Commission Minutes April 1 – April 5, 2024
MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2024
9:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Roy Rost, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
The Pledge of Allegiance was held in the Commissioner’s Office to start off the week.
9:30 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:43 AM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT A DETENTION OFFICER/ Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Braun made the motion to begin recruiting for a Detention Officer. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). The motion carried.
9:43 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:44 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE SEASONAL GOLF COURSE GROUNDS CREW HAND/ Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Braun made the motion to hire Quincy Slagter as a Seasonal Golf Course Grounds Crew Hand. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) The motion carried.
9:47 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:54 AM ROAD/SHOP UPDATES/ Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Midland trailer has been fixed. Finished patching Runway Trail and now laying scoria on Calumet Roads. Commissioner Braun asked the Road Department to assist with mechanical maintenance at the golf course until a new Golf Course Superintendent is hired. Discussed installing a plug for the pump at the golf course irrigation pond; Commissioner Braun will contact Direct Electric regarding the installation.
10:02 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:28 AM FAIRGROUNDS UPDATES/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Reported on upcoming events for the fairgrounds. Updated on progress with repairing the alarm system in the fire suppression room. Jennefer would like to do ShoWorks webinar training for exhibits. Permission granted. A snow plowing incident damaged the southwest barn door at the fairgrounds; will be replaced.
10:43 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:43 AM Eric Hartse, Iron Horse Construction joined the meeting.
11:00 AM PROPOSAL/QUOTE OPENING FOR THE FAIRGROUNDS’ OLD EXHIBIT HALL
The Commission received three bids for tearing down the Fairgrounds’ Old Exhibit Hall. Griffith Excavating- $16,200 for building removal, $3,200.00 for concrete removal addendum. Iron Horse Construction – $21,400.00 for building removal only and acknowledged addendum. C&M Oilfield Service – $16,806.00 for building removal only.
11:05 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:25 AM EXTENSION/4-H UPDATES/ Kodie Olsen, 4-H Program Coordinator; Jolinda Allerdings, Administrative Assistant
Jolinda was unable to attend the meeting. Updated on 4-H and Homemakers events/meetings. Jolinda will be doing an educational booth at the Health Fair.
11:31 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:34 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to recess. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) The motion carried.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENED
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Roy Rost, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS-PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve March 25th – March 29th, 2024 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve March 25th – 29th, 2024 Commission Minutes. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Rost) The motion carried.
2. Approve March 2024 Payroll and Withholdings.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve March 2024 Payroll and Withholdings for the amount of $594,948.24. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Rost) The motion carried.
3. Approve March 2024 End of Month Claims
Commissioner Braun made the motion to disallow the claim for Kevin Hill to travel to Beach as he was not given permission to do so. Commissioner Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Rost) The motion carried.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve March 2024 End of Month Claims for the amount of $885,089.31. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Rost) The motion carried.
4. Executive/Action Items:
a. Discuss/Decision to go out for bid for contract cleaning at Parkview Retirement Complex and the Public Health office.
b. Decision regarding quote from Peaks Planning to update Planning forms.
c. Discuss/Decision to sign MACo Letter to Citizens regarding Senate Bill 442.
d. Approval of Family Planning Agreement between Dawson County Family Planning and Fallon County.
5. Old Business as needed.
a. Sign amended Inter-Local Agreement Formation, Authority and Administration of Abatement Region 1 for the Opioid Settlement.
b. Discuss/Decision on designating programs to receive earmarked alcohol tax monies and/or State-Approval for the provision of substance misuse/abuse treatment and prevention services in the County.
c. Sign MOU for the Southeastern Montana Transmission Line Economic Development Initiative (SM-TSED) initiated by Montana Department of Commerce.
d. Sign amended Lakeview Drive Grant.
6. Approve Fair Contracts (as needed)
7. Appointments/Resignations to various boards (as needed)
8. Review & Approve Approach/Encroachment permits (as needed)
a. Approval of encroachment permit submitted by Denbury for Anticline Road to construct injection pipeline.
Encroachment permit was signed by the Commission.
9. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
10. Review Department/Office reports/sign journal vouchers (as needed)
11. Emails/Correspondence
2:30 PM ATTEND MONTANA HEALTH NETWORK’S MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS MEETING AT THE BAKER LIBRARY
Commissioner Baldwin and Braun attended the Meeting.
3:00 PM Commissioner Braun excused himself.
RECESS
TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2024
9:00 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Vice Chairman; Roy Rost, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:00 AM OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE UPDATES/ Robbie Christiaens, Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick DeHaan, Maintenance Assistant
Reported on mower maintenance. Docks will be put in the lake soon. Discussed having Robbie and Derrick supervise fairgrounds seasonal crew hands. The Commission advised Robbie to speak with the Fair board more on this matter.
9:03 AM Commissioner Baldwin joined the meeting.
Discussed creating an outside maintenance department that includes fairgrounds and cemetery seasonal crew hands. Commissioner Braun asked Robbie and Derrick to assist at the golf course until a new Golf Course Superintendent is hired. Derrick reported on Parkview Retirement Complex maintenance. A new boiler should be installed today. Reported on leaks at Parkview; will repair gutter that is causing a leak by the maintenance door. Updated on Levi Swyres not agreeing on concrete freezing, they would leave the wall, cut it out and repour it for $6,500.00; Derrick will talk with Swyres more on the quote. Skate Park will be sealed in May if weather permits it. An individual asked about having the sidewalk swept going around Iron Horse Park. Discussed sand blowing in from the beach makes it difficult to keep up.
9:28 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:30 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
10:14 AM DISCUSS INSURANCE ISSUE FOR RECENT BUS ACCIDENT/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
Damage was made to the Senior Center bus in the same spot by two different vehicles before the repair could be completed after the first accident. Carla asked the Commission how to proceed with the insurance and repair. Carla will have the damaged panel replaced and will notify the second individual that the damage will not be pursued.
10:20 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:20 AM Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations joined the meeting.
10:21 AM DISCUSS/DECISION ON COORDINATING CLEANUP DAYS WITH THE CITY/ Steve Zachmann, Mayor
Discussed using the container site April 27th – May 5th and working with the landfill crew during Clean-up Days. Decided on container site hours for Wednesday and Saturday Clean-up Days.
10:27 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:27 AM DISCUSS EASEMENT ON KEIRLE ROAD/ Steve Zachmann, Mayor
10:28 AM Vaughn Zenko, SMART Executive Director joined the meeting.
The City will not need an easement anymore after adjusting the layout for the childcare facilities. Mayor Zachmann went over the parking lot layout that the City decided on.
10:36 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:00 AM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator
1. Discuss/Decision on disposal of old printers.
Public Health replaced their printer recently, would like the old printer disposed. Josh informed the Commission that Baker Metal and Recycling accepts electronics for recycling. Decided to recycle old electronics going forward.
Planning Department map/plat printer is out of commission, Josh is waiting for a quote from Fireside.
11:08 AM Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk joined the meeting.
Discussed which budget to pull from for a new router for the phone system network.
11:09 AM Kimberly left the meeting.
The museum alarm system has been installed. Discussed setting up a website for Public Health. Josh will remove the old PA system wire from the main exhibit hall. Fairgrounds sound system will be checked in June. Baker Air Service is installing wi-fi for their weather cameras.
11:33 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:33 AM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
Updated on On-Call hours, runs, new scheduling and EMT classes. Brittany states that they lost an EMT and she would like to wish them well and thank them for their service with Fallon County EMS. Brittany asked for permission to go to a training in Billings. Permission granted. Started implementing monthly ambulance equipment checks for the volunteer EMTs. Discussed reward system for volunteer EMTs who complete ambulance checks. Will be attending Health fair and Job fair.
11:47 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:48 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to recess. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENED
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM AWARD PROPOSAL/QUOTE ON FAIRGROUNDS’ OLD EXHIBIT HALL
Commissioner Braun made the motion to accept Griffith Excavating’s bid of $16,200.00 to tear down the Old Exhibit Hall and hold off on concrete until after discussing with the Road Crew. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
1:38 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
1:59 PM PERMISSION TO HIRE SEASONAL WEED CREW DRIVERS/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Rost made the motion to hire Breannah Crisler and Owen Stieg for the Seasonal Weed Crew Drivers. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
2:01 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:02 PM DISCUSS GOLF COURSE PERSONNEL CHANGES/ Doug Varner, Seasonal Lead Grounds Crew Hand; Julie Straub, HRM
Doug Varner agreed to be the Seasonal Interim Golf Course Superintendent for this year until a permanent superintendent is hired. Discussed seasonal crew hands that are currently employed. Doug asked to hire an additional crew hand. Permission granted. The Commission informed Doug about contacting the Road Crew or Outside Maintenance for assistance. Doug asked about wages as an Interim Superintendent. The Commission agreed on a wage increase from $20.00 to $25.00.
2:58 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:58 PM EPEDC UPDATES/ Terra Burman, EPEDC Executive Director; Teresea Olson, Community Development Specialist
Teresea is working on hosting a housing discussion for rural communities; Montana Cooperative (MCDC) will explain investment and housing co-ops, also go over frontier housing. EPEDC will be partnering with Badlands to Badlands Trails, Montana Department of Transportation, and counties to create a tourism pilot program of nonpaved nonmotorized trails for cyclists. Also helping Vaughn Zenko, SMART Executive Director with finding funds for the Childcare facilities.
3:21 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:30 PM DES & 911 UPDATES/ Amanda Frickel, DES & 911 Coordinator
Amanda was not able to attend the meeting.
3:29 PM Commissioner Rost made the motion to recess. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2024
9:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:30 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
10:00 AM ROAD DEPARTMENT FY25 SALARY DISCUSSION/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mark Sieler, Road Foreman; Jule Straub, HRM
Commissioner Rost presented his proposal for adjusting the Road Department FY25 wages based on proposed longevity and step adjustments. COLA would be applied to the base rate. Commissioner Braun asked if this would help or hinder productivity for the county having the Road department go to a 40-hour work week. Mark stated blading will be the only thing that is hindered. Commissioner Braun mentioned that he spoke with other counties about their road departments changing hours seasonally; four ten-hour days in the summer and five eight-hour days in the winter. Discussed options for holiday pay during the summer, options for scheduling on moisture days. Schools going to 4 day weeks, Fridays don’t need bus routes checked. Three-day weekends will help boost motivation for the crew. Commissioner Baldwin stated we always have a goal to save money but not at the expense of our employees.
10:36 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:24 AM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Manager; Shane Bettenhausen, Shooting Match Supervisor
Shane was not able to attend the meeting. The Commission updated on ceiling repairs for the shooting range. Waiting on scoria due to some soft spots. Updated on shooting matches.
11:34 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:35 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to recess. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENED
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Vice Chairman; Roy Rost, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM SMART & EMEDA MONTHLY UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Executive Director; Cheyanne Dame, ED Specialist
EMEDA will be sending the childcare facilities site work out for bid soon. EMEDA applied for an AARP grant for the food forest project. Updated on recent SMART events, visitor center and pocket park progress. SMART did not get the Historic Preservation grant for moving the old Sieler school house into Plevna; will continue looking for other grants. SMART is currently looking for grants to help Public Health with start-up costs for a mental health program. SMART now has a low power radio FM license but how they plan to use it is still undecided. The Commission stated they remain neutral on the low power radio FM station that SMART is working on. Vaughn clarified that there will be no tax-payers dollars spent on competing with an existing business for this project; at this point, it will be a collaborative effort between SMART, the radio station, the school, and/or anyone who would like to utilize it. Commissioner Braun wanted clarification on how the childcare facility will be funded, as the Commission remains neutral on the project. Vaughn stated EMEDA, as a port authority, is using two current mills and will be asking for two additional mills, which will be on the upcoming ballot, for the childcare facilities.
1:58 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:00 PM Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder and Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk joined the meeting.
2:00 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney
1. Resolution/Contract for the Indigent Burial Policy.
Reviewed the amended resolution draft. Darcy will send the amended resolution to Steveson’s Funeral Home for review.
2. Burial Application form.
Darcy is currently working on the application.
3. Agreement/Addendum for the Buerkle Scoria Pit.
There was no discussion at this time.
4. Question on vacating plats on the Man-camp plat.
Cindy asked if the two Certificate of Surveys that were vacated on the Man-camp need a resolution or if there is a document to add to the land records. Darcy will draft a resolution to vacate the two plats.
5. Baker Senior Center transfer of ownership/lease.
Discussed transferring the Baker Senior Center deed to the County and renting back to the Senior Center. Will determine if Baker Senior Center is a current 501(c)3. Will also transfer Plevna Senior Center at a later date. Darcy will write up a deed to send to the Baker Senior Center Board.
2:19 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:20 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION CONTINUED ( if needed)
There was no discussion at this time.
2:20 PM Commissioner Rost made the motion to recess. Vice Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. The motion carried.
THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024
9:00 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:07 AM DISCUSS/DECISION ON CATALYST FOR CHANGE/ Mindi Murnion, Public Health Specialist; Angel Wyrwas, EMCMHC Representative
Angel explained a program format for a community health worker and crisis diversion unit. Discussed establishing policy to address situations where a crisis diversion unit is or is not required. Angel and Mindi signed up for University of Missoula’s free Community Health Worker training. Discussed other programs that could be incorporated into the Community Health Worker program. Will reach out to the schools and the hospital to have a group discussion.
9:47 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:47 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
10:00 AM Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder and Cori Thurlow, FMC AP Clerk joined the meeting.
10:00 AM FMC UPDATES/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
1. Discuss/Decision regarding Parkview Retirement Complex rentals and processes/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
Parkview Retirement Complex rental deposits were managed by Cori at FMC. Cori would like the County to take over the management of Parkview. The Commission thanked Cori for her service with Parkview. FMC recommended having a manager on sight at Parkview. The Commission will look for options regarding Parkview management.
10:11 AM Cori, Debbie and Brenda left the meeting.
Marjorie updated on operations of FMC. Waiting to send a provider to Wibaux until an additional provider is hired. Reported positively on current employment situation.
10:58 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:00 AM APPROVE FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT MDT – STATE HIGHWAY 7 SANDSTONE CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the Floodplain Development Permit #FP-24-021 based on the Floodplain Admin Report. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. The motion carried unanimously.
11:04 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:20 AM Commissioner Rost excused himself.
11:25 AM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Melissa Rost, Museum Curator
Updated on Museum events and conventions. Melissa and Traci will be attending the Mountain Museum Association Convention in Bismark. Putting together informative sites (similar to Talking Trails) with SMART; 10 historical sites with QR codes that contain photos and stories on each site. Started recruiting for the Measurement of Museum Social Impact project (MOMSI); a study measuring the social impacts museums have on communities. Melissa will contact Straub Heating & Cooling to start project for heating the block building.
11:45 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:46 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost) The motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN
s/ Steve Baldwin, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
