April 5, 2022

059
COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
April 5, 2022
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:00 Pledge of Allegiance.
Road Foreman meeting. Sam Kalleveg, Eric Walker, and Tim Blair were present. Foreman and Commissioners discussed the gravel crushing bid and concerns that there are no provisions for fuel increases; Blain believes the selected contractor has a fuel contract that locks in his price and made comment at the bid opening that he didn’t anticipate fuel increase if he knew that day that he could lock in his fuel costs. Discussion about expectations for the Road crew for gravel crushing; it was noted the bid did not include mention of the crew pushing material to the crusher and the commissioners do not wish to supply that assistance. Would like to revisit the specifications for crushing next year after guidance received from LTAP. Discussed road priority list changes to portions of Meeteetse Trail, E. Rosebud Road, Musegades Road, and Evertz Road. Walker asked about MSHA training for gravel pits; Newell will reach out to LTAP.
Discussion about establishing a County Fire Team from the road crew. The County would like to have a group identified so they can be properly trained and receive PPE rather than having untrained employees on fires. Would like to have confirmation from crew members again this year. Discussion about radio programming so equipment operators can get on the same CMA or TAC channel as everyone else. Discussed having equipment assignments decided ahead of time.
Discussion about Asphalt Preservation and Summer projects. Shifting BaRSAA funds to the Joliet Fromberg Road; would like to start using BARSAA funds to preserve pavement and try not to add too much more. Discussed adding bentonite to E Bench and Cooney road to try to help reduce the maintenance needs.
Discussion about equipment inventory and needs; Red Lodge is looking to get another truck / belly dump. Commissioners also noted they are looking at doing a surplus sale this spring or early summer.
9:30 Page Dringman met with Commissioners for an update on the Floodplain services contract. Discussed DNRC floodplain mapping project that is proposed to adjust a number of floodplain boundaries; maps should be out this spring and public hearings this fall. Discussed Karina floodplain issue; Dringman has issued a letter regarding compliance issues as did FEMA. New neighbor does not have issues with the current berm and does not want it taken out so not a huge priority at this point.

Discussed project in Rock Creek by two-mile bridge. Dringman is looking at couple of ditch projects today; she recommends that ditch companies and agricultural structures secure a 5-year maintenance permit. She anticipates some changes to the exemptions in the new regulations being proposed by DNRC. Discussed development; Mandeville forwards development permit applications for Dringman’s input regarding floodplain issues.
10:10 Discussed road temp employee position and employee medical leave; unpaid leave is approved and the County anticipates the employee returning from their unpaid medical leave. Commissioners would like to review the temp position and evaluate the benefit of adding a seasonal or rover position on a permanent basis to help with coverage for vacation and sick leave when they discuss next year’s budget.
10:30 Cyrina Allen met with Commissioners for her monthly update; Geospatial Information Systems Coordinator / Fire Warden Tom Kohley was in training. Allen reviewed her report (attached). Allen noted following MVC Rollovers with leaking fluids. There was significant glass and debris left by wrecker; Allen is concerned that the wrecker did not follow their remediation responsibility. Allen will work with Montana Highway Patrol regarding wrecker issues.
Bill Harrison on Robertson Draw met with Commissioners to discuss road maintenance and irrigation pivots that are damaging the road.
11:11 Blain moved to accept the Certified Local Government Grant Agreement with the State of Montana for Historic Preservation Officer; Miller seconded; motion carried.
Miller moved to accept March 2022 reports as follows: Clerk and Recorder Monthly Deposit Reconciliation, Treasurer Cash, and District Court Cash Balance; Blain seconded; motion carried.
Miller moved to appoint Dan Coolidge to the Compensation Board as the Red Lodge District Representative; Blain seconded; motion carried.

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Department Head Meeting. Human Resource Specialist Kate Asbury, Public Health Director Erin Cross, Building Maintinance Coordinator Mike Schilz, Weed Coordinator Brian Ostwald, Sanitarian Barbara Krizek, DES Coordinator Cyrina Allen, Clerk and Recorder Christine Stovall,
Clerk of District Court Rochelle Loyning, Treasurer Lori Lynde, Sheriff Josh McQuillan, Justice of the Peace Kevin Nichols, and County Attorney Alex Nixon were present. Discussed preliminary budgets, health insurance premium increases, procurement policy changes, asset inventory, FMLA and sick leave policy changes, authorizations for employee schedule alterations and overtime; County ID cards, surplus property sale, facilities planning, and code enforcement.
Lynde asked about policy for Admin Basement after she had been directed by Elections staff not to allow the public downstairs. Stovall and Commissioners confirmed that Elections items are locked up, and there are no restrictions to public access especially in regard to meeting Part-Time Sanitarian Scott Vandell in his office downstairs.

1:40 Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer