Commission Minutes – January 1 – 5, 2024
TUESDAY JANUARY 2, 2024
9:00 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Vice-Chairman; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder;
Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Roy Rost, Member
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
Amanda Frickel, DES/911 Coordinator updated Commissioner Braun on the EMPG grants.
9:03 AM – Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance joined the meeting.
Robbie called Industrial Coating Solutions, Inc. out of Billings to powder coat the boat ramp and was quoted $5,250 but price could change after ramp is on site and measured. $2,041 quote from Direct Electric for LED lights in shop. Commissioner Braun gave permission to haul the ramp to Industrial Coating Solutions, Inc. and to have the new lights installed. Robbie will haul the ramp to Billings as soon as he can.
9:09 AM Robbie left the meeting.
9:15 AM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER/
Julie Straub, HRM; Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor
Commissioner Braun gave permission to start the recruitment process for an Emergency Communications Dispatcher. Recruitment closes on January 16th.
9:22 AM Brenda and Julie left the meeting.
9:45 AM CLICK SEND MESSAGE – TEST
Commissioner Braun sent out the Click send text message successfully.
9:57AM Julie Straub, HRM joined the meeting.
10:00 AM ROAD/SHOP UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn and Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
PERMISSION TO HIRE ROAD OPERATOR/ Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Braun gave permission to hire Dylan Schooley for the Road Operator position.
10:02 AM Julie left the meeting.
ROAD/SHOP UPDATES/ Should finish DeGrand’s road this week; will haul scoria after that.Carl finished fixing the loader. Commissioner Braun asked about the warranty on the loader’s motor and Carl said its 2 years unlimited. Commissioner Braun asked if the golf course got a hold of them. Mitch said they talked about fixing the two mowers the golf course has. One mower had its radiator cleaned and the other needs a motor transfer.
10:04 AM Bobby, Mitch and Carl left the meeting.
10:15 AM PERMISSION TO SET UP INTERNET AT LANDFILL FOR SECURITY CAMERA INSTALLATION/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator
Commissioner Braun gave permission to install security cameras out at the Landfill. Josh will check to see what would be the better option in getting Wi-Fi out at the Landfill.
IT UPDATES/ New Verizon phones are all up and running but still in the process of working on fax lines with Clint Townsend, Contract IT. AVCapture All, a program used to audio record meetings, has been installed. Training for this program has been scheduled for Friday, January 5th. Josh had to reschedule the installation of the new server with Tyler and is still trying to get clarification on the DocuPro maintenance fees. Some departments are starting to order the computer replacements that were on their budget.
11:40 AM Commissioner Braun recessed.
NOON RECESS
PRESENT: Kevin Braun, Vice-Chairman; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder;
Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Roy Rost, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for public comment.
4:00 PM Commissioner Braun recessed.
RECESS
PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING
7:00 PM – COURTROOM
Commissioner Braun attended.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024
9:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Roy Rost and Kevin Braun, Members;
Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder; 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 ADOPT RESOLUTION #1119 – Resolution to elect presiding officer for 2024.
(Moved from 9:30 AM, January 2nd, 2024 due to lack of quorum)
Commissioner Braun made the motion to retain officers as they are. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
9:56 AM Julie Straub, HRM and Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder joined the meeting.
9:57 AM Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk and Recorder; Barb Ketterling, Treasurer/Assessor; Julie Post, Deputy Treasurer/Assessor, Bert Lagasse, Clerk joined the meeting.
10:00 AM ADOPT AMENDED PER DIEM POLICY/ Julie Straub, HRM
Discussed more alternatives for the per diem policy. Brenda spoke with Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney, about providing meals to employees and found it was possible for the Commission to increase the in-state per diem rates for their employees. Debbie asked if we increase the rates, would people still be honest. Commissioner Baldwin would like to speak more about the rule on increasing the rates with Darcy. Commissioner Braun referenced Wibaux County’s policy of a set amount of $160 for both room and meals. Commissioner Baldwin asked if there were any upcoming events for the departments. Both Treasurer and Clerk & Recorder have conventions/trainings coming up. The Commission decided to wait on a decision until they speak with Darcy about overall policy and change in rates.
10:22 AM Brenda, Debbie, Barb, Julie Post, and Bert left the meeting.
10:24 AM PERMISSION TO TAKE LEAVE WITHOUT PAY/ Julie Straub, HRM; Amanda Frickel, DES & 911 Coordinator
Commissioner Rost made a motion to grant leave without pay for Amanda Frickel. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried unanimously.
10:25 AM Julie left the meeting.
10:30 AM DISCUSS/DECISION TO DISSOLVE FALLON COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE INC. 501(c)3/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
The ambulance is ready but won’t be able to get it from Kalispell to Baker until possibly January 16th unless the Commission sends someone up to get it. The company offered to reimburse the County for picking it up. Debbie said she needs to dissolve the 501(c)3 for the ambulance service. Fallon County has been reporting the ambulance on County budget while the non-profit has been using depreciation. Debbie will speak with Darcy about the dissolution clause and see if it’s possible to title the 501(c)3 ambulance under the County.
10:56 AM Debbie and Brittany left the meeting.
10:57 AM Forrest Sanderson, Contract County Planner joined the meeting.
10:58 AM Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk joined the meeting.
11:00 AM PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
Forrest explained some the of the Legislative changes to the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act. Explained the Family Transfer Amended Plat and how there is an option to apply a hold to the property once it is transferred, meaning the new owner will not be able to sell it for 1-2 years depending on the Commission. The Fallon County Planning Board recommended to the County Commission to have a zero hold on the Family Transfer Amended Plat as a County and let the City of Baker and the Town of Plevna decide if they will require a hold for city/town limits only.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to follow the Planning Board’s recommendation and have no hold over the Family Transfer Amended Plat. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
11:17 AM Forrest and Cindy left the meeting.
11:19 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to recess. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
NOON RECESS
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Roy Rost and Kevin Braun, Members;
Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for public comment.
1:20 PM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
UPDATES & EMT CLASSES/ Commissioner Braun updated Brittany on Slope County requesting EMS coverage due to lack of volunteers and Amanada Frickel, DES & 911 Coordinator will speak with her soon. Brittany discussed how she has 5 interested volunteers and will need to purchase the learning materials. It is $250 per person to take the class but you will receive your money back once you are officially hired on. Brittany would like to start the EMS classes in February, having class possibly twice a week for twelve weeks. Also discussed possibly doing background checks on new volunteers to help determine qualifications before being hired on. The Commission granted permission to purchase new EMS class materials as needed.
1:41 PM Brittany left the meeting.
2:17 PM DECISION ON BILLING ADDITIONAL MILLS & NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS/
Barb Ketterling, Treasurer/Assessor; Julie Post, Deputy Treasurer/Assessor
Discussed billing the additional Mill Levies. The people who have already paid will have to pay the additional mill levies. Barb recommends putting a notice in the Fallon County Times. The Commission read over the statement provided by MACO and decided to wait until February, after the Commission returns from the MACO meeting, to see if they update their statement for the public before March.
2:41 PM Barb and Julie left the meeting.
2:45 PM FY25 SALARY WORK SESSION/ Julie Straub, HRM; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Christa Alford, Payroll Clerk; Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff
Decided to table until tomorrow at 4:00 PM
2:57 PM PERMISSION TO HIRE ROAD OPERATOR
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve the hiring of Dylan Schooley for the Road Operator position. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
3:00 PM APPROVED DECEMBER 2023 PAYROLL AND WITHHOLDINGS IN THE AMOUNT OF $589,704.01.
3:10 PM APPROVED DECEMBER 2023 END OF MONTH CLAIMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $396,529.26.
3:38 PM SMART AND EMEDA MONTHLY UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Executive Director
Vaughn reported on the progress for the Visitor Center. Discussed using the SMART’s Covid relief fund as a Community Foundation. Acquired a grant for planter boxes for the park, currently looking for a contractor to work on the planter boxes. Working to have the one room schoolhouse moved into Plevna as a museum piece. Commissioner Rost recommended picking a location on Main Street if possible. Vaughn has some summer events he is working on like getting ready for the summer play in the middle of May and beginning of June. Also working on a potential Plevna Jamboree on June 22nd. Still looking for a grant for the AI Demographic program. Vaughn will be going to Helena on January 17th to be part of a discussion for rural area childcare. Vaughn is hoping to have the daycare open by the end of the school year with 20 open slots. At the beginning of the next school year, Head-Start from Montana will be able to add additional slots.
4:06 PM Vaughn and Cheyanne left the meeting.
4:26 PM COUNTY LAND LEASE UPDATES/DECISION/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
$6.00 per acre for 5-year terms. Debbie asked if the Commission would like to make changes to some of the leases. The Commission wants all the lease agreements to be fair, so all lease agreements require proof of liability insurance. Debbie would like to have the lease agreements mailed out before February.
4:39 PM Debbie left the meeting.
4:40 PM Commissioner Rost made the motion to recess. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
RECESS
THURSDAY JANUARY 4, 2024
9:45 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Roy Rost and Kevin Braun Members;
Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
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 and Marjorie Losing, CFO
Margorie updated on FMC financials for the month of November. FMC has not been servicing Wibaux for about a year. Only have two providers and in the process of hiring one. Once the new hire on turns full time, one of the other providers will be able to go down to Wibaux.Reported positive feedback on payment portal. David reported that the board elected Curt Arnell as president, David Kirschten as Vice President, and Evelyn Neary as Treasurer. SDI submitted a preliminary quote for doors and remodeling upstairs business office and Long-term Care. Long-term Care entry way doors don’t close properly, and some flooring needs to be redone because of damage caused by motorized wheelchairs.
10:40 AM David and Marjorie left the meeting.
10:53 AM GOLF COURSE SAFETY REVIEW UPDATES/DECISIONS AS NEEDED/
Kevin Hill, Golf Course Superintendent; Doug Varner, Seasonal Lead Crew Hand; Julie Straub, HRM
UPDATES/ Discussed whether to put a new or used motor in one of the mowers. Kevin presented a quote from Turf Solutions LLC for the amount of $2,500.00 for a fertilizer pump. He will check to see if installation is included in the cost. Lining of the pond will start in the fall. Commissioner Braun asked if the fan in the fertilizer building can be fixed. Doug said he would look for a new motor for the fan. Kevin will call DEQ and get on their schedule for the irrigation pond. Doug said they still need to fix a leak in the sump pump.
11:17 AM The Commissioners, Julie, Kevin and Doug went to the golf course for safety inspections.
12:00 PM Commissioner Rost made the motion to recess. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
NOON RECESS
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Roy Rost and Kevin Braun Members;
Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder; 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 DISCUSS CORAL CREEK ROAD SPEED LIMIT/ Larry & Cindy Singer; Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
Larry explained that there was a near miss on the road on the way to the landfill. Also, a garbage truck went off the road. There used to be a 35 mph sign up during the lake clean up, but it has been taken down once the lake was finished. There was also a “NO LITTERING” sign, but it has been knocked down for a while now. Jeff said the speeding won’t be fixed unless it is enforced. Larry said that as long as the signs are up, he doesn’t think they need to sit there 24/7. Have a sign put up to implement some rule. Larry recommends a 40-45 speed limit on the landfill road. Commissioner Baldwin asked Jeff if he was of the same opinion and Jeff agreed. The Commissioner will visit with Sheriff Harbaugh. They will also talk Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering about whether the approaches are safe for a 40-mph speed limit.
2:00 PM Larry, Cindy and Jeff left the meeting.
2:01 PM PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES/ Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health
Kim would like to thank the Commission for the new vehicle. Gave an update on RSV and Covid boosters. Started a monthly lunch and learn called Wellness Wednesday, first one being January 17 at the Frosted Flour Bakery, 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. Discussed increasing Home Health appointments and how to proceed once schedule is full.
2:13 PM Kim left the meeting.
2:30 PM CHAMBER/RECREATION DEPARTMENT UPDATES/Mariah Miller, Executive Director
Mariah was unable to attend the meeting.
3:00 PM DISCUSS ROAD OPERATOR WAGES/Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mark Sieler, Road Foreman; Julie Straub, HRM; Christa Alford, Payroll Clerk
Commissioner Rost asked Bobby and Mark how the Road Operators felt with the current scheduling. Mark stated as of a year ago everyone has come to terms with a 4-10s (four, ten-hour days) schedule. Discussed possibly having a 5-8s (five, eight-hour days) scheduling in the winter, but Bobby does not see that working during the pay periods of December and January. Commissioner Braun said there were other counties using summer and winter hours. Discussed how the Road Department Assistant’s schedule would remain the same if the Road Operators switch into seasonal hours. Discussed how holidays would affect the scheduling.
3:25 PM Bobby and Mark left the meeting.
3:28 PM APPROVE DECEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 21, 2023, COMMISSION MINUTES.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the December 18-23, 2023, Commission Minutes with corrections:
MONDAY-
9:45 AM COUNTY LAND LEASE UPDATES/DECISION – The Commission decided to increase the leases to $6.00/acre for a five-year term as of January.
10:30 AM PROJECT UPDATES – Commissioner Rost also wants to include a disclaimer about the information not being a hundred percent accurate complete since its just a tool to help with research.
THURSDAY-
10:00 AM Commissioners Commissioner Braun and Commissioner Rost attended the Road Operator Interview
Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
3:30 PM FY25 SALARY WORK SESSION/Julie Straub, HRM; Christa Alford, Payroll Clerk;
Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff
Discussed further on having the Road Department work different hours depending on the season and the effects of holiday pay on the schedule. Discussed further on a step process for raises. Discussed COLA adjustments to new hires based on hire date in a fiscal year.
4:30 PM Julie, Trenton, Christa left the meeting.
4:35 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
The Commission reviewed revenues received, reports, emails and other correspondence, board minutes and agendas. The Commission signed Certificates of Appreciation for Melissa Rost and Anna Straub in recognition of 5 years of service. Thank you for your service.
1. Old Business as needed
a. Coral Creek Landfill Trust Account (any decisions needed)
There was no further discussion at this time.
b. Policies/Procedures for gate permit system (discussion/decisions as needed)
There was no further discussion at this time.
c. Indigent Burial Policy discussion/decisions
There was no further discussion at this time.
d. Hospital basement project (any decisions needed)
There was no further discussion at this time.
e. Update EMS policy/procedures
There was no further discussion at this time.
f. Other old business as needed.
2. E-mails/Correspondence
3. Review & Approve Encroachment/Approach Permits (as needed)
4. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
5. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers (as needed)
6. Executive/Action items:
a. Approval of the Meadows Subdivision Plat per recommendation of contract planner.
There was no further discussion at this time.
b. Discuss/Review Professional Services Agreement with Stahly Engineering for Planning.
There was no further discussion at this time.
c. Approve electrical quote to get power to out building at the golf course.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve the Direct Electric quote for the amount of $4,916.68 for the Golf Course fertilizer building. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
d. Approve Tyler Tech amended agreement to increase I.Doc Market subscription fees received by Fallon County.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the Amended Tyler Tech Agreement. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays.
The motion carried unanimously.
e. Approve electrical quote to set pole and get power to site location.
Commissioner Braun made the motion approve the Direct Electric quote for the amount of $3,463.23 for the relocation and installation of siren. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
f. Decision regarding 2024 Chamber Membership/Recreation Donation.
The Commission agreed to pay the membership for the amount of $375.00.
g. Review Mancamp First Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plat
There was no further discussion at this time.
h. Approve Contract with MT DOT/provide operating assistance for public transportation/Fallon
County Council on Aging
Commissioner Rost made the motion approve the MT DOT Contract. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
i. Approve Pitney Bowes postage contract for Fallon County Library
Approved in previous meeting.
4:45 PM Commissioner Braun made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN
s/Steve Baldwin, Chairman
s/Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
