Commission Minutes – November 28-December 2, 2022
9:30 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Steve Baldwin and Kevin Braun, 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.
9:30 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment
9:45 AM COMMISSIONER MINUTES APPROVAL FOR NOVEMBER 21-25, 2022
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the November 21-25, 2022, Commissioner Minutes. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
CORRECTION TO COMMISSIONER MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2022
10:00 AM ROAD/SHOP UPDATES/Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn and Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
ROAD-The crew is hauling on Beaver Slide Road. Ollie Road is froze; they will have to wait until spring to complete.
SHOP-Maintenance mower-The parts person is still not sure if the turbo is included with the motor; if it is not, they will order a new one. Discussed a roll-off container for the Shooting Range. Carl contacted the person we purchased containers from to ask about the cost for lids. The cost would be approximately $7,500 for metal or plastic lids for the containers. Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations was going to check with Baker Metal for their cost to build a lid. Carl checked into the cost for tarps rather than lids and they are approximately $600.00. The decision is to wait for a quote from Baker Metal; the Commission feels plastic lids would be the better choice.
10:14 AM Bobby, Mitch and Carl left the meeting.
10:28 AM PROJECT UPDATES/Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering
Bergstrom Hill Road-Discussed how far back the crest of the hill would need to be moved in order to accommodate the speed and ability to stop at the intersection. Commissioner Rost would like to follow a 50 MPH speed limit. Shannon stated most often they try to accommodate 50 MPH on county roads. Shannon noted there is a fiber line on the south side of the road; it is 90 feet from the centerline, which is outside of the right of way. Discussed road maintenance, especially during the winter months. Commissioner Rost feels it plugs up at the end of the hill crest but does not plug at the intersection. Discussed, the road would be widened to 32’; extend the length of the culverts and place a yield sign on the Old Baker Highway, as most of the traffic runs east/west. Shannon will check the culvert sizes; will do more research on the fiber line and schedule a meeting with the landowners and utility company to make the determination if the county will proceed with this as a project.
Troubadour Drive and Survey Quote-Shannon feels it would be approximately one day of research and one day of drafting at approximately $3,000. The Commission would like Shannon to draft the document and move forward.
Sandstone Creek and Cottonwood Creek Bridge Replacement Compliance Certifications
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve and sign the Compliance Certifications for the Sandstone Creek and Cottonwood Creek Bridge Replacement Project. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously. Signed certifications will be sent to the Army Corp of Engineers.
UPDATES-Shannon stated the end section was placed for the Lakeview Drive Storm Sewer Project but is not sure if the rock was placed. Brosz Engineering is surveying a portion of Thielen Access today. Shannon was unable to reach the Thielen’s so the surveyors will work further north until the Thielen’s respond. Commissioner Braun asked if the contractor was contacted regarding the lift for the Public Health parking lot. Shannon did not contact the contractor last week but had spoken to him earlier about this and has received no response.
10:57 AM Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk and Recorder joined.
10:58 AM Shannon left the meeting.
11:00 AM CLOSED SESSION/LITIGATION
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to go into a Closed Session meeting due to litigation. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
11:19 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to come out of Closed Litigation Session. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
11:32 AM SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR UPDATES/Josh Lewis, System Administrator
UPDATES-Josh is still working on inventory; he found 5 more devices, there are only a few more devices to find. Found a few items that were duplicated on his department inventory sheets; Josh hopes to wrap it up by the end of the week. Multifactor authentication was discussed and the different options for implementation. Josh did set it up for himself as a test and it is working well; the process is not cumbersome or annoying and only prompts when a new device logs on that is not recognized. Josh is also checking into other options, such as hardware options, (fobs, etc.), which is not as cost-effective; Josh will research the cost of using fobs. Commissioner Rost presented a scenario of a stolen laptop. Josh can lock down a profile when notified. Commissioner Rost wondered if the City of Baker would need to implement Multifactor Authentication. Josh will do some research due to insurance requirements. Josh is assisting the Weed Supervisor regarding mapping software solutions for the tablets used in the spray vehicles. The current software license for Terrain Navigator Pro is set to be renewed so will look for other options before proceeding with renewal. Commissioner Braun discussed the Onyx software; Josh stated they had discussed that; however, the issue is internet service. Commissioner Braun discussed transferring current information from one mapping software to a new software. Josh explained the Weed Coordinator has not been using the software so there is no information to transfer. Josh will keep looking into options and inform with updated information. The Commission made the decision to move Josh’s weekly update meetings to a monthly meeting.
11:51 AM Josh left the meeting.
11:55 PM Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to recess. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion.
Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
NOON RECESS
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
ABSENT: Steve Baldwin, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment
1:30 PM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT JUSTICE COURT CLERK/PERMISSION TO INCREASE THERESA MYERS HOURS/Anna Straub, Justice of Peace; Julie Straub, HRM
Justice Court will have an open clerk position, since one of her clerks accepted the position as the Deputy Clerk of District court. Anna would like to move Theresa Myers to the 15-hour per week Clerk position and recruit for the open 9-hour per week Clerk position.
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to increase hours for Theresa Myers Clerk position to 15 hours per week and recruit for the open Justice Court Clerk position at 9 hours per week. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
1:38 PM Anna and Julie left the meeting.
2:00 PM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/Kevin Hill, Golf Course Superintendent and Richard Menger, Sanitarian
Updates-Kevin has received a lot of information from several very knowledgeable individuals and would like to schedule a meeting with all of them present. Kevin blew the irrigation system out and there are a lot of leaks. Commission asked if Kevin had documented the leaks. Kevin stated he had but has not worked on them due to the weather. Kevin discussed providing the public with a Golf Course to recreate. Discussed the use of reclaimed water versus an RO or HCT system, as well as adding areas for pollinators. Upon discussion with some of the industry professionals, Kevin noted, they feel sodium is our biggest issue, the PH issue falls below that. Kevin feels we need to be able to flush our greens and the reclaimed water is destroying our soil, causing it to be anaerobic. The sulfur burner will not keep up; we have to remove the sodium from the soil and feels the only way to do so is dig up the greens, fix irrigation system and level the tee boxes.
Rich explained the irrigation system uses 300,000 gallons of water per cycle; there is no way an RO system would keep up. RO water also produces bad stuff and there is no place to take that by-product. Discussed the year and the many problems with the irrigation system; also, the weather played a huge factor at the Golf Course. The Commission is not in favor of an RO System. Commissioner Braun stated the problems did not happen overnight. Kevin said no, but it happened over time. Rich discussed lowering the PH and his thought of using gas chlorination, noting it has to be handled carefully. The building would need to have good high and low ventilation. Rich further discussed the benefits of soil additives to lower the PH. Rich would like the Commission to consider trying his recommendation for a couple of years. Rich further stated there is no way to get rid of the sodium; but he does agree the sulfur burner is not working. Kevin’s recommendation is HCT. The Commission would like to proceed as Rich has recommended.
2:29 PM Commissioner Rost brought the meeting to a close.
2:30 PM Kevin and Rich left the meeting.
2:35 Richard Menger, Sanitarian rejoined.
Rich further explained gas chlorination.
2:38 PM Lisa Mitchell, EMS Program Manager joined the meeting.
2:40PM Rich left the meeting.
2:40 PM Lisa Mitchell, EMS Program Manager
Lisa met to discuss one of the work session topics- Decision to review Ambulance EMT letter of Interest and determine next step. Lisa has been in touch with the individual that submitted the letter of interest, but they have not gotten back to Lisa. Lisa’s recommendation is to wait until spring. Lisa further stated it is really expensive to go through this process for one person, unless she bypasses the whole rule system at the state level. Lisa also mentioned they cannot be certain the person will move on to become an EMT. Commissioner Braun asked if the books had been ordered. Lisa stated the books are on hold. Discussed the cost; Lisa stated the cost depends on the number of students.
Lisa reminded the Commission she needs to adjust her hours this week. Permission previously granted.
2:45 PM Lisa left the discussion.
2:50 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
The Commission reviewed revenues received, reports, emails and other correspondence, board minutes and agendas.
Review and approve updated job description for Manager of Landfill Operations
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve the Manager of Landfill Operations updated job description to include CDL requirement to operate a roll off container truck and requirement of Drug and Alcohol testing. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Review and Approve updated Public Transportation Bus Driver Job Description and Pay Increase
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to update the Public Transportation Bus Driver Job Description to Public Transportation Driver and increase the pay to $17.50 per hour to start and after completion of 6-month probation, increases to $18.25 per hour. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Sign landowner Affidavit for MDT Permit Application for Signage Purposes
Commissioner Rost signed the landowner affidavit received from MDT. The permit application is for signage purposes.
Review/Discuss/Decision on Interlocal Agreement for City of Baker for Park Maintenance
Commissioner Braun made the motion to send a letter to the City of Baker giving 180-day notice of termination of the Park Maintenance agreement. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Decision to review Ambulance EMT letter of Interest and determine next step
Julie Straub, HRM, was asked to join. The Commission asked if the person that submitted a letter of interest was still interested in pursuing the steps necessary to be an Ambulance EMT. Julie will find out if she is still interested.
Julie later returned and stated the individual was still interested.
Discuss/Decision for Landfill Trust termination and determine process
Clerk and Recorder will contact Darcy about this.
Discuss/Decision regarding completion of an updated master plan for FMC and Parkview Buildings
The Commission would like a firm quote.
Discuss/Decision regarding future steps for Fallon County regarding the Opioid Settlement process
Commissioner Braun made the motion not to proceed further with the Opioid Settlement process. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Aye. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Clerk and Recorder will contact MACo and let them know.
Compose Public comment letter regarding MDT proposal to reconstruct a portion of Highway 7, North of Ekalaka, MT
The Commission made the decision to submit a public comment letter regarding MDT’s proposal to reconstruct a portion of Highway 7, North of Ekalaka.
ADOPT Resolution #1099-Resolution of Intent to Consolidate the Offices of the Fallon County Clerk and Recorder/Superintendent of Schools with the County Surveyor
Commissioner Braun made the motion to Adopt Resolution #1099 – Resolution of Intent to Consolidate the offices of the Fallon County Clerk and Recorder/Superintendent of Schools with the County Surveyor. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Resolution #1099 is filed in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office.
4:30 PM CLOSED SESSION/LITIGATION
Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to go into a Closed/Litigation Session. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
5:21 PM Commissioner Baldwin made the motion to come out of Closed Litigation Session. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
5:25 PM Commissioner Braun made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Baldwin seconded the motion. Commissioner Rost asked for any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN
s/Roy Rost, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
