Commission Minutes – March 4 – March 8, 2024
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 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.
9:40 AM PERMISSION TO COMPLETE AWNING PROJECT FOR THE OUTDOOR AREA/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Jennefer presented a quote for installing an awning to replace the tent in the beer garden.
9:44 AM Derrick DeHaan joined the meeting.
The Commissioners emphasized that the awning should not be built solely for the band during the fair, the awning should be built with the public in mind. Discussed having the band store equipment every night so benches and tables can be put under the awning during the day for the public to use.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to accept Frank’s Arcs N Sparks quote for the amount of $13,600.00 20×40 lean-too awning. Commissioner Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 1 Nay. (Commissioner Rost) The motion passed.
10:04 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:09 AM Mark Sieler, Road Foreman joined the meeting.
10:09 AM ROAD/SHOP UPDATES/ Mitch Overn/Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Continuing to haul scoria on the South Plevna Road. Commissioners informed everyone about members of the public wanting to prospect for scoria and sell gravel. Updated on noise complaint from crusher at the Buerkle’s pit. Updated on new engine for the Traverse. Commissioner Rost asked if anyone was attending MACRS (Montana Association of County Road Supervisers) at the end of the month; Mark expects three.
10:18 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:20 AM NOTIFICATION TO SUPERVISOR OF ABSENCE/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Julie Straub, HRM
Bobby was unable to attend the meeting.
10:25 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Updated on Bergstrom Hill Road culverts and mitigation requirements. Commissioner Rost recommended putting a stop sign at the top of a hill for an intersection on Bergstrom Hill Road. Shannon will get final measurements for the Buerkle scoria pit on Wednesday, March 6th. Shannon presented preliminary plans and explained changes made to the golf course irrigation pond.
11:04 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:04AM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT FOR CEMETERY SUCCESSION PLANNING/ Julie Straub, HRM
Reviewed recruitment options for Cemetery succession. The Commission discussed promoting internally first then expanding out if no one is interested. Discussed leaving job title as Cemetery Caretaker.
11:13 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:18 AM PERMISSION TO PAINT LIBRARY WALLS/ Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodial Supervisor
Lynda presented a quote for having the walls painted in the library. Commission discussed waiting until Spring to have the roof fixed before painting the walls just in case it leaks and ruins the paint again. Reviewed ceiling tile quotes for the Mayor’s office, waiting for more information. Updated on replacement of lighting in the library and main offices.
11:29 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:29 AM INSURANCE & COURTHOUSE FIRE ALARMS/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodial Supervisor
Power outages that damaged fire alarm system could be covered by insurance after $5,000.00 deductible. Commission decided not to submit the claim and just pay the full amount out of the self-insurance fund.
11:30 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:31 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.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY BUSINESS SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney
1. Questions regarding the Fallon County Man-Camp Easement Section 15-7-59/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk
Advised to include in notice of sale, subject to reservation of the waterline easement.
2. Lease Agreement for scoria pit.
Darcy will create an assignment for updated landowners and an addendum for the current lease agreement.
3. Discuss Indigent Burial Policy changes recommended by Stevenson Funeral Home – Amend as needed.
Reviewed changes made by Stevenson Funeral home. Commission decided to leave the Indigent Burial Policy as is.
4. Review gate permit changes.
The gate, approach and encroachment permits were finalized.
5. Discuss landowner’s questions on updated land lease agreement.
Will make the agreed changes to the lease agreement and send an updated version to the landowner.
6. Discuss trading land of equal value with a grazing district an individual.
Darcy recommends having the two properties appraised.
2:23 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:25 PM SMART & EMEDA MONTHLY UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Executive Director; Cheyanne Dame
Vaughn appreciated the letter of support for the Montana Main Street grant. Updated on progress with remodeling the Visitor Center. Cheyanne is creating an informational brochure for Fallon County businesses. Was approved for a community announcement radio station, similar to Channel 3. Updated on upcoming events and childcare modular progress.
2:42 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:45 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve February 19th – February 23rd, 2024 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve February 19th – 23rd, 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. Approve February 2024 Payroll & Withholdings
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve February 2024 Payroll & Withholdings for the amount of $627,772.41. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
3. Approve February 2024 End of Month Claims
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve February 2024 End of Month Claims for the amount of $173,131.07. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
4. Executive/Action Items:
a. Adopt Fallon County Resolution #1125 Resolution of Intent to Sell
Commissioner Braun made the motion to adopt Fallon County Resolution #1125 Resolution of Intent to Sell. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
b. Approve D&M Solutions boundary relocation Section 1-7-59 per Planner’s Report, Approve & sign COS
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve D&M Solutions COS. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
c. Approve Fallon County Land COS creating 3 parcels in Section 15-7-59 per Planner’s Report, Approve & sign COS
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve Fallon County Land COS. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
d. Approve Eastern Montana Drug Task Force Memorandum of Understanding FY25
Chairman Baldwin signed the Memorandum of Understanding.
5. Old Business as needed
a. Sign Montana Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant Program Contract Amendment for the Growth Policy
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve Block Grant #MT-CDBG-PL-20-23B. Commission Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to acclaim elected Randy Hoenke Trustee of the Baker Rural Fire District. Commissioner Braun 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 acclaim elected Shaun Crisler and Larry Steffes Trustees of the Plevna Rural Fire District. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to elect Clayton Graham and Laurie Pankratz for the Directors Fallon County Water and/or Sewer District – Stanhope Area by acclamation. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to elect Kenny Griffith for the Director of North Baker Water and/or Sewer District by acclamation. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
6. Review & Approve Building Demolition Agreement
7. Approve Fair Contracts (as needed)
8. Appointments/Resignations to various boards (as needed)
9. Review & Approve Approach/Encroachment permits (as needed)
10. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
11. Review Department/Office reports/sign journal vouchers (as needed)
12. Emails/Correspondence
5:27 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 5, 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 NOTIFICATION TO SUPERVISOR OF ABSENCE/ Robert Christiaens, Maintenance Supervisor; Julie Straub, HRM
The Commissioners requested to be notified when Robbie takes leave or flexes time.
9:47 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:47 AM OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE UPDATES/ Robert Christiaens, Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick DeHaan, Maintenance Assistant
Robbie asked for permission to register early for the Montana Parks & Rec. Convention in Billings. Reported on equipment maintenance, will possibly start mowing in April. Derrick updated on the Parkview boilers. Discussed clearing out apartments that travel EMTs were staying in. Discussed Parkview’s parking lot being painted and maintenance for the sidewalk.
10:03 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:05 AM MACO DENTAL & VISION RENEWAL RATES/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
Updated on new rates and coverage for dental and vision. The Commission agreed to renewing the County’s dental and vision plans for 2024 with MACo (Montana Association of Counties).
10:10 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:16 AM CHAMBER/RECREATION DEPT. UPDATES/ Mariah Miller, Executive Director
Updated on Job Fair, Baker Jam and other upcoming events. Will start moving recreation equipment into the Connex located at the high school soon. Mentioned donations for recreation programs.
10:26 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:33 AM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator
Updated on server maintenance with Tyler, Museum alarm installation, container site camera installation and Website/Facebook traffic. Discussed disposal of older computers.
10:44 AM Chairman Baldwin excused himself to attend the Trust Hearing.
Commissioner Rost suggested Josh hiring an intern to help out in the summer for three months.
1. Discuss/decision on new Airport internet line for weather cameras.
Airport does not have County Wi-fi for the new weather cameras. Discussed connecting to the Wi-fi in the Golf Course shop.
2. Discuss/decision on Cybersecurity trainings and service offered through CyberMontana and University of Montana.
a. Security Awareness Training for staff
b. PISCES no-cost cybersecurity monitoring and response
Reviewed training pamphlets, will discuss further at a later date.
10:54 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:00 AM PETITION TO TERMINATE LANDFILL TRUST HEARING
The Commissioners attended hearing on terminating Coral Creek Landfill Wells Fargo Trust.
12:00 PM Commissioner made the motion to recess. Commissioner 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: Kevin Braun, Vice Chairman; Roy Rost, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:20 PM DISCUSS FALLON/CARTER COUNTY EXTENSION/ Carter County Commission; Larry Brence, MSU Extension Eastern Region Department Head
Carter County has been granted a full time Extension Agent. MSU will announce shuffling agents.
1:22 PM Julie Straub, HRM joined the meeting.
March 15th will be Amanda Williams’ last day as Fallon/Carter County Extension Agent and will be Carter County’s main Extension Agent. Kodie will continue Cloverbuds and 4-H. Larry or the Montana State 4-H office will assist Kodie and Jolinda until the position is filled. Larry presented a draft position announcement for a Fallon County Extension Agent.
1:44 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
Commissioner Baldwin joined the meeting.
Commissioner Rost excused himself.
2:46 PM AMBULANCE BILLING & QUESTIONS/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager; Mindi Murnion, Public Health Specialist
A Parkview resident is using the ambulance as a lift assist at odd hours and the ambulance is unable to bill since they are from Parkview. Discussed best way to approach situation. Set up a policy outside of insurances’ realm. Discussed checking Parkview residents’ life alert to see if working properly.
2:57 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:00 PM PERMISSION DISCUSS USING TEAMS FOR SAFETY MEETINGS/ Safety Committee; Julie Straub, HRM
The Safety Committee asked the Commission to advise them on using teams for safety meetings. The Commission advised the Safety Committee to make the decision amongst themselves about using teams for their safety meetings. The Commission will send on a MEMO to County employees regarding this decision.
3:04 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:11 PM PERMISSION TO PURCHASE A NEW COPIER/ Mindi Murnion, Public Health Specialist
Public Health was granted permission from the State to use COVID funds to purchase a copier for the amount of $5,001.00. Will have Joe Nagell work on countertops to make space for copier.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to allow Public Health to purchase a copier with a service agreement. Commissioner Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried. (Commissioner Rost)
3:15 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:30 PM FY25 SALARY WORK SESSION/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Julie Straub, HRM; Christa Alford, Payroll Clerk; Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff
Meeting has been postponed.
3:30 PM Commissioner Braun excused himself for the rest of the day.
4:26 PM LANDFILL UPDATES/ Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
Commissioner Baldwin updated Jeff on progress with a pipeline fixing the flowline and fence. Discussed closing delinquent accounts and no longer opening new individual accounts. No longer will use tub grinder due to safety issues, will take to Baker Metal for disposal. Discussed replacing it with a small woodchipper. Tire grinder is available again; will talk to Barry if it will be consistent.
4:39 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
4:53 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. (Commissioner Braun) The motion carried.
RECESS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2024
9:30 AM CONVENE
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.
10:30 AM DES & 911 UPDATES/ Amanda Frickel, DES &911 Coordinator
Amanda could not attend the meeting.
11:00 AM EPEDC UPDATES/ Terra Burman, EPEDC Executive Director; Teresea Olson, Community Development Specialist
Terra and Teresea could not attend the meeting.
11:25 AM FIRE ALARMS UPDATE/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor; Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodial Supervisor; Eric Steele, TAB Electronics
MidRivers informed dispatch that the phone and radio lines connecting them to the hospital will be disconnected. Dispatch will not be able to receive hospital fire alarms. Eric presented a quote on a UHF radio system. Lynda updated on the fire alarm repairs. Wibaux would like to send the school fire alarm to dispatch. Eric explained the transition process if the Commission decided to use the new radio system. Brenda will talk more with MidRivers about possible alternatives.
11:47 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:47 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.
1:25 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Manager; Shane Bettenhausen, Shooting Match Supervisor
Discussed shooting trap budget. Updated on new gate and other maintenance. Discussed adding scoria and blading shooting range.
1:35 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
1:36 PM NOTIFICATION TO SUPERVISOR OF ABSENCE/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Manager; Julie Straub, HRM
The Commissioners requested to be notified when Jim takes leave or flexes time.
1:39 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
1:59 PM NOTIFICATION TO SUPERVISOR OF ABSENCE/ Roger Meggers, Airport Manager; Julie Straub, HRM
The Commissioners requested to be notified when Roger takes leave or flexes time.
2:02 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:15 PM AIRPORT UPDATES/ Roger Meggers, Airport Manager
Updated on building, runway, and fuel system maintenance. Discussed golf course shop Wi-Fi for airport weather cameras. Discussed security cameras for next fiscal year budget. Updated on main electric gate malfunctioning.
2:20 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:30 PM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ Kevin Hill, Golf Course Superintendent; Doug Varner, Seasonal Lead Grounds Crew Hand
Discussed progress on irrigation pond. Kevin H. presented quotes for sandblasting/powder coating metal tee box markers, a controller kit for the sand spreader and a measuring system for watering the greens. The Commission granted permission to have the tee box markers powder coated. Discussed upcoming training that Doug will be attending.
3:01 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:01 PM DISCUSS STRUCTURAL REVIEW OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT/ Fallon County Republican Central Committee Members; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
Bill Whitney, Randy Ketterling, Marty Asay. Discussed the vote on the local government review question. Discussed informing/teaching the public before absentee ballot deadline of May 10th. Commission advised Bill to contact Dan Clark with MSU Extension, who is well informed on the subject/professional.
3:48 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
4:20 PM Commissioner Braun made the motion to recess. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
RECESS
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024
9:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
10:00 AM FMC UPDATES/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Could not attend the meeting.
11:00 AM GOLF COURSE SAFETY REVIEW FOLLOWUP/ Kevin Hill, Golf Course Superintendent; Julie Straub, HRM
The Commission went to the Safety Review follow up at the golf course.
11:40 AM Commissioner Rost made the motion to recess. Commissioner Kevin 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.
1:30 PM SENIOR CENTER UPDATES/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director; Virgina Knipfer, Baker Senior Center President; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
Discussed ownership of Senior Citizen buildings. Plevna Senior Center would like the County to purchase the building and set up a ten-year lease. The Commission will discuss with Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney, the best way to go about purchasing the building.
1:38 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
1:43 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
