Commission Minutes – March 25 – March 29, 2024
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 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.
9:45 AM A N T Cleaning, LLC CONTRACT DISCUSSION/ Teresa & Anthony Myers, A N T Cleaning
Teresa asked that Anthony be taken off the agenda, being as he was not going to be here originally. Teresa turned in the County keys and handed over the final bill for cleaning Parkview and the Public Health office.
9:47 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD/SHOP UPDATES/ Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Road crew is out running blades. Main frame on midland trailer broke and was sent to Baker Metal for repair. Updated on county vehicle maintenance. Wings still on blades.
10:02 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:30 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
There was no discussion at this time.
10:47 AM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator
1. Approval for no-cost Endpoint Detection and Response MOA with CIS.
Josh explained how some election grants require an Antivirus with a monitoring system through a third party. Discussed duration of contract. Center of Internet Security, a company that partners with government agencies, is available for underserved counties to help monitor any issues with networks at no-cost through grants. The Commission expresses concern that this isn’t necessary for elections and could cause confusion for the public, as the ballot machines don’t run on Wi-fi and the County hand counts election ballots. Josh stated the monitoring system only protects election staff desktops that contain registered voter information (ex: names, addresses). Josh recommends speaking with Austin Lindsey, Information Security Officer with the Secretary of State, about the purpose for having a monitoring system. Commissioner Rost would like to see if MACo has a similar service that they recommend using. The Secretary of State has made it a requirement to have a monitoring system to access some of the election grants. The Commission would like to do more research on monitoring services before deciding.
2. Discuss/Decision on KnowBe4’s Phish ER Plus email security service.
Currently have KnowBe4 but Phish ER Plus is an additional service. A monitoring service that will catch potential threats that are not caught through the current security system and then alert Josh, giving him the ability to remove the malicious email. Josh currently monitors emails two or three times a day but is not able to remove malicious emails from inboxes if it has been delivered.
11:12 AM Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations joined the meeting.
No discussion at this time.
11:15 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:15 AM DECISION ON LANDFILL SURVEY – CONFERENCE CALL/ Barry Damschen
Barry explained the purpose of the landfill survey, which is to determine the life of the landfill and how much air space is being used. Barry believes that too much dirt is being used and not enough compaction. Commissioner Braun expressed that he would rather discuss the proper way to compact the site instead of wasting taxpayer dollars. Barry expressed that the survey should be done every five to six years. Discussed having Barry come back mid-May for his methane monitoring to go over the results of the survey.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the survey for the landfill as per Barry Damschen Consulting. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
11:31 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:31 AM Doug Varner, Seasonal Lead Grounds Crew Hand joined the meeting.
11:32 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE SUBSTITUTE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DRIVER/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director; Julie Straub, HRM
Carla was unable to attend the meeting. Permission to hire Robin Miller as a substitute public transportation driver. She was a retired full-time driver but would like to continue as a substitute.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to hire Robin Miller as a Substitute Public Transportation Driver. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
11:33 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:33 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE SEASONAL GOLF COURSE CREW HANDS/ Kevin Hill, Golf Superintendent; Julie Straub, HRM
Kevin H. was unable to attend the meeting. Permission to hire Carlee Gundlach and Tyaisha Dietz as seasonal golf course grounds crew hands.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to hire Carlee Gundlach and Tyaisha Dietz as Seasonal Golf Course Grounds Crew Hands. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
11:34 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:41 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; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS-PUBLIC COMMENT
Randy Tunby asked for an agricultural easement on the County land that he leases. Commissioner Rost asked for clarification on a waterline; Randy needs access to the waterline that cuts across the land. Randy would like the easement in place before any possible sale or change in Commission. Commissioner Rost advised Randy to hire someone like Brosz Engineering, to write the agricultural easement and Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney will look it over.
Mike Gollaher had questions regarding the Townsite of Westmore land auction. Discussed abandonment of roads and accommodations of a septic system.
1:28 PM DISCUSSION ON INDIGENT BURIAL CONTRACT- CONFERENCE CALL/ Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney; Stevenson Funeral Home Representatives
Nic Stevenson, Jon Stevenson, and Kirsten Robertson called into the meeting.
Went over changes that Stevenson Funeral Home thought were necessary for both the County and funeral home. Discussed contract language, qualifications, and process. Darcy will make changes to Resolution #1124 and the burial contract for the Commission to review and possibly amend.
2:03 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:13 PM FY25 SALARY WORK SESSION/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Julie Straub, HRM; Christa Alford, Payroll Clerk; Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff
Discussed new longevity schedule, departments and/or employees that need adjustment, also when and how to implement a step process for employee wages.
3:32 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:35 PM DISCUSSION ON COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER & CATALYST FOR CHANGE/ Mindi Murnion, Public Health Specialist
Went over grants that Public Health could apply for and use towards startup costs for Catalyst for Change or wages for Community Health Workers (CHW). Commissioner Rost recommends budgeting grant match money for the CHW. Mindi would like to start with one full-time and one part-time CHW. Mindi has a person in town looking into local donations with oilfield companies to put towards Catalyst for Change. Discussed how to get the schools and the hospital on board with utilizing Catalyst for Change.
3:59 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
4:04 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve March 18th – March 22nd, 2024 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve March 18th – 22nd, 2024 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
2. Executive/Action Items:
a. Approval of Direct Electric quote for moving a heater in the library hall.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the Direct electric quote for the amount of $812.00 to move a heater in the library hall. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
b. Sign MOU for the Southeastern Montana Transmission Line Economic Development Initiative (SM-TSED) initiated by Montana Department of Commerce.
MOU was not available at this time.
c. Approve Transmission Siting and Economic Development Program FOA Full Application Formal Match Letter of Commitment.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to sign the Letter of Commitment. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
d. Discuss/Decision on designating programs to receive earmarked alcohol tax monies and/or State-Approval for the provision of substance misuse/abuse treatment and prevention services in the County.
Commissioner Rost requested to table decision until receiving a report from Prairie Hills Recovery Center and EMCMHC. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
3. Old Business as needed.
a. Sign amended Inter-Local Agreement Formation, Authority and Administration of Abatement Region 1 for the Opioid Settlement.
The Amended Agreement was not signed at this time.
4. Approve Fair Contracts (as needed)
5. Appointments/Resignations to various boards (as needed)
6. Review & Approve Approach/Encroachment permits (as needed)
a. Approval of encroachment permit submitted by Denbury for Anticline Road to construct injection pipeline.
Encroachment permit was signed by the Commission.
7. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
8. Review Department/Office reports/sign journal vouchers (as needed)
9. Emails/Correspondence
4:33 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, MARCH 26, 2024
ATTEND TOWNSITE OF WESTMORE LAND AUCTION
March 26, 2024
Fallon County Courthouse Lobby
County Property Land Sale (Portions of Westmore)
Auctioneer: Sheriff Trenton Harbaugh
Present: William Howe; Mandy Bishop; Michael Gollaher; Emil L. Sieler; Richard Sparks; Billy Singer; J. K. Kinsey; Gary Thielen; Bobby Wiedmer; Steve Baldwin, Commissioner; Roy Rost, Commissioner; Kevin Braun, Commissioner; Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk-C & R Office; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
The County land sale started promptly at 2:00 PM in the Fallon County Courthouse Lobby. Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff read aloud Resolution #1125, Resolution of Intent to sell Fallon County Real Property. The resolution is on record in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office.
Westmore Legal Description:
All property is located in the SW1/4SE1/4, Section 6, Township 8 North, Range 57 East, in the Townsite of Westmore and will be sold as is and as one parcel of land.
North of Railroad Tracks
All of Block 1 (consisting of Lots 1-7)
All of Block 2 (consisting of Lots 1-11)
All of Block 3
All of Block 4 (consisting of Lots 1-10)
All of Block 5 (consisting of Lots 1-10)
All of Block 6 (consisting of Lots 1-10)
South of Railroad Tracks
Portion of Block 9 (consisting of Lots 1-6 and Lots 11-20)
Portion of Block 10 (consisting of Lots 1 and Lots 4-20)
All of Block 11 (consisting of Lots 1-20)
All of Block 12 (consisting of Lots 1-16)
All of Block 13
Portion of Block 14 (consisting of Lots 5-10)
Portion of Block 15 (consisting of Lots 1-6, 11-12 and 18)
All of Block 16 (consisting of Lots 1-15)
Said property consists of approximately 10.303 Acres.
Trenton explained that the property cannot be sold for less than the appraised value, based on State Statute. No written bids were received. There is a 25% down payment required by the end of the business day March 26, 2024. It will be a no-sale if the base bid is not received. It will be re-evaluated at a later date if it is not sold today. Trenton explained he will start the bidding at $15,500 and increase by $500 thereafter.
Mr. Gallaher opened the bid at $15,500. This bidding went back and forth between Mr. Howe and Mr. Gollaher.
Mr. Howe made the final bid of $22,500; no further bids were received. Mr. Howe was awarded the bid in the amount of $22,500.
2:08 PM The Auction was closed by Sheriff Harbaugh.
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024
10:00 AM RECONVENED
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members;
Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
10:00 AM PRE-DISCIPLINARY MEETING/ Russ Myers, Detention Officer; Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Nic Eisele, Undersheriff; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Baldwin asked if Russ he would like this to be a closed session. Russ confirmed.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to go into Closed Session. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
10:03 AM 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.
Commissioner Baldwin asked Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff for his recommendation on the matter. Trenton stated though what happened was unfortunate, there is irreparable damage and will follow Julie’s recommendation to terminate Russ Myers from his position as Detention Officer. Commissioner Baldwin asked Nic Eisele, Undersheriff for his recommendation. Nic agreed with Trenton and Julie.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to terminate Russ Myers from the Detention Officers position. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
10:06 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:00 AM PRE-DISCIPLINARY MEETING/ Kevin Hill, Golf Course Superintendent; Julie Straub, HRM
There was no meeting as he voluntarily resigned from his position as of March 27th, 2024.
10:06 AM Commissioner Rost made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Braun 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
