Commission Minutes – May 6 – May 10, 2024
MONDAY, MAY 6, 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
Bobby Thielen joined the meeting. Bobby stated the approved April 22nd – April 26th Commission minutes need to have his meeting revised. Commissioner Baldwin explained how the agenda item is the only topic recorded, anything off topic does not go in the minutes. Bobby would like the reason he was at the meeting in the minutes; the section, township and range, the road, petitions, and him handing the Commission the Code of Ethics. Commissioner Braun explained the purpose of having a three-member panel. Bobby stated he was going to refer everything that deals with the Code of Ethics for the Commissioners to his attorney being as the Commission has been notified. Commissioner Rost agreed that the sections, township, and range can be amended into the minutes; will email a copy to Bobby for review. Brenda informed Bobby that the audio recordings are not the official minutes and won’t be available to the public during the practice run until July 1st. Brenda presented a letter regarding Bobby’s information request; states that the research is outside of Cindy’s duties, and she is not a guaranteed search. Commissioner Braun explained that the GIS road mapping will be made available to the public once completed. Cindy recommends doing his own research or hiring someone to do the research back to patent on his four sections. Bobby stated he would like Commissioner Braun to refrain from commenting on his concerns with Fallon County. Discussed more on the requested research.
9:20 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:20 AM OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE UPDATE/ Robbie Christiaens, Maintenance Supervisor; Derrick DeHaan, Maintenance Assistant
Robbie updated on lawn maintenance and clearing a beaver dam. Commissioner Rost asked if the new bases were ordered. Robbie confirmed and explained the condition of the old bases; updated on baseball fields preparations. Boat docks have been put in and new bumpers have been installed. Discussed communicating with the new City Parks contractor on whether he or the County should be mowing the highway and road ditches. Reported on recent Convention; suggested putting a cement pad under the baseball field bleachers like Billings. Updated on maintenance for the splash park; discussed where to place new security cameras. Derrick updated on Parkview Retirement Complex building 2 elevator being out of order, service technician has been contacted. Boilers have been installed; reported upcoming boiler training and insurance inspection. Fallon Medical Complex courtyard is no longer leaking into the basement; updated on gutter maintenance at FMC. Parkview carpets have been cleaned and a new rent box was put up.
9:40 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:45 AM PERMISSION TO HIRE SEASONAL OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE CREW HANDS/ Robbie Christiaens, Maintenance Supervisor; Julie Straub, HRM
Commissioner Braun made the motion to hire Bishop Hanson and Ethan Reichenberg. Commissioner Rost seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
9:50 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:00 AM ROAD/SHOP UPDATES/ Bobby Wiedmer, Road Superintendent; Mitch Overn/Carl Overland, Shop Mechanics
Finished blading low maintenance roads. Still hauling scoria. Installed car gates except for one on Calumet Road. Commissioner Braun asked about taking care of the lip on a road? Bobby stated no due to not having an easement into the subdivision. Mitch is currently working on the Landfill’s compactor. Discussed county vehicle that is still broken; Carl stated if Denny Menholt would warranty the motor, then he would replace the transmission. Commissioner Rost recommends after the repair, to trade the vehicle off. Carl is still waiting for the intake manifold for the ambulance.
10:09 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:20 AM Chairman Baldwin left the meeting.
10:30 AM PROJECT UPDATES/ Shannon Hewson, Brosz Engineering; Rich Menger, Sanitarian
Shannon stated that Rich spoke with NRCS and DNRC on water rights and the pre-application meeting for the golf course irrigation pond. Shannon presented a completed pre-application form; meeting can be held over Zoom in June. Discussed how much water the golf course will be using for the fairways, greens and driving range. DEQ considers moving the treated water from the City’s pond to the golf course irrigation pond as a discharge; discussed how this shouldn’t affect the pre-application meeting. Rich will start doing chlorination testing after June 1st. Jeremy Anderson and Sage Joyce, USACE plan on coming to visit Baker Lake and Bergstrom Hill Road on Tuesday, May 16th. Shannon updated on the GIS road mapping project; May 28th, Kady will come to Baker for a walkthrough of the GIS system. Shannon explained what roads will be shown on the GIS road mapping project; 911 map will have different roads included. Shannon will speak with Bobby Wiedmer, Brittanie Jorgenson, Cindy Irgens and Amanda Frickel for GIS road mapping input. Reported on parking lot surveys; will bring work order in next week.
10:50 AM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:00 AM IT UPDATES/ Josh Lewis, System Administrator
Cameras have been installed at the Container site; bridge point from the golf course shop will be installed later this week. Discussed options for renting a scissor lift to install bridge point. Wi-Fi was installed at the airport last week; will install weather cameras in July for next fiscal year. Reported on robo-call spamming the Courthouse; Verizon implemented spam filtering. Updated on Dispatch call recording. An individual asked about a subscription service for the website so they can be notified when new posts are uploaded on the website; Josh has enabled a subscription for email alerts on the website. Ordered new printer plotter for the Planning Department, will arrive for install next week. Clint Townsend will cover for Josh while he is away next week for the the Digital Summit in Helena.
11:17 AM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:26 AM SMART & EMEDA MONTHLY UPDATES/ Vaughn Zenko, Executive Director; Cheyanne Dame, ED Specialist
Updated on grants that SMART applied for. Reported on a grant that the county departments could utilize, asked the Commission to request lists of projects from the department heads. Working with the Museum and Historical Society on walking path for city businesses. Updated on progress with the Visitor Center and tourism website. SMART Board agreed to act as a steering committee to start a Fallon County Community Foundation. Recent Housing Discussion has some community members wanting to start a housing board. Cheyanne is working on creating a Youth Advisory Committee for students to be able to have support for their ideas and be heard about concerns they have for the community. Went out for bid on grading the site for the Childcare Facility; no bids were submitted so they will start to ask local contractors. May 14th will go out for bid for foundation, sewer and water. Buildings should be on site by the end of June.
11:48 AM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
11:52 AM Commissioner Rost made the motion to recess. 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.
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
Wayne Mangold and Dale Butori joined the meeting. Discussed going out to bid for Baker and Plevna TV District towers upgrades and repairs. Bid advertisement will be in the May 10th, 2024 paper.
1:40 PM COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK SESSION/ Darcy Wassmann
1. Resolution/Contract for the Indigent Burial Policy.
No discussion at this time.
2. Burial Application form.
No discussion at this time.
3. Agreement/Addendum for the Buerkle Scoria pit.
Presented an Addendum and Assignment of the lease for the Buerkles.
4. Baker Senior Center transfer of ownership/lease.
No discussion at this time.
5. Vacating plats from County COS.
No discussion at this time.
6. Agricultural easement for Randy Tunby.
No discussion at this time.
7. Resolution for Fair Board reimbursement.
No discussion at this time.
8. Updated Baker Chamber MOA.
No discussion at this time.
9. Review Parkview & Public Health cleaning agreement.
No discussion at this time.
10. Discuss Research Policy for the Clerk & Recorders office.
Discussed statute 2-6-1006; Clerk & Recorders office could set up a process to research for the public.
11. Sign Request for FAA Approval of Agreement for Transfer of Entitlements to Laurel Municipal Airport
Darcy signed the document as of today.
1:57 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
1:57 PM CEMETERY UPDATES/ Chanse Hoenke, Seasonal Cemetery Caretaker
Chanse updated on Cemetery maintenance. Discussed equipment needed for the cemetery and items that could be purchased in the upcoming fiscal year budget.
2:02 PM Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk joined the meeting.
Kimberly went over the current cemetery budget with Chanse. Discussed options for maintaining graves and roads without a tractor.
2:10 PM Kimberly left the meeting.
Commissioner Braun will get a quote from West Plains for a compact front loader. The Commission will ask the Road Department if they have any spare tools to transfer to the cemetery. Updated on cemetery vehicle needing repaired. Discussed replacing the current trailer, weed eaters and sprayers. Discussed fuel and disposing of broken and outdated equipment.
2:33 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:33 PM PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES/ Kim Bryan, Director of Public Health
Updated on upcoming vaccinations and screenings. Kids Carnival in August will have a mobile vision clinic that will be providing free glasses to kids. Kim and Mindi will be attending a crisis intervention table talk on Friday, May 17th in Sidney. Updated on upcoming events and trainings.
2:47 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:00 PM COMMISSION WORK SESSION
1. Approve April 29th – May 3rd, 2024 Commission Minutes
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve April 29th – May 3rd, 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. Approve April 2024 End of Month Claims
a. Discuss Fairgrounds fire hydrant repair invoice/ Matt Plaisted, Road Operator/Fair Board Chair;
Kimberly Jensen, AP Clerk
Matt was unable to attend the discussion. Kimberly stated there were additional charges on the City Invoice that Matt questioned. Matt received clarification from the City and was okay with the additional charges. Kimberly also provided information pertaining to the restock fee so the Commission were aware before they signed the claim.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve April 2024 End of month claims for the amount of $432,024.18. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
3. Approve April 2024 Payroll & Withholdings
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve April 2024 Payroll and Withholdings for the amount of $622,393.59. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
4. Executive/Action Items:
a. Discussion/Decision on donating to the fireworks fund.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to donate the same amount as the previous year for the amount of $2,500.00 to the Baker fireworks fund. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
b. Approve signing a Letter of Support for the Montana Community Foundation for the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive fund.
The Commission signed the Letter of Support as of today.
c. Approval of Healthy Is Wellness Services Agreement.
Chairman Baldwin signed the agreement as of today.
d. Approve Request for FAA Approval of Agreement for Transfer of Entitlements to Laurel Municipal Airport
Chairman Baldwin signed the Approval of Agreement as of today.
e. Approval of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Data Sheet.
Chairman Baldwin signed the CIP Data Sheets as of today.
5. Old Business as needed
a. Approve quote for Airport Gate Operator Replacement.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to approve the Dakota Fence quote for the amount of $9,387.00 for the gate operator replacement at the airport. Commissioner Braun seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. The motion carried unanimously.
6. Approve Fair Contracts (as needed)
7. Appointments/Resignations to various boards (as needed)
8. Review & Approve Approach/Encroachment Permits
9. Review Board Minutes/Agendas (Boards other than Commission)
10. Review Department/office reports/sign journal vouchers (as needed)
11. E-mails/Correspondence
3:47 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, MAY 7, 2024
10:15 AM CONVENE
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
10:15 AM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
10:31 AM DISCUSSION/DECISION ON CEILING TILES IN MAYOR’S OFFICE/ Lynda Herbst, Inside Custodial Supervisor
Discussed options for the ceiling tiles in the mayor’s office; possibly paint the tiles or replace them completely. The Commission will decide after seeing what type of insulation is above the ceiling tiles.
10:45 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:45 AM FAIRGROUNDS UPDATE/ Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Curt Kushka, the sound technician, will come and finish the arena speakers sometime after the 31st of May. Jennefer has been looking for a scissor lift; discussed companies to contact for renting a lift. 406 finished sprinkler inspection at the Fairgrounds, Johnsons Control worked on fire suppression system but there are still alarm issues. Discussed removing wet fire system from one of the concessions stands and replacing it with a dry system instead. Walk-in doors will be replaced at the indoor barn. Contract Addendums have been sent out. Discussed seasonal crew hands management. Discussed repairing vacant lot in July; Commissioner Braun recommends putting up a walk-in gate and panels to block vacant lot and prevent people from parking there.
11:04 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:17 AM Commissioner Rost recused himself.
11:17 AM MUSEUM UPDATES/ Melissa Rost, Museum Curator
Straub Heating & Cooling finished installing heat at the block building. Melissa updated on grants she is applying for. Reported on events and meetings. Discussed MOMSI study; still looking for more participants. American Countryside did a radio interview on Steer Montana and the history of the area; Melissa will be notified when it is on air. Reported on school activities. Presented a map for the layout of Heritage Fest.
11:33 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:33 AM Commissioner Braun 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 Rost) The motion carried.
NOON RECESS
1:00 PM RECONVENED
PRESENT: Steve Baldwin, Chairman; Kevin Braun and Roy Rost, Members; Megan Slagter, Recording Secretary
FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE
1:00 PM ATTEND SCIENCE FAIR PRESENTATION BY HUNTER BAILEY
– BAKER HIGH SCHOOL ITV ROOM
The Commission attended Hunter Bailey’s presentation on “Microbial Source Tracking of Fecal Contamination in the Baker Lake from Recycled Wastewater Used for the Lakeview Golf Course Irrigation”.
Minutes for Commission Meeting on Baker Lake Project submitted by Linda Rost
May 7, 2024 at 1:00 PM
In attendance: Commissioners Steve Baldwin, Roy Rost, Kevin Braun, teacher Linda Rost, teacher Jessica Boggs, student Hunter Bailey, Tania and Travis Bailey, Jessica Boggs’ 7th graders, Linda Rost’s sophomores
Hunter Bailey presented his yearlong research on the source of bacterial contamination in Baker Lake. The Fallon County Commission provided the supplies to conduct all of the testing. He found that the coliform and E. coli levels have remained high, approaching the maximum levels set by the state. To find the source of contamination, Hunter used microbial source tracking methods of fecal bacteria testing and gene markers to testing for human contamination. He also reported high levels of coliforms and E. coli in the effluent wastewater used to irrigate the golf course, which was tested by the Fallon County sanitarian, Rich Menger, and sent to Energy Labs in Billings. The wastewater is chlorinated at the lagoons, but only at a rate of 0.6 mg/L (0.5 lbs. of chlorinated gas/100,000 gallons), when the recommendations for wastewater irrigation chlorination are 5.0-10.0 mg/L. The golf course is considered a Class A irrigation site, but the coliform and E. coli levels have far exceeded the requirements.
To determine whether the golf course wastewater irrigation was contaminating the lake, Hunter tested puddles that formed between the golf course and the lake, which has a drop in altitude of 8 m. The puddles in the fields had such excessive amounts of bacteria that they maxed out the tests, just like the golf course effluent. Hunter also performed metagenomics testing to determine the types of organisms in the water. He found a number of organisms that point to human fecal contamination, including genes with antibiotic resistance for common antibiotics, but the HF 183 human marker gene was not present in the samples.
Hunter recommended that the county chlorinate the wastewater at a much higher rate, at least 5.0 mg/L, and monitor the bacteria levels in the golf course effluent to determine if the chlorination is adequate. The commissioners discussed the issue with him and had several questions. They wondered if the effluent could be tested and then the runoff from the golf course tested shortly after to see if there was a change. Additionally, they wondered if the levels changed while the water was in the 2-mile pipe from the lagoon to the golf course. The commission informed everyone that the DEQ is requiring the golf course pond to be lined to prevent infiltration of water; this will be done around September 1, 2024. They asked if there was a risk of over chlorinating the water and how that might affect the grass. They asked how long the bacteria might survive on or in the soil, whether it goes dormant, and what happens when there is a drought. They asked if there was a soil test to determine if the bacteria has been accumulating in the soil over the years. If the golf course’s effluent water is chlorinated to an adequate level to meet the requirements for coliforms and E. coli, will there still be bacteria in the soil on the golf course running off into the lake? The commission thanked Hunter for his presentation and his hard work in finding the solution to this issue.
2:00 PM AGENDA/NON-AGENDA ITEMS – PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
2:15 PM SHOOTING RANGE UPDATES/ Jim Leischner, Shooting Range Manager
Discussed budgeting for the Road Departments services. Jim stated that the plumber would not be able to connect the bathroom line to the drain field lines. Discussed options for replacing or repairing the septic tank.
2:20 PM Carl Overland joined the meeting.
2:22 PM Chairman Baldwin left the meeting to attend an interview.
The Commission decided to leave the septic tank as is and keep the tires in place to protect the piping. Permission granted to lay scoria over existing dirt without digging down.
2:27 PM Vice Chairman Braun ended the discussion.
2:27 PM Commissioner Rost left the meeting to attend an interview.
3:00 PM LANDFILL UPDATES/ Jeff Frank, Manager of Landfill Operations
The survey for the Landfill was completed on Friday. Currently waiting for results on the remaining life of the landfill. Jeff asked how much overtime will be going to the City for the City of Baker Clean-up days. Commissioner Braun asked for a report on the overtime to further discuss with the other Commissioners. Updated on equipment maintenance; the compactor’s wiring harness and the paddle scraper’s turbo are broken.
3:06 PM Chairman Baldwin joined the meeting.
3:07 PM Commissioner Rost joined the meeting.
Jeff stated that other landfills are using excavators and haul trucks; excavators cost less than scrapers and would not need a haul truck being as the landfill currently has an end dump. Exxon is requesting a third-party review/audit the landfill. The Commission recommended the individual set up an appointment for the agenda with Jeff. Presented a quote for a woodchipper. The Commission recommended looking for a woodchipper that is bigger and more industrial to put in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussed turning in the overtime to the Commission so they can discuss with the City.
3:15 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:19 PM 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.
RECESS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2024
1:15 PM CONVENE
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 EXTENSION/4-H UPDATES/ Kodie Olsen, 4-H Program Coordinator
Updated on past and upcoming events. Kodie will proctor a Commercial Pesticide and Right-A-Way test for the State of Montana. There are interviews for a new County Agent on May 16th. Working with Jolinda on having the Fallon County Homemaker’s and 4-H youth collaborating. Updated on fair preparations.
1:31 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
2:06 PM SALARY COMMISSION MEETING – DISCUSSION/DECISION ON FY25 SALARY/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder, Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Barbara Ketterling, Treasurer; Jerrie Newell (by phone), Clerk of Court; Julie Straub, HRM; Christa Alford, Payroll Clerk; Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff; Darcy Wassmann, County Attorney; Kyle Medearis, Public Member
Kyle was unable to attend the meeting. Brenda presented a summary of the proposed salary after longevity is applied. Commissioner Braun stated that the new longevity schedule will be implemented to the 2025 fiscal year payroll. By implementing longevity, COLA will not be implemented for the fiscal year of 2025, for now. Commissioner Rost added that the Commission reviewed all the of departments’ wages and adjusted a few base wages, but this process is not quite done yet. Trenton praised the longevity but was concerned about losing a year of adjustment from COLA. Jerrie stated that she would like to see elected officials receive a COLA, or it would be the same as going backwards. Commissioner Baldwin asked for a percentage. Jerrie stated 1.5% increase in COLA for elected officials. Brenda stated COLA is 3.2 % and CPI is 4.1%. Barb agreed with both Trenton and Jerrie and believes a little boost would be rewarding for the employees that they have retained. Trenton stated if 2% is from longevity, then adding an additional 2% of COLA to meet the 4% would be a compromise. Darcy added that longevity should be separate from COLA. Commissioner Baldwin stated that longevity is not used as a tool to raise wages. Commissioner Braun agreed that longevity and COLA should be kept separate, but it still is a cost to our taxpayers. Commissioner Rost stated that if the thirteen employees are adjusted to meet the base rate, then he would be for implementing the full COLA. Jerrie asked the Commission why it doesn’t seem that the elected officials and deputies are treated like they are important. Commissioner Baldwin asked for more clarification. Jerrie stated that the elected officials and deputies should take precedence.
Jerrie made the motion to set COLA at 3% for elected officials. Trenton seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; Trenton stated it was a fair compromise. 5 Ayes. 2 Nays. Motion does not pass due to lack of majority by the Commission.
Commissioner Rost made the motion to set COLA at 1.5% for elected officials. Barb seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; Trenton made a friendly amendment to the motion raising it to a 2 % COLA for elected officials. Barb seconded the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 5 Ayes. 2 Nays. Motion does not pass due to lack of majority by the Commission. Motion reverted to the original 1.5% COLA for elected officials. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; discussed Commissions’ reason behind 1.5 % COLA. 3 Ayes. 4 Nays. Motion does not pass due to lack of majority by the voting members.
3:08 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
3:10 PM EMPLOYEE WAGE DISCUSSION/DECISION/ Brenda J. Wood, Clerk & Recorder, Debbie Wyrick, Deputy Clerk & Recorder; Christa Alford, Payroll Clerk; Julie Straub, HRM
Discussed adjusting certain individuals’ pay in order to meet a base rate within the departments.
3:45PM Commissioner Rost left the room.
Commissioner Rost stated he abstains from the vote.
Commissioner Braun made a motion to adjust the thirteen (13) individuals’ base pay. Commissioner Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Abstained. (Commissioner Rost)
Commissioner Braun made the motion to accept all changes as discussed for the 2025 fiscal year.
Salary Schedule amended to reflect wage step progression from time of hire to completion of 5 years of employment. Cap set for positions as detailed below, and steps will be reflected at percentages of cap.
Hire Date = 90% cap
Completion Year 1 = 92% cap
Completion Year 2 = 94% cap
Completion Year 3 = 96% cap
Completion Year 4 = 98 % cap
Completion Year 5 = cap
Motions for Wages:
-Dispatch and Dispatch/Det will include $0.75 stipend in wages; cap set at $27.74
-EMS cap set at $30.10
-Fairgrounds cap set at $29.25
-Golf Course Superintendent cap set at $30.50
-IT cap set at $33.00
-All Clerks cap set at $29.34 (does not include Sheriff Clerk, as that position incl Det Officer
duties)
-Museum Intermittent Aide Market Adjustment = $18.00 (Intermittent employees do not
have steps)
-Museum Curator cap set at $28.75
-Outside Building Maintenance Supervisor cap set at $31.00
-Outside Building Maintenance Manager cap set at $30.50
-Sheriff Clerk/DO incorporates $0.75 stipend into clerk cap = $30.09
-Detention Officers cap set at $27.74
-Shooting Range Manager cap set at $26.44
-Shooting Range Match Supervisor cap set at $25.44
-Landfill Equipment Operator without CDL cap set at $29.25
-Landfill Equipment Operator with CDL cap set at $29.75
-Landfill Manager cap set at $31.25
-Weed Control Coordinator cap set at $28.75
Motion to remove requirement of one year of employment to receive COLA. All employees will receive COLA regardless of hire date.
Commissioner Baldwin stepped down to second the motion. Commissioner Baldwin asked for any further discussion; being none. 2 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Abstained. (Commissioner Rost)
3:52 PM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
4:12 PM 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.
RECESS
THURSDAY, MAY 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.
9:15 AM LIBRARY UPDATES/ Beth Meggers, Director of Library Services
National Library week and story time have had great turnouts. Summer reading starts in June. Aids are working out well; extra aid will be starting for the summer in June.
9:20 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
9:30 AM PERMISSION TO UTILIZE VOLUNTEERS AT THE GOLF COURSE/ Doug Varner, Interim Golf Course Superintendent; Julie Straub, HRM
Julie explained that Doug would like to utilize volunteers at the golf course. Discussed management and safety protocols to implement for the volunteers. Scheduling will be at the Interim Superintendents discretion. Discussed advertising for volunteers.
9:41 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
10:00 AM FMC UPDATES/ David Espeland, CEO; Marjorie Losing, CFO
Margorie presented Fallon Medical Complex’s 990 Form public disclosure copy. Reported on FMC’s March financials and stats. David updated on the Board voting to implement an automated reminder system for scheduled appointments. Reported on positive impact from introductions of the providers to the public. Commissioner Braun asked if FMC signed a contract with a mental health service. David informed that the contract was originally for Long-Term Care residents but was upgraded for patients to also utilize. Commissioner Braun stated that the Commission is working to have community wide mental health service; discussed setting up a meeting with key players for the mental health program and David responded that the County has FMC’s full support on the county program. Discussed fire alarm issue in Parkview Retirement Complex; TAB Electronics is researching options to replace the copper wiring, possibly fiberoptics. Commissioner Braun updated David on Parkview building 2 having an elevator out of order.
10:53 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:00 AM COUNCIL ON AGING UPDATES/ Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director
The Council on Aging had a board meeting this week and went out for bid on congregate meals; Fallon Medical Complex submitted a bid for $15.00 per meal at the hospital and for Meals on Wheels. Carla reported that there is a federal regulation that states the suggested donation for should be the actual cost of the meal as of July 1st. Carla is waiting for more clarification on the regulation. Commissioner Baldwin asked about the new trays; Carla reported positively on them. Updated on being short a full-time driver temporarily but has an intermittent driver being able to cover. Discussed restricting the hours in the summer due to not having a full-time driver. Waiting for the attorney to complete the Baker Senior Center agreement; discussed the County being responsible for the building and electrical once the agreement has been signed and the Seniors would purchase consumables as renters. The County would maintain the parking lot and plow snow in the winter. Updated on the food cupboard receiving donations.
11:13 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
11:15 AM FOLLOW UP DISCUSSION/DECISION FOR CEMETERY EQUIPMENT/ Chanse Hoenke, Seasonal Cemetery Caretaker
Updated on shop maintenance. Chanse asked about replacing the trailer. Discussed using the trailer from Outside maintenance; will ask Robbie if Chanse could use his trailer. Chanse asked what to do with the snow blower and tiller attachments. The Commission will ask Robbie if he could utilize either attachment. The Commission will update Chanse when the new tractor arrives and will supply tools for the cemetery shop. Reported on equipment that is unusable and/or unable to repair. The Commission advised Chanse to dispose of the damaged equipment and report to Kimberly for inventory.
11:35 AM Chairman Baldwin ended the discussion.
12:02 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
