Commission Minutes
MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2021
9:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Steve Baldwin, Kevin Braun, Members; Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:30 AM The Pledge of Allegiance was held in the Commissioner’s Office to start off the week. PUBLIC COMMENT –AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
9:30 AM Mindi Murnion, Public Health Specialist joined the meeting.
Public Health Questions- Carter County has contacted Mindi about combining the Fallon and Carter County Health Departments. The commission is concerned about combining both Health Departments. Mindi would stay in Fallon County and Carter County is in hopes they can hire an administrative assistant. Mindi could be of assistance to the administrative assistant and help out, but the Commission does not want to combine the health departments. Fallon County would help their Public Health for a period of time, to get the office up and running. Carter County will be reimbursing Fallon County, for our employee’s time, when they are getting help. No contract will be signed to combine Public Health from Carter and Fallon County.
9:46 AM Mindi left the meeting.
It was brought to the Commissioner’s attention that the minutes from February 15-19, 2021, are incorrect regarding the Library Aide starting position. The minutes should read that the starting wage for the Library Aide is $14.50, not $16.00.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to approve these changes to the minutes from February 15th. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3
Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to approve the minutes from February 22-26, 2021, with corrections. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3
Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
9:57 AM Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Julie Straub, HRM joined the meeting.
Re-Visiting about Blade Hand- The Commission is interested in hiring another blade hand. Would need them in the probation period in the springtime. When advertising and interviewing, it will be mostly geared towards the blade hand part of the position. The position will be offered as an operator, with first and foremost blade hand experience. The new employee will need to be able to operate other equipment as well.
10:02 AM Alba Higgins, Shop Foreman joined the meeting.
Discussion on what the wording in the advertisement will read. Running the blade will be included in the interview process. A hands-on skill test will be part of the interviewing process. Advertising will begin this week.
10:16 AM Julie left the meeting.
Shop Updates-The truck is now in Billings getting repaired. The Road Department tested the van received from the City of Baker. The volt gauge quit while test driving; an instrument cluster is most likely needed. When the City owned the van, there were many hours of work put into it at a body shop in Baker. Other that that, the van runs well. The Road Crew will take a look into the dash issues and see what they can find. It is unknown at this time what the van will be used for, or if it will go to county auction. Discussion on the County holding an auction this year. There are enough items that an auction could be possible based on the number of items that need to go. The Commission will discuss holding a county auction next week. They are currently working on the wiring of one of the Kenworth trucks.
10:30 AM Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering joined the meeting.
Road Superintendent’s Pickup- Bobby’s pickup has about 75,000 miles on it. Bobby asked the commission how long they would like him to run it, as this is around when the vehicles are traded for value. It is included in this Fiscal Year’s budget. Alba and Bobby will work on the specs and gather quotes to bring to the Commission.
10:31 AM Alba and Bobby left the meeting.
Baker Senior Center – East Parking Lot Reconstruction- Schedule 1 Opinion of Cost – This would be a gravel lot that the county would come in and chip seal. Two schedules are included, one with a pavement option and one without. It would be cheaper to pave upfront rather than later on. With surveying, the cost so far is approximately $4,000. The cost should be less than $8,000, the County should be able to advertise the paving as a quote. The drainage will not be changed in any way. There is no plan to do anything with the gravel surface on the south side of the building. Will visit with the surrounding landowners, as well as the seniors at the Senior Citizen Center. Will need to also discuss the continued maintenance of the parking lot. Brosz Engineering will
prepare the quote for the project. Would like this to be done after the City of Baker, Montana Avenue Watermain
Project. If it is going to be chip sealed, it will need to be done in July to coordinate with the Road Department. Shannon will bring the quote form over next week for the Commission to review.
Storm Sewer at FMC- Discussion was held to put a concrete vault over the electrical. The wiring is in good
enough shape and the existing box next to the hospital can be used to tie their generators into while they are making their connection. There would be no shut down for adding the vault but would need a generator for the one-day connection; (the connections should only take one day). Shannon would design the 6 x 6 vault.
10:58 AM Kevin Dukart, City Clerk; Steve Zachmann, City Mayor joined the meeting.
11:05 AM Shannon left the meeting.
City Updates- The Loan agreement between the County and the City of Baker is ready to be signed for the
Montana Avenue Watermain Replacement Project; it will be signed during today’s work session.
If its possible, in the past the County has helped haul materials for the City. They would like to know if the road crew will be able to help. The Commission does not see any issues with that. Discussed paving George Avenue and the County helping with the hard surfacing on that street. The County will help with funding for the hard surface. The drainage issue has been taken care of, there will also be a few drains installed in the curbs. The paving will cost about $100,000. They are trying to see if a change order can be added to the Montana Avenue Watermain Project, or, a separate contract, to get it completed while the paver is in the area. The County usually does chip sealing in July/August. Discussion on the County helping with chip sealing on portions of the City
streets, however this should not take place until next year. The City will have a web meeting tomorrow to go over the bonding for the Montana Avenue Watermain Project.
Desk’s downstairs – There are two desks downstairs that are City property. The County has a few desks that
they are needing a spot for. The City would like to put them into a County auction if that is an option.
11:24 AM Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk and Recorder joined the meeting.
Drainage at Senior Center- The drain on 5th street, by the senior center was discussed. The drain goes south of the center and then runs in with the drainage through town. The Commission asked if the City would please keep an eye on it that drain, to keep the water moving away from the center, because it can silt in; agreed they will keep an eye on it.
11:30 AM Steve and Kevin left the meeting.
FMC Water Damage Claim-Debbie wanted to make sure the Commission received the email about the Travelers Insurance water claim at FMC. The group further discussed the insurance claims, for the water damage at FMC.
11:33 AM Debbie left the meeting.
11:50 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to take a noon 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, Kevin Braun, Members; Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
PUBLIC COMMENT –AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one appeared for public comment.
1:27 PM Julie Straub, HRM joined the meeting.
1:32 PM Larry Brence, MSU Extension Eastern Region Department Head joined the meeting.
County Agent Re-Hiring-Fallon and Carter County are needing to hire a County Extension Agent again. Larry met with Carter county this morning. Carter County would like to continue partnering with Fallon County for a shared Extension Agent. Another option could be hiring two separate agents for different program areas and split the 4-H program. The split is currently a 40% Carter County and 60% Fallon County. It is unknown the number of applicants that will apply for the position. Larry would like to see the Counties either splitting or adding an additional Extension Agent in the County.
Interview process-Larry stated MSU handles the search process and advertising, a committee is assembled through MSU. The Commission and clientele are involved with the interview process, as well as another peer agent. Discussion on whether Fallon County would benefit from its own Extension Agent or if it would be beneficial to continue to stay partnered with Carter County. Larry recommends that the more Extension Agent’s there are, the better. Ultimately, it is up to the Commission. Will re-visit next Monday over teleconference and move from there.
1:55 PM Beth Epley, Melissa Higbee, Alissa Miller, Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation joined the meeting.
1:56 PM Larry and Julie left the meeting.
EPEDC Updates- Watermain – EPEDC will be doing the grant administration portion of the construction. Grants received included the TSEP grant and the Delivering Local Assistance grant. The Commission asked that each time a request for funds is being made for the City, it also be sent to the County, for bookkeeping purposes. Discussion on the drawing process and the funds readily available. The funding and grants are being tracked by the EPEDC as well. If grant funding is unavailable in a timely manner, the County may be asked to pay so as not to hold up the project.
Banner project-This is a project in support of the oil field. EPEDC raised all the money for it and have gotten the permits as well. They are mesh banners and are getting estimates from Baker Metal to hang them. Once MDT’s permits are received, they will be able to be ordered.
Frontier Days-They are working with the Museum for a Frontier Days event for the community. Old games
for children, making soap, washing clothes, trying to incorporate downtown businesses as well. Would be the same time as the High School Rodeo.
New Businesses/Grants-Alissa is working with people that are starting their own meat processing
businesses. Waiting to find out on grants for these. The Town of Plevna is working towards a grant for a sidewalk repair project.
2:27 PM Shyla Hadley, Fairgrounds Manager joined the meeting.
2:32 PM Beth, Melissa and Alissa left the meeting.
Fairgrounds Updates- Floyd Ehret started back up today at the Fairgrounds. The minutes from February
16th read $25,000 was asked for purse money.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to approve the change to the minutes from February 16, 2021. It should state the Commission added an additional $20,000 to the purse instead of $25,000. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Budgets-Discussed what the budgets will look like for the next fiscal year, as the Fair Board is starting to plan their budget again. They will not be holding the High School rodeo and discussed what those funds will look like. The Commission explained that it just depends on the revenue for the year and what the end of the year financials look like. The Commission explained that they can plan for their regular events, but the budgets are
unknown at this point. With budget years starting in July and the Fair happening in August, budgeting is difficult due to having to hire acts and entertainment in advance. Will need to discuss changes with the auditors when they come.
EPEDC–Community Branding Project-Shyla was hired for the project. Discussed if this should be put into Shyla’s job description or if she should free-lance it out. Shyla cannot take payment from EPEDC if this is completed on county time. The commission has no issue with Shyla doing this on her time at the fairgrounds. Shyla will talk with Julie Straub, HRM to make sure there are no issues.
2:52 PM Shyla left the meeting.
2:57 PM Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney joined the meeting.
2:59 PM Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder; Barb Ketterling, Treasurer, Julie Post, Deputy Treasurer; Kimberly
Jensen, AP Clerk joined the meeting.
Discuss Fire Districts Accounting- Discussed revisiting with the Rural Fire Districts regarding the financial side, which is now completed by the Clerk and Recorder & Treasurer’s Offices. The District warrants (checks) are not clearing in a timely manner, sometimes the warrant amount on the reports do not reflect the actual amount on the warrant, they and their Auditors have different thoughts regarding where they should place their revenues. It is felt it would be better for all parties involved if the Fire Districts would be handled as the rest of the Districts are handled. This would entail them taking care of their own accounting. They will continue to get
their own mills and other funding, by way of a check from the Treasurer’s office. The County follows the advice of
our Auditors and the budgeting and accounting is more complex and detailed than that of the Districts. The Districts have their own auditors and can follow their advice. Darcy read the statute that explains that all money received by the Trustees must be deposited in the Treasurer’s Office and credited to the Fire District. The Commission stated all moneys received needs to continue to be deposited through the Treasurer’s Office, however the bookkeeping will no longer be completed by Fallon County employees. The County’s Auditor recommends that the Fire Districts are treated like the rest of the Districts and the County no longer do their bookkeeping. Their minutes are still to be sent to the Commission after approval.
3:20 PM Tom Kachel, Manager of Landfill Operations joined the meeting.
A meeting will be set up with both Baker and Plevna fire districts to discuss this option with them before any changes will be made.
3:25 PM Brenda, Barb, Julie, Darcy and Kimberly left the meeting.
Landfill Updates-The aged report was reviewed; however, it is not yet updated because the billing is done today. The companies on the aged report were discussed, as some bills are not being paid over a long period of time. Could change the parameters from the accessibility to getting a charge account so easily. The tub grinder is not working correctly. Will be bringing it to the Road Department, and they will order the parts for it. Barry Damschen, Landfill Engineer submitted the engineering inspection for the landfill, which is submitted to the DEQ, as well as the menthane measurements.
3:51 PM Tom left the meeting.
COMMISSION WORK SESSION
The Commission reviewed, revenues received, reports, emails and other correspondence, board minutes and agendas.
City of Baker Watermain Project
Commissioner Braun made the motion to accept and sign the loan documents for the watermain project. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3
Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to accept the MACo Dental and Vision Renewal Rates. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to approve Public Health Supply and Equipment quotes as presented. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion, being none. 3
Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Discussed attaching the contracts for the grants, with the loan agreement for the Watermain Project.
Quotes for the Museum furnace – Only 1 recent quote has been submitted to the County, there is money in the budget for the heating.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to approve the quote 15,255.92 for Straub Heating and Cooling. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3
Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
The Commission reviewed and approved the End of the Month February 2021 Claims in the amount of
$451,666.12 and they are filed in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office.
The Commission reviewed and approved the January 2021 timesheets, with holdings and benefits in the amount of $524,743.00 and they are filed in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office.
5:05 PM Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to recess for the evening. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
EVENING RECESS
TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021
9:30 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Steve Baldwin, Kevin Braun, Members; Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
PUBLIC COMMENT – AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one appeared for public comment.
9:39 AM Robbie Christiaens, Maintenance Supervisor joined the meeting.
Maintenance Updates- Robbie received prices for sod since the sprinklers are installed. They can get sod from Fairview at Green Acres Sod Farms. They would need 26,000 square feet, which is .34 cents per square foot or $8,840. For them to haul it and install it the cost is $18,000. The Company from Billings gave a quote of $6,760, without delivery, and a little over $1,000 to deliver, however they do not install. Robbie believes that the
summer crew, himself, and Derrick would be able to lay the sod themselves. Would like to have the sod as soon
as possible in the spring. The commission would like Robbie to accept the sod from Billings. Discussion on the process of laying the sod. Robbie will go talk to the fertilizer plant about spring fertilizer. The new gazebo at the Baker Lake was discussed. Robbie will make sure all the mowers and equipment are ready to go for the spring.
9:51 AM Robbie left the meeting.
10:00 AM David Anderson, Denbury Land Department Manager; Nathan Stone, Denbury joined the meeting via teleconference.
Denbury Pipeline Discussion- David introduced and explained Nathan Stone is helping with the project;
they learned 10 days ago that the project is going to happen. They are busy getting the process going as the start of construction will be around the 1st of July 2021. This project will be coming from Belle Creek and on up through Fallon County. All environmental permits are done, the Landowners have signed off, and are waiting on a few other permits. Submitted road crossings and received approval for all of them. Never settled on the Road Use agreement for Fallon County roads. Oneok worked with Stahley Engineering, which worked great; the County would like to do that with Denbury and would like to model after that agreement. They are re-bidding for the contractors and are in the middle of that process. Need to talk with Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent about the 101 Road and doing construction close to that road. The Commission informed them that part of it is also a State Secondary Road. Discussed Denbury possibly trying to lease the workforce housing area that was to be used by TransCanada. No word on that at this time.
10:13 AM David and Nathan hung up the phone, therefore leaving the meeting.
10:57 AM Lisa Mitchell, EMS Director joined the meeting.
Ambulance Updates- February was a good month. Lisa reviewed the calls and the run report for the month. Policies and procedures manual-working on and updating it. It will need to be officially approved. They want to change the on-call stand by pay – for on call events such as Fair and football games. They like to split shifts for on- call stand by. Instead of a flat rate, discussed doing an hourly rate. Lisa wants the Commissions thoughts on changing it to an hourly rate. Would need to talk with Payroll and Human Resources. The Commission would like to review the policy before making a decision. The flat rate is $150, no matter the number of hours on call for stand-by events. Lisa will bring the Commission an updated policy. Members of the public wanted to know why EMS does not have a debt forgiveness program; Lisa explained scenarios where this would take place. The Commission would like to continue the discussion regarding the amount that Medicare/Medicaid pays. Lisa
stated EMS had four (4) people re-license this year.
11:30 AM Lisa left the meeting.
11:55 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to take a noon 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
1:30 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Steve Baldwin, Kevin Braun, Members; Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS-PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for public comment.
1:37 PM via teleconference
Jodi Ostenfort – Monica, Alexander Perez from David Turch and Associates,
Baker Lake Remediation-Time to ask their questions and clear up any confusion. The Commission asked about
the enforcement of the piece regarding the $36,000 a day fine. Commission would like to know when that can be lifted. The drainage through town every spring needs to be cleaned out and the County has to apply for permits before that can be done. Would like the Executive Order and the fine to be lifted since Fallon County has done
the remediation of Baker Lake. None of the Commissioners, that were here at the time of this occurrence, are here as Commissioners anymore. The language in the administrative order states that there is a $36,000 fine a day; does not refer to the underlying violations that resulted under the administrative order, it has to do with whether the County is in compliance with the order. The Commission explained that they have complied with everything from the EPA and the CORP of Engineers. From the EPA perspective, in compliance with the administrative order and continue to be in compliance there will not be anything they would be penalized for. Deadlines were missed very early on, before any of these Commissioners were in office. The EPA does not give assurances of no issuance of penalty; but if the County continues to remain in compliance with the administrative order, Turch Reps feel there is no need to be worried. The County is not supposed to clean out the drainage because of the administrative order, however Jodi believes that this is separate from the administrative order itself. Jodi feels this would be an issue for the Corp of Engineers. The underlying violations were for work that was done on Baker Lake itself. Jodi will review the background information and get back to the Commission on that. After the 5 years of inspection and the necessary plant growth for the EPA. Once EPA determines that the success criteria has been completed and 5 years of monitoring, they have fully complied with the Administrative Order and would close out the order. Monica will check on the Restorative Plan and get back to the Commission. Very rarely will the order be lifted because they make sure the plant growth is established. Would like the fine lifted, if the project would have been done, only following the regulations they would only have to deal with the Army Corp of Engineers.
1:59 PM The meeting ended.
1:59 PM Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator joined the meeting.
Weed Department Updates- Made it through spray day, 27 people signed up in Baker; a few people were on zoom as well. Julie started advertising for the seasonal crew this year; hoping to hire 4 of them. Need to anchor the cabinets and lower the fire extinguisher for the Weed shop. The chemical bids are ready to go out after the board meeting next week. Will schedule a meeting to discuss spraying County roads and the protocol on March 16th and will contact Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent.
Looking at the UTV’s and coming up with a list of what they need. Also working on a standard operating manual for the Weed department.
2:09 PM Sara left the meeting.
2:30 PM Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk joined the meeting.
Discussion/Decision on Returning Remaining Road Evaluation Funds- in January of 2019, Fallon County received check from Oneok to cover the work done by Stahley Engineering for the road evaluations. The County has not paid anything more since May 2020. Kimberly reached out to Stahley and they have no more invoices to be paid; there is $10,421.26 left of the remaining funds; Kimberly questioned if this should that be mailed back to Oneok or what should Kimberly do with it. It was placed in the Road revenue account. The Commission stated we will need to ask them if they would like these remaining funds back. The release and receipt release has been signed. Kimberly will contact them and ask what to do with the remaining funds.
2:34 PM Kimberly left the meeting.
2:39 PM Julie Straub, HRM joined the meeting.
2:45 PM Mindi Murnion,
Discussion/Decision on Director of Public Health Recruitment and Wages-Julie asked if we should restart the recruitment for the Director of Public Health; should we increase the wage. Discussed, even if the wage were increased, would it be a good time to continue to advertise for a director. Mindi feels that as of right now, the cost to advertise is too extreme to be spending right now. Public Health is doing good without a director and things seem to be going well; could wait and let things calm down. The County has not been advertising for about
4 weeks. Could continue to keep it on the internet where it is free advertising. The entry pay is $28.09 per hour.
After completion of probation is $29.09; after 6 months more of employment $31.50. The wage in other counties in Montana were discussed. The Commission does not wish to change the wage or continue to advertise. It will
be advertised on the website. Commissioner Rost explained that depending on experience, he would be willing to
start the wage at step 3 instead of step 1. Julie asked if the Commission would consider relocation reimbursement. The Commission has not yet had the time to think on this topic.
3:12 PM Julie and Mindi left the meeting.
5:00 PM Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to recess for the day. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
EVENING RECESS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021
9:30 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Steve Baldwin, Kevin Braun, Members; Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
PUBLIC COMMENT – AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one appeared for public comment.
10:00 AM – The Commission attended a meeting at Parkview with SDI Architects/TW Clark.
12:00 PM Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to recess for the evening. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion
carried unanimously.
EVENING RECESS
THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021
9:30 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Steve Baldwin, Kevin Braun, Members; Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
PUBLIC COMMENT – AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one appeared for public comment.
10:00 AM David Espeland, FMC CEO joined the meeting.
FMC Updates-David discussed the Hospital Board Meeting held last night at FMC. The Commission stated the main issue discussed at the Hospital Board meeting will not be a Commission issue. David is worried with all the clout; it will continue to hurt the recruitment. Keeping Doctors is a struggle with all of Eastern Montana. David discussed the Public meeting scheduled next week. David feels there will need to be three (3) parties to mediate the meeting. The Commission explained, the Public needs to be heard. David would like to be able to speak as well so both sides are heard; the Commission agrees. David feels the ruralness is part of the issue in keeping employees. The Commission feels the Board needs to be more transparent with the Public. David stated the Provider Contracts, nor the payment or benefits are public knowledge. With HIPAA, the provider’s reasons
for leaving cannot be disclosed, due to personnel. David discussed slander laws and the economic harm that
could happen to FMC as a result of the individuals putting on the meetings, such as the one held last night.
11:02 AM David left the meeting.
11:55 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to take a noon 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
1:30 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Steve Baldwin, Kevin Braun, Members; Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS-PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for public comment.
1:30 PM Steve Zachmann, City Mayor; Kevin Dukart, City Clerk joined the meeting.
City Updates-Update on the City of Baker street repairs and the Water Main Project. Steve explained the City is looking better financially. Steve feels this is due to the reduction in manpower; loss of the Public Works Director and the CARES funding received by the City of Baker.
Steve discussed the street repairs and costs associated with those areas currently dug out and/or graveled. The City feels they will have the funding to make those repairs (with the exception of. Streets that will receive new water lines, will also receive street repairs, as part of that project
George Avenue will be paved and completed as a separate project; this is the project the County is helping the City fund. Discussed the drainage issues found by the Contractor; some drains were not connected when the new football field was placed at the High School. Discussed additional areas that will need to be prepped and paved. The drainage issues on 3rd Street West is being corrected by the County with the Parkview project. The City crew will work on cleaning street cracks and taking care of potholes in preparation of the final maintenance.
First Street West will be repaired with asphalt, except for a small portion, which will be cemented to compensate for the truck traffic, (turning to drop at the Shopping Center).
Third Street West, (by Cenex), will be repaired using concrete.
Discussed chip sealing four (4) miles of streets, with the assistance of Fallon County equipment and manpower. This will be on the streets only, not inclusive of the avenues. Discussed the County and City working together to spread the chips (the City will pay for the chips and oil).
Street SID timing was discussed; if the City waits too long, they lose the ability to use the SID as a funding source. Steve explained the City would like to repair as much and as many areas as possible to decrease the amount of funding needed from the SID. Discussed the costs associated with chip sealing; $50,000 per mile for equipment, fuel and labor only. Steve and Kevin estimate the chip seal portion to start in July of 2022. At that time, they will look at the remainder and what funding will be need from the SID.
Discussed maintaining 4 miles of streets every year, would take 5 years (20 miles) to complete all streets in the City of Baker. Kevin felt the last time all of the streets in the City of Baker were completed was 2000; felt there may have been one more chip/seal after that. The plan is to have the street repair project ready to bid out by their March 17th meeting.
Bonding for Water Main Project was discussed. Steve feels the District office at MDT will work with the City of Baker on this; because the City should be able to give substantial completion of the project September 1st.
Normally this would not be an issue, because the Contractor is bonded for the project. The issue was MDT’s
concern of the project stretching over two (2) construction seasons??????????
The project on 1st and 3rd Streets were not included in the Water Main Project, therefore the project will be
closer to $5 million. Kevin stated the street maintenance would cost the City of Baker roughly $250,000 per year. Kevin explained the City will not have that kind of money for the streets unless funding changes for them.
2:00 PM Steve and Kevin left the meeting.
2:00 PM Commissioner Braun made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN
s/Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Clerk
ATTEST:
s/Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
s/Roy Rost, Presiding Officer
