Commission Minutes – August 5 – August 9, 2024

MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2024

9:00 AM CONVENE

PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary

FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE

The Pledge of Allegiance was held in the Commissioner’s Office to start off the week.

9:00 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT

    No one appeared for Public Comment.

9:10 AM DISCUSSION/DECSION ON MTI PROPOSAL/ Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodian Supervisor

    Paul from MTI was contacted and explained how security is required to prevent hacking; provides updates to change errors in programing, improves performance and increases security. Discussed how the updates are not required but would eventually need the license for repair services if the unit were to malfunction. A new condensing unit would be 6 weeks to deliver and three to four days for installation; mileage and labor are included in the quoted price. Discussed services for the condensing unit.

9:24 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.

9:28 AM LIBRARY UPDATES/ Beth Meggers, Director of Library Services

   Beth reported on programs and inventory. Reported on the roof no longer leaking; will start painting.

9:30 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.

9:45 AM Mark Sieler, Road Foreman, Carl Overland and Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanics joined the meeting.

9:48 AM AWARD ROAD/TRUCK BID

    Carl and Mitch expressed why they prefer the Freightliner.

Commissioner Braun made the motion to purchase the 2025 Cascadia Freightliner Detroit DD15 for the Road Department for the amount of $143,276.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.

   Commissioner Rost noted that this was the lowest bid out of the three that were received.

9:50 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.

9:52 AM ROAD & SHOP UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn/Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics

     Bobby was unable to attend the meeting. Carl updated on county vehicle maintenance. Mitch updated on landfill equipment maintenance. Mark reported on progress with fairgrounds drainage and gazebo millings. Hauling scoria on the Old Baker Highway. Mark presented an email from HKT regarding a pickup for the Road Superintendent. Discussed possible ways of shuffling the road vehicles; Road Superintendent’s old pickup could become the Road Foreman’s pickup. Commission will wait on making a decision until reviewing trade-in prices for the Road Superintendent’s pickup.

10:04 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.

10:08 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Richard Menger, Sanitarian

    1. Bergstrom Hill Road/ Nationwide Permit Verification

        Shannon reported on the USACE permit for delineating along Bergstrom Hill Road. Discussed bid process, time frame and material needed for Bergstrom Hill Road. Plan to discuss with Bobby on signing the intersection. Shannon explained how traffic control will be handled when construction begins.

    DNRC sent a letter requesting inspection reports on the upper dam which is under the City’s jurisdiction; asked if the County received the same letter regarding the lower dam. Shannon reported on an inspection for the lower dam; will have a meeting with DNRC to discuss requirements like instrumentation.

10:27 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.

11:14 AM DISCUSSION ON COMMUITY HEALTH WORKER/ Fallon County Mental Health Council Members

    Mindi Murnion, Angel Wywras, Melissa Rost; Julie Straub, HRM; Aaron Skogen, Baker High School Superintendent attended the meeting. Aaron stated the schools have space available for a Community Health Worker in each of the buildings; also applied for a grant to go towards the initial startup cost of Catalyst for Change. Mindi stated she has a $50,000.00 grant for Catalyst for Change. Discussed grants through Public Health that could go towards the Community Health Workers wages; the school is only able to fund one year of the Catalyst for Change program. Mindi stated that there will be more grant funding in the future. Angel explained how minimum service would look like for the school and the community. Mindi stated a Community Health Worker could assist with Medicaid and VA questions. Discussed options for a Community Health Worker supervisor; will speak with Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health to confirm if she will be able to supervise additional people. Melissa stated that the original proposal of hiring two people is the best option for the community. Commissioner Rost explained how the Commission should be the first to commit to a Community Health Worker so the Mental Health Council can plan. Commissioner Braun agreed but explained why he isn’t certain that Catalyst for Change should be part of county government; would it do that service justice while being controlled by the State and auditors. A decision will be made later today.

11:46 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Recessed until 1:15 PM.

                           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

    Tony Gunderson asked the Commission for assistance in an confrontation that he had with David Espeland; has been trespassed from going to the hospital and would like to attend the board meeting this Wednesday. Commissioner Baldwin stated that he would check with the Sheriff Office but is not guaranteeing positive results.

    Vaughn Zenko asked if there is a possibility for EMEDA’s Childcare employees to be added to the County Insurance; EMEDA would reimburse the County for their portion of the insurance. The Commission will ask Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder for more information. Will make a decision next week.

1:35 PM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Melissa Rost, Museum Curator

    Melissa updated on several events, programing and articles. Reported on summer help with STEM Camp and Heritage Fest. Presented preliminary figures for an addition to the Museum to enclose the old Willard School house; Melissa will speak with Vaughn Zenko regarding the Community Development Block grant. Reported on maintenance around the Museum. Updated on several upcoming events and museum traffic.

1:48 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.

2:00 PM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ Hunter Grover, Golf Course Superintendent; Doug Varner, Interim Golf Course Superintendent

    Hunter and Doug reported on maintenance for the sprinkler system, greens and equipment. Discussed quote for an additional fairway mower. Hunter updated on POGO sensors being installed soon. Reported on irrigation for the golf course and lagoon cell water. Discussed golf course etiquette and requiring golfers to sign in when using the course. Hunter reported on a hole in the driving range that could possibly be a prairie dog hole; filled in the hole and will check later to see if it’s dug out again. Doug is looking for quotes on divot bottles and signs for the tee boxes. Discussed process of maintaining greens in the winter.

    1. PERMISSION TO REDUCE SEASONAL INTERIM GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT HOURS/ Julie Straub, HRM 

         Julie stated that Doug would like to reduce his hours to sixteen hours per week, but to work as much as needed; effective as of August 12^th and taper off from there. Commission approved the adjustment.

2:35 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.

2:45 PM DISCUSS/REQUEST EXTENSION OF A SEASONAL POSITION AND/OR CREATING A PERMANENT POSTITION/ Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Julie Straub, HRM

    Discussed extending Ethan Reichenbers’s position and possibly having other departments utilize his help. Robbie would have tasks for him up until September, but then the golf course or the fairgrounds could use him if they are shorthanded. The Commission agreed to extending the seasonal position until the end of September and working for other departments as needed.

2:51 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.

3:31 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION

    1. Approve July 29^th – August 2^nd, 2024 Commission Minutes

Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve July 29^th– August 2^nd, 2024 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 abstained. (Commissioner Baldwin) The motion carried unanimously.

    2. Approve July 2024 End of Month Claims

Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve July 2024 End of Month Claims for the amount of $1,563,737.03. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.

    3. Approve July 2024 Payroll

Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve July 2024 Payroll for the amount of $759,467.51. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.

 4. Executive/Action Items:

        a. Decision on signing Data Disclosure Authorization with Smith Health, Inc.

Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve signing the authorization. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.

        b. Decision on signing the Telemedicine Services Agreement with Avel.

Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the service agreement. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; Commissioner Rost stated that this will be a $14,000.00 agreement per year for the Sheriff Office, will be added to their budget whether they have grant money or not. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.

        c. Decision on signing Modification #01 to purchase of Service Contract between Fallon County and Area 1 Agency on Aging.

Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve the service contract. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.

        d. Decision on EMS billing rates.

Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve the EMS billing rates increased as stated below. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; Commissioner Rost asked for an effective date; decided the effective date will be August 6^th, 2024. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.

    5. Old Business as needed

         a. Decision on Rusley COS based upon the staff report received from the Contract County Planner.

              There was no discussion at this time; waiting for County Attorney’s review.

         b. Decision to sign Action For Eastern Montana ROMA workplan letter.

Commissioner Rost made the motion to sign the letter. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.

         c. Decision on Community Health Worker position.

              Commissioner Braun stated that the Community Health Worker position should be through Public Health with Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health as supervisor with her permission. Discussed doing a pilot program for the first year to determine if it will work for the community. Discussed a budget to set for the Community Health worker for the year; discussed a threshold for determining if the program is working.

Commissioner Rost made the motion for $100,000.00 as a line item for a Community Health Worker that will be supervised by the Director of Public Health as a county employee for this fiscal year. Commissioner Braun proposed a friendly amendment to add the clarifications that there will be grant money funding this program for this fiscal year; will need the Public Health Director on the record committing to supervision and verify that she has the space for an addition worker. Commissioner Rost agrees to the friendly amendment. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; Commissioner Braun stated that this is not a permanent position as of yet. 2 Ayes. 1 Nay. (Commissioner Baldwin) The motion carried.

         d. Discussion on road policy.

         e. FY25Budget questions (if any)

    6. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)

    7. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers (as needed)

3:14 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Recessed until 9:00 AM on Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2024

9:00 AM RECONVENED

PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary

ABSENT: Roy Rost, Member

FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE

9:03 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT

    Dennis Gerke, Plevna School Superintendent attended the meeting. Dennis asked the Commission if Plevna School could borrow four sets of bleachers. Also, if the Commission would be willing to purchase bleachers for Plevna School. Commissioner Baldwin will include Robbie Christiansen for the meeting next week regarding the bleachers that are currently at the fairgrounds; also stated that the bleachers don’t travel well. Dennis stated the bleachers will only be used on the football field.

9:06 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.

10:12 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON SETTING MINIMUM HOURS FOR HOMEMAKER POSITION/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director; Julie Straub, HRM

    Carla stated that Bert Allerdings does not have minimum hours set for her Homemaker position. Would like to set a minimum to base vacation and sick leave from. Carla recommends 4 hours per week; Bert could help at the Senior Center if she is unable to fill the four hours with her current clientele. The Commission approved of setting the minimum hours required to four hours per week.

10:15 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.

10:27 AM DISCUSS SHERIFF OFFICE FEE SCHEDULE/ Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff

    Trenton stated that he asked other counties for reference on their fee schedules on report requests and printed copies. The Commission will wait for the resolution to approve the scheduling fees.

10:29 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.

ADJOURN

                                                                                                s/ Steve Baldwin, Chairman

s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary

ATTEST:                   

s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder