Commission Minutes – January 22 – January 26, 2024
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024
9:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Roy Rost and Kevin Braun, 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.
10:00 AM ROAD/SHOP UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn and Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Continuing scoria on the South Plevna Road. Commissioner Rost asked if they are getting any more snow off the roads where it is blown across. Bobby answered, not today. Carl updated the Commission on the ambulance. Prairie County looked over the ambulance and was happy with it so now just waiting on whether they decide to take it or not. Discussed timeframe for transferring ambulance title from a 501(c)3 to Fallon County. Commissioner Baldwin asked Bobby to explain the water situation at the gun range. Bobby said there is a vault on the west side of town off 6th street that is frozen, and it’s the City’s, so there is no water out at the gun range. Chance that the meter is broken. Commissioner Baldwin stated that according to Rod, this has been a problem before. Discussed insulating the pit. Discussed including a utility easement to a meter pit that is on County property. Mitch discussed sewage issues at the Courthouse and moving the frost box out of the sidewalk and into the grass. Commissioner Braun asked if they had checked on the fire hydrant at the Fairgrounds that was accidentally damaged. Bobby reported that the fire hydrant broke the way it was designed to so the City will replace it and charge the County.
10:15 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:37 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Shannon updated on the Buerkle gravel pit measurement. He will be taking a final measurement sometime this week. The golf course pond will be measured depth today.
10:40 AM Rich left the meeting.
Shannon presented a proposal for the Coral Creek Road survey. Commissioner Braun explained that they wanted to have a speed study done on the road first to see what the current average traffic and speed on the road is. Updated on meetings with landowners who are on Bergstrom Hill Road. Landowners agreed with the project.
Discussed allowing the landowners to do their own fencing and what it would cost the County. Landowner would sign memorandum agreement and come back with a completed easement, Commission would review and sign easement, then payment would go out for memorandum agreement. Discussed landowner’s concern of crop damages on agricultural land during the project. Discussed what seed type to use on pastures and hay fields.
Commissioner Rost discussed notifying Westmore landowners on intent to sell. Asked Shannon if he was able to get a proposal of the list of landowners they would need to notify. Shannon said he would be able to do that.
10:59 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:00 AM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT JUSTICE COURT CLERK/ Anna Straub, Justice of Peace; Julie Straub, HRM
Anna asked the Commission if she could fill a part time vacancy for a Justice Court Clerk.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to advertise for a Part-time Justice Court Clerk position. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion;
being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
11:02 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:02 AM DISCUSS COMMUNITY SERVICE PICKUP/ Anna Straub, Justice of Peace
Anna updated the Commission about Community Service pickup having difficulty starting. Would like the pickup to be checked out for a new battery and an oil change. Commissioner Baldwin stated he will have the Road Department work on that. Anna asked if the County shares the expense for Community Service vehicle with the City. Commissioner Baldwin said we haven’t in the past. The Commission asked Anna to discuss the expenses with the City and they will follow up with them at a later date.
11:06 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:27 AM PERMISSION TO TAKE LEAVE WITHOUT PAY/ Amanda Frickel, DES & 911 Coordinator; Julie Straub, HRM
Amanada asked the Commission for leave without pay to attend to family matters.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve Amanda Frickel’s leave without pay. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none.
3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
11:29 AM DISCUSS/DECISION ON INTERLOCAL DISPATCH AGREEMENT/ Amanda Frickel, DES & 911 Coordinator
Amanda discussed updating the past agreement between Slope and Fallon County Dispatch. Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney will be reviewing the agreement.
11:42 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:43 AM 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; Kevin Braun, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS-PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:26 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY BUSINESS SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney
1.Indigent Burial Policy discussion/decisions
Commissioner Rost recommended adjusting the pay and adding the resolution to the contract. Discussed resolution for policy rate.
1:28 PM Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder and Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk joined the meeting.
2.Discuss the correct process of noticing the sale of county property.
A resolution from 2018 for the process on sale of property was passed. Darcy will look over the
resolution and statutes. Start resolution of intent to sale, include sale date.
2:02 PM Brenda and Cindy left the meeting.
3.Discuss/Decision to sign Petition to Terminate Coral Creek Trust
Wells Fargo made changes to the Petition that Darcy did not agree with so she will file petition to go forward with a public hearing to terminate petition.
4.Old or other county business (as needed).
Discussed clarification in County leases. Discussed changes that were made to the Stahly agreement.
Darcy explained the process for dissolving a 501(c)3.
2:14 PM PLAN AND NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF FALLON COUNTY AMUBLANCE INC./501(c)3/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
Commissioner Baldwin opened the Fallon County Ambulance Service, Inc 501(c)3 Non-Profit meeting.
2:20 PM FALLON COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE, INC 501(C)3 NON-PROFIT MEETING/
Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
Discussed dissolving Fallon County Ambulance Service, Inc 501(c)3 Nonprofit, that was solely set up for receiving a 2005 Ford Ambulance that was donated by Encore Operating. Annual IRS reports have been done with inaccurate information. Dissolving the 501(c)3 will make it possible to transfer the ambulance title over to Prairie County.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to adopt the Articles of Dissolution. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays.
The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the Notice of Intent to Dissolve. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Baldwin instructed Debbie to submit all the required information to the Attorney General Office and Secretary of State to begin the process of dissolution. Will schedule a meeting in 20 days to finish transfer and vote to dissolve Non-Profit Corporation
2:23 PM Chairman Baldwin closed the Fallon County Ambulance Service, Inc 501(c)3 meeting.
2:25 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:30 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1.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.Appointments/Resignations to various boards (as needed)
Commissioner Braun made the motion to accept Robert Boggs resignation on the Council on Aging Board. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
7.Approve Fair Contracts (as needed)
a.Contract/Artist rider addendums.
8.Executive/Action Items
a.Review updated Fallon County Leases.
No discussion was needed
b.Discuss/Decision on EMS pickup status/ Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Commissioner Braun recommends letting the Weed department use it. Sara was called during the meeting and will go and see if the pickup would work for the department.
2:37 PM Kimberly left the meeting.
c.Approve Per Diem Resolution #1120.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to accept Resolution #1120 for per diem and travel rates. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
d.Discuss/Decision to approve Professional Services Agreement with Stahly Engineering for Planning Services.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to accept the Professional Services Agreement with Stahly. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
e.Approve responses to the findings from FY2023 Audit
Reviewed responses, no comments.
3:10 PM DISCUSS POLICY ON FAIRGROUND FINANCIALS PER AUDITORS’ RECOMMENDATION/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Commissioner Braun informed Jennefer about the Auditor’s recommendations. Advised to set up a policy for receiving rent checks and maintaining fire system when Jennefer is absent. Updated on suppression system which is currently down and not drained. Jennefer presented a quote from Direct Electric to replace a rotted light pole at one of the approaches. Updated on rodeo feedback.
3:22 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:23 PM FAIR BOARD UPDATES/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager; Justin Koenigsfield, Matt Plaistead, Derek deHaan, Fair Board Members
Discussed semi-trucks parking in fairground parking lot. Matt asked the Commission about taking down the old exhibit hall. Commissioner Braun stated it’s a lot of barn wood that has some value so you could bid out the barn and have them take it down. Discussed timeframe for taking down the old exhibit hall. Commissioner Rost recommended the Fair Board figure out their expectations for taking down the old hall at their next meeting. Commissioner Baldwin advised them to keep Bobby in the loop when removing the concrete. Commissioner Rost recommended getting the removal on the agenda to notify the public and allow time for public discussion. Discussed free stage awning.
3:44 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:45 PM CHAMBER/RECREATION DEPT. UPDATES/ Mariah Miller, Executive Director
Mariah updated on Chamber and Recreation Department upcoming events. Discussed location of Conex box. Next Chamber meeting is Thursday, February 1st at the Frosted Flour.
3:50 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
4:00 PM PERMISSION TO HIRE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor
Commissioner Rost made the motion to hire Desiree Thielen for the Emergency Communications Dispatcher position. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
4:10 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
4:12 PM PERMISSION TO PURCHASE/ Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff
Trenton presented an invoice to the Commission for ammunition.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to pay the Salt Lake Wholesale Sports invoice #14871 for $1882.31 for ammunition. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
4:27 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
4:30 PM John Tronstad, Dennis Twedt, and Mark Jacobsen, Airport Board joined the meeting.
4:30 PM DISCUSS/DECISION ON INSTALLING INTERNET AND WEATHER CAMERA AT THE AIRPORT/ Roger Megger, Airport Manager; Josh Lewis, System Administrator
Updated the Commission that the MDOT has been asking to put in weather cameras at the airport. Would need to supply the Wi-Fi to the cameras plus half the cost for the cameras. Commissioner Rost asked when this would be done. Roger said late spring or early summer.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to install weather cameras at the airport based on the next fiscal year budget. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
5:00 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
5:06 PM APPROVE JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 19, 2024 COMMISSION MINUTES
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the January 15-19, 2024 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none.
3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
5:07 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.
RECESS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
PLANNING BOARD
GROWTH POLICY PUBLIC HEARING
6:30 PM AT THE COURTHOUSE
Commissioner Braun and Commissioner Rost attended.
RECESS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024
10:00 AM RED BUTTE GRAZING DISTRICT MEETING
EASTERN PLAINS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL MEETING
6:00 PM – GLENDIVE – YELLOWSTONE RIVER INN
ADJOURN
s/Steve Baldwin, Chairman
s/Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
