Commission Minutes
MONDAY, MARCH 8, 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
No one appeared for public comment.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to approve the minutes from March 1-5, 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.
9:59 AM Alba Higgins, Shop Foreman joined the meeting.
Shop Updates- The Recreation van from the City has been given to the County. After looking it over, it was found that the instrument cluster is not functioning properly. New cluster runs anywhere from $200-$300. The Commission would like to install the new cluster for the County to be able to use the vehicle.
10:00 AM Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent joined the meeting.
The truck that has been having issues is still in Billings getting fixed. It is still unknown what is going on with the truck. They cannot find anything in the program that is not a normal function. There are about 270,000 miles on the truck and is the oldest one the Road Department uses. Discussion on possible issues going on with the truck.
10:20 AM Alba left the meeting.
Road Updates- The Road Crew is hauling the dirt from the Upper Lake to the Gun Range for the berms. They are extending culverts on the South Ismay Road. They won’t start blading roads until there is moisture.
10:25 AM Bobby left the meeting.
10:32 AM Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering joined the meeting.
FMC- Brosz Engineering has been working on the storm drain at FMC. They are on-site with the project. The parking lot will most likely be closed off later this week. Shannon is hopeful that by the end of the week the
sewer will be close to completely installed. Wyrick will be pouring the concrete as the project moves along. They are hoping to start to pour cement in the courtyard sometime this week.
Baker Senior Center- The Schedule 2 costs were off a bit on the estimate for the asphalt quantity. The
asphalt bid estimate will be more than expected. The parking lot on the South side of FMC could also be included into the project. It would be two separate projects but could be advertised together. It would be about $37-
40,000 to redo the area of the parking lot, as some of the area is settling over time. The Commission would like to
do this project in the next budget year and plan for July or August. It will go out to quote at the end of March.
10:52 AM Kodie Olsen, 4-H Program Assistant joined the meeting.
Waterfall Project- The waterfall location was discussed, which will tentatively be off the backside of Iron
Horse Park near the wetlands. They will plan to go around that area when they lay the sod.
Wetlands- The Commission is concerned about the geese on Baker Lake. They would like to put the grid back up so the plants can grow, and Baker Lake can pass the 5-year inspection. Shannon will speak with Tom Parker, Geum Environmental, about how high above the waterline the grid will need to be. The Commission would like to use biodegradable materials for the fencing and posts.
11:05 AM Shannon left the meeting.
Extension Updates- Kodie reported that the Extension Office held a sheep workshop yesterday in Ekalaka and Baker and both were well attended. They are still meeting with the Clover Buds each month. Fruit deliveries will be on March 17th at the Fairgrounds. If the 4-H members decide to do a trip in-state for their exchange
program, Kodie will plan to use the County credit card and the members will reimburse the expense. They are still planning to hold a 4-H camp this year. Kodie is hopeful to have a new County Extension Agent by Fair.
11:10 AM Kodie left the meeting.
11:29 AM Mindi Murnion, Public Health Specialist joined the meeting.
11:40 AM Dr. Brian Sullivan; Dr. Carrie Haar; Rich Menger, Sanitarian joined the meeting.
Health Officer Discussion- Dr. Darryl Espeland is no longer the Public Health Officer. Discussion on what is involved with the position at the Public Health Officer. It was explained that someone is needed to be able to make joint decisions with the Commission because there is not yet a Public Health Nurse. Dr. Sullivan asked about the liability and the priorities in the communities. There is no extra clinical liability. It is an advisory role, not an authoritarian position.
11:44 AM Dale Butori, DES-911 Coordinator joined the meeting.
The Sanitarian does the inspections of public facilities, attend board meetings, hold educational presentations, etc. The Health Director would be an advisory to the Health Board. During normal times and no COVID to deal with, there is only usually one meeting a quarter. With COVID, the position is a bit more involved. A board meeting will be held this Wednesday because that is when the quarterly meeting would usually take place. The Health Director is a non-voting position on the board. Both Dr. Sullivan or Dr. Haar are qualified for the position and the Commission is open to one or both. It would be possible to have two names listed for the position. Both Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Haar believe they can make it work for Fallon county and should be able to move forward. They will get back to the Commission after discussing amongst themselves.
12:04 PM Dr. Brian Sullivan, Dr. Carrie Haar and Rich left the meeting.
12:09 PM Dale and Mindi left the meeting.
12:10 PM 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; 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.
1:15 PM Philip and Andrea Huft, Landowners joined the meeting.
1:22 PM Forrest Sanderson, Contract Planner; Mary Grube, Administrative Assistant Planner joined the meeting.
1:25 PM Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering joined the meeting.
1:29 PM Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney joined the meeting.
Huft Final Review- No public comment was heard regarding the Huft Final Review. Forrest read aloud the Staff Report #MJR-FP-20-01 – Huft Major Subdivision Final Plat- October 26th, 2020 – Revised February 22, 2021. Huft Major Subdivision, a proposed 23 lot subdivision of 119.90 acres located in the N1/2 NE1/4 & NE1/4 NW1/4
Section 23, Township 07 North, Range 59 East, P.M.M., Fallon County, Montana. The subject property is subject to the Airport Affected Area Fallon County Zoning Regulations. Phillip and Andrea Huft are the owners. It is also subject to 18 conditions of approval. All conditions have been met, in accordance with the Commission approval. Final plat was in accordance with the preliminary plat, plans and specifications submitted for preliminary review except as modified by these conditions. The final plat submitted for final approval is consistent with the preliminary plat with the only modifications being in response to the conditions of approval. The variance to maximum road lengths was approved with the preliminary plat. The three new roads going into the subdivision
do not have easements with the County, but the existing road does. The private roads do not get maintained. The
preliminary plat was approved on June 30, 2019 and the final submitted well in advance of the approval expiration on July 30, 2022. The final plat is consistent with the preliminary plat approved by the Commission.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to adopt the final plat application and the additional documentation submitted as a part thereof. The Commission approved the final plat application for the Huft Major
Subdivision, in the N1/2 NE1/4 & NE1/4 NW1/4 Section 23, Township 07 North, Range 07 North, Range 59 East,
P.M.M., Fallon County Montana. 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.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to accept the Staff Report #MJR-FP-20-01 – Huft Major Subdivision Final Plat – Proposed 23 lot subdivision of 119.90 acres located in the N1/2NE1/4 & NE1/4NW1/4 Section 23, Township 07 North, Range 59 East, P.M.M., Fallon County Montana. 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.
1:43 PM Mary, Shannon, Andrea, Philip and Forrest left the meeting.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to adopt Resolution #2021-1058 – A Resolution Appointing a Special Deputy County Attorney. 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.
1:50 PM Darcy left the meeting.
2:28 PM Debbie Wyrick, Margie Losing, Health Insurance Committee joined the meeting.
Opening RFP Proposals- Four Request for Proposals for the Self-Funded Health Insurance have been received. The four proposals are from Boulder Administration Services, INC., MACo Health Care Trust, Rocky Mountain Administrators (RMA), and EBMS. Tomorrow, the Commission and the Health Insurance Committee will be examining and scoring the RFP’s. Notification of award must be given by March 18th.
2:43 PM Debbie and Margie left the meeting.
2:45 PM PUBLIC HEARING
Amend the Public Health Nurse Budget to Accommodate Additional CARES Act Funds
Postponed until a later date.
3:01 PM Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney joined the meeting.
3:02 PM Larry Brence, MSU Extension Eastern Region Dept. Head; Carter County Commissioners and Carter
County Attorney joined the meeting via teleconference.
Extension Agent Position- Last week, the Commission discussed the vacancy of the Extension Agent for both Carter and Fallon County. Fallon County will need to decide if they would like to split agencies and each county have their own agent, or to continue to share. Carter County would like to continue to keep the shared agent position. If both counties would like to continue to share an agent, it will be advertised the same as done in the past. After further discussion, it was decided that it may be more beneficial to continue to share an agent. Advertisement for the position will begin soon.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to keep sharing the County Extension Agent with Carter County. 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.
3:13 PM Larry, the Carter County Commissioners and the Carter County Attorney hung up the phone, therefore leaving the meeting.
3:29 PM Darcy left the meeting.
COMMISSION WORK SESSION
The Commission reviewed, revenues received, reports, emails and other correspondence, board minutes and agendas.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the Wyrick Lease for Township 7 North, Range 59 East, Section 15, NW1/4 to lease the land to put in a Hot Mix Plant. 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.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the write-off PCR in the amount of $510.00 from 8/18/2019 in the Ambulance Books, due to missing the filing deadline. 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.
4:15 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
TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021
8:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Steve Baldwin, Kevin Braun, Members; Debbie Wyrick, Alba Higgins, Troy Hess, Margie Losing, Insurance Committee Members
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
Request for Proposals for Self-Funded Health Insurance were reviewed and scored. Margie and Debbie will compile the Rates and other items that need comparison scoring. The Commission and the Insurance Committee will meet Friday March 12th at 10:30 AM to review the Proposal Comparisons.
11:45 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to recess for the evening. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
EVENING RECESS
FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021
10:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Steve Baldwin, Kevin Braun, Members; Debbie Wyrick, Alba Higgins, Troy Hess, Margie Losing, Insurance Committee Members
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
Request for Proposals for Self-Funded Health Insurance were reviewed and scored on Tuesday. The Commission and the Insurance Committee reviewed the Proposal Comparisons. The Insurance Committee will meet on Monday, March 15th for the decision on proposals for Self-Funded Insurance.
11:45 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
MEETING ADJOURNED
s/Roy Rost, Presiding Officer s/Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Clerk
ATTEST:
s/Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
