Commission Minutes
MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022
9:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Steve Baldwin, Kevin Braun, Members; Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
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 January 17-21, 2022, as presented. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3
Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
9:56 AM Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic; Mark Sieler, Road Foreman joined the meeting.
Shop/Road Updates- Mitch reported that everything is going well at the Road Shop. The Road Crew is trying to keep the trucks off the road due to ice.
9:57 AM Mark and Mitch left the meeting.
10:31 AM Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering joined the meeting.
Bridge Project- Shannon has received three calls from different contractors regarding the wage rate requirements included in the bid for the upcoming bridge project involving Ismay Bridge and Bonnievale Bridge. The Commission explained that they do not want to tie ARPA funds into this project.
10:37 AM Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney joined the meeting via telephone.
Shannon explained to Darcy that in the wage rates, there is a section in Montana Code that contractors must give
preference to employment of Montana residents on the performance of the work. In Shannon’s research, he
finds that it only requires Montana residents to be employed by the contractor if it is a state project using federal funds. Because it isn’t a state funded project, Shannon believes that 50% of the employees shouldn’t be required to be a Montana resident. Darcy will research the Montana Code and get back to Shannon as soon as possible with her advice. Shannon will have to put out an addendum by tomorrow morning if the changes need to be made.
10:40 AM Darcy hung up the phone, therefore leaving the meeting.
The Commission would like to include in the addendum that the contractor must have a Montana contractor’s
license at the time of the bid, because they may lose permitting if this project is not done in a timely manner.
Letter of Support Updating Mapping- The Baker City Council has decided that they will go ahead with the Letter of Support for the updated floodplain mapping grant with the DNRC. The Commission will sign the letter of support as well. Shannon recommends adding to the letter that upcoming projects be included in the mapping.
Tributary Channel- There had been multiple discussions regarding the tributary channel through Baker and the maintenance regarding it. Shannon is in the process of working on an annual maintenance permit. An excavator and other equipment will be able to be used. The materials can be dredged and hauled off. It will allow as many materials being taken out as need be but cannot bring in any filling after it is removed. Once the permit
is on file, it can be used as little or much as needed. The County is not obligated to clean it out. The hours that
Shannon is putting into this permit will be split between Fallon County and the City of Baker, as it is a joint permit.
11:21 AM Shannon left the meeting.
11:29 AM Larry Brence, Eastern Region Department Head joined the meeting.
Annual Evaluation of Extension Agent- The Commission stated that they have not heard a bad thing about Amanda Williams, Extension Agent, and feels she is a very good fit for her position. Larry met with the Carter County Commissioners earlier this morning and they felt the same way. Overall, all entities are pleased with Amanda’s work and look forward to continuing to work with her. Larry explained that the Carter County Commissioners would like to make sure Fallon County is getting a fair deal with the Extension Office vehicles, as
right now Fallon County currently supplies the vehicle and all fuel costs. The agreement may need to be revised to include Carter County in these costs. Larry reported that there are multiple Extension Agent positions open all around Montana.
11:45 AM Larry left the meeting.
11:53 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; Steve Baldwin, Kevin Braun, Members; Kelsey DuCharme, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
PUBLIC COMMENT –AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS
No one appeared for public comment.
1:30 PM – MEETING LOCATED IN THE EOC
PRESENT: Trent Harbaugh, Sheriff; Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney; Steve Zachmann, City Mayor; Tom
Bruha, Fire Chief; Dale Butori, DES/911 Coordinator
Railroad Crossing Discussion- Mayor Steve Zachmann called this meeting to discuss the issues with the railroad crossing and the trains stopping on the crossing for extended periods of time. This creates a large gap in safety, as emergency services are unable to cross the tracks when there is a train stopped. This issue has been addressed before to a BNSF representative, however no remediations have taken place thus far. Steve showed the group where a potential crossing could be added, crossing over a single-track area. It would be used for emergency access only. Discussion on the possibility of adding a secured gate, as that may waive the large permitting fee. The group reviewed possible areas this crossing could be placed. No landowners have been contacted as of yet. There should be emergency services and infrastructure grants available. It may also be a possibility to ask about waiving the permitting fee because this is a public safety issue. Another crossing would
not solve the problem, however, if they continue to park the trains in the city limits. Steve plans to discuss further
with the rail instructor and the proper channels at BNSF to see if this could be of interest. The landowners involved will also need to be brought into the discussion.
2:15 PM The meeting ended. The Commission returned to the Commissioner’s Office.
COMMISSION WORK SESSION
The Commission reviewed revenues, reports, emails and other correspondence, board minutes and agendas. A reimbursement for the Waterfall Project was signed, to be submitted by vendor invoice to the DNRC. The Commission reviewed the final fiscal year 2021 Annual Report and MD&A.
2:30 PM Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Braun 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
