Commission Minutes – October 7 – October 11, 2024
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 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.
9:13 AM PERMISSION TO INCREASE HOMEMAKERS HOURS/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director; Julie Straub, HRM
Carla requested to increase Stacy Downings hours from 20 hours to 25 hours.
Commissioner Rost motioned to increase Homemakers hours to 25 hours effective October 14th. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
9:16 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:35 AM DISCUSSION ON MOU FOR THE FALLON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT/ Pam Colombik, Big Sky Mental Health Service
Discussed having Pam pay rent to use the office space of mental health services. Discussed including a list of services to the MOU. Pam is currently visiting Baker twice a month. Discussed termination clause of the MOU. Pam reported on care for prisoners; will be visiting next week.
9:45 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:58 AM PARKVIEW RETIREMENT COMPLEX LIFELINE DISCUSSION/ Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
Brenda updated on having a possible liability issue with noncompatible lifelines for Parkview residents; most lifelines are cellular. Debbie stated residents are required to subscribe to Parkview’s lifeline as stated in their house rules. Discussed whether the County should be enforcing the requirement or if a waiver should be available; decided against a waiver and will include the lifelines in the rent as an optional service that the County provides. Discussed notifying residents that are not utilizing County lifelines about not having coverage with their cellular lifelines. Discussed installing an antenna at Parkview and possibly removing DirectTV.
10:15 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:16 AM PERMISSION TO IMPLEMENT DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING AT PUBLIC HEALTH/ Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health; Julie Straub, HRM
Kim asked to start drug and alcohol testing for Public Health employees as they are a health care facility.
Commissioner Braun motioned to add drug and alcohol testing to Public Health effective immediately. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Julie will notify current Public Health employees and update job descriptions. Permission granted.
10:21 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:21 AM PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES/ Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health
Kim updated on flu shot clinics and other vaccines; only had one positive influenza case before officially reporting.
10:22 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:43 AM ROAD UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn and/or Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Mitch was unable to attend the meeting. Mowing will possibly be completed this week, also finish scoria Pine Creek Road. Millings were used to level by the Lake Gazebo. Carl updated on county vehicle and equipment. Cemetery trailer will be moved to the road shop for the winter. Culverts for Bergstrom Hill Road will be delivered later today. Windbreak repairs at Ollie are completed.
10:55 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:00 AM DIESEL POWERED HYDRAULIC EXCAVATOR BID OPENING FOR THE LANDFILL & ROAD DEPARTMENT
Dan Mollett, TriState Truck & Equipment, Inc.; Truman Neprud, Tractor & Equipment Co.; David Weller, Torgerson’s Equipment; Greg Wiest RDO Equipment Co. joined the meeting.
Tri State – bid bond – Volvo ec260 – $293,434 – estimated delivery 7/1/2025 – repurchase prices available
Torgerson’s – bid bond – kcx260e – $336,000 – repurchase prices – estimated delivery 3/15/2025
Tractor & Equipment Co CAT – bid bond – 326 Caterpillar – $314,400 – estimated delivery 4/30/2025 – repurchase prices available
RDO – bid bond – 250p John Deere – $339,600 – estimated delivery 3/15/2025 – repurchase prices available
11:11 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:15 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian; Hunter Grover, Golf Course Superintendent; Doug Varner, Seasonal Interim Golf Course Superintendent
Rich updated on the latest test from the golf course irrigation pond; sodium consistently increases and becomes more concentrated which does not comply with DEQ circular 2. Fecal coliforms consistently test below one; Rich suggested applying for a variance for the total coliforms. Hunter updated on a pump currently out of service; will continue irrigation until October 21st. Testing will continue until the golf course stops irrigating. Hunter and Doug will test the greens to prepare for next year’s irrigation and seeding plan. Shannon updated on the Bergstrom Hill Road preconstruction meeting that was on Wednesday, October 2nd; construction expected to be completed by November 23rd. Discussed rescheduling GIS road mapping meeting. Commissioner Braun updated on an easement requiring an engineer’s survey.
11:43 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:44 AM GOLF COURSE UPDATES/ Hunter Grover, Golf Course Superintendent; Doug Varner, Seasonal Interim Golf Course Superintendent
Hunter will blow out sprinkler systems October 21st. Discussed replacing forty outdated sprinkler heads; will slowly replace them this fall while leveling sprinkler heads. Discussed sprinkler box maintenance; radios and antennas will need updated. Discussed watering schedule that will be set by DEQ; possibly add source water for watering the greens in the summer. Doug updated on holding off on purchasing fairway fertilizer until the reduced cost special.
12:06 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Recess until 1:15 PM
RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun, Member Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Roy Rost, Member
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM EMS UPDATES/ Brittany Renner, EMS Program Manager
Updated on ambulance run status. Bittany explained how the handheld radio batteries are slowly dying in the ambulances and their current model is phasing out. Brittany presented a quote for an APX6000 for the amount of $3,881.91. The Commission recommended asking Amanda Frickel, DES & 911 Coordinator or Vaughn Zenko, SMART Executive Director for funding; will readdress if finding additional funds does not work out. Updated on ambulance and EMS side-by-side maintenance.
1:35 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:11 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve September 30th – October 4th, 2024 Commission Minutes
Motion will be made Wednesday, October 9th.
2. Approve September 2024 End of Month Claims
Commissioner Braun motioned to approve the September 2024 End of Month Claims for the amount of $535,217.40. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Rost) The motion carried.
3. Executive/Action Items:
a. Decision on the Upper and Lower dam inspections/ Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Rich reported on the inspections for the dams. Upper Dam has an animal burrow to repair, the water shed storage will need sediment removed, vegetation will need to be removed. Lower Dam has vegetation needing to be removed. Rich recommends laying cement in the Lower Dam channel for improved maintenance. Discussed setting up a maintenance plan for the Upper and Lower dams and when to begin.
Commissioner Braun motioned to approve the Upper and Lower Annual Inspection Report. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; Rich stated this is not an engineering plan. No further discussion. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Rost) The motion carried.
b. Decision on MOU between Fallon County Health Department and Pam Colombik.
Commissioner Braun motioned to approve the MOU. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; Commissioner Baldwin added that liability was included with the MOU. No further discussion. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Rost) The motion carried.
c. Decision on quote for tug batteries at the airport.
Two quotes were received. OSHKOSH AeroTech for the amount of $7,066.00 and Precision Parts & Supply Inc for the amount of $5,225.00.
Commissioner Braun motioned to approve the Precision Parts & Supply Inc bid for the amount $5,225.00. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Rost) The motion carried.
d. Review MD&A for fiscal year 2024 Annual Report.
Commissioner Braun motioned to approve the MD&A for fiscal year 2024 Annual Report. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Rost) The motion carried.
e. Adopt Resolution of Intent to Sell the Workcamp.
Commissioner Braun motioned to adopt Resolution #1138. Chairman Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent (Commissioner Rost) The motion carried.
4. Old Business as needed.
5. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
6. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers (as needed)
2:30 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:30 PM ATTEND GRAZING DISTRICT MEETING
Chairman Baldwin and Commissioner Braun attended the meeting.
3:30 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION CONTINUED IF NEEDED
Extra Commission work session was not needed.
3:01 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Recess until Wednesday, October 9th at 9:00 AM.
RECESS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024
9:00 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
9:00 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
9:14 AM PERMISSION TO RECRUIT AN EXTENSION ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/ Dave Kirschten, Extension Agent; Julie Straub, HRM
Julie requested permission to recruit an Extension Administrative Assistant. Dave explained how the job description has been modified to better suit the office.
Commissioner Rost motioned to begin the recruitment of an Extension Administrative Assistant with a closing date of their choice. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Balwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
9:20 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:21 AM CEMETERY UPDATES/ Chanse Hoenke, Seasonal Cemetery Caretaker
The water leak at Bonnevale has been repaired. Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator did the last spraying for weeds. Updated on equipment maintenance and general maintenance for the cemeteries. Discussed laying a weed mat and wood chips around the trees. Cemetery trailer will be parked at the Road Department during the off season. Chanse will be done at the end of the October pay period.
9:27 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:00 AM FALLON MEDICAL COMPLEX UPDATES/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Marjorie updated on July and August financials for Fallon Medical Complex. David asked about the maintenance for the new fire alarm and the Mid-Rivers bill associated with it; the new fire alarm system has not yet been installed so the current problems are caused by something else. Discussed having 406 come to repair the fire alarm; discussed updated Mid-Rivers service for Fallon Medical and Dispatch. Updated on construction process for FMC renovations. Updated on no longer providing Medicaid home health services due to having no patients utilizing the service.
10:30 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:56 AM EPEDC UPDATES/ Terra Burman, Executive Director
Updated on Fallon County being allocated money for helping low-income individuals to purchase housing through a Community Reinvestment Organization (CRO); discussed the CRO’s responsibilities. Terra recommends passing a resolution in order to become a part of the program. Reported on C-Pace program for cost efficient energy or water commercial projects for the community. Updated on current employees and local projects.
11:20 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:02 AM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Shane Bettenhausen, Match Manager
Shane updated on equipment and maintenance for the shooting range. Receiving quotes from Prairie Fuels for a ventless heater to put in the water line on the edge of town that constantly freezes in the winter. Trap got an extension for their grant until June. Discussed burying the bleachers. Will be getting fobs and a crash bar from Baker Area Hardware. Updated on annual meeting.
11:36 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
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Review/Decision on Catalyst for Change Agreement and Interlocal Agreement between Fallon County and Baker School District for Mental Health Services
Updated on both agreements. The Interlocal Agreement will be emailed to the school district. Decision will be made during next week’s Commission Work Session.
2. Adopt Resolution of Intent to sell the Workcamp.
Resolution of Intent to sell was adopted Tuesday, October 1st during the Commission Work Session.
3. Permission to proceed with road declaration and initiate legal proceedings.
Commission discussed proceeding with the road declaration for Thielen Access. Decision will be made during next week’s Commission Work Session.
4. Randy Tunby Ag Easement.
No discussion at this time.
5. FSA Addendums for the 5 County Leases.
Darcy emailed the addendums to Debbie for landowner signatures.
6. Discuss EMS Medical Director Contract and Malpractice Insurance.
No discussion at this time.
7. MOU for golf course etiquette.
Discussed subleasing authority to the clubhouse for enforcing golf course rules; discussed liability for the county and its employees. Will review city easement to see if the county can sublease.
8. Fair Board Meals Resolution Amendment.
Commission reviewed the draft resolution. Decision will be made during next week’s Commission Work Session.
2:02 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:02 PM CLARIFICATION ON MANAGEMENT AND REPORTS FOR 406 FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES/ Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk; Brenda Wood, Clerk & Recorder
Kimberly explained how reports are going to AP which leads to confusion and miscommunication. The Commission recommends having the Department Heads handle the reports going forward and a copy filed at Clerk & Recorder. Will send out a memo to inform the department heads to act on corrections needed.
2:06 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:06 PM QUESTION ON DISPATCH AND FALLON MEDICAL COMPLEX FIRE ALARM/ Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk; Josh Lewis, System Administrator
Kimberly asked for clarification on the copper lines running from FMC to Dispatch. The line will be disconnected by FMC and paid by Fallon County through the Parkview budget. Josh updated on the project; discussed if Parkview will also be updated along with FMC so there are no copper lines. The Commission called Eric for further clarification; discussed pricing and which building will have updated wires. Josh will call Mid-Rivers
2:25 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:37 PM APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION JUDGES FOR POST ELECTION AUDIT/ Kathy Newell, Elections Clerk
The Commission signed the appointments for election judges for the general election and the post audit election.
2:38 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:45 PM APPROVE SEPTEMBER 30TH – OCTOBER 4TH, 2024 COMMISSION MINUTES
Commissioner Rost motioned to approve the September 30th – October 4th, 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.
2:46 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion. Being as there is no further business, meeting adjourned.
ADJOURN
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER INTERVIEWS – ALL DAY
Interviews were rescheduled to Wednesday, October 16th
s/ Steve Baldwin, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
