Commission Minutes – June 24 – June 28, 2024
MONDAY, JUNE 24, 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 WEED DEPARTMENT UPDATES/ Sara Berger, Weed Control Coordinator
Reported positively on recent sixth grade education day with Extension, NRCS, Conservation District and also Fish and Wildlife; will try to do it every year. Drone education day went well. DOT gave the Weed Department additional funds to use for the rest of the fiscal year; crew sprayed from Baker to the State house then went North. Updated on vehicle maintenance and setting up maintenance schedules. Reported on schedule for spray crew. Updated on members of the public inquiring on the Weed crew not spraying for landowners; confirmed that it is only for just this year, will start spraying again next year. July 22nd will be the Tri-County Weed Tour. July 19th will be a weed and range contest for 4-H kids.
9:24 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:30 AM OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE/ PARKS FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Robert Christiaens, Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick deHaan, Outside Maintenance Facilities Manager; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Reviewed submitted budget; discussed raising the budget slightly to cover unforeseen issues. Discussed laying millings and adding a pickle ball court in the empty space near the amphitheater.
9:50 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD & SHOP UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn/Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Mitch reported on golf course mower maintenance. Carl updated on ambulance and county vehicle maintenance. Discussed equipping the cemetery with some stored equipment and deciding what needs to be included in the budget. Discussed stockpiling millings; updated road crew on the idea of laying millings at the empty space near the amphitheater.
10:08 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:30 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Discussed chloroforms, turbidity and chlorine residual levels at the golf course irrigation pond; upgraded type of DEQ test for the pond. Reported on the amount of chlorine pumped into the irrigation pond. Will need three weeks of tests before going out for bid for the golf course irrigation pond; pond might be a project for next fall due to requiring a completed O&M for the pond. Shannon is still waiting to hear back from Jeremy, USACE on Bergstrom Hill Road; discussed how to bid out for the culvert project once the County is allowed to go forward.
11:02 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
Dale Welliever, EPEDC Community Development Specialist joined the meeting.
11:02 AM EPEDC UPDATES & FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Terra Burman, Executive Director; Teresea Olson, Community Development Specialist
Terra was unable to join the meeting. Dale Welliever introduced himself. Teresea reported on grants she is assisting with for Fallon County. The Badlands to Badlands Trail project is still in progress. Working with MDT on seasonal signs to remind drivers to share the road with bikers. Will be visiting with Melissa Rost on her Old Hospital restoration. Will visit Steve McClain Memorial Park with Mayor Steve Zachmann on the need for restrooms at the park. Updated on several programs/grants that are in the process of being created or already in progress. Dale will be working in Baker once a week. Invited the Commission to a meeting in Dawson County for wind farm negotiations.
11:27 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:30 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON ASSISTING TOWN OF PLEVNA WITH STREET REPAIRS – CONFERENCE CALL/ Gary Thielen, Mayor
Fallon County will be purchasing hot mix soon. Proposed the County purchase six loads of hot mix and Plevna would purchase twelve loads for a total of eighteen to maintain the roads. Asked if the County could work on the Plevna roads from the Post Office to the cemetery. Commissioner Braun stated that the County would be chip and sealing from the Post office to the cemetery. Gary stated that there are a few holes from the school project and a few other spots in town. Commissioner Braun asked if the equipment was left there after the road is repaired, could he fix the rest of the holes with the equipment. Gary agreed with the idea. Commissioner Baldwin stated that they will speak with the Road Department on whether they have enough hot mix.
11:33 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:42 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 AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:27 PM COUNTY EXTENSION FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ David Kirschten, County Extension Agent; Kodie Olsen, 4-H Program Coordinator; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Reviewed submitted budget; discussed working with the community more and having additional workshops available.
1:39 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:00 PM DES/911 FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Amanda Frickel DES/911 Coordinator; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Reviewed submitted budgets for DES, 911 and LEPC; reported on grants that DES was approved for.
2:09 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:28 PM Jodi Varner, SMART President and Alyson Lineback, SMART Executive Assistant joined the meeting.
2:28 PM SMART & EMEDA MONTHLY UPDATES & FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Vaughn Zenko, Executive Director
Vaughn presented a mid-year report. Updated on events and projects. Discussed budget for hiring an additional person. Jodie stated that SMART assistant could be funded for the second year, but that person would have to generate their own income going forward. Decided that SMART will meet with the Commission once they have the assistant hired for the second half of the funding.
2:48 PM Jodie left the meeting.
Updated on EMEDA Childcare Facilities; hiring opportunities for high school seniors, a Director and volunteers. Rest of the building will be arriving this week. Discussed HeadStart’s progress with their facility and the positive impact from having them involved in Fallon County.
2:56 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:00 PM PLEVNA RURAL FIRE DISTRICT FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ PRFD Board Members; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Kayln Boyle, Larry Steffes, Cody Reiger, Bobby Wiedmer, Shawn Crisler and Dana Buerkle attended the meeting. Reviewed submitted budget; discussed budgeting capital projects for vehicle maintenance and replacement.
3:16 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:27 PM COUNTY FIRE WARDEN FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Randy Hoenke, County Fire Warden; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Reviewed submitted budget.
3:30 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:59 PM BAKER RURAL FIRE DISTRICT FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ BFRD Board Members; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Tom Bruha, Randy Hoenke, Vern Stark, Dick Chester, Chris Meccage, and Fred Hoff attended the meeting. Reviewed the submitted budget; discussed budgeting capital projects for vehicle replacement.
4:33 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
4:52 PM 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.
RECESS
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 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.
9:24 AM REQUEST CHANGE TO PROGRAM ASSISTANT WAGE STEPS/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director; Julie Straub, HRM
Carla explained how the wage cap is the same for the transportation, homemaker and program assistant positions. Carla stated that the program assistant requires more responsibilities and knowledge; would like to raise the cap for the program assistant. Discussed homemaker and program assistant current wages. Commissioner Baldwin asked Carla what she believes it should be. Carla explained the responsibilities of the current program assistant and would like the wage to match the responsibilities. Carla is requesting $25.00, COLA included, for the program assistant. Julie recommends raising the cap to match the 4-H coordinator due to similarities with the Council on Aging Program Assistant; supports Carla’s request for a raise to $25.00. Discussed comparing position to a Library Technician; decided against comparison due to the additional responsibility of driving a bus.
Commissioner Braun made the motion to raise the wage cap for the Council on Aging Program Assistant to $25.00, COLA included. Discussed whether the current Program Manager would step into the Council on Aging Director position when Carla retires. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked if there is any further discussion; will begin as of next pay period. Asked if there is any other discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
9:36 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:45 AM BAKER LAKE TESTING FY25 BUDGET MEETING – ZOOM MEETING/ Linda Rost; Rich Menger, Sanitarian; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Discussion on tests from the Baker Lake and the golf course irrigation pond. Linda reported that she has students in the next school year interested in continuing the lake testing. Discussed tests that Rich conducts on the golf course irrigation pond and other tests that could be conducted on the pond and lake; Commissioner Braun stated that if the County continued to fund the science project, he would like it if the Sanitarian was more involved in the test results the students conduct. Linda agreed and explained some tests that the students could do to further their research in locating the source of the chloroforms. Will make a final decision at a later date. Linda will send the latest tests to Rich sometime in July.
10:11 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:15 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS / Karol Zachmann, Member of the Public
Karol went over the Fourth of July events that will happen at Baker Lake. The Commission confirmed that the Landfill will be providing garbage containers again this year. Karol asked the Commission for approval in order to begin advertising; the Commission approved the plan.
10:22 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:30 AM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve June 17th – June 21st, 2024 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Braun made the motion to approve June 17-21, 2024 Commission Minutes. Commissioner Rost seconds the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asks for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Abstains due to absence. (Commissioner Baldwin) The motion carried.
2. Executive/Action Items:
a. Decision on Business Associate Agreement and General Contract for Services between Fallon County
EMS and SoleStone Reimbursement Services.
The Commission reviewed the agreement and submitted changes to SoleStone Reimbursement.
b. Decision on .GOV Domain registration.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to move forward with .GOV domain registration. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
c. Decision on the Memorandum of Understanding for the Montana Wool Growers Association
Predator Control Fund.
Commissioner Rost made the motion sign the Memorandum of Understanding for the Montana Wool Growers Association Predator Control Fund. Commissioner Braun 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
4. Approve Fair Contracts (as needed)
5. Appointments/Resignations to various boards (as needed)
Commissioner Braun made the motion to appoint Tom Kendall to the Council on Aging Board. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to have Dave Kirschten stay as ex officio on the Weed Board. 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
Approved and signed encroachment permits.
7. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
8. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers (as needed)
11:06 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:07 AM Commissioner Rost made the motion to recess. Commissioner Braun 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 AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM SHERIFF OFFICE FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Reviewed submitted budget. Discussed recertification for Deputy Coroners. Updated on Board of Prisoners changes. Discussed attempting to recruit detention officers and another Deputy, maintenance for plumbing, rotation schedule for Sheriff vehicles.
2:20 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:20 PM PUBLIC HEALTH FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Reviewed submitted budget. Reported on grants that Public Health will be receiving.
2:38 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:45 PM CLERK & RECORDER FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
Reviewed submitted budget. Discussed possibly purchasing election tabulators and setting up public education presentations if/when they are purchased.
3:02 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:03 PM PLANNING DEPARTMENT FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder
Reviewed submitted budget. Discussed hired services.
3:06 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:45 PM CLERK OF COURT FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Jeraldine Newell, Clerk of Court; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
This meeting has been rescheduled for July 1st at 9:15 AM.
3:45 PM Commissioner Braun left the meeting.
4:10 PM GOLF COURSE FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Doug Varner, Intermittent Golf Course Superintendent; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Reviewed submitted budget. Discussed golf course irrigation pond budget.
4:14 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
4:31 PM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON CONTRACTED SERVICES/ Josh Lewis, System Administrators; Clint Townsend, Townsend Computers
Discussed whether to offer Clint an hourly rate or maintain the retainment contract. Clint explains why he prefers retainment but is open to hourly. Determined an hourly rate of a $100.00/hour would work going forward, discussed monthly billing and how Josh would budget going forward.
4:56 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
4:56 PM Commissioner Rost made the motion to recess. 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.
RECESS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 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.
9:30 AM SANITARIAN FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Rich Menger, Sanitarian; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Rich was unable to attend the meeting. Reviewed submitted budget.
9:35 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:45 AM TREASURER FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Barb Ketterling, Treasurer; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Reviewed submitted budget.
9:54 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:30 AM PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder; Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder
1. INSURABLE PARAMETERS
Discussed equipment being covered by insurance or by self-insurance. Anything $50,000 and over should be covered by insurance. Discussed doing a percentage for the smaller equipment; will discuss further at a later date.
2. SELF INSURANCE FUNDING
Will grow the account meant for covering self-insurance. The account would cover deductibles and smaller claims, including windshield. Debbie will prepare guidelines.
10:50 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:00 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON ROAD DEPARTMENT UTILIZATION OF VACATION AND SICK LEAVE/ Road Department Staff; Julie Straub, HRM
Discussed the Road Department being able to use vacation and sick leave to achieve fifty hours pay with no overtime when fifty hours is optional. The road department is a mandatory forty hours. Bobby stated that everyone is hired after being told that the fifty-hour work week is optional and changing it would be misguiding to everyone attending the meeting. Discussed how the road department should be using the fifty hours and when to use the vacation or sick leave. Commissioner Rost stated that Fallon County is the only road department that is set up this way in the State. The road crew expressed how the optional overtime suits them. Commissioner Braun explained that the policy for the road crew has not changed, there is no misguiding from when you were hired. Meet to find what works best for everyone and would like to address the old policy. Mark asked why it needs changed. Julie stated that this is an unfair labor practice that other departments are not able to utilize. Discussed how there will be no decision today. Discussed past proposals and how it affected road crew pay. Kendall wanted discussion on maximum pay as a whole. Commissioner Baldwin expressed that these conversations are healthy. Dylan stated that he does not believe anyone here hates working on Fridays, things happen so some don’t work on Friday Julie explained the use of sick and vacation leave to reach the forty-hour work week. Debbie explained how some workers are using leave to meet either a forty-hour work week or a fifty-hour work week; recommends all do the same, either forty hours or fifty hours. Julie expressed her support for a fifty-hour work week as the established required hours, which would be achieved via actual hours worked, vacation leave, sick leave and/or holiday, as it will have a less negative financial impact if no adjustment is made to wages. Everyone would need to manage their leaves. Could make an exception so the road department does not have to work an additional two hours during a holiday week. Discussed effects of using straight time. Commissioner Rost explained how a forty-hour work week would be more beneficial, and no one would be penalized using straight-time.
12:09 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
12:10 PM 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 AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
1:30 PM MUSEUM FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Melissa Rost, Museum Curator; Museum Board Members; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Reviewed submitted budget. Discussed maintenance and improvements to buildings. Requested an increase in hours for her intermittent employee.
1:44 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:00 PM CEMETERY FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Chanse Hoenke; Seasonal Cemetery Caretaker; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Reviewed submitted budget. Discussed equipment that the cemetery still needs.
2:08 PM Commissioner Rost joined the meeting.
Discussed leak at Bonneville Cemetery.
2:14 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:20 PM Chairman Baldwin left the meeting.
2:30 PM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON THE AIRPORT HAY LEASE/ Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney; Roger Meggers, Airport Facilities Manager
Discussed how many times a year the land needs to be hayed/mowed for airport safety; must be mowed a certain amount of feet away from the runway. Discussed having the County mow the one hundred and twenty acres; include a clause in the hay lease where the lessee notifies if they will be haying or not by mid-June. Discussed if lessee does not hay, if the County should mow it or if the lessee should mow; would they mow it to County specifications. Darcy will draft up a hybrid hay lease for the Commissioners to review.
3:09 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:10 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Reviewed submitted budget.
3:24 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:25 PM DISCUSSION ON GIS ROAD PLATFORM/ Cindy Irgens, Recording Clerk; Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney
Discussed road classifications on the GIS Road platform.
3:35 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:36 PM JUSTICE OF THE PEACE FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ Anna Straub, Justice of the Peace; Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Reviewed submitted Fallon County Court budget. Discussed travel expenses and setting up a law library for the Justice Court office. Reviewed submitted Community Service budget.
3:56 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
3:56 PM FMC FY25 BUDGET MEETING/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Reviewed submitted budget. Discussed long term plans and upcoming projects.
4:02 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
4:08 PM Commissioner Rost made the motion to adjourn. 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) The motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN
s/ Steve Baldwin, Chairman
s/ Kevin J. Braun, Vice Chairman
s/ Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
s/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk and Recorder
