CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS

06-12-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met on Monday June 12, 2023, in the Carter County Commission Board Meeting Room of the Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Rod Tauck, Chairman; Mike Watkins, Vice Chairman and Pamela Castleberry, member were present.

Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright stepped into the meeting with Budget Documents.

Commissioner Tauck was present last Friday for the new hospital generator walk through with Don Hotter of Don’s Electric.

Tracey Walker Superintendent of Schools presented the resignation of Carter County Educator Drusilla Dye. Tracey will advertise for the position as soon as possible with the understanding that Drusilla will cover the position until it is filled.

Road and Bridge Supervisor Carl Knapp joined the meeting with gravel samples for mining from the Belltower area.

Carl Presented the 2-23-2024 Road and Bridge budget. He increased purchase services to cover the increased cost of major purchases including magnesium chloride, pit stripping and power v plows for 4 trucks and 3 graders.

Attorney Harrington and Shannon Hewson of Brosz Engineering joined the meeting.

Carl presented a final quote for fencing the front of County Road Department yard with chain link at $21,500.00 from Bruski Fencing. The Commissioners recommended ordering fencing, v-plows, grader, and truck as soon as possible so that these items may be taken out of the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget. Carl left the meeting.

Shannon introduced Mike Moore of Brosz Engineering Miles City office. His experience includes roads, bridges, hydrology and GIS mapping services. There are several County projects and Flood plain study that where discussed.

Sheriff Neil Kittelmann and Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Coordinator Georgia Bruski joined the meeting.

County Treasurer Jesi Pierson presented Montana Code Annotated 7-4-2503, Salary schedule for certain County Officers- for longevity pay scale and Sheriff’s Department. Georgia presented the Disaster and Emergency Services budget with a request to increase the salaries and supplies. She has plans to purchase cots and chairs for evacuations to shelter in town.

Treasurer Jesi Pierson left the meeting, while Attorney Harrington joined the meeting.

Neil presented the Public Safety 2023-2024 budget. Possibility of increase in salary. The Commission and Neil discussed the 911 Dispatch payment to Fallon Co. of $33,333.00. They agreed the funds will come out of purchase services from a separate line item.

Treasurer Jesi Pierson joined the meeting.

Neil, Jesi and Corbit debated the Undersheriff and Deputies receiving longevity pay and a % of the $2,000.00 a year Corners Salary that is part of Neil’s salary. The Contract with the Town of Ekalaka for law enforcement coverage is also used to offset the salaries of the officers. Commissioner Tauck asked if the officers keep track of the hours worked providing law enforcement for the Town. The officers do not track hours worked for the Town.

The meeting broke for lunch at 12:35 pm and reconvened at 1:00 pm.

The Airport Board Troy Fruit, Greg Harris and Steve Summers joined the meeting to present the 2023-2024 Airport Budget.

The Automated Weather Observing system {AWOS) is not in place yet, the FAA has not approved the master plan that includes the AWOS. The County portion of the weather station will be $40,000. When the plan is approved.

The Board has been pleased with Justin Stieg as the Airport Manager. He is completing his duties, including equipment maintenance.

There is erosion around the cement including a washout near the South end of a hanger. Troy spoke to County Road Supervisor about placing rock in the washout to prevent further erosion. He has also contacted Jesperson Construction about completing the drainage project from 2020.

The airport fuel Spill prevention, Control and Counter program (SPCC) inspection was completed a few weeks ago with no report back at this time. This inspection and report are required by insurance. The Lease agreement with Plu’s Flying Service will require the SPCC plan to be part of the contract.

The Airport Board has found that Jet A fuel is highly regulated and it may not be feasible to include at the airport at this time.

The Board has contacted Montana Aeronautics to start the process of installing FFA weather Cameras at the airport with permission from the Commissioners and a signature from the County Attorney. The installation would be completed through Montana Aeronautics. The expense would split the with the County.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to apply for, purchase and install 4 heated cameras at 50% cost share with Montana Aeronautics. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried. The Airport Board left the meeting.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve Resolution 06012023-01 that will establish compensation rates of County Elected Officials and employees. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Justice Court Judge Kathy Rosencranz presented the 2023-2024 Budget for the office of Justice Court. She sees a need to increase salaries in light of the Cost of Living increase and the possibility of longevity pay.

County Extension Agent Amanda Williams stepped into the meeting to introduce Jenna Paul who is an Extension intern through MSU Extension Program. She will intern in numerous Counties in the area this year.

Helen King called about the need for turning lanes on highway 212 at the BJ’s convenience Store. The Commission can not make changes to a State Highway but they will contact Montana Department of Transportation to make them aware of the issues Helen mentioned.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the Commissioners Proceedings for May 31. 2023. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Deputy Treasurer Cecile Kuehn joined the meeting to make the commission aware of the fact the EBMS Insurance is denying coverage for an employee. The Commission placed a call to Tyrell Mailloux from EBMS who explained that the employee could be covered under COBRA insurance during the employment gap and the regular policy following Their return to work.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve the Carter County longevity Policy. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. there was no public comment and the motion carried.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

Attest:/s/ Judy Wright, Clerk of the Board

6-19-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met on Monday June 19, 2023, in the Carter County Commission Board Meeting Room of the Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Rod Tauck, Chairman; Mike Watkins, Vice Chairman and Pamela Castleberry, member were present.

There was no public comment

Guests: Senior Coordinator Tricia Lovec, Jimi Willison Fix, Linda Zittlow and Myrna Tooke.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve the June 5th and June 8th 2023 Commissioners Proceedings. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Senior Congregate meals bid opening: one bid received from Jimi Willson Fix in the amount of $15.00 a plate. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to accept Jim i’s bid of $15.00 a plate providing that she acquires an independent contractors license. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Tracey Walker, Superintendent of Schools/ Clerk of Courts presented 2023-2024 Budget. She requested an increase for salaries and supplies and she plans to purchase chairs for the jury room. She is also looking into having a Galley wall in courtroom.

Christy Bruce, Custodian stepped into the meeting to request permission to purchase 9 bags of mulch for the tree rings and flower beds in the Courthouse front lawn. After discussion, the commission approved the purchase of 15 bags of mulch to saving trips to purchase more later and to be used as needed.

Commissioner Tau ck has been in contact with McKenzie McCarthy, Counsel Montana Association of Counties (MACo) with regard to the longevity policy that was signed June 12, 2023 by the Commission. The longevity is normally based on the position the employee currently holds.

The commission discussed the hospital generator project and placed a call to Corey Hesiak about electrical engineering scope of work on the proposed project.

Patricia Laughlin joined the meeting with questions regarding the Carter County Public Health Budget and Human Resources (HR).

The meeting broke for lunch at 11:54 and was called to order at 1:00 with Commissioners Tauck and Castleberry were present. Commissioner Watkins was absent. Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright joined the meeting.

Fair Board members Seth Whitney and Cam La Bree joined the meeting with the Fair Board 2023-2024 budget. They will increase salaries and discussed the rodeo grounds painting. The project was started last year by a contractor, but has not been completed. The Fair Board is looking into other options to get the project completed.

Clerk and Recorder 2023-204 Budget review with Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright. Increase in salaries, funds for audit. Judy hasn’t received the taxable value, will be looking for the figures in August.

Predator Board contracts were dropped off unsigned by Mark Husby and Chad Harrington.

Predator Board members Jeff Tauck and Matt Borchgrevink joined the meeting with review of the predator control contracts.

The Board reviewed the 2023-2024 Budget and discussed how the Livestock protection monies could be used. The Board and Commission also touched on the per Capita tax, including the amount per head of cattle and sheep in Carter County.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

Attest:/s/ Judy Wright, Clerk of the Board

06-22-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met on Thursday June 12, 2023, in the Carter County Commission Board Meeting Room of the Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Rod Tauck, Chairman and Pamela Castleberry, member were present; Mike Watkins, Vice Chairman was absent.

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am and there was no public comment.

Guest: Wayne Yost and Jim McCabe of the Carter County Conservation District Board; Karen Kreitel Conservation District Clerk and Treasurer Jesi Pierson.

The Conservation District purchased a no till drill with funds from a grant and Carter County. The title and insurance are covered by the County. The District proposes paying the County back for the no-till drill and taking over ownership.

The Conservation District funds are currently held by the County and managed by the Conservation Board, Conservation District Clerk and the County Treasurers’. The Conservation District would like to manage all of the funds through the District Clerk Karen Kreitel. They would leave the taxes collected for the District to cover the payroll through the Treasurer office.

The Commission invited Lisa Rieger with the County per capita livestock tax is assessment. She stated that the numbers are based on self-reporting. If per capita fee was to be raised there would have to be a County Commission approved petition.

Call in from Denning, Downing and Associates senior auditor Angela Holmes for the 2022- 2023 audit exit interview. Jesi Pierson, Treasurer joined the meeting. There were no significant findings. There was clarification on disposing of surplus property and properly recording it for the audit.

The meeting broke for lunch at 12:00 and was called to order at 1:00.

Guests: The museum Board Members Llane Carroll, and Jerry Cline as well as Executive Director Sabre Moore and Curator Nathan Carroll. Sabre presented the annual 2023-2024 Budget and programs and activities in the past year as well as future plans and goals for the Carter County Museum.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to sign the Mid-Rivers encroachment Permits for Ekalaka Rural fiber optic. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Public Health 2023-2024 Budget review with Public Health Manager Stefanie Harrington and Public Health Officer / Nurse Kirstie Nelson. Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright joined the meeting. Stefanie has requested the addition of object codes for salaries, supplies, medical supplies, publicity/ads, training and travel as well as separate out the grants and deliverables.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to sign the FEP Task order# 24-07-611-007-0 in the amount of $27,381.00. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

Attest:/s/ Judy Wright, Clerk of the Board