Commission Minutes – April 3 – 7, 2023
9:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
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
Lisa Rieger, Department of Revenue wanted to let the Commission know she made the decision to go back to her Appraisal position. Everything will remain as it was, status quo. The Commission is thankful she will be back in the Appraisal position.
9:36 AM Lisa left public comment.
9:45 AM APPOINT DOCTOR BRIAN SULLIVAN AS EMS MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Commissioner Braun made the motion to appoint Dr. Brian Sullivan, MD as the Fallon County Emergency & Medical Services Medical Director. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). The motion carried.
10:00 AM ROAD/SHOP UPDATES/Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn/Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Road/Shop Updates-Bobby stated the oil and chip prices are about the same as last year. The total cost for what is needed would be approximately $200,000. The upper dam hose leak was discussed; the road department will check on it and see what they can do. Discussed placing a cattle guard on the road going to the old Herb Schell property. The cattle guard has been there, just needs to be placed. Bobby will check on it and take care of it. Richard Menger, Sanitarian let the Commission know the rock placement for the wetlands channel was perfect.
Mitch and Carl are working on some equipment maintenance. Commissioner Baldwin asked if they are still working on the golf course equipment. When they have time, they do work on the golf course equipment. Discussed the county permitting our own pits. Bobby discussed the county would still need to contract the crushing and further discussed the permitting process. It has supposedly been made easier for counties to permit. The current scoria pit is the county’s and is permitted until 2025.
10:21 AM Bobby, Carl and Mitch left the meeting.
10:30 AM GRAVEL BID OPENING/Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent
Bid received from: Wyrick Construction-14.95 per cubic yard for a total of $747,500.
NO DECISION-Award decision will be put on the agenda next Monday, April 10th.
Discussed permitting county gravel pits; the process is lengthy. Shannon felt the county would probably have to do the required studies. Discussed test holes used to be verified by the county; Bobby thinks the DEQ has to physically see the test holes now. Shannon will do some gravel comparisons and bring them to the Commission meeting next week.
10:50 AM Bobby left the bid opening.
10:51 AM Richard Menger, Sanitarian joined.
Rich stated the rock settled out perfectly for the wetlands channel. The gate for the upper dam has been closed. Rich discussed the DEQ permitting process for the golf course irrigation system. As soon as Shannon can get the information sent to DEQ the better. That information will indicate what will be required for the pond.
Shannon stated he is waiting for a quote for coring; it is felt the bore would be a minimum depth of 30’. The water is going over the overflow. Discussed tightening the ropes on the south channel of the lake to keep the waterfowl out of the wetland’s new growth area.
11:00 AM PROJECT UPDATES/Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering via conference call
UPDATES-Road Study Project-Discussed the progress of the word search and mapping for the road study project. There is a little more scanning to complete at the courthouse; the rest will be completed off site. On site set up for ESRI was discussed and transitioning the information to a county server. Surveys-Discussed surveying the Bergstrom Hill Road and Thielen Access as soon as the snow melts.
11:10 AM Shannon left the meeting.
11:30 AM PRAIRIE HILLS RECOVERY UPDATES/Tracey Goerndt; Carrie Tronstad
UPDATES-Tracey stated unfortunately they are getting busier. Tracey discussed the drug and alcohol funds received by Fallon County and the decision to split the funding equally between Prairie Hills Recovery and Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center. The Commission has signed the paperwork for FY24 and split the funding 50/50. When asked how Tracey felt they should have split the funds, she felt Prairie Hills Recovery should receive 75%. Tracey is in Baker and is seeing all the clientele; EMCMHC does not have a representative here so are seeing clientele in Miles City. Tracey explained if the funds are not being used in our county, Fallon County will need to send the funding back. The funding can also not be used for Mental Health. Tracey would not ask for the funds if she wasn’t seeing 75% of the clientele. Discussed festivities Prairie Hills holds for those in recovery such as summer at the lake; road to recovery will be held July 1st at the park. A couple comes to Baker to present a program for those in recovery; the couple continues to stay in touch with individuals. In the area they cover they are seeing meth, alcohol, fentanyl and heroin use. There is more marijuana used because in some cases it is legal and therefore easily accessible. The Commission will put the alcohol distribution on their agenda to discuss again.
11:36 AM Tracey left the meeting.
11:45 AM APPROVE MARCH, 2023 PAYROLL AND WITHHOLDINGS
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the March, 2023 payroll and withholdings in the amount of $586,584.41. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). The motion carried.
11:50 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to recess. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion.
Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). The motion carried.
NOON RECESS
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
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 CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULING FOR CITY OF BAKER STREET PROJECT/Steve Zachmann, Mayor; Kevin Dukart, City Clerk and Rod Morris, Public Works Director; Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Bobby Wiedmer, County Road Superintendent; Mary Grube, Planning Administrative Assistant
Project schedule was discussed; they are waiting on a second bid for the project. Scheduling needs to be decided for the portion of the project the county will be doing. That area is southwest of Baker Lake and East of Highway 7 (First, Second and Third Streets East). The county would need to excavate the top layer, lay fiber, gravel and compact before August 13th. They are hoping the county can do their portion of the work before August 13, 2023, because all sealcoating has to be finished by August 30th.
Shutoffs will need to be marked; the county will need to do a one (1) call; the city will be notified to mark their utilities as well as other utility companies. Discussed some fiber and gas lines that may be shallow. The city may be able to hydro vac to find out the location of utilities. The county can remove the gutters; the city has them figured in their project to replace.
Commissioner Braun asked where the excess dirt would be hauled. Most excess material is hauled to the old landfill to be used for washouts, etc. Discussed getting notices out to the public; the city will get the notices out to the public. Bobby will notify Rod when the county is ready to begin; it is felt it will be best to start the project right before the 13th.
The city will include 3rd Street and Center Avenue in the chip seal project also. Bobby will remove those streets from the county portion of our chip sealing project.
Discussed how much gravel will be needed and who will be responsible for the cost of the gravel. Approximate gravel needed is 5443 cubic yards. Bobby felt the county would do the work and the city was to pay for the materials; Shannon figured it both ways. Will have to look back in the minutes to see what was stated about who will pay for materials. County has programmable signs if needed for the project.
Discussed who would be responsible if someone hits lines, will be a city/county decision. Hoping if they hydro vac that will alleviate those issues.
2:05 PM Steve, Kevin, Rod, Shannon, Bobby and Mary left the meeting.
2:05 PM GOLF UPDATES/Kevin Hill, Golf Course Superintendent; Randy Ketterling and Brock Collins, Members of the Public
UPDATES: Waiting for HCT to come and not sure how many people they will send for that. Maintenance-Waiting for the reels that were sent to Midland in Billings to be sharpened. The Commission questioned why we did not do our own sharpening. Kevin stated we do not have the mount required to sharpen the reels used on the fairway greens. The road department will be alternating maintenance of equipment when they have time. Kevin stated the soil on the greens is anerobic and the county needs to get rid of 4” of the topsoil to help expedite the HCT process. The soil on the greens is a big issue.
Commissioner Braun expressed the drought that we had last year and the irrigation system that was not operating properly were the biggest reason for the issues with the greens. Discussed getting a crew here to repair the leaks for the irrigation system and the use of HCT, in lieu of the sulfur burner, should turn this around. Kevin feels the commission needs to shut down the course, get a crew here and remove the top 4” of the topsoil and get a new irrigation system.
Commissioner Braun stated we are not getting a new irrigation system; we are going to get a crew here to repair the leaks on the existing system. The county is not going to remove the soil, we are going to try HCT and with the irrigation system being fully functional, hopefully some spring rains we will get the course back up and operational. Again, the county is not interested in removing the topsoil. Discussed possibly setting up some temporary greens. Kevin did not feel the public would like that. Commissioner Braun did not feel the public would like a closed golf course either.
The Commission has heard Kevin is looking for a job. Kevin said that he had told them that all along, but he will give his two weeks’ notice if that time comes. Commissioner Braun stated HCT is supposed to work, the irrigation system is operational, (will repair the leaks), the filters were cleaned, hopefully there will be spring rains and the golf course should turn around. Commissioner Braun further stated the commission would like to know if he plans to stay working here. Kevin stated he is here; his commitment will be here. He will try to make it work but does not want to ruin his reputation.
Randy Ketterling stated we have always made it work before. Discussed his thoughts on what could be done to bring the greens back. Commission discussed HCT will work over time. Kevin feels it will but still feels they are going to lose the golf course if they don’t remove the topsoil. Commissioner Braun stated there needs to be better working relations between Kevin and the public. Kevin stated he has never said anything bad to the public unless they say something to him first. Commissioner Braun asked if Kevin is committed to the golf course; if not, he should let them know. Kevin would need some time to think about that. Kevin feels the county needs to do more and put more money into his budget to accomplish what needs to be done. Commissioner Baldwin stated again, public relations are a big thing and would like to see a commitment from Kevin. Commissioner Baldwin also feels Kevin needs to work with a better frame of mind, he would like to see the same guy that first came to work here.
2:34 PM Kevin, Randy left the meeting.
2:45 PM PERMISSION TO HIRE EMS PROGRAM MANAGER/Julie Straub, HRM
Interviews were completed last week, and they would like to hire Brittany Renner as the new EMS Program Manager. Discussed the wage per hour would be $27.38 after completion of probation; she would start May 15th and would like to work 9 AM to 4 PM.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to hire Brittany Renner as the EMS Program Manager. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). The motion carried.
The Commission is agreeable with Brittany working 9 AM to 4 PM with a one-hour lunch break.
2:57 PM Julie left the meeting.
3:00 PM MARCH, 2023 END OF MONTH CLAIMS APPROVALS
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the March, 2023 end of month claims in the amount of $110,983.76. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). The motion carried.
3:45 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
The Commission reviewed revenues received, reports, emails and other correspondence, board minutes and agendas.
Old Business
No old business.
Executive/Action items:
The Commission signed Fair Contracts.
The Commission reviewed fire alarm and sprinkler inspection reports from Johnson Controls.
The Commission reviewed and approved the Tourism Grant Final Report.
4:03 PM MARCH 27-31, 2023, COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVAL
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the March 27-31 minutes as presented. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). The motion carried unanimously.
4:05 PM Commissioner Braun made the motion to recess. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). The motion carried.
RECESS
TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2023
9:45 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:45 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS PUBLIC COMMENT
Julie Post, Deputy Treasurer/Assessor met and presented the delinquent tax report. Discussed the elevator in Plevna is on railroad property. The elevator is in very poor condition and very unsafe. The county is stuck with the elevators, and no one will ever pay the taxes; would like to get that off the books. Coral Creek Landfill Trust account was discussed. The Bank of Baker will contact DEQ and try to get the process finalized. The funding will be transferred from Wells Fargo to the Bank of Baker and will be placed in CD’s.
10:00 AM Julie left Public Comment.
10:15 AM INSIDE MAINTENANCE UPDATES/Lynda Herbst, Inside Maintenance Supervisor
UPDATES/Ordered a pneumatic valve that was not operational. Lynda would like to shampoo the carpet in the main hallway. Asked if she could do this on a Saturday so there is time for the carpet to dry. The Commission agreed and felt it would be best to wait until things dry up. Discussed the slab outside; the metal is rusting and needs to be replaced. The sumps were all replaced last week. Dispatch safety review-will need to replace a rug due to safety hazard. MTI will be down to replace the valve ordered and complete other maintenance.
10:21 AM Lynda left the meeting.
10:30 AM REVIEWED RFQ’S AND SOQ’S FOR ARCHITECTURAL, ENGINEERING AND LAND SURVEYING SERVICES (received last week).
11:00 AM IT UPDATES/Josh Lewis, System Administrator
UPDATES-Verizon continues to be the only VOIP provider that will allow us to keep our original phone numbers. Verizon’s fee is comparable to that of Mid-Rivers current pricing. We will not lose any features we have now; other providers had other features that our current system does not have but most important was the cost is comparable to our current system and we can keep our same numbers. When asked if there was a minimum number of lines required, Josh stated we are well above that number. Josh will schedule a meeting with Kimberly and department heads to discuss what lines are needed. Will also discuss what will be required for Dispatch. Mid-Rivers will not increase prices until the end of the year. Josh will get pricing and check on promotions for equipment. The new phone system will be budgeted in the building maintenance budget. Discussed the phone closet that needs to be checked for outdated (unused) wiring, etc. Email accounts will be moving from Mid-Rivers to Fallon County.net; this will have to be done before the end of April. EMS barn router needs to be replaced; then Josh will update all the laptops for the ambulances. Wants to start working on a bridge point connection between the ambulance barn and the courthouse. Iron Horse Park-Discussed camera maintenance and discussed placing the router in a waterproof box. Contract IT-Josh would like to discuss the agreement for contracted IT at a later date.
11:25 AM Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor joined.
The cameras at Iron Horse were discussed, Robbie knows of only one camera that will need to be replaced. Discussed the router that will need to be replaced and the possibility of placing it in a waterproof box. Robbie felt there may be enough wire to raise the switch and alleviate the need for the waterproof box. Josh and Robbie will meet to decide the process for installing the new switch; they may possibly install all new wiring. All cameras will be tested after the process is complete.
11:29 AM Derrick deHaan, Outside Maintenance Assistant joined.
11:32 AM Josh left the meeting.
11:32 AM OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE UPDATES/Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick deHaan, Outside Maintenance Assistant
Currently servicing all equipment in preparation for the upcoming season. Robbie will be attending CPO training; he will leave April 26th and be back April 28th. Discussed pressure washing the skate park; repair cement and treat that entire area. Commissioner Rost recommended doing this work after the Fair; when the youth are back in school, and the season is pretty much over. Discussed canopy cable replacements that are needed. Robbie is going to contact a business in Bismarck as he is not having good luck with the business from Dickinson that installed them to begin with. Derrick has been going around with the 406-fire extinguisher inspector to assist hanging new fire extinguishers in various county buildings. We will keep fire extinguishers for the fire department and will get rid of the rest of them.
11:45 AM Robbie and Derrick left the meeting.
11:55 AM Commissioner Rost made the motion to recess. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked if there was further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
NOON RECESS
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun, and Roy Rost, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS PUBLIC COMMENT
Lynda Herbst, Inside Maintenance Supervisor and Justin Huffines, 406 Fire Protection Inspector met to discuss communication issues with Johnson Controls regarding the fire extinguisher placement process, etc. Justin is contracted through Johnson Controls to do the fire extinguisher maintenance, etc. because JC does not have a person close to our area that can do the work. Justin stated their company can do all the work that Johnson Controls does, and they are located in Grass Range, MT. Discussed preparing a letter to send to Johnson Controls stating we would like Justin to do all of the work on the county buildings. Justin is more than willing to assist in any way he can; feel free to contact him any time.
1:25 PM Justin and Lynda left Public Comment.
1:28 PM Carl Overland, Shop Mechanic joined.
Carl wanted to update the Commission; he checked on the ambulance as requested.
1:30 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Manager; Carl Overland, Board Member
UPDATES-Discussed a recent snow removal process that was completed by a Shooting Range board member, using someone else’s equipment. There was some damage done to the chain link fence, some cement sidewalk was damaged and large ruts were left in many areas. The correct process for snow removal was explained to all board members. Shooting Range is not top priority, which was also discussed, the county will get to it as soon as they can. Road Department Foreman came to look at the ruts and said there was nothing that could be done other than the road. The Commission stated, there is to be no private person operating non-county equipment on County property; only county equipment and only county employees allowed to operate that equipment. The Commission stated they need to wait for the snow to melt before using the outdoor range areas. Board members asked for scoria to repair the damage they made. Scoria will be brought when the road department has time, and the road department will spread the scoria. The displaced sidewalk needs to be repaired as soon as possible; Jim will mark the sidewalk for safety reasons.
2:00 PM Jim and Carl left the meeting.
2:00 PM SMART/EMEDA UPDATES/Vaughn Zenko, SMART/EMEDA Executive Director
Unable to attend.
2:30 PM EPEDC UPDATES/Elisabeth Epley, Executive Director
UPDATES-Elisabeth will be leaving but is not sure when; she hopes they are able to hire someone at Eastern Plains and train them before she leaves. They have been advertising for 2 weeks with no applicants. Elisabeth will be here through May.
Commercial Property Assessment (CPA) program- This is designed to make energy efficient improvements to commercial property. The assessments would be placed on their taxes to be paid over time. The County would have to adopt a CPA District. Discussed not wanting to add a lot of work for the Treasurer if the program is not used. This is only for businesses, and they are also looking into the availability for schools. Non-Profits are also eligible. Elisabeth has a few more trainings to attend. Working on the Home Grown to Market program. Discussed Lean Manufacturing assists businesses to be more efficient. Eastern Plains board meeting, to be held April 19th at Dahl Memorial, 9:30 to 12:00 Noon; with a lunch held at the Wagon Wheel. Elisabeth is working on the MEDA Conference and feels it would be good for the commissioners to attend. Career Fair-Surveys were taken by Baker Juniors and Seniors; discussed the raise to stay program for the graduating youth. They either go to school and return to work here or make the decision to get a job right after graduating High School. Grid United wants to invest funding in the community in some format.
3:00 PM CHAMBER/RECREATION DEPARTMENT UPDATES/Melissa Higbee, Executive Director; Mariah Miller, Chamber Assist/Rec Director
Chamber-Working on a volunteer appreciation dinner for all that volunteered and helped the Chamber and Rec Department. This will be held on April 23rd at 5:00 PM at the Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. The Chamber will be making the food in conjunction with the museum. They are tentatively scheduling an Ag Appreciation dinner in January. The Career Fair went well; they added the 7th and 8th graders and Plevna; they may add Carter and Wibaux also so those vendors that participate feel it is worth their while. The Ag calendar is finished and will be printed in July; the Insurance Store is paying for them. The SNIP vendor show will be held this weekend at the Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. The St Patrick’s game held at Heiser’s was not real well attended but it did make a little money. Melissa explained the Easter Egg Hunt for businesses, which will be held this weekend.
Rec Department-They had 46 teams attend the Baker Jam; it ran smoothly; had good refs and a lot of volunteer help. There were referees that commented they would like to return. The concession stand was manned by the parents of the 5th and 6th AAU football participants. They have 25 youth signed up for this so far. They will hold a showcase tonight for various activities. Preschool playtime at the Museum will be held and the K – 5th track starts next Tuesday. The video for the city, completed by CGI, turned out really well.
3:20 AM Dale Butori, DES/911 Coordinator joined.
Fireworks Fund-Dale asked if the Chamber would be interested in taking over the Fireworks Fund. The Fire Department is not interested in looking for donations. Melissa will add this to the Chamber Board meeting and see what they think.
3:20 PM Melissa and Mariah left the meeting.
3:30 PM DES/911 UPDATES/Dale Butori, DES/911 Coordinator
ADOPT RESOLUTION #1106 Disaster and Emergency Response Mutual Aid Resolution
Commissioner Rost made the motion to adopt Resolution #1106 Disaster and Emergency Response Mutual Aid Resolution. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Approve and Sign Eastern District Disaster & Emergency Services/Emergency Management Mutual Aid Agreement
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve the Eastern District Disaster & Emergency Services/Emergency Management Mutual Aid Agreement. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
The Mutual Aid Agreement is on record in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office.
UPDATES-DES-Dale will be attending a meeting to update the PDM plan on April 6th. The 23-24 EMPG report was signed and mailed. 911-The Richland County overflow project is operating properly. There will be a demonstration for a text to page system on April 20th; 2-5 PM in the EOC. Dale would like to start with the new text to page by the end of this FY. This will be app based and each department will have to add the Commission to their page. The microwave project will be updated when the weather is better. The console update project will go out to bid and hopefully will break ground by July.
LEPC–Discussed putting together a full-scale exercise. They would need to budget more money in the upcoming FY. Dale anticipates it will not happen until late summer or fall next year. Dale will get a quote; he feels it needs to come through State DES. Dale has some upcoming meetings; PDM-April 6th; May 9-11 Emergency Managers forum. Dale asked for permission to leave Friday the 7th and return Tuesday the 11th. Permission granted. Dale would like the building used to store their message boards moved to the County Shop; sometimes the roads are poor, and they have a hard time getting to them. This will be discussed further.
4:00 PM Dale left the meeting.
4:00 PM Commissioner Braun was excused.
4:00 PM LANDFILL UDATES/Jeff Frank/Manager of Landfill Operations
UPDATES-Will further review the Landfill fees charged, per Auditor request; the Commission may adjust the fees depending upon various factors. Discussed the Shooting Range paying for a lid for one of the containers; that cost will be placed in the Shooting Range budget. Discussed the upcoming bid for the waste handler, May 10th. Jeff would like to keep the container site hours the same, year-round (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM). This will be placed on the agenda for further discussion. Jeff has not been able to get hold of the company that used to do the shredding so is trying to find another company. Found out about a company that will do the shredding rather than renting a shredder and doing it themselves. Commission asked Jeff to get a quote; discussed coordinating the shredder with another county to cut costs. Discussed getting a quote to haul branches from the container site to the landfill. Discussed the scoria hauled to the Landfill by the Road Department; will discuss the costs with the road department and bill those costs to the Landfill.
4:26 PM Jeff left the meeting.
4:32 PM Commissioner Rost made the motion to recess. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
RECESS
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
9:45 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
ABSENT: Roy Rost and Kevin Braun, Members
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:45 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS-PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for public comment.
10:00 AM FMC UPDATES/David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
UPDATES-Discussed various legislative bills this session. Marjorie presented the February financials and explained it was a slow month. Marjorie will be attending Thrive software training next week. Discussed adding additional providers and remodeling using the mill levy funds. David presented a project list for consideration; stated physical therapy would also like to do some remodeling. Discussed water issues have subsided but still need to be resolved. FMC needs to have a weapons policy for the Hospital/Clinic/Long Term Care; will need to talk to their attorney to see how to move forward since the building is county owned.
10:59 AM David and Marjorie left the meeting.
11:00 AM ADOPT RESOLUTION #1107 – INTENT TO CREATE A PAID EMERGENCY LEAVE POLICY/Julie Straub, HRM/ Debbie, Dale and Julie.
Julie presented two emergency leave policy options. Option 1 Policy was updated from recent discussions but added #7 to the policy because it was difficult to manage and administer. Option 2 Policy is a more streamlined version. P2 changed guidelines; discussed departments that have to remain on duty. Discussed adding Law Enforcement and Dispatch to the list of departments that must remain in operation. Dale would like DES to be added to that list. Discussion regarding abuse of sick leave. Commissioner Baldwin wants to pass a policy or put this to bed. Dale discussed the matter of employees coming to work when roads are closed because they do not want to use their vacation or sick leave for various reasons. Dale also mentioned the storm in which an employee was stranded in town and could not go home because the road was closed. The Commission feels it is up to the department heads to make the determination. Debbie feels if this is not followed completely it should be taken off the board. Leave without pay is not addressed; discussed employees do not seem to remember they were hired to work 40 hours per week. Dale asked if it would help to declare an emergency without instilling the mills. No one was sure on the authorities; MCA was discussed. Also discussed some of these events do not affect the entire county. Dale asked what would happen if we were to have another pandemic. Julie asked if she should address disasters and discussed this is about the safety of our folks. Debbie and Julie discussed elected officials’ offices should be included with all other departments when this is considered; should try to get a bill passed through the legislature to change this. Discussion will be put on the agenda again; Dale would like to be included on the agenda. Discussed possible city disasters because the weather differences between cities and rural could be very different.
DECISION-Discussion will be put back on the agenda. The resolution was not adopted.
11:30 AM Commissioner Rost joined.
11:31 AM Dale, Julie and Debbie left the meeting.
Commissioner Rost reported on the meeting he attended; discussed Grid United grants for Fallon County.
11:31 AM DISCUSS/POSSIBLE DECISION TO ACCEPT RFQ’S FOR ARCHITECTURAL, ENGINEERING AND LAND SURVEYING SERVICES
Commissioner Rost made the motion to accept all submitted RFQ’s (Brosz Engineering, Inc/Engineering & Surveying Services; Con’eer Engineering, Inc/Engineering Services; IMEG Corp/Engineering and Surveying services; JGA Architects Engineers Planners, PC/Architectural and Engineering Services; KLJ/Engineering and Surveying Services; SDI Architects & Design/Architectural Services; Stahly Engineering & Associates, Inc/Engineering & Surveying Services). Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
Letters will be sent to all accepted submitters.
11:40 AM Old Business:
Jessica Batterman and Shawn Wiseman, Bank of Baker; Barbara Ketterling, Treasurer/Assessor and Julie Post, Deputy Treasurer/Assessor joined.
Discussed the Wells Fargo Trust Account for the Coral Creek Landfill. Discussed the deposit placement agreement and the name on the Coral Creek Landfill Accounts would be “Coral Creek Landfill for the benefit of MT DEQ”. The assignment form will be sent to Tim Stepp, DEQ. The forms will be completed as required. CDs will renew automatically every 52 weeks. Interest will keep going back into the CD’s. Shawn will run this past their attorney and will then send it to Tim at DEQ. The CDs should be ready by next Wednesday. All agreed to proceed.
11:59 AM All left the meeting.
12:05 PM Commissioner Rost made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
ADJOURN
s/Steve Baldwin, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
