February 9, 2023

COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
February 9, 2023
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
Brent Moore of Interstate Engineering met with Commissioners to discuss the final design for East Side Road and Meeteetse Bridge replacements. The North bridge on East Side Road will require a new culvert for the lane close to the bridge’s approach. Also discussed were options for staging bridge decks including utilizing the south fair property or requiring the contractor to arrange for staging. Moore expects a completion date of November 1st. Bid documents include removing temporary rip rap as part of the construction. Moore discussed the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) Grant for East Rosebud Road. Bullock noted he would like to see asphalt on the full length of the road and the need to procure right-of-way to establish a uniform width Moore also discussed possible allowances for a walking/biking path.
8:50 Election Administrator Crystal Roascio presented purchase request for security cabinets for election machines; it was approved.
HR Specialist Kate Asbury met regarding filling Bridger Road Maintenance Worker vacancy. Blain moved to appoint Nick Teesdale to the Bridger Shop vacancy; Bullock seconded; motion carried.
Commissioners discussed the now vacant Road Maintenance Worker rover position. Bullock moved to advertise the position; Blain seconded; motion carried.
Asbury also presented draft position description for the Temporary Sanitarian Admin. Discussed possible schedules. Bullock moved to accept job description with 30 hour work week; Blain seconded; motion carried.
Miller noted construction company parking in CedarWood parking lot. Blain and Bullock confirmed that they have not authorized the company to park in our lot. Bullock has had numerous conversations with the Contractor and project owner.

9:30 Red Lodge Mayor Kristen Cogswell met for her regular meeting. Cogswell asked about permitting issues for agricultural flood repairs. Blain noted the new round of funding for EWP program. Discussed possible spring flooding and LEPC table top exercises to help practice agency roles in anticipation of flooding. Discussed lack of communication from Senator Tester’s Office.

9:35 Bullock moved to approve 2023-04 Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Amendment No.3; Blain seconded; motion carried.

9:40 Mike Keys met with the Commissioners. Keys asked Commissioners their impression of recreational marijuana after the last year. Blain and Bullock noted they have not seen any of the doomsday predictions that were made including anecdotal issues from law enforcement.

10:00 County Attorney Alex Nixon met for his regular meeting. Discussed Tuesday’s meeting with the City regarding the Airport.

10:30 Gravel Crushing bid opening. Kyle Berg Quartz Construction, Dan Kaylor 212 Sand and Gravel were in attendance. One bid was received from Rolly’s Construction at $7/yd. Bullock moved to approve; Blain seconded; discussion about 1” vs 3” material needs; completion date of May 1st and the possibility of moving material out of the pit during crushing for space considerations; contractors requested completion dates be more flexible for future bids to get a better response; motion carried.

11:00 Pre-Fire Season meeting. Geospatial Information Systems Coordinator / Fire Warden Tom Kohley, Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Coordinator Cyrina Allen, Alex Songstad Deputy Fire Warden, Jeff Brown DNRC, Jeff Bollman DNRC Area Manager, and Randy Devries Roberts Fire Chief were in attendance. Discussed changes to the agreement (combining agreements into one document), County assistance, FFP program (commissioners noted their appreciation for the equipment required and the success of emergency response), legislative session, and fire suppression and equipment development funds. Discussed remediation of private property whose responsibility it is. Brown noted there is no State requirement to rehabilitate private property, but discussed options to provide supplies or assistance to landowners, especially in regard to fences that were cut if firefighting efforts. Discussed recent fires and response and the all hazard response specific to possible spring flooding.

12:00 lunch.

1:00 HR Specialist Kate Asbury, Clerk and Recorder Macque Bohleen, and Treasurer Lori Lynde met with Commissioners regarding Health Insurance proposals. Lynde noted support from her staff to stay with MACo, because of the added benefits like chiropractic coverage. Lynde noted history of the County switching insurers and having large rate hikes in year two. Discussion of coverage for hearing aids, concerns about changes to prescription drug coverage, differences in how CPAP and diabetic supplies are handled in relation to deductibles and the loss of coverage for Medical Examiner Certificates for CDL holders. Discussion about 3-year waiting period for returning to MACo if the provider is changed. Bullock moved to accept PayneWest Blue Cross Blue Shield Proposal; Blain seconded; discussion of push from employees to find more affordable options; motion carried.

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer