Commission Minutes – October 21 – October 25, 2024
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024
9:00 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Roy Rost, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Kevin Braun, Member
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 CLICK SEND TEST
Commissioner Rost sent out the Click Send Test text message to all county employees.
9:30 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:30 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON PLEVNA SNOWPLOW/ Gary Thielen, Mayor of the Town of Plevna
Gary stated the snowplow that was gifted to Plevna is too large to utilize; hired someone to clean the streets of Plevna instead. The Commission will discuss further during Road Department updates to discuss with Bobby on what should be done with the snowplow.
9:32 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:45 AM EXTENSION UPDATES/ Dave Kirschten, Extension Agent
Dave updated on post-fair wrap-up and Kodie’s meetings as a 4-H Ambassador. Updated on increased participation with Cloverbuds and workshops. Began planning for Camp Needmore and Winter Ag series.
9:52 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:01 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn and/or Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Bobby reported on the Bergstrom Hill Road re-grading project; Wyrick’s Construction will be placing culverts today. Received a trial blade from RDO to substitute for the blade with hydraulic issues. Road Crew is hauling scoria and repairing car-gates. Commissioner Baldwin asked if the Road Department would like the snowplow from Plevna; Bobby suggested removing the plow and taking the truck to Baker Metal & Recycling, as they are unable to get parts for it anymore. Carl and Mitch updated on county vehicle maintenance. Permission granted to retrieve the old snowplow from Plevna.
10:10 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:35 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian; Hunter Grover, Golf Course Superintendent; Doug Varner, Seasonal Interim Golf Course Superintendent
Shannon was unable to attend the meeting. Hunter updated on not being able to pump from Lagoon Cell 3 being as the pump is sitting on the bottom; will water fairways until Wednesday and use rest of the water for the greens. Discussed having Mitchell’s Crane pull the pump. Doug updated on repairing leaks; decided to use blocks instead of pouring cement going forward for easier access. Discussed testing and treatments for the irrigation ponds. Doug suggested allowing Hunter attend Peaks and Prairies Association Convention; permission granted. Discussed winterizing greens; will be purchasing metal piping to protect snow fence ties. Doug updated on a greens broom that might be worth borrowing from Bowman to test after plugging.
Commissioner Rost motioned to request a proposal from Brosz Engineering to survey the property line between Fallon County and Todd & Molly Barkley (S20-T6N-R58E) for installing a fence. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
10:57 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:05 AM BAKER MUNICIPAL AIRPORT MASTER SERVICE AGREEMENT UPDATE/ Justin Zindell, KLJ Engineering; Roger Meggers, Airport Facilities Manager
Justin presented the Master Service Agreement that was approved from the Statement of Qualifications. The Commission signed the agreement as it was approved on September 30th during the Commission work session. Justin updated on upcoming projects and grants for the airport.
11:14 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM
RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Roy Rost, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Kevin Braun, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
Missy and Bobby Thielen joined the meeting. Missy asked to speak on the agenda item that is in both the County Attorney and Commission work session regarding S20-T8N-R59E. Commissioner Rost showed her the initiative that was given to the County Attorney for determining if the road in the stated section is indeed a county road. Bob presented a letter from a previous adjacent landowner of the access road. Discussed the initiative being a better route for both parties involved and adding Road 644 (S1 & 2-T8N-R58E; S34, 27-26-T9N-R58E) to the initiative. Will discuss further during the County Attorney work session.
1:28 PM Chairman Baldwin ended Public Comment.
1:28 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Discussion on updating the Cattle Guard Policy
The Commission requested a drafting of a cattle guard policy using the draft from 2008 as a template. Commissioner Rost suggested the County purchases cattle guards for primary and seasonal roads while landowners purchase cattle guards for primitive roads and driveways with the option of applying for a gate permit as an affordable alternative. Discussed adopting road types before having the entire road policy completed; possible in cattle guard resolution with amendment later including the original resolution. Discussed road classifications for the road policy. Discussed permits for cattle guards or gates on primary and non-primary roads. Darcy will draft up a cattle guard policy using other county’s policy as reference. Plan to hold a public hearing for creating the cattle guard policy; Darcy will draft up a Resolution of Intent and a Proposed Resolution.
2. Review Generator Agreement with Carter County
Discussed if the County needs a separate agreement any time Carter County needs to borrow items if there is already a Mutual Aid Agreement between both counties. Darcy explained the Mutual Aid Agreement requires any requests that are not a providable service in writing.
3. Discuss Montana Community Reinvestment Plan
Commissioner Rost expressed county interest in the resolution. Discussion tabled for more information.
4. Discussion on road SEC 20 – TWN 8 – RNGE 59
Darcy will reference a copy of a petition used by another county in 2023 regarding declarations of road. Discussed adding Road 644 to her initiative in filing a petition to the court; determined to file petitions for three roads to the court all at once. Discussed process of filing petitions for roads the County determines are or are not roads. Darcy will draft a petition for S20 to S21-T8N-R59E.
5. Old Business as needed
No discussion at this time.
2:14 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:24 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve October 2024 Mid-Month Claims
Commissioner motioned to approve October 2024 Mid-Month Claims for the amount of $501,639.12. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
2. Approve October 14th – October 18th, 2024 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve October 14-18, 2024 Commission Minutes. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
3. Approve October 15th, 2024 Closed Personnel Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve October 15th, 2024 Closed Minutes. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
4. Executive/Action Items:
a. Decision on approving the Declaration of Unit Ownership for the Depot Properties Shop Condos and
Bylaws of the Depot Properties Shop Condos Association
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Declaration of Unit Ownership for the Depot Properties Shop Condos and Bylaws of the Depot Properties Shop Condos Association. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
b. Decision on the Professional Services Agreement with Dr. Brian Sullivan.
No discussion at this time; will wait until all parties have been able to review the agreement.
c. Decision on Parkview Retirement Complex Rental Agreement.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Parkview Retirement Complex Rental Agreement Jim & Judy Apple. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
d. Decision on road SEC 20 – TWN 8 – RNGE 59.
The Commission made a correction to the road description as Sec 20 & 21-T8N-R59E. Discussed if MCA 7-14-2622 could be used to clarify if said road is or is not a County Road. This discussion has been tabled until further clarification from the County Attorney.
5. Old Business as needed
a. Decision on updating the Cattle Guard Policy
No discussion at this time.
b. Decision on Request and Agreement for Aid (generator) between Carter and Fallon County.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the Request and Agreement for Aid. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
c. Decision on process of replacing fire extinguishers/ Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Kimberly reported on several fire extinguishers needing to be replaced once 406 reports have been submitted. The Commission will not need to approve the initial reports from 406 for replacing department fire extinguishers; permission granted to replace all required fire extinguishers once reports are received.
d. Decision on Addendum to lease agreements.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve all three addendums to lease agreements. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
e. Decision on WBI well abandonment seeding plan.
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the well abandonment seeding plan. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; discussed using native grass for seeding plans. Commissioner Rost rescinded his vote. The motion failed.
Commissioner Rost motioned to decline the well abandonment seeding plan with the condition that the plan have only native grass. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
6. Appointment of Board Member
Commissioner Rost motion to appoint Debra Klos to the Council on Aging Board. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent. (Commissioner Braun). The motion carried.
7. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
8. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers (as needed)
3:21 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Recess until Wednesday the 23rd at 9:00 AM.
RECESS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024
9:00 AM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Roy Rost, Member; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
Quorum was not established; following notes were taken.
9:00 AM GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION POND VARIANCE MEETING/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian; Matthew Waite, Montana DEQ
Discussed test results for the golf course irrigation pond. Golf course is done irrigating for the season. Will discuss adding UV to the chlorination gas and changing pumping orientation from lagoon cell 3 at a later date.
Being as there was no further business, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
s/ Steve Baldwin, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
