Commission Minutes – April 22 – April 26, 2024
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 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.
9:42 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE SEASONAL WEED CREW HAND/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator; Julie Straub, HRM
Sara would like to hire two Weed Crew hands.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to hire Madison Butori and Karissa Afrank as Seasonal Weed Crew Hands. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
9:46 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD/SHOP UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn/Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Still hauling scoria, waiting for rain to blade roads. Bobby ordered oil for chip sealing but waiting for warmer weather for hauling millings. Started digging at the golf course for the irrigation. Updated on county vehicle maintenance, Ambulance #17 has a blown tire. Commissioner Rost thanked the road crew for putting up stop signs on Bergstrom Hill Road.
10:10 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:53 AM Lucy Corbett, EMCMHC Prevention Specialist joined the meeting.
10:53 AM EMCMHC UPDATES/ Brenda Kneeland, LCPC, LAC, CEO, Interim Chemical Dependency Program Director
Brenda reported on how Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center has been serving the community with assessments, Prime for Life, DUI classes, one-on-one therapy, group therapy, mental health and medication management. Held five QPR Trainings (Question, Persuade and Refer for suicide prevention) at the schools and hospital. Telemedicine has been utilized and Mobile Crisis is currently being set up for the County. Updated on upcoming prevention presentations for the schools, parenting classes and equine therapy.
11:19 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:27 AM PRAIRIE HILLS RECOVERY CENTER UPDATES/ Tracey Goerndt, ACLC
Tracy reported on how Prairie Hills Recovery Center has been serving the community with Prime for Life, one-on-one therapy, group therapy, also working with probation and the hospital. Updated on events that were held in Fallon County. Tracy comes down all day on Mondays and half a day on Fridays. Discussed increasing funds for services; Commission will wait until budget time to make a decision. Discussed services to assist with mental health and addiction.
11:40 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:43 AM Commissioner Braun made the motion to recess. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
NOON RECESS
1:15 PM RECONVENED
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members;
Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:15 PM Jim Leischner, Gun Range Manager joined the meeting.
1:15 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS-PUBLIC COMMENT
Jim Leischner reported on the sewer tank at the gun range being pumped. Possible leak in the line from the tank to the bathroom. Discussed connecting the line to the septic tank that has a drain field and going out for bid on digging the line.
1:19 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
1:25 PM Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk and Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder joined the meeting.
1:30 PM QUESTIONS ON MULTIPLE ROADS & EASEMENTS/ Bob Thielen, Landowner
Bobby stated that the 2013 County Commissioners passed a resolution to abandon his easement to State land that gave him access to his property. Bobby would like information regarding when Pennel Creek Road was first abandoned in 1933. Cindy asked for a copy of Bobby’s title commitment for when he bought his property, Bobby stated he will bring in a copy. Commissioner Braun informed Bobby that there is a form he will need to fill out to request information.
2:02 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:03 PM GROWTH POLICY ADOPTION HEARING
Commissioner Rost made the motion to table the Fallon County Growth Policy adoption and take it under advisement until the City of Baker and the Town of Plevna have held their Public Hearings and adopted. The Final Growth Policy Adoption Hearing for the Fallon County Growth Policy has been tentatively scheduled for May 20th, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Fallon County Commission Office. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nay. The motion carried unanimously.
2:05 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:06 PM DES & 911 UPDATES/ Amanda Frickel, DES & 911 Coordinator
Amanda spoke with Brian from Direct Electric about getting the siren moved this week. Commissioner Braun requested Amanda to speak with CB Heiser about reimbursing him for have a siren on his property. Held a tabletop exercise with the Health Department and hospital. Updated on trainings, meetings and inspections. Reported on GIS road mapping for 911 addressing; joined Montana GIS group out of Billings. Presented a quote for a COW (Cell on Wheels), waiting for next grant cycle for the COW.
2:21 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:45 PM DISCUSS CREATING A COUNTY RESEARCH POLICY/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk
Cindy recommends a policy should be put in place for extensive searches being as she is not a guaranteed search. Title companies are guaranteed searches and iDoc Market is available for the public to do their own research. Discussed how to define an extensive search and how to possibly charge for the service.
3:00 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:14 PM PERMISSION TO PROCEED WITH 2023 BUDGET ITEMS/ Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodial Supervisor
Lynda asked for permission to finish the Mayor’s office and the Courthouse basement projects that are on her fiscal year 2023 budget; permission granted. Discussed getting a quote for the installation of auxiliary lit exit signs around the Courthouse.
3:27 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:30 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve April 15th – April 19th, 2024 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve April 15th – 19th, 2024 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
2. Executive/Action Items:
3. Old Business as needed.
a. Sign Musical Performance Contract for the O’Fallon Historical Museum.
The Musical Performance Contract was signed by Chairman Baldwin.
b. Review/Decision on fire safety equipment bid specs.
There was no discussion at this time.
c. Review/Discuss Parkview Retirement Complex Clerk/Manager responsibilities.
The Commission reviewed the job description.
d. Sign amended Inter-Local Agreement Formation, Authority and Administration of Abatement Region 1 for the Opioid Settlement.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to sign the Inter-Local Agreement. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
e. Discuss/Decision on designating programs to receive earmarked alcohol tax monies and/or State-Approval for the provision of substance misuse/abuse treatment and prevention services in the County.
The Commission will make the final decision at budget time.
f. Discuss/Decision to sign MACo Letter to Citizens regarding Senate Bill 442.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to sign the MACo Letter to Citizens. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
g. Approval of the Immunization Program Master Contract between the State of Montana, Department of Public Health and Human Services and Fallon County.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve the Master Contract. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
4. Approve Fair Contracts (as needed)
5. Appointments/Resignations to various boards (as needed)
Commissioner Rost made the motion to accept Iven Felt’s resignation as of April 23rd, 2024. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
6. Review & Approve Approach/Encroachment permits (as needed)
7. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
8. Review Department/Office reports/sign journal vouchers (as needed)
9. Emails/Correspondence
4:05 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
4:05 PM Commissioner Braun made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN
s/ Steve Baldwin, Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
