee, which is made up four officers. He said one suggestion would be to break up the state into regions and if a region was not already represented on the executive committee, then a member from the Board could run for the position. After much discussion, President Taylor said the committee would continue to address the matter.
Mr. Henderson discussed the Governor's order yesterday concerning mandates that will go into effect Friday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 13 due to the COVID pandemic. One order is for businesses to allow employees to work from home and limit staffing to 33% occupancy. Mr. Henderson plans to comply with the order by allowing the majority of the staff to remote work and to close the building to outside groups.
President Taylor asked the executive committee to review the 2021 meeting dates that were provided in the packet. The 2021 schedule will be set at the December meeting. He said KACo is planning to hold a board retreat and legislative strategy for the 2022 session May 26 - 28, 2021.
President Taylor said the next meeting will be held December 17th at a special time at 10:50 a.m. instead of 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Henderson said he was planning to hold a board orientation in conjunction with the KACo Board of Director's meeting on December 17th. However, given the spike in COVID cases, he may offer a virtual training on a separate day in December.
Motion made by Amy Milliken, seconded by Gary Moore, to go into closed session to conduct a discussion or hearing which might lead to the appointment, discipline or dismissal of an individual employee as authorized by KRS 61.810(1)(f) at 12:36 p.m. Motion carried.
Motion made by Phil Sammons, seconded by Amy Milliken, to return to open session at 12:51 p.m. Motion carried. No action was taken in closed session.
Motion made by Amy Milliken, seconded by David Livingston, to adjourn the meeting at 12:52 p.m. Motion carried.
