Commission Minutes
MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2022
9:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Steve Baldwin, Kevin Braun, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
The Pledge of Allegiance was held in the Commissioner’s Office to start off the week.
9:30 AM PUBLIC COMMENT –AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:45 AM ADOPT RESOLUTION #1074 TO ELECT PRESIDING OFFICER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSION. The
Resolution is filed in the Clerk and Recorders Office.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to Adopt Resolution #1074 Electing Roy Rost as Presiding Officer for calendar year 2022. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
ADOPT RESOLUTION #1075 TO SET MILEAGE AND TRAVEL RATES. The Resolution will be filed in the Clerk and
Recorders Office.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to Adopt Resolution #1075 setting the mileage and travel rates for calendar year 2022 for elected officials and employees. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
9:58 AM Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent and Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic joined the meeting.
Shop Updates-They are putting the new blade together; rebuilt a car gate last week. Still waiting to hear on the status of the turbo for the ambulance.
Road Updates- Working on the trees at the golf course and hauling road material. Both CAT blades were
sent back to Tractor and Equipment (Williston, ND).
We are waiting on the easement from landowner for the Ismay bridge project.
Windy View and Shell Oil Roads were discussed. Bobby will figure what it cost the County to maintain the two detour roads used while MT DOT was having a culvert replaced on east Highway 12. Bobby will also figure
the cost to bring the roads back to the condition they were in before the roads were used as the detour route. The Commission will visit with MT DOT and Martin Construction to see if either party will be willing to reimburse Fallon County for all or a portion of these costs.
10:10 AM Bobby and Mitch left the meeting.
10:25 AM Rich Menger, Sanitarian met to update the Commission on a few issues he is dealing with in the City limits. Rich has already met and notified the City of Baker.
Rich discussed his concerns regarding the pipe that was placed for the waterfall project. The Commission
explained the reason it was completed as it was and further stated Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering had inspected and okayed the way it was placed.
10:35 AM Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering joined the meeting.
Project Updates-Shannon explained why the Contractor used the dry material dredged from the lake to bed the pipe. The contractor was concerned if the washed rock was used to bed the pipe, they would have a hard time setting the manhole. Discussed placement of filters for the manhole rather than placing them on the end of the pipe. Estimated completion date is unknown at this time because the Contractor may shut that project down until spring.
10:40 AM Rich left the meeting.
The Commission stated we still do not have the signed easement from the landowner for the Ismay bridge project; the Commission will contact him
The contractor had gravel located at the Sikorski Pit measured by Brosz Engineering. The amount measured was 5474 cubic yards (no shrinkage or compaction was calculated into this quantity).
All permits are in hand for the Bonnievale Bridge; it is ready to go out to bid.
Shannon prepared an invite to bid for the bridge project. The Commission will need to decide if they plan to tie both bridges together for the project or bid them separately. The Commission agreed to bid the Ismay and Bonnievale bridges together.
10:50 AM Dale Butori, DES/911 Coordinator joined.
The bond will be tied to both bridges, with a completion date of October 15, 2022.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to go out to bid for the 2022 Bridge Replacement Project. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
The bid invitation will be sent to the Fallon County Times to be advertised this week.
Shannon is working on the fencing detail for the Bonnievale bridge; the decision is to put the same fencing in as currently exists. Discussed whether to include paving for the Bonnievale bridge in the bid specs or leave the road as gravel. This can be put in the bid specs but can be pulled out dependent on the time of year the bridge is completed. This will be revisited at the preconstruction meeting.
The City of Baker received a letter from the State stating the upper dam plan was approved, with some
stipulations.
Shannon continues to work on Road Policies for the County.
11:05 AM Shannon left the meeting.
11:05 AM PREDISASTER MITIGATION (PDM) REVIEW AND PREAPPROVAL/Dale Butori, DES/911 Coordinator
PDM-Final Draft of PDM was presented to the Commission. Dale stated there has to be a two-week public comment period; the plan has already been available to the public for one (1) week. Dale will send this to State DES today, they will send it on to FEMA for review. The Commission will review and send their suggestions/updated information to Dale. Dale stated the PDM came in a little under budget which is good because the budget exceeded the grant received. The grant has to be closed out in March; this will be completed on time.
DES/911 UPDATES-Upcoming Trainings-MLGPA training will take place January 10, 2022 – 6:00 PM at Thee Garage, Dale invited the Commission to attend; State DES training in Helena, believes it is the first week in February. Dale would like permission to take Dustan Davis, Deputy DES/911 Coordinator to attend this first year; after that, alternate who attends each year. Permission granted for both to attend this year.
MACo Midwinter meeting will be the week of March 3rd. Dale would like to put on a training for the Elected
Officials this year but Dale is not sure if they will commit to that or not. January 19th Dale has scheduled a
meeting with Custer County 911 and would like at least one (1) Commissioner to attend. Commission agreed at least one or possibly all may attend.
Grants-Dale is working on a Homeland Security Grant for the microwaves that need to be replaced. Dale still does not have firm numbers on possible costs to replace. Dale does not feel he will receive a grant from Homeland Security due to the fact they will feel this should be paid with 911 funds. Dale is also trying to get a grant for the console replacements in Dispatch and is not sure if he would be able to get grants for both from
911.
State funding for 911-Dale stated the State 911 will not be receiving ARPA funds. He has heard nothing further about other possibly funding availabilities for the State.
10:27 AM Barbara Ketterling, Treasurer/Assessor joined.
Bowman Radar Contract-Dale received the new contract for the Bowman Radar. Fallon County always contributes $4,000 per year toward the upkeep; Dale asked if the Commission wished to continue with this. The Commission agreed to sign the annual contract. The Contract is on record in the Clerk and Recorder’s office.
11:26 AM Dale left the meeting.
11:26 AM Julie Straub, HRM joined.
REPORTS-Barb brought information requested by Commissioner Braun.
11:28 AM Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk and Recorder joined, and Barb left.
11:28 AM COMMISSIONER MINUTES APPROVAL FOR DECEMBER 27-31, 2021
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to approve the minutes from December 27-31, 2021, as presented. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3
Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
11:29 AM DECEMBER 2021 TIMESHEET/PAYROLL APPROVALS
The Commission reviewed and approved timesheets for the month of December 2021 and approved payroll and withholdings in the amount of $547,158.96. They are filed in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office.
11:30 AM REQUEST PERMISSION TO SPEND FUNDS FOR CPR TRAINING
Julie requested permission to utilize safety budget monies for CPR/First Aid training for employees. Montana Health Network can train 40 employees in two classes for$3,218.94. Julie has $4000.00 in her safety budget. The Commission granted permission. The training will be March 17, 2022.
Discussion on other training options including utilizing existing County resources. This is not a viable option.
11:44 AM Jeraldine Newell, Clerk of District Court and Anna Straub, Justice of Peace/City Judge joined.
11:45 AM DISCUSS GENERAL OFFICE CLERK WAGES AND COLA/Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney joined.
The Commission responded to the letter from the General Office Clerk and her attorney submitted December
13, 2021 as follows:
1) Demand for an increase in wages.
The Commission will not engage in wage negotiations outside of budget meetings.
2) Demand for back pay.
There is no back pay owed nor to be paid.
3) Allegation the employee did not receive a COLA for four (4) years.
Payroll documents clearly show the employee received a COLA each year of employment, including the aforementioned four (4) years.
The minutes will reflect these decisions. Commissioner Rost explained the Salary Commission meeting is scheduled to set the wages for the elected officials; later the Commission meets with Department Heads in individual department budget meetings. During department budget meetings, the department head can request additional employees or wage increases. Then the budget is set for the fiscal year.
Final decision-The Commission will not be taking any action on any of the above demand items.
11:49 AM Anna left the meeting.
11:50 AM Jerrie, Darcy, Julie and Debbie and left the meeting.
11:55 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to recess. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Steve Baldwin and Kevin Braun Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM PUBLIC COMMENT – AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one appeared for Public Comment
2:00 PM EXTENSION /4H UPDATES/Amanda Williams, Extension Agent
Quarterly Report-Amanda reviewed all of the trainings and workshops held in Fallon and Carter Counties. Cloverbuds starts this week and will run January through May; 4H fruit sales begin January 31st; Amanda will be speaking at the Miles City Winter Ag Series on January 21st; Fallon/Carter spray days will be held February 15th and 16th. Also reviewed other upcoming trainings and workshops. Amanda’s performance appraisal is coming up this month as well. Amanda and Kodie plan to travel to Ekalaka together on the second and fourth Tuesdays rather than each taking a separate vehicle; one will work in the office while the other is busy with meetings, etc.
Permission to Purchase-The laptops used by the Extension/4H are old and outdated. Although she knows the budget is not looking the best, she would like to purchase two (2) laptops now rather than purchasing one now and one at budget time. Personal laptops are used in Ekalaka and during the Fair because of issues with the current laptops. Amanda feels she can justify receiving funding, through MSU, for one of the laptops because it is
used for Private Applicator Trainings (PAT). A portion of the fees collected from the Private Applicator Trainings goes into a fund at MSU for the Extension offices to use. Commissioner Braun asked if they would possibly fund both laptops; Amanda was certain they would only fund one. It was determined there would be sufficient funding in the current budget to purchase at this time. The Commission wants to make sure Amanda checks with Dustan, IT Tech to get the laptops/computers on a schedule so this does not happen again. Amanda will take care of that.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to allow the purchase of a laptop for Extension Department use. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked if there was further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
2:12 PM Amanda left the meeting.
2:30 PM EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND AMBULANCE SERVICES UPDATES/Lisa Mitchell, EMS Director
Quarterly Report-Lisa stated last year the Ambulance received 207 calls: total runs usually average 200-
220 every year. Several transfers were taken to Miles City and Glendive due to capacity issues in Billings. There was a CPR/First Aid training given to Cenex employees because EMS has an AED agreement with Cenex. The agreement with EMS is basically notification to EMS that Cenex has an AED and the location of the AED; there is no responsibility or liability to the County.
EMS Training-The EMT training for December fell off because of COVID and other issues that came up. Current EMT’s will be receiving a rapid intervention CPR training for their 2-year certifications; Ekalaka EMS will be providing the training so Lisa will be able to take the training as well.
PCR’s-The Commission asked how the Patient Care Reports (PCR’s) were coming. Lisa got behind on them but is getting them caught up and making a few corrections. Plans to have them completed by the end of this week. The Commission stressed PCR’s need to be a priority. Commission asked if Lisa is working on PCR’s and a call comes in how is this handled; Lisa stated she will stay and work on them unless it is a” Code” call. The Commission asked how many calls Lisa attended last year. Lisa can get that report and other information for the Commission.
Ambulance Turbo-Lisa stated the Road Department hopes to have the part by Friday of this week.
Work from home-Lisa asked if she could work from home; feels there is a possibility of a HIPAA violation when completing paperwork in the office. Commissioner Rost feels there would be more of a HIPAA violation taking work home. Lisa asked the Commission to consider it. Commissioner agreed that it was not an option.
Inspection-EMS was inspected by the State of Montana and have been relicensed for another 2 years.
EMT training-Lisa stated the class started with 12 and moved to 6 but they still have some that have several hours of bookwork to complete. Lisa only has 2 individuals that completed the book.
On-Call Time-On-call time was discussed and is considerably less than it has been.
2:55 PM Shyla Hadley, Fairgrounds Manager joined
Training–Training was discussed further; people are not making a commitment to complete their training;
also discussed Lisa putting time into this effort and getting no participation.
2:58 PM Lisa left the meeting.
3:00 PM FAIR UPDATES/Shyla Hadley, Fairgrounds Manager
Assistance-Shyla stated Kevin Hill, Golf Course Superintendent started assisting her in absence of
Seasonal Lead Crew hand, and he has been doing a really good job.
Regional Convention-Matt and Shyla went to regional convention and got some acts signed. Had conversation with a couple of new carnivals, Shyla is hopeful that may work out. If they can get someone, the Fair Board would like to get a 5-year contract.
National convention-enjoyed classes; attendance was down significantly. They received good ideas for the Friday night show. They have nothing definite but brought a lot of information home.
Announcer Booth-Discussed adding on to the announcer booth if there is money in the budget. Pro
rodeo tour will no longer be happening for small communities; changed to NFRA tour but will be pretty much the same as Pro rodeo (this brings big name people).
Other Events-Would like to have dueling piano event to be held on February 26th. Shyla needs approval
because it is over $2000.00. They are not sure what catering costs will be at this time. There will be a per person charge.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve holding a Dueling Piano event at the Fairgrounds. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; being none. 3
Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Other Events Continued-They would like to hold an Extreme Bronc event; this would be the held the same time the High School Rodeo was held. Commissioner Braun explained they are not giving more of the Extreme Bronc events out; if you don’t have it, you will not get it. If you have it now and do not keep it, you do not get it back. This would be held the first week in June and would like a $25,000 purse. If they are unable to get a carnival for the Fair, they would like to have a carnival with the Extreme Bronc Event.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to hold the Extreme Bronc event the first week in June, with a $25,000 purse and a carnival, if one is not available for the Fair. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Night Show-A bid was put in for the night show.
3:25 PM Shyla left the meeting.
3:30 PM CLAIMS APPROVALS FOR DECEMBER 2021 END OF MONTH
The Commission reviewed and approved end of month December 2021 claims in the amount of $ 845,076.56.
They are filed in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office.
4:30 PM COMMISSIONER WORK SESSION
The Commission reviewed, revenues received, reports, emails and other correspondence, board minutes and agendas. Commissioner Rost signed the vendor invoice for the Waterfall Project Grant Fund reimbursement. Commissioner Rost signed the Letter of Support for a Museum Grant Application through the Montana History Foundation.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to approve the PV1 Change Order to add RF1-22 for $10,388.70 and 0
days; and RF1-023 for ($12,016.62) and 0 days. The net total for these changes is ($1,627.92) and 0 days. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked if there was any discussion; being none.
3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the PV1 Certificate of Substantial Completion. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked if there was further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
The following was approved as the Architect was unable to find previously signed and approved change order for the PV 1 water damage:
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to approve Change order (COP-01) and associated documentation for the PV1 Water Damage, the contract shall be increased by $68,067.58 and 0 days. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked if there was further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to approve the PVI water damage Certificate of Substantial Completion. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked if there was further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
4:30 PM Curt Wyss-Auditor/Olness and Associates joined.
Discussed setting up an Insurance Reserve Fund. Will discuss at a later date when parameters are set. Can put any amount in to start the fund but can only be used for losses or damages to vehicles/equipment.
Property will not be included in the parameters set for the Reserve Fund.
Discussed other audit questions.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022
9:30 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Steve Baldwin and Kevin Braun, Members; Kelsey DuCharme, Recording
Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:30 AM PUBLIC COMMENT – AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one appeared for public comment.
9:37 AM Robbie Christiaens, Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick DeHaan, Maintenance Assistant joined the meeting.
Maintenance Updates- Robbie and Derrick have both been working on snow removal. The Christmas lights have been removed at the Gazebo. They haven’t used the Airport broom yet, but it is available whenever they need it. Discussion on parking lots areas at Baker Lake.
9:54 AM Robbie and Derrick left the meeting.
10:15 AM Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator; Julie Straub, HRM joined the meeting.
Permission to Hire- Trinity Dietz has contacted Sara about working for the Weed Department this summer. She will not be back into town during the normal interview time and asked to interview before the spring. After conducting her interview, Sara believes she will be a very good fit as a seasonal Weed Crew hand. Trinity will be able to work the normal season.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to hire Trinity Dietz for the Seasonal Weed Crew position.
Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3
Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
10:17 AM Julie left the meeting.
Weed Control Updates- Sara gave the Commission the winter checklist for the Weed Department. The heaters are being dropped off at the Weed Shop today. Direct Electric will install them. Sara plans to start working with the Road Department to get the trucks ready for the spring. She needs to get pricing on the tires for the new John Deere ranger. Spray Days is coming up in February, which will be the next local training taking place. Sara is
hoping to get the Turf and Ornamental license test taken in the next few weeks. She will be attending the MWCA
Conference in Billings at the end of January/beginning of February. Commissioner Baldwin plans to attend as well.
10:27 AM Sara left the meeting.
10:43 AM Dustan Davis, IT TECH joined the meeting.
IT Updates- Dustan has been working on the website for the County. He plans to print a report of website views for the year of 2021 for the Commission. There seemed to be a big jump on traffic when the weather cameras were added to the site. New desktops came in for County employees that were next in rotation. Dustan will work on installing them within the next few months. Dustan will plan to give the Commission a list during budget time of employees that need new computers. There is better pricing if they are ordered in large amounts. Employees have been completing the trainings for phishing emails that are sent out. Discussion on the phishing emails and the possibility of switching over to the MACo system at some point. The Commission will visit about it further at the MACo Conference. Dustan showed the Commission the updates he has recently made to the website.
11:10 AM Stacey Moore, Director of Library Services joined the meeting.
11:15 AM Dustan left the meeting.
Library Updates- Stacey has been working on a policy manual for the library. It is still a work in progress but is close to being complete. The Library Board has been going through the policies and reviewing them and will vote on them in February, which must be done every three years with the State of Montana. She is also working on updating the manuals in the library. The slogan for the Summer Reading Program is Oceans of Possibilities.
The library will turn 100 years old this year. Stacey and the Library Board haven’t fully discussed yet but would
like to potentially hold an open house in honor of that. Both Beth Meggers and Kayla James have completed their
State Certification with the State. Storytime has been relocated to the basement EOC and has been working well. The National Library Week is April 4-10; the theme being Connect with the Library.
11:23 AM Stacey left the meeting.
11:24 AM Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to take a noon recess. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Kevin Braun Member; Kelsey Ducharme, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Steve Baldwin, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM PUBLIC COMMENT – AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one appeared for public comment.
1:28 PM Kevin Hill, Golf Course Superintendent joined the meeting.
Golf Course Updates- Kevin explained that they had laid sand down on the greens a few weeks ago before the cold weather hit. Some of the sand has been lost due to the wind, but they are still covered pretty well. Discussion on the possibility of adding some snow fence near the greens in the future. Kevin is working at the Fairgrounds a few days a week for snow removal. The grass seed and fertilizer that was previously ordered has been delivered. Kevin plans to start sharpening blades and doing oil changes to prepare for the upcoming season.
1:48 PM Kevin left the meeting.
1:59 PM Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations joined the meeting.
Landfill Updates- The DEQ completed an inspection of the Landfill and found no violations. The scraper has been fixed and is up and running. The Road Department has scoria that can be used at the Landfill; the Commission explained that it can also be stockpiled there as well. The new Waste Works program was updated and seems to be working better than the old one. Discussion on the charge accounts.
2:17 PM Jeff left the meeting.
2:18 PM Commissioner Braun made the motion to recess for the evening. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Baldwin). The motion carried.
EVENING RECESS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2022
9:45 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member; Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Steve Baldwin, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
PUBLIC COMMENT –AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one appeared for public comment.
9:42 AM Mary Grube, Planning Administrative Assistant joined the meeting.
Planning Updates- Mary gave the Commission the Lower Dam inspection checklist, which has been completed. The items that need to be completed on the checklist were discussed. She will also review it with Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering. The Upper Baker Dam Operating Permit has been received. A change has been requested for the O&M Manual. Mary has a question in to the NRCS and the DNRC regarding the change. The City of Baker was awarded a zoning grant. KLJ received the job; Mary will send the zoning regulations to KLJ. The Town of Plevna has a hearing to adopt the amendments to the Subdivision Regulations from the 2021 legislature session. The Planning Board met for their annual meeting; Mary stated that there is currently an open
position on the board. The Planning Board also referred a fee schedule for planning services, and they are recommending raising all floodplain rates. Fallon County was awarded the grant for the Growth Policy. Mary is working on drafting the Request for Proposal regarding the Growth Policy. Next Monday, the Floodplain Administrator for the State of Montana will be meeting with the Commission and the City of Baker.
10:06 AM Mary left the meeting.
10:09 AM Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Dispatch Supervisor joined the meeting.
Dispatch Updates- Brenda explained that Fallon County is still receiving multiple 911 Prairie County calls. The Commission is attending a meeting in a few weeks and will discuss this further. Brenda will contact the Prairie County Commissioners to explain the issue to them as well. Discussion continued regarding the calls coming in.
10:23 AM Brenda left the meeting.
10:43 AM Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodian Supervisor joined the meeting.
Maintenance Updates- Lynda explained that they are still working on getting the bugs cleaned out of the lights. They are about halfway done with the Court House offices. There was an issue with a boiler resetting yesterday, but it did finally work. Lynda really enjoys working with Kim Gray, Custodial Assistant, and stated that she is a very hard worker. Lynda has been checking the boilers at night from home on a computer program to make sure they are still working well with the cold weather.
10:46 AM Lynda left the meeting.
10:48 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to recess. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Baldwin). The motion carried.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Members; Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Steve Baldwin, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
PUBLIC COMMENT – AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:29 PM Elisabeth Epley, EPEDC Executive Director; Alissa Miller, Food & Ag Development Assistant; Melissa
Higbee, Downtown Development Specialist joined the meeting.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and Updates- Beth explained that every five years they are required to do a comprehensive economic development strategy. The action plan was given to the Commission, which will need to be developed further. The EPEDC is meeting with all cities, chambers, and counties. Projects both broad and specific can be added to the list. Business expansion and retention is always at the top of the list for the economy portion of the list, as well as regional oil and gas related business development. Other items were reviewed on the economy list of prioritizations of projects and activities,
including local planning and new business start-ups. Discussion on the housing shortage in Fallon County. There is
a definite shortage in Baker of low-income housing. Infrastructure is also on the list, including rural county road improvement, equipment and facility upgrades and emergency services. Natural resources were also reviewed, such as value-added agriculture promotion, alternative energy source promotion, Baker Lake overflow control and enhancement, etc. Tourism is on the list to promote the area. There are no specific items in Fallon County regarding tourism.
2:25 PM Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney joined the meeting.
2:27 PM Elisabeth, Alissa and Melissa left the meeting.
2:28 PM Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder joined the meeting.
2:31 PM Mike Madler, Contractor joined the meeting via teleconference.
Road RFP Questions/Present Petition Forms- The group discussed the road request for proposals and the study that Mike has been working on. The study is incomplete and will need more updating. This was discussed in depth.
2:47 PM Dale Butori, DES/911 joined the meeting.
Mike will continue working on the project and hopes to have it finished the end of April, tentatively.
2:59 PM Mike hung up the phone, therefore leaving the meeting.
3:53 PM Brenda, Dale and Cindy left the meeting.
4:32 PM Darcy left the meeting.
4:38 PM Commissioner Braun made the motion to adjourn for the week. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Baldwin). The motion carried.
ADJOURN
s/Roy Rost, Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
s/Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder s/Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Secretary
