Commission Minutes – November 4 – November 8, 2024
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 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.
9:47 AM LIBRARY UPDATES/ Beth Meggers, Director of Library Services
Beth updated on Storytime. The library will begin painting at the end of this week; should be done by Monday.
9:50 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
Commissioner Braun left the meeting.
10:01 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn and/or Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Bobby was unable to attend the meeting. Road Crew is currently working on Sunny Banks and removing sand from the indoor arena. Mitch updated on blade that recently broke down. Carl updated on loader maintenance. Discussed if it is possible to wait until the next budget for replacing the loader or if the budget will need to be amended. Carl updated on pricing for a loader; will get updated bids by next week. Updated on county vehicle maintenance. Discussed road crew helping the library move center console.
10:07 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
Commissioner Braun joined the meeting.
10:40 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian; Hunter Grover, Golf Course Superintendent; Doug Varner, Seasonal Interim Golf Course Superintendent
Shannon reported on manifold line for lagoon cell 3; City agrees with project as long as there is no interference with the dam and the liner. Shannon will present plans to Matt Waite, DEQ to confirm if manifold is possible. Discussed if current pump should be replaced with a self-priming pump and adding a check valve to the back side. Discussed water rights for lagoon cell 3; could transfer water from cell 2 with a gate valve after manifold has been installed. Discussed requesting quotes for contracting out the manifold installation. Rich updated on upper dam maintenance; animal holes were filled in.
11:15 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:15 AM APPROVE OCTOBER 2024 END OF MONTH CLAIMS
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve October 2024 End of Month Claims for the amount of $257,452.32. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
11:25 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM
RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
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.
1:29 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Discussion on road S20 & 21-T8N-R59E.
Cindy explained summarization for section 20. The current road is not the same layout as the proposed petition east and north side of section 20, that was approved by the Custer County Commission in 1910; during the process, there was no evidence of a hearing or easements acquired. In 1912, the Custer County Commission received a change order petition that was completed with a viewing, survey, easement, public hearing and resolution for the south and west side of section 20 to create a road which became a portion of Pennel Creek Road. Later there was a resolution in 1933 to vacate the 1910 petition for the north and east side of the section 20, which had no easements. Discussed the abandonment of the road which was never built and has no easements. Discussed if it is possible to abandon a road that was never built or maintained; agreed that the Commission has no legal authority over a road that was never built, maintained or obtained easements.
2. Discuss GIS Road platform and research.
Discussed roads that have documentation but were never built, currently labeled as potential abandonment; discussed how to clean up petitions that are in the middle of landowners’ property with no easements and/or access. Discussed research needed to identify roads that need abandoned. Discussed creating a separate category for the GIS platform. Will schedule a workday to review potential abandonment references with a Brosz Engineering representative.
3. Cattle guard policy
There was no discussion at this time.
4. HB819 Housing Resolution
There was no discussion at this time.
5. Gate Permit liability
There was no discussion at this time.
6. Tobacco Scholarship
Darcy reviewed the task order for Tobacco funds and expressed concern over some of the verbiage in the task order. Discussed submitting correspondence that approved the scholarship to the auditor for further consideration.
2:30 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:31 PM DISPATCH UPDATES/ Brenda Hoeger, Emergency Communications Supervisor; Lisa Dulin, Emergency Communications Dispatcher/Detention Officer
1. Decision on Prairie County Call log.
Brenda presented the Prairie County emergency dispatch call log. Prairie County has not hired Third Signal to assist in straightening out the calls. The Commission recommends billing Prairie County for taking on emergency dispatch calls and sending a copy of the bill to Prairie County Commission, so they are also made aware of the ongoing situation. Discussed phone calls being a disservice to Fallon County residents as they are time consuming. Brenda will create a summarization of every transfer; time and labor will be included into the billing amount.
2:43 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:56 PM FAIRGROUNDS UPDATES/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Discussed winterizing the glycol system; will be drained and refilled with environmentally friendly antifreeze. Johnson Controls will not be fixing the doors underneath the grandstands; will ask 406 Fire to repair the doors. Heat has been turned on for the grandstands. Discussed leak in the Exhibit Hall caused by condensation from the heater; leak has been repaired, and heater in the office will be turned off for water to dry up. Jennefer will report if leak returns tomorrow.
3:03 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
Commissioner Braun left the meeting.
3:28 PM LANDFILL UPDATES/ Jeff Frank, Landfill Operations Manager
Woodchipper had the clutch repaired and returned. Dozer has a drive going out and is in the Road shop for repairs. Discussed double charges for cleanup fees.
1. Decision on Container Site hours during Christmas and New Years.
With Christmas and New Years being on a Wednesday, the Container Site will be closed. Tried to switch days before but was not justifiable to do it again.
3:32 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
Commissioner Braun joined the meeting.
3:45 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve October 28th – November 1st, 2024 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Braun motioned to approve October 28 – November 4, 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. Decision on thePondguy UV clarifier quote for the golf course.
This item has been tabled for further research.
b. Decision on Turf Solutions curative quote for the golf course.
Commissioner Braun motioned to approve the Turf Solutions quote for the amount of $2,005.00. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
c. Decision on Midland Implement diffuser quote for Baker Lake.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Midland Implement quote for the amount of $5,047.00. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
d. Discussion/Decision on road S20 & 21-T8N-R59E.
After reviewing the submitted research, the Commission agreed that this trail is not a county road or public access, and will contact the concerned landowner regarding their decision.
3. Old Business as needed
a. Decision on Professional Services Agreement for a Medical Director.
Debbie explained that Dr. Brian Sullivan should be paid for his services as a Medical Director.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Dr. Brian Sullivan, M.D in the amount of $200.00 per month. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
b. Decision on Addendum to lease agreements.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve addendums to lease agreements. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
4. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
5. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers and encroachments (as needed)
6. Approve October 2024 Payroll Warrants & Deductions
Commissioner Braun motioned to approve the October 2024 Payroll Warrants & Deductions for the amount of $696,908.51. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
3:56 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Recess until Wednesday, November 6th at 9:30 AM.
RECESS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT JOB INTERVIEWS
COURTHOUSE CLOSED
GENERAL ELECTION DAY
7:00 AM – 8:00 PM – ELECTION POLLING – FALLON COUNTY EXHIBIT HALL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2024
9:30 AM RECONVENE
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
Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering called to report on discussion with Matt Waite, DEQ. A review will have to be done if there is any work done on the piping; the golf course irrigation pond project will be postponed until next year due to review. Lagoon cell 3 should be full for operation purposes and the pump manifold system will be installed next year; will submit the manifold and lining for the pond in one bid. Updated on deviation request; could test for e coli instead of total coliforms to prove public safety and containment of contamination. Discussed testing at sprinkler heads and installing a UV clarifier at the golf course to treat it at the source.
9:45 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER/ Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health; Julie Straub, HRM
Julie reported on interviews for the Community Health Worker; recommended hiring Kimberlee Rost.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to hire Kimberlee Rost as a Community Health Worker. Commissioner Rost abstained. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Abstained. (Commissioner Rost). Motion carried.
9:47 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:00 AM PERMISSION TO OFFER RABIES VACCINE TO SHERIFF AND EMS STAFF/ Safety Committee; Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager; Julie Straub HRM
Kim clarified that it is a pre-exposure vaccination. Julie reported on a past incident with a law enforcement officer being bit by a dog that was vaccinated. Safety Committee had a meeting regarding rabies vaccination for future incidences; vaccine is $450.00 per shot, $900.00 for the series, and a booster every three years. Discussed budgeting for the next fiscal year due to not having enough funds to vaccinate all twelve individuals; Brittany has not given the option to her staff yet. The Sheriff Office and Police Department investigate cat and dog bites frequently. Discussed if the vaccines should be in the Safety Committee budget or department’s budget; decided it should go under the budget for the two departments most affected. Discussed research on rabies vaccination. Kim and Julie will do more research on rabies vaccination before a final decision will be made.
10:12 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:15 AM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, Systems Administrator
Josh has started to enforce the county email authentication. Dispatch ethernet transport service is in progress. Last week there was a nationwide Verizon 911 emergency call issue; currently working with Masters to troubleshoot. Follow up with Verkada next week; will pass along information regarding panic buttons and camera system. Currently working on cameras for the brick building at the Museum. Fairgrounds is moving an ATM into the indoor barn of the Wild Game Feed; incident with an individual unplugging cables and moving ATM a head of time, causing internet to be unplugged at the fairgrounds office. Discussed moving an ATM to the courthouse.
10:27 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:30 AM DECISION ON PARKVIEW RETIREMENT COMPLEX AGREEMENT VERBIAGE/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Derrick deHaan, Outside Maintenance Facilities Manager
Brenda reported on changing the verbiage for residents installing fixtures; extra fixtures that are installed should be left intact when moving out. Presented updated draft. Discussed adding scrapes and nail holes being left for maintenance to repair when moving out. Decided to update deposit return within 15 or 20 days to return within 30 days. Discussed key return policy, issue with duplicating keys. Discussed replacing carpet in one of the apartments.
10:40 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
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.
1:29 PM SMART & EMEDA UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Executive Director; Tasha Losing, SMART President
Kassidy Maierhofer-Davis joined the meeting. Correction – Tasha Losing is the EMEDA Chairperson.
Kassidy introduced herself as the new SMART assistant. Vaughn updated on upcoming projects and Grid United grants. Applied for the AI study through the State of Commerce. Town Pump Backpack grant to fill up backpacks for school; updated on workforce with youth through the Department of Labor. Updated on recent promotions and Visitor Center website. Reported on option for funding new SMART position.
Tasha updated on the childcare facility and street construction, applying for grants to cover construction and wages. EMEDA is updating policy and functions; asked to have an email address through Fallon County, permission granted and advised to speak with Josh Lewis, System Administrator. Updated on EMEDA still has two board openings. Tasha asked for assistance on funding the childcare facility. Discussed appointing three members come January; discussed leaving elected EMEDA positions on the ballot.
1:49 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:00 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Supervisor; Shane Bettenhausen, Match Manager
Shane updated on the latest shooting match; had fourteen attended, but not many signed up in advance. 4-H archery will be on Sundays. Asked permission to host a benefit match early December; permission granted. Updated on lead for next year’s budget. Updated on progress with fobs and crash door, waiting for crash door from Baker Area Hardware.
2:04 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:30 PM EQUIPMENT OPERATOR INTERVIEW
Commissioner Baldwin left the meeting.
4:00 PM EXTENSION OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD – CLOSED PERSONNEL/ Anna Straub, Justice of the Peace; Sheila Ware, Justice Court Clerk; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Braun asked if Sheila would like the session to be closed. Sheila stated that she would like the meeting to be closed.
Commissioner Rost motioned to go into closed session. Vice Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Baldwin) Motion carried.
4:12 PM Commission motioned to come out of closed session.
Commissioner Rost motioned to extend Sheila Ware’s probationary period to January 3rd 2025. Vice Chairman Braun stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Braun asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Baldwin) Motion carried.
4:13 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion. Recess until Thursday at 9:45 AM.
RECESS
6:30 PM ATTEND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024
9:45 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:45 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
Due to lack of quorum, the following notes were taken.
10:00 AM FALLON MEDICAL COMPLEX UPDATES/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Marjorie reported on Fallon Medical Complex financials. Audit is estimated to be finalized sometime around December. David reported on TAB Electronics repairing the EMS phone and fire alarm system. Fire alarm currently has a programing error that 406 Fire will be looking into; ground fault has been resolved. Eric suggested installing a panic button that could go to Dispatch. David reported on a second gas line leak in two weeks; past courtyard renovations possibly damaged the gas meter. Contractor recommends replacing old gas lines to standardized sizes; currently four-inch lines. Discussed adding the gas line project to the previous SDI Architects renovations project. David updated on the FMC Health Board Annual Meeting. Discussed membership dues and upcoming ballots.
10:50 AM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
Brittany presented EMT and ambulance run stats. Updated on organizing ambulances and the garage for better tracking of inventory. Timesheets and call books were updated. Also created vital notepads for substitute if iPad is not efficient enough. Updated on monthly ambulance inspections from the EMTs. Reported on Dr. Brian Sullivan close to finishing up some paperwork and a course to become the EMS Medical Director. Presented new EMS badge drafts. Updated on additional training for IVs and EKGs. SoleStone Reimbursement has been working well for the ambulance billing.
11:25 AM COUNCIL ON AGING UPDATES/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director
Carla updated on the opening of Medicare Part D, prescription drug plan comparisons. Updated on bus drivers and an increase in out-of-town medical appointments. Community Cupboard received a donated deer recently. The commodity program has an increase in enrollments, along with other state assistance programs.
NOON RECESS – ATTEND CHAMBER MEETING AT THE COFFEEHOUSE
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:21 PM DES & 911 UPDATES/ Amanda Frickel, DES/911 Coordinator
Amanda reported on the fires she assisted with during fire season. Also attended several training courses to be in compliance with the state and grant funding. Updated on plan for handling future hazmat situations. Flood management plan and mitigation plan has been submitted to FEMA. Presented Third Signals posters; new maps will arrive in about two weeks. Updated on recent incident with the lake. Generator inspections are scheduled to be completed soon. Updated on attempting to move TV Districts under emergency management.
ADJOURN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024
11:00AM ATTEND BAKER 2025 PROJECT PRE-DESIGN MEETING – ZOOM MEETING/ Roger Meggers, Airport Facilities Manager; Justin Zindell, KLJ Engineering
The Commission was unable to attend the zoom meeting.
s/ Steve Baldwin, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
