Commission Minutes – February 5 – February 9, 2024
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2024
9:30 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.
9:30 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:43 AM DISCUSS LICENSURE FOR JUNK VEHICLES/ Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Rich updated the Commission on the State requiring a contingency plan for storing junk vehicles. Agreed that the County property west of Baker would be the alternative site.
9:49 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:59 AM Mark Sieler, Road Foreman joined the meeting.
10:00 AM ROAD/SHOP UPDATES/ Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanic
Continuing to haul scoria. Commissioner Braun explained that a member of the public was asking if the Road Department is blading on the Webster Road. Mark answered they only plowed it but that was a while ago. Discussed opening another scoria pit. The Commission updated on Prairie County taking the ambulance. Reviewed and discussed gate permit form.
10:11 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:32 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Updated on GIS road mapping project and golf course irrigation pond. Waiting for Stahly’s survey on the Man-camp, will begin water line easement once that is completed. Discussed road maintenance. Commissioner Braun inquired about County’s responsibility since the dirt work was done by the County and not the contractors. Shannon will go investigate. Discussed Red Butte Grazing Districts’ request to move the fence on to the property line. Commissioner Rost requested a proposal to survey the County property and landowners’ lands to stake out property lines. The Commission left to look at the handicap entrance.
11:10 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:11 AM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator
Discussed alarm system for Museum, Josh will follow up with Melissa about her requests. Updated on social media and website traffic. Discussed landfill’s Wi-Fi options for installing security cameras. Presented a quote for microphones for recording sessions. Updated on maintenance on speakers at the fairgrounds.
11:30 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:31 AM PREDISCIPLINARY MEETING/ Kevin Hill, Golf Course Superintendent; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Baldwin asked Kevin Hill if he was able to look over his predisciplinary meeting letter. Kevin Hill acknowledged that he did. Commissioner Baldwin asked if he would like this meeting to be closed. Kevin Hill said he would.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to go in to Closed Session. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
12:01 PM Commissioner Braun made the motion to come out of Closed Session. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Decision:
There will be zero tolerance for a lack of communication with the Commission. Kevin Hill will be provided a County cell phone. Kevin Hill will provide advance notice to all three Commissioners via group text. If he does not have a cell phone and is unable to text, he will call Commissioner Baldwin, Commissioner Braun and Commissioner Rost in this order until someone has answered, leaving a voicemail for those who don’t. If any of the Commissioners are unable to answer, Kevin Hill is to call or text Julie. Kevin Hill will utilize the Request leave form for flexing of hours or any absences. Kevin Hill will remain as Golf Course Superintendent, but the County will be recruiting for a new Golf Course Superintendent.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to follow as discussed in closed session. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
12:04 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
12:07 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.
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.
1:23 PM DISCUSS BAND CONTRACT FOR HERITAGE FEST/ Melissa Rost, Museum Curator
Melissa stated that she was instructed to get a certificate of liability from the band which they don’t have. Discussed hiring the band through the Historical Society and insurance issues. Melissa will ask Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney about options for the band.
1:32 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:15 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Executive/Action Items:
a. Approve Mountain Alarm Commercial Alarm System Agreement for the Museum.
The Commission is waiting for more information about the contract.
2. Old Business as needed
a.Sign Memorandum of Agreement between Montana Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division and Airport.
Chairman Baldwin signed the document as of today.
b.Other old business as needed.
3. Approve Fair Contracts (as needed)
4. Appointments/Resignations to various boards (as needed)
Commissioner Rost made a motion to accept Lora Heyen’s resignation from Stanhope Water and Sewer Board. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
5. Review & Approve Approach/Encroachment/Gate permits (as needed)
6. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
7. Review Department/Office reports/sign journal vouchers (as needed)
8. Emails/Correspondence
3:00 PM APPROVE JANUARY 29 – FEBRUARY 2, 2024 COMMISSION MINUTES
Commissioner Rost made a motion to approve the January 29 – February 2, 2024 Minutes. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
3:17 PM COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT UPDATES/ Amanda Williams, County Extension Agent
Updated on past and upcoming events. Discussed upcoming 4-H fruit sales. Commissioner Baldwin asked for Amanda’s opinion on the age restriction for spraying in the Weed department. Discussed options for hiring sprayers.
3:27 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:30 PM DISCUSS BROKEN TRACTOR AT THE CEMETARY/ Iven Felt, Seasonal Cemetery Caretaker
Discussed replacing the tractor instead of repairing it. Commissioner Braun found a tractor in Dickinson, will research more on it. Commissioner Braun asked if the cemetery ever received topsoil. Iven stated he has not.
3:41 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:41 PM LANDFILL UPDATES/ Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
Updated on landfill operations. Asked the Commission about outstanding accounts. Discussed personal accounts being cash/credit card only and allowing businesses to create charge accounts. Will talk to Darcy about a letter to send to overdue accounts. Commission updated Jeff on progress with Wi-Fi.
3:52 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:55 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.
RECESS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024
9:30 AM RECONVENED
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.
9:45 AM OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE UPDATES/ Robert Christiaens, Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick DeHaan, Maintenance Assistant
Discussed repairing two sections of sidewalk around the lake. Updated on sweeping sidewalks and Parkview maintenance. Discussed timeframe on resealing Splash Park.
10:00 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:05 AM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Manager
Updated on positive feedback for 4-H event. Commissioner Baldwin asked about the water situation at the Shoot Range. Jim explained that there was no water for a week, so they had to get a porta potty for the 4-H event, but everything is running again. Discussed allowing a board member to plow snow with their own equipment at the Shooting Range.
10:17 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:00 AM EPEDC UPDATES/ Terra Burman, EPEDC Executive Director; Teresea Olson, Community Development Specialist
No meeting at this time.
11:25 AM FAIR UPDATES/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Made changes to old exhibit hall bid. Discussed replacing the LED lights in the barn and the light pole on the approach. Went over fair contracts. The Commission updated Jennefer on tying in the fairgrounds Wi-Fi to the landfill. Discussed making an article for the old exhibit hall to inform the public.
11:45 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
12:00 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.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENED
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Roy Rost, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Kevin Braun, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM Cheyanne Dame joined the meeting.
1:35 PM SMART & EMEDA MONTHLY UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Executive Director
Updated on Visitor Center progress. A teacher invited Vaughn to speak to the high school composition classes. SMART donated $500 for the Fallon County Mental Health Council that the students wrote a grant for. MMA assigned SMART as the official Eastern Montana Ambassador for Montana Non-Profit Association. Will be reaching out to other Non-profits in the County to inform them of grants available to them. SMART received the Impact Award from Montana Economic Developers Association. Encouraged SMART to grant their own award, Local Business Impact Award, to a local business that has promoted Baker. Updated on 2024 budget. Vaughn spoke at the Legislative Interim Finance Community about rural communities struggling with obtaining facilities for childcare. Finished grant for moving the Sieler Schoolhouse for a Plevna museum. Updated on upcoming events. Updated on Childcare facility bid. SMART is looking for two Commissioners to add to the board.
1:54 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
1:55 PM PERMISSION TO ATTEND TRAINING AND MACO/ Amanda Frickel DES & 911 Coordinator
Permission granted to allow Amanda to attend training over February 26th and 27th.
1:56 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:00 PM Commissioner Rost made the motion to recess. Commissioner Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun) The motion carried.
RECESS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2024
9:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Roy Rost, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Kevin Braun, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:30 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:45 AM LIBRARY UPDATES/ Beth Meggers, Director of Library Services
Beth was unable to attend the meeting.
10:00 AM FMC UPDATES/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Updated on December financials. Commissioner Baldwin asked about the employment situation. David stated the hospital could have more nurses, CNAs and one more provider, but situation is improving with Dietary. Discussed sending some of the excess canned food to the Community Cupboard. Reviewed 2023 audit and audit adjustments for Fallon Medical Complex, Inc.. Discussed ways to adapt to tele-health and other new health practices. Montana-Dakota Utilities gave Fallon Medical a grant for public meeting chairs.
10:49 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:50 AM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
Reviewed December and January calls. Started EMT classes, currently three participating. Reported positively on EMTs’ recent calls. Waiting for new ambulance title from the State; will be arriving soon.
11:08 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:10 AM APPROVE JANUARY 2024 PAYROLL & WITHHOLDINGS FOR THE AMOUNT OF $644,340.58
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve January 2024 Payroll and Withholdings for the amount of $644,340.58. Commissioner Baldwin stepped down from the Chair to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun) The motion carried.
11:19 AM Commissioner Rost made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Baldwin stepped down from the Chair to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Braun) The motion carried.
ADJOURN
s/ Steve Baldwin, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
