Commission Minutes – December 2 – December 6, 2024
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2024
9:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Roy Rost, Member (Attended 2024 MACo Elected Officials Training in Helena)
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.
9:45 AM WEED DEPARTMENT UPDATES/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Sara updated on spraying invoices being sent out two weeks ago; total sales for the season was $17,756.16. Updated on upcoming conventions and trainings. The Weed board decided to trade in the John Deere side-by-sides; will wait to until February before purchasing. Asked for permission to have the Road Department to look at tires for the Weed trucks; permission granted.
9:49 AM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn and/or Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Bobby updated on putting wings on equipment today, also hauling gravel to the Anticline Road. Carl updated on equipment maintenance.
10:04 AM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
10:29 AM Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk joined the meeting.
10:29 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian; Hunter Grover, Golf Course Superintendent; Doug Varner, Seasonal Interim Golf Course Superintendent
Doug was unable to attend the meeting. Shannon updated on the golf course irrigation pond; DEQ has approved the variance, which still needs the reasoning to test for e coli instead of total coliforms submitted. Rich explained how the winds are not a concern with the buffer zones that are in place. Discussed UV treatment at the golf course pond while gas chlorinating at the pump. Discussed how the inconsistent tests could be from the age of the pipe or from the depth of lagoon cell 3 being extremely low. Updated on a new hose needed for the pump and ventilation for the golf course shed. Shannon updated on Wyrick Construction’s estimate for pumping from lagoon cell 2 to lagoon cell 3; $125.00 per hour to transfer water, $30,000 for ten days. Discussed purchasing a large pump for county use; would use at the lagoon and at the golf course irrigation pond.
Shannon reported on the set schedule (December 30th) to scan missed documents for the road mapping project and including documents from prior to 1930s. Cindy reported on several potential abandonments having record of being completed in the older Commission Minutes. Discussed if members of the public would like to refute the County’s decision on abandonments, they will need to present all five documents.
1. Decision on Wyrick Construction’s Application of Payment.
Shannon updated on the completed regrading of Bergstrom Hill Road.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to approve the Application of Payment to Wyrick Construction for the amount of $144,823.25. Vice Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). Motion carries.
11:08 AM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:08 AM SMART & EMEDA UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, SMART Executive Director; Tasha Losing, EMEDA Chairperson
Tasha was unable to attend the meeting. Vaughn updated on the upcoming inspection for the childcare facility. SMART has been collecting donations for the childcare facility. Updated on grants; Baker Chamber was awarded a one-year grant to use dot AI, an attendance or traffic tracker that could be used during events like the county fair. Grid United will have an award ceremony on December 14th. Updated on upcoming play, decorating the Price park, a workforce development meeting with the Department of Labor and the school. Updated on increased traffic for individuals asking about rental space or office space. Commissioner Braun updated on paying the $50,000 for the wages of the new employee; this will be the last year.
11:28 AM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:28 AM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Melissa Rost, Museum Curator
Melissa stated that her last day will be December 23rd. Melissa presented an end of the year packet; reviewed the highlights of Museum Social Impact responses and social media comments. Melissa read her letter of resignation to the Commission.
11:37 AM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM
RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Roy Rost, Member (Attended 2024 MACo Elected Officials Training in Helena)
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:53 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Review/Revise Randy Tunby Ag Easement/ Randy Tunby, Landowner
Darcy presented two easements, one for cattle crossing and one for the waterline. Discussed terms of the easements. Darcy will send the updated easements to Randy.
2. Discussion on GIS Road Research.
Discussed the possible reasons as to why the past Commission abandoned several roads, mainly being there were no easements.
3. Draft/Review Gate Permit Liability.
Discussed having the gate permit liability stating the county will be indemnified if a landowner installs a gate on a county road. Commissioner Braun stated he was against making a landowner liable for a gate that is installed on a public road. This discussion has been tabled.
4. Draft/Review Cattle Guard Policy.
Darcy presented a draft of a cattle guard policy. This discussion has been tabled.
5. Review/Revise Road Petition.
Discussed whether to submit a deck action or a route petition. This discussion has been tabled.
6. Review/Decision on Baker & Plevna Senior Center Leases.
Darcy revised the leases and sent them back to the Senior Centers. Currently waiting on the Senior Centers’ decision to sign them.
2:19 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:21 PM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator
Josh updated on the ethernet panic button system at Fallon Medical Complex. Updated on phone maintenance and Verizon cell service issues; Deputies are currently using pagers due to cell phone service issues. Clarified on grandstand fire monitoring sending notifications to Dispatch. 406 Fire Service will repair the glitches at the grandstands. The Community Health Worker has requested a cell phone; permission granted to purchase a cellphone. Josh stated he will be attending the FEMA Convention.
2:28 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:31 PM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
Brittany presented monthly and yearly EMT stats. Updated on ambulance maintenance; EMT crew mentioned Ambulance #17 needs a muffler system. Presented updated Standard Operating Procedures for EMS. Updated on replacing fire extinguishers. Requested to attend an online course to become a CPR instructor; discussed if the county should pay for it. Brittany will gather more information on other county EMS Program Managers being certified CPR instructors. Presented a TAB Electronics quote for new radio batteries; will hold off until possibly next fiscal year. Updated on individuals retaking EMT tests.
2:40 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:00 PM CLOSED PERSONNEL/ Hunter Grover, Golf Course Superintendent; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Baldwin motioned to go into closed session. Vice Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). Motion carries.
Commissioner Baldwin motioned to come out of closed session. Vice Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). Motion carries.
Commissioner Baldwin motioned to give Hunter Grover a verbal warning. Vice Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). Motion carries.
3:13 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:24 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve November 18th – 22nd, 2024 Commission Minutes.
Commissioner Baldwin motioned to approve the November 18th – 22nd, 2024 Commission Minutes.
Vice Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). Motion carries.
2. Clerk & Recorder Office personnel updates/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder
Brenda updated on shuffling employees to adjust for an employee leaving in the near future; notified on her decision to hire a new AP Clerk.
3. Executive/Action Items:
a. Review/Revise Fallon County Public Records Search Policy
Discussion has been tabled.
b. Decision on Ratification of Fallon, Wibaux, and Carter Counties’ Interlocal Agreement for 911 Emergency Services
Commissioner Baldwin motioned to approve the Interlocal Agreement for 911 Emergency Services. Vice Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). Motion carries.
c. Decision on State of Montana Standard Lease Contract
Commissioner Baldwin motioned to accept the Standard Lease Contract for Montana Department of Vehicles. Vice Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). Motion carries.
4. Appoint Board Members
Commissioner Baldwin motioned to appoint Lisa Espeland to the Fallon County Planning Board. Vice Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). Motion carries.
5. Old Business as needed
6. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
7. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers/encroachments (as needed)
8. Approve November 2024 Payroll & Withholdings
Commissioner Balwin motioned to approve November 2024 Payroll & Withholdings for the amount of $636,848.45. Vice Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). Motion carries.
9. Approve November 2024 End of Month Claims.
Commissioner Baldwin motioned to approve November 2024 End of Month Claims for the amount of $336,894.81. Vice Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Rost). Motion carries.
3:27 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM on Wednesday, December 4.
RECESS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024
2:00 PM ATTEND AAR MEETING – LIBRARY EOC
Chairman Baldwin and Commissioner Braun attended the meeting.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2024
1:15 PM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Roy Rost, Member (Attended 2024 MACo Elected Officials Training in Helena)
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM PERMISSION TO HIRE A DEPUTY SHERIFF AND RECRUIT A DETENTION OFFICER/ Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Braun motioned to hire Jake Schell as Deputy Sheriff. 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). Motion carries.
Commissioner Braun motioned to advertise for recruiting a Detention Officer, open until filled. 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). Motion carries.
1:42 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
1:45 PM DISCUSSION ON CRO AND HB819 – ZOOM MEETING/ Terra Burman, EPEDC Executive Director; Mark Taylor, Billings Housing Authority
Mark Taylor introduced himself and explained his role as a Community Reinvestment Organization. Discussed House Bill 819 Section 5 (2). The CRO would provide the match to the program instead of Fallon County. Discussed county involvement in the program. Discussed household and school district eligibility for the duration of the investment.
2:16 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2024
12:00 PM ATTEND BAKER CHAMBER MEETING – OS BREW PUB
Correction: Baker Chamber Meeting is at the OS Brew Pub at 5:30 PM.
ADJOURN
s/ Steve Baldwin, Chairman
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Vice Chairman
s/Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
