Commission Minutes October 14 – October 18, 2024
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024
COLUMBUS DAY – COURTHOUSE CLOSED
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024
9:00 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.
9:00 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:15 AM OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE & PARKVIEW UPDATES/ Robbie Christiaens, Outside Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick deHaan, Outside Maintenance Facilities Manager
Robbie updated on winterizing the parks’ water systems for both Baker and Plevna, finishing up grounds winterizing. Docks in the lake will be pulled later this week. Discussed mower that was purchased but has yet to be delivered; Robbie will contact Gooseneck Implement later today. Will continue spraying weeds.
Derrick updated on Parkview sprinkler system being winterized and HVAC inspections completed. Updated on boilers maintenance and fire system updates. Parkview and FMC will have the fire system checked by 406.
9:24 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:41 AM IT UPDATES/ DECISION ON SETTING DATE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF OFFICE 365 MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator
The fire monitoring system between Dispatch and the fairgrounds is operational; currently working on Fallon Medical Complex fire monitoring system. Updated on multi-factor authentication transition; enforcement date set for November 4th.
9:46 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:46 AM WEED DEPARTMENT UPDATES/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Finished up roads and highways; two-year rotation for cattleguards will be done in the next two weeks. Updated on shop and vehicle maintenance and winterization. Sara will get trade off value for two side-by-sides. Updated on upper dam, man-camp and shooting range spraying. Spray Days is November 19th with four speakers. Discussed listing Wormwood as a noxious weed for Fallon County.
9:56 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:58 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn and/or Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Bobby updated on the Bergstrom Hill Road re-grading project. Mowing is completely done. Laying scoria at Sunny Banks Road. Carl updated on county vehicle maintenance. Mitch updated on county mower maintenance.
10:03 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:15 AM AWARD DIESEL POWERED HYDRAULIC EXCAVATOR BID FOR THE LANDFILL & ROAD DEPARTMENT
Carl Overland and Mitch Overn, Shop Mechanics; Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations joined the meeting.
Discussed specifications for the excavator.
RDO John Deere – met all specifications and had a better buy back; delivery date is March 15th, 2025.
Commissioner Braun motioned to award the RDO John Deer 250 Excavator. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
10:28 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:28 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian; Hunter Grover, Golf Course Superintendent; Doug Varner, Seasonal Interim Golf Course Superintendent
Hunter and Doug were unable to attend the meeting. Shannon updated on the Bergstrom Hill Road re-grading project; currently doing prep work for culverts. Spoke with Chad Follmer about driveway and easement request; only needs a new culvert put in before the County can approve the easement. Updated on scheduling a meeting with Matt Waite, DEQ for a testing variance on the golf course irrigation pond. Discussed water rights on lagoon cell 3; week of October 21st pump curves will be pulled. Rich updated on winterization of the golf course irrigation pump from the lagoon.
10:43 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:43 AM Commissioner Rost recused himself from the meeting. Megan was excused for the day. Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder joined the Commission.
11:00 AM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Melissa Rost, Museum Curator
Melissa presented her report for the month; she has been busy with various activities. Melissa asked for permission to apply for a grant from Grid United; to be used to create a mini documentary about Fallon County’s local history. Discussed amending the budget as soon as Melissa is made aware (if the grant is awarded). Approved to move forward with the grant application process. At the last meeting Melissa presented various programming items the Museum Board felt would need to be discontinued due to lack of help. Melissa wanted the Commissions input on the items that were listed. Commissioner Braun asked how the programs got started. Melissa stated she did the programs to show the possibilities, and the programs have since grown. Commissioner Braun discussed possibly her Museum Board could put more hours in to assist her. They do assist but they are not always available. Discussed winter hours and closing the Museum when doing other programs outside the Museum.
11:28 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; Brenda Wood, Clerk and Recorder
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Melissa Thielen discussed a meeting with the Commission April 22, 2024 in which they visited about access to Section 21-Township 8N-Range 59E and later met with Commissioner Baldwin regarding access to the (Steffes/then Engesser Property). Commissioner Braun explained the Recording Clerk had researched the road in question and turned her information over to the County Attorney on July 23, 2024. Commissioner Braun discussed information that was found and the Commission is waiting for the County Attorney’s opinion. Melissa asked about County Road 644-(Burnt Station through Mae Haven’s) that accesses the Anticline. This has been padlocked denying access. Commissioner Braun stated the only one that traveled that road was Herb Schell. Melissa questioned why it is labeled a county road on all of the old road maps. Commissioner Braun stated the road was built when Shell Oil drilled a water well. The road was later given back to Herb Schell; people were allowed access to use it with permission from Herb Schell. Melissa stated the old county maps list it as County Road 644. Commissioner Braun stated no information has been found that it was a county road and further stated Melissa was welcome to review paperwork found by the Recording Clerk or to also do her own research.
1:27 PM Melissa will look at the information Cindy has. Melissa left Public Comment.
1:27 PM Vaughn Zenko, SMART/EMEDA Executive Director and film crew (working with the Zero to 5 Head Start Program) joined.
Vaughn wanted to let the Commission know the Head Start Open House went very well.
1:32 PM Chairman Baldwin ended Public Comment
1:34 PM DISCUSSION ON UPDATING THE CATTLE GUARD POLICY
Reviewed the current cattle guard policy.
1:42 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
1:50 PM Melissa Thielen, Member of the Public joined the meeting.
2:05 PM Rich Menger, Sanitarian joined the meeting.
2:00 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION/Kimberly Jensen, Clerk joined to take minutes
1. Approve October 7th – October 11th, 2024 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Braun motioned to approve the October 7th – 11th, 2024 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays.
2. Executive/Action Items:
a. Decision on moving the fence on the property line between the County and Todd & Molly Barkley.
Discussion on moving forward with surveying and staking line to get fence on correct property line.
b. Decision on Catalyst for Change Agreement and Interlocal Agreement between Fallon County and Baker School District for Mental Health Services
Commissioner Braun motioned to approve and sign, Catalyst for Change Agreement and Interlocal Agreement between Fallon County and Baker School District for Mental Health Services. 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 permitting County Attorney to proceed with road declaration and initiate legal proceedings (per MCA 7-14-2622) for the road currently known as Theilen Access, located at TWN 8 & 9, RNGE 58
Commissioner Rost made the motion permitting the County Attorney to proceed with road declaration and initiate legal proceeding (per MCA 7-14-2622) for the road currently known as Theilen Access, located at TWN 8 & 9, RNGE 58. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
d. Decision on purchasing lake diffusers for the Baker Lake.
Commissioner Baldwin stepped down from the Chair to make the motion to purchase lake diffusers for Baker Lake. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; Commissioner Rost stated the quote does not include electrical for a total project cost. Commissioner Braun requested an updated quote for only items needed, which includes electrical for a grand total project cost. This will be discussed during the work session next week. Commissioner Baldwin withdrew his motion until a complete quote is received for only items needed, plus electrical.
e. Decision on Baker Metal & Recycling quote for Courthouse entrance railing.
Two quotes were received from Baker Metal & Recycling for the courthouse entrance railing and ramp railing.
Welding Labor to remove railing down ramp, cut railing down to size to ship, make bolt together brackets to reinstall after painting and clean up welds and corners with grinder for $4,776.80.
Welding labor to build new railing in front of Courthouse Entrance around landing and down steps for $7149.20.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to accept both quotes for courthouse entrance railing and ramp railing. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any discussion; Commissioner Braun discussed installing temporary railing. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
f. Decision on Request and Agreement for Aid (generator) between Carter and Fallon County.
Discussed if Request and Agreement for Aid was necessary if Mutal Aid Agreement is still in effect. Discussion tabled until consulting with County Attorney.
g. Adopt Resolution #1139 to Amend Resolutions 1134 & 2015-11 to set per diem for Fair Board Members.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to Adopt Resolution #1139 to Amend Resolutions 1134 & 2015-11 to set per diem for Fair Board Members. Commissioner Rost 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
Encroachment permit signed
4. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
5. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers (as needed)
2:22PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:56 PM CLOSED PERSONNEL/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Baldwin asked Jennefer if she preferred to have the meeting closed. Jennefer stated she would prefer the meeting to be closed.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to go into closed personnel session. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
3:32 PM Commissioner Braun made the motion to come out of closed session. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
3:33 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
Being as there is no further business, recess until tomorrow and adjourn after attending the Safety Meeting on Thursday, October 17.
RECESS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2024
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER INTERVIEWS – ALL DAY
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024
SAFETY MEETING – BAKER FIRE HALL
s/ Steve Baldwin, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
