Commission Minutes – June 5 – June 9, 2023
9:00 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
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.
9:15 AM APPROVE MAY, 2023 PAYROLL AND WITHOLDINGS
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the May, 2023 Payroll and Withholdings in the amount of $607,514.96. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
9:30 AM COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS PRELIMINARY BUDGET MEETING/Don Schillinger, County Superintendent of Schools; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Discussed upcoming FY24 budget; Don decreased travel and increased Professional Services; total budget amount requested is the same as last year. Commission thanked Don for doing a good job.
9:34 AM Don and Kimberly left the meeting.
9:45 PERMISSION TO HIRE LANDFILL EQUIPMENT OPERATOR/Jeff Frank, MOLO; Julie Straub, HRM
Julie stated they concluded interviews for the Landfill Equipment Operator position and would like permission to hire Jeff Halmans as the Landfill Equipment Operator, pending the outcome of the Drug and Alcohol test.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to hire Jeff Halmans as the Landfill Equipment Operator pending the required testing. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
9:48 AM Jeff left the meeting.
Julie stated they would like to hire (3) Golf Course grounds seasonal crew hands/Doug Varner, Carson Sander and Gyme Kelly III.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to hire Doug Varner, Carson Sander and Gyme Kelly III as Seasonal Golf Course grounds crew hands. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
9:53 AM Julie left the meeting.
10:00 AM ROAD/SHOP UPDATES/Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn and Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Road/Shop Updates/Millings will be placed on a portion of the road in the North Baker Water Sewer District. Mark Feland, RDO said the loader has arrived. Decision to purchase this fiscal year (FY23) because there are ample funds in the Capital Projects Fund. Larry Dahl asked if the road department could put some water on the Plevna football field; Bobby will get more information regarding this request.
FY24 Preliminary Budget Meeting/Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk joined/Discussed increased costs for road materials, fuel costs, weed chemical costs and parts and supplies. This year we need to purchase gravel and pay to crush scoria which are all large budget costs. Some line items were adjusted up and some were adjusted down. The overall total adjusted increase was approximately $216,000. The Road Capital Project budget will cover the blade, loader, packer, and skid steer. The projected equipment replacements for FY25 were discussed. The Commission thanked them for doing a good job.
10:48 AM Bobby, Carl, Mitch, and Kimberly left the meeting.
10:49 AM MAY 29 – JUNE 2, 2023, COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVALS
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the May 29-June 2, 2023, minutes as amended (Road Department updates: Hidden Water Trail was discussed, not Straub Access. This was corrected to reflect the correct road name). Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
11:00 AM TV BOARD UPDATES/Wayne Mangold, Dale Butori, TV Board Members
UPDATES-Presented thoughts on what they would like to do in the upcoming year. The TV Districts are not taxing to their full potential. Discussed the potential to increase the size of the Baker TV District; the Plevna TV District seems to encompass most of the Plevna District. They discussed combining both Districts into one, however the Federal Government has put a lockdown on all new licensing. Since they cannot add towers, they cannot tax everyone; therefore, increasing the size is the best option. Currently East Baker and Stanhope Addition are not included in the existing Baker TV District but would potentially benefit by being included in the district. Discussed there are some dead spots, such as the area around Ollie and South of Plevna.
The biggest issue is the equipment, which is antiquated; they would like to gradually update the equipment. Commissioner Rost discussed checking into a possible grant from Grid United to make upgrades. Dale asked if the TV Districts should be added to the Growth Policy; the Commission said they should be. Wayne discussed the possibility of adding a local weather channel.
To increase the size of a District the Commission feels would need to go to a vote. They will get the total equipment cost and discuss the grant with Vaughn Zenko, SMART Executive Director. They would like to do more advertising and get more information out to the public. They will add information to the County Webpage and possibly create a Facebook page.
11:20 AM Dale and Wayne left the meeting.
11:25 AM Julie Straub, HRM and Christa Alford, Payroll Clerk joined.
They met to get some payroll clarifications before the upcoming meeting.
11:27 AM Julie and Christa left the meeting.
11:28 AM 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; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
1:25 PM Randy Hoenke, Northside Truck & Auto joined for Public Comment.
Road in North Baker Water Sewer District-Randy was wondering how far the county will be going with the millings. Randy would like some in front of his business as well. The Commission will see if they can get more millings so more of that road can be completed.
1:30 Randy left Public Comment.
1:32 PM EPEDC UPDATES/Elisabeth Epley, EPEDC
1:36 PM Terra Burman, EPEDC joined the discussion.
UPDATES/Discussed a grant they were able to get for the City of Baker to update their water system PER.
They are assisting the Rec Department to seek a grant from Grid United. The Commission discussed sending the TV District members to EPEDC to get information for a grant from Grid United to update the TV District Equipment. The TV District is in hopes they can get a community channel and hope this may qualify them for grant funds.
If it does qualify, there is no match for Grid United funding.
Discussed Terra’s transitioning in EPEDC and the continued presence in our community.
Reimbursement for Lakeview Drive Storm Sewer Project –There will be one draw for the entire amount. The audit portion they were asked to include in this amount will be shifted to the match portion. Due to the project costing less than projected, there will be $37,000 left from contingency funds. EPEDC did not ask for any administration fees for this grant; the Commission agreed they would like to give those funds to EPEDC for administration of the grant.
Beth’s term will end in June for the Visit SE Montana Board. Beth would like to recommend Melissa Rost for this position. Discussed the good things Melissa is doing with the Museum.
Possible Ambulance grant funding was discussed. Beth and Terra will go visit with the EMS Program Manager after they leave this meeting as well as Dale Butori regarding the TV District.
2:00 PM Elisabeth and Terra left the meeting.
2:00 PM Commissioner Rost excused himself.
2:00 PM MUSEUM BUDGET MEETING/Melissa Rost, Museum Curator; Linda Rost and Ken Griffith, Museum board Members; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Would like to be able to budget more hours for the Museum Assistant; would like 936 hours rather than 688 hours. The Commission is trying to stay away from paying benefits. Discussed the possibility of having two (2) employees to alleviate paying benefits. Discussed the number of individuals that attended the Heritage Fest was approximately 460; they also had several volunteers that dedicated time to this. Commissioner Braun suggested possible seasonal help. Melissa expressed concern of burning out volunteers. Linda and Ken discussed the amount of time it takes to clean, and the amount and size of the buildings makes this job very demanding. The Commission discussed the added amount for purchased services. Linda and Ken stated this amount includes a PER to add an addition to the metal building. The Commission stated the Historical Society would need to pay for the PER. Purchased services was reduced by $50,000. Discussed a line item for events in total of $10,000. The Commission thanked them.
2:30 PM Melissa, Linda, Ken, and Kimberly left the meeting.
2:30 PM Commissioner Rost joined the meeting.
2:30 PM DISCUSS/DECISION PERTAINING TO AMBULANCE BILLING/Mindi Murnion, Heather Havens, Public Health-Ambulance billing, Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
Met to discuss old accounts they would like permission to write off. The amount is approximately $5,576.00. Also have some billing matters they will need FMC to further assist them with; the Commission will visit with FMC about this. Public Health would like Brittany to start doing the credentialing as they do not have the time. This will be discussed further between Brittany and Public Health.
3:00 PM Mindi, Heather and Brittany left the meeting.
3:15 PM MAY 2023 END OF MONTH CLAIMS APPROVALS
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the April, 2023 end of month claims in the amount of $217,878.14. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
4:00 PM PROJECT UPDATES/Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Mike Moore, Brosz Engineering-Miles City
Shannon introduced Mike to the group. Mike will be the new Miles City Area Manager for Brosz Engineering.
1.Decision pertaining to easement and describing such for Troubadour Drive/Permission toproceed with the survey to define the established easement.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to move forward with the survey on Troubadour Drive in the amount of $4500. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
2.Work Order for county land/Section 15-7-59. Discussed removing the parcel on the north side of the highway and pull in 160 acres.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to move forward with the proposed work order to survey Section 15-7-59 in the amount of $4,000. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion. Discussed, this will give us the information needed to separate the parcels. Will also need to notate the county’s waterline, (permanent), on the Certificate of Survey. Shannon stated all easements, etc., will need to be shown on the COS. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Road Mapping Project-There were some computer issues which put them a little behind, but they are gaining ground. Will get the information ready for further reporting discussion this fall.
Delineation of Bergstrom Hill Road-Discussed this project will be more likely be ready to start in FY25. May bid this project in FY24 and start after July 1, 2024 (FY25).
Thielen access survey-Jon Paulson found the corners that had been missed while surveying this past winter. The centerline survey should be completed this week and hope to have the project wrapped up by the end of the month. Brosz has been staying in touch with Bob Thielen during this project.
4:12 PM Richard Menger, Sanitarian joined.
Golf Course-They will need to look further at the permeability relating to the core samples taken from the golf course pond. Shannon does not feel they are going to meet the leak proof protocol required by DEQ. There is an additional test that can be completed and is the only way to satisfy the DEQ. This is a 14-day test and has to be read every day; this will not be completed until the end of the season. Rich stated he is pleased at the amount of chlorination gas being used and hopes to get testing close to 0 coliforms.
4:35 PM Shannon, Mike and Rich left the meeting.
4:35 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
The Commission reviewed revenues received, reports, emails and other correspondence, board minutes and agendas.
Old Business
a.Moving Wells Fargo Trust to Bank of Baker (any decisions needed)
We received an email from Wells Fargo stating they have received our information; further stated the Rocky Mountain service team we will be assisting. After they review this information, they will determine the appropriate steps. They anticipated updating the County by the end of next week.
b.Hospital basement maintenance (any decisions needed)
No further decisions have been made as of this time.
c.Chamber of Commerce MOU for Recreation Department Services-County Attorney
MOU was not received.
d.EMS Medical Director (decisions as needed)
No further discussion at this time.
e.Decisions EMS billing practices/rates
No further discussion at this time.
f.Decisions regarding weapons policy
No further discussion at this time.
g.Approval of Fair Contracts (as needed)
Comissioner Baldwin signed the AMP Live Events, LLC Fair contract for the monster truck show.
6.Executive/Action items:
a.Review Resolutions for Mill Levy Election
Resolutions were reviewed, no further discussion at this time.
b.Decision to go out for RFQ for Planning Services
Will complete further research.
c.Approval of building demolition agreement
The agreement was signed and will be submitted for reimbursement.
d. Review Boat Dock Estimate
The estimate was reviewed and would be for FY24 budget; Rich Menger, Sanitarian is looking into grant funding but has found none at this time.
e.Review MT Department of Labor Safety Compliance Inspections/Issues addressed by the County and Acceptance from MT DOL
The compliance inspection reports were reviewed and accepted by the MT Department of Labor thanks to the work completed by the Departments involved and completion of reports by Julie Straub, HRM.
4:37 PM Dale Butori, DES/911 Coordinator joined.
Dale said the DES pickup was received from the Body Shop and looks great after the repairs were made.
MOU-The other counties will sign the MOU for Dispatch services and will pay their 1/3 of the $100,000. There will be three (3) signed originals.
4:41 PM Dale left the meeting.
f.Approval of Heritage Fest Agreement for Services for blacksmithing.
The agreement was signed and will be put on record.
g.Review/Approve Shooting Range TV Estimate
The estimates were reviewed. Will need to be included in the FY24 budget for approval.
h.Review/Approve/Sign Task Order 24-07-1-01-112-0 Master contract for “Strengthening Public Health Workforce”/fka/“Workforce Development Grant”
The task order was reviewed, approved, and signed.
i.Decision to accept rental rates for the Department of Revenue Office Space for FY24 and FY25.
The Commission made the decision to accept FY24 and FY25 rental rates for the Department of Revenue office space.
j.Sign letter addressed to Aramark regarding cancellation of services for the Fairgrounds.
The Commission agreed to send a letter to Aramark regarding the County’s decision to cancel services for the Fairgrounds.
Old Business:
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve the Vendor Invoice in the amount of $197, 250 for reimbursement of the Lakeview Drive Storm Drain Project. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
4:54 PM 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.
EVENING RECESS
TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2023
9:00 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
AM-COMMISSION OUT OF THE OFFICE ATTENDING ANNUAL SAFETY TRAINING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS EXHIBIT HALL
NOON RECESS
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM DISCUSSION/PLANNING SERVICES/Greg Benjamin, Stahly Engineering; Robie Baldwin Culver; Nathan Bolton, Dan Stahly appeared via teams.
1:31 Mary Grube, Planning Administrative Assistant joined.
They were notified that our Contract Planner had made a career change. They would like to know the county’s needs and if Stahly has the services we need. Commissioner Rost asked if they currently had a presence in SE Montana. They are presently in Wibaux and Carter Counties and have projects in Glendive. They have a few members hired that were from the Glendive Area and they frequent eastern Montana.
Mary asked about splitting travel costs with other counties as a possibility. Greg stated yes, they currently do that. Dan stated they currently do a lot of Teams meetings in preparation of staff reports and typically the Clerk and Recorder runs the Planning Board meetings for the other counties they are currently working with. Mary explained she does all of that and is the go-to person. Discussed how meetings have been conducted in the past; the Planner completes the staff report and Mary makes sure the Planner receives all of the information and is there to answer questions. Dan stated, once the staff report is written, then they are there to answer questions and that is about it. Mary asked if they present the staff report to the Planning Board, in person. Mary feels it is important to have the planner there for liability issues. Greg stated they want to provide options and if they want Stahly to be present, they will be present. Dan stated he was generalizing Subdivisions.
Commissioner Braun stated the Commission wants options and if it can be done legally via digital means then he feels that would be fine. Commissioner Rost stated he feels Fallon County’s fees are too high and wants to be able to save the public money. Dan explained sometimes it is better if the contract Planner is not present for various reasons. Commissioner Braun asked, if there was no Mary, would Stahly get their information from the Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Dan stated yes, that is how they handle this in other counties. Commissioner Baldwin asked if they would be charged for phone calls. They would charge the county but would not nickel and dime the county. Fees were discussed and more information will be provided.
1:45 PM Commissioner Braun left for the day.
Robie asked about Mary’s role. Mary explained the current process and that she is the gate keeper. Discussed a subscription fee and then would not have to worry about hourly fees. The county could then scale up or back. Mary stated we would need assistance with subdivisions, flood plain, workforce housing zoning, airport affected area zoning. We are also currently working on the Growth Policy. When asked if Fallon County has a Sanitarian; responded, yes, we do. Stahly can provide hourly billing rates and mileage; it can be billed month to month. They will provide a scope of work to the Commission as well as their fee schedule. Mary stated we currently use KLJ’s Examining Land Surveyor for plat reviews; discussed what we currently pay and their charges for this service as well. Commissioners asked if they do any gravel pit permitting. Stahly does pit permitting and explained, as an option, the State of Montana permits pits and will sell gravel to the county.
2:30 PM Stahly left the teams meeting.
2:30 PM DISCUSSION/PLANNING SERVICES/Forrest Sanderson, Peaks Planning and Consulting, LLC; Lisa Espeland and Shelley MacKay-Dean-Planning Board Members; Steve Zachmann, Mayor-City of Baker.
Forrest stated his information was showcased in the KLJ brochure recently received when the county went out for an RFQ. Discussed receiving his information through KLJ rather than his current business could be considered a technicality and that decision needs to be made by the commission. Discussed his fee of $150.00 per hour includes travel and will bill for his room and meals similar to how it was done through KLJ. Forrest will take care of the City of Baker if they wish his services as well. Commissioner Rost asked Forrest how much time he feels he spent on City of Baker versus County work. Forrest felt the split was 80% County and 20% City of Baker. Shelley asked if Forrest would have more time to devote to Fallon County or would he be seeking other entities to fill his time. Forrest will have more time; he wants to get back to planning for local government.
2:56 PM Forrest, Shelley, Lisa, Steve Z and Mary left the meeting.
3:15 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UPDATES/BUDGET MEETING/Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
Jeff reviewed and discussed his budget with the Commission. Supplies were adjusted slightly; however, this being an Enterprise Fund, the cash carryover and projected FY24 revenues will be budgeted in line-item requests as allowed. The Commission thanked Jeff for doing a good job.
3:36 PM Jeff left the meeting.
3:45 PM COUNTY EXTENSION UPDATES/BUDGET MEETING/Amanda Williams, County Extension Agent
UPDATES/Amanda presented the Extension/4H Report, including past and upcoming programs, travel, and trainings.
BUDGET MEETING/The preliminary Extension budget was approved as submitted. The Commission thanked Amanda for doing a good job.
3:57 PM Amanda left the meeting.
4:12 PM COUNTY FIRE WARDEN UPDATES/BUDGET MEETING/Randy Hoenke, County Fire Warden
Randy stated his budget will remain the same as last year and will be seeking grant funds for proposed purchases. The Commission thanked Randy for taking time out of his day to meet.
4:13PM MAY 30, 2023, CLOSED SESSION MINUTES APPROVAL
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve the May 30, 2023, closed session minutes. Commissioner Baldwin seconds the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
4:23 PM Commissioner Rost made the motion to recess. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
EVENING RECESS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023
COMMISSION OUT OF THE OFFICE ATTENDING DISTRICT MEETING IN WOLF POINT
THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2023
9:00 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:00 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:15 AM DISCUSS/DECISIONS SALARY SCHEDULE/MARKET ADJUSTMENTS/LONGEVITY, ETC./DECISIONS EMS VOLUNTEER RATES/Julie Straub, HRM, Christa Alford, Payroll Clerk
The Commission appreciates all the work completed on the salary schedule, but they would like to leave it as is and work on the changes discussed next fiscal year. The Road Department hours will remain as they are and will be discussed further for next fiscal year. There will be no changes to longevity this fiscal year.
Market adjustments-One of them includes the Museum Curator.
9:25 AM Commissioner Rost excused himself from the discussion.
After meeting with the Museum Board, the Commission would like to approve a seasonal employee for the Museum to work from Memorial Day to Labor Day and could work up to 40 hours per week. They do want to leave the Museum Assistant’s hours, the same as last year. They would also like to approve a market adjustment due to the amount of area this position is in charge of and should be paid more because the position supervises employees and is paid less than those positions that have no supervisory duties.
9:32 AM Commissioner Rost returned to the meeting.
Discussed the other market adjustment that needs to be made was for the Weed Control Coordinator. This position also supervises and makes less than those positions that have no supervisory duties. After much discussion the decision was made to move these two positions to $25.80 per hour.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve market adjustments for the Museum Curator and the Weed Control Coordinator. Both positions will move to $25.80 per hour and that is inclusive of the COLA. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Abstain (Commissioner Rost). The motion carried.
Commissioner Rost discussed internships for various positions for those individuals that may be interested in pursuing a college education in a particular field. Julie stated internships are unpaid positions, but an externship would be paid. Julie will research this next budget year.
9:45 AM Julie and Christa left the meeting.
10:00 AM FMC UPDATES/BUDGET MEETING/David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
BUDGET/Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk joined-The 3-year outlook was discussed (Ambulance Bay), this would be contingent upon whether they pursue a mill levy again or not. Discussed the current remodel project upgrades. In order to accommodate needed upgrades, discussed displacement of individuals/departments to different locations. Other department upgrades will take place in a similar manner. Discussed making FMC Mill Levy budget whole after the water damage repairs were made.
10:10 AM Kimberly left the meeting.
UPDATES/April Financials were discussed. Discussed assistance with old PCR’s as Public Health is not able to access them in the software program. Also need to be able to access software so they can connect the patient with the payment. As of this time they have no access to see EOB’s. Discussed credentialing and how Public Health plans to move forward with that. Discussed moving money into a market account at the Bank of Baker. Discussed repairs that need to be made after the diesel tank was inspected. David approved the cost to make the needed repairs in the amount of $16,792.00; the Commission agreed this project needs to move forward. David approved the Johnson Control task order to troubleshoot the elevator issues; the Commission agreed this project needed to move forward also.
10:46 AM David and Marjorie left the meeting.
11:00 AM Commissioner Rost made the motion to recess for lunch. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any discussion; being none. 3 Ayes 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
NOON RECESS
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
MiKenna Wyrick-Gray joined to discuss Cannonball Access-Would the Commission be opposed to widening a portion of the road that is 17 feet wide? The Commissioner’s will visit with the Road Superintendent about this.
1:20 PM MiKenna left Public Comment.
Lacey Berg-Wild Roots Community Forest Garden will be placed in the approved area west of Mangold Field. Lacey discussed collaboration with the county; she is needing approval to request access to the water hydrant that goes to Mangold Filed so she does not have to haul water from home. Commissioner Braun suggested she contact the City of Baker; the City of Baker sent her to the County. The County will visit with the City of Baker as she plans to start planting trees in June. Lacey also provided the design plans for the garden and also has another collaboration opportunity for this project; she would like to ask the county for assistance with her proposed budget in the amount of $43,500.
1:25 PM Lacey left Public Comment.
Bill Howe discussed his interest in some county land located in Westmore; he wondered if the Commission was interested in selling the land to get it back on the tax rolls. The Commission stated they are interested in selling the property but there is a process the County has to pursue before that is possible. Bill asked how this land would be taxed since this is within the platted Town of Westmore. The Commission would need to do some research and recommended Bill visit the Planning Department and decide if he is interested what would be needed before he pursues this further.
1:30 PM Bill left Public Comment.
1:30 PM DISCUSS/DECISION REGARDING PURCHASING SUPPLIES FOR BAKER LAKE TESTING/Linda Rost, BHS Science Teacher, Cheyanne Dame, former BHS Student
Discussed testing process and their interest to further pursue testing the Baker Lake water in various areas. Linda would like to request necessary funding from the County, so they are able to continue this project in collaboration with the county and DEQ. The approximate amount needed would be $10,615. No decision was made at this time.
2:02 PM Cheyanne and Linda left the meeting.
2:05 PM REVIEW/DISCUSS/DECISION TO ACCEPT AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING FORM OF COUNTY RESOLUTION SUBMITTING THE QUESTION TO THE VOTERS AUTHORIZING AN ADDITIONAL LEVY OF TWO MILLS PER YER FOR FIFTEEN YEARS FOR THE EASTERN MONTANA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO RAISE FUNDS TO MAKE AVAILABLE OR SUPPORT CHILDCARE FACILITIES AND SERVICES/Kathy Newell, Election Clerk and Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney
The Commission received a Resolution from EMEDA calling for a Mill Levy Election for the purpose of providing a childcare facility and services. Much discussion identified various matters of concern from all present. The Commission did not feel it would be right to burden the taxpayers for 15 years. They felt the taxpayer should have the ability to decide via an election every 2 years, at the very least. The Commission made the decision to decline acceptance of the Resolution submitted and would like EMEDA to pursue an election through the petition process.
2:30 PM HUMAN RESOURCES/SAFETY BUDGET MEETING/Julie Straub, HRM; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Julie asked if the Commission had discussed her presentation of an Employee Assistance Program for the upcoming fiscal year. The Commission has not discussed this, and it will be placed on the agenda.
Both budgets presented were preliminarily approved as submitted. Also discussed safety toe footwear and/or glasses would be reimbursed at the amount of $200 per year, for designated departments, effective July 1, 2023. The Commission thanked Julie for doing a good job.
3:00 PM Julie left the meeting.
3:00 WEED DEPARTMENT/Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator and Wanda Pinnow, Weed Board Member
The Commission reviewed the Weed and Noxious Weed Grant Budgets and preliminarily approved them as submitted. Discussed the need to replace the old Chevrolet pickup and her board discussed taking a portion of the funding from the Noxious Weed Grant fund in the amount of $20,000. The Commission may have a pickup that could be moved from one department to the weed department. Discussed what the Road Department may need to budget for Weed Chemical. It was decided $50,000 would be ample budget for the Road Department.
Sara was asked if she had discussed weed spraying with the City of Baker. Sara did not and will do so. The Commission thanked them for coming today and for doing a good job.
3:23 PM Wanda and Sara left the meeting.
3:30 PM FAIR BUDGET MEETING/UPDATES/Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager, Fair Board Members; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
The Fair Budget was reviewed; discussed areas that could be decreased and areas that should be increased. The Commission would like to remove the winter event budgeting and slightly increased the other event budget to accommodate Extreme Broncs. If this event does not take place the funds can be used for other events. Discussed additional grandstand shading budget in the amount of $20,000 which could be taken from the Capital Projects budget. More research will be completed. The Commission thanked Jennefer for doing a good job.
4:15 PM Jennefer and Kimberly left the meeting.
4:28 PM Commissioner Braun made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN
s/Steve Baldwin, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
