June 28, 2022

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COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
June 28, 2022
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
Pat Plowman, Lee Stevens, Gail Ziech, Cynthia Marble, Daniel Horman, and Mary Horman were in attendance for public comment. Attendants requested an extension on the deadline for the petition to place recreational marijuana sales back on the ballot. Discussion about dispensary in Roberts and the Commissioners’ action, attendants felt Red Lodge was being treated differently. Bullock outlined the non-incorporated nature of Roberts which puts it in the Commissioners jurisdiction; Bullock emphasized that the Commissioners have no authority over the Elected Officials of a municipality. Bullock does not believe an extension of the deadline would allow for sufficient petitions to be signed for the November ballot. Urged them to focus on the next county wide election. Roascio noted a special election would be required to have it done sooner than the next general election in 2024. Plowman expressed concerns about initiative process in MT laws and the inherent flaws and noted her involvement in collecting signatures for I121.
9:15 Preliminary Budget – Elections. Election Administrator Crystal Roascio and Deputy Clerk and Recorder Macque Bohleen were present. Discussion about flooding in election room; Building maintenance would like to tear out carpet and drywall to eliminate any mold. Discussion about the need for temporary election clerks for the 2024 presidential election.
9:30 Preliminary Budget – Clerk and Recorder. Clerk and Recorder Christine Stovall and Deputy Clerk and Recorder Macque Bohleen were present. Stovall requested a wage increase for Deputy Clerk and Recorder Crystal Roascio to 90% of the uniform Elected Official Base Wage. Shifted another 10% of Election Admin wages to Elections so only 20% in Records Admin. Discussion about wage increase for AP clerk and possibility of increase to deputy depending on outcome of election. Request to add a ½ time Temp Records Preservation Clerk. To catch up on records preservation projects that have been outstanding since 2012. Discussed bringing Historic Preservation Officer in house to help fund the position.
10:15 Preliminary Budget – Public Safety. Sheriff Josh McQuillan and Accounts Payable Clerk Piney Helmuth were present. Discussion about the addition of equipment and supplies for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program Grant position if it is funded; McQuillan will provide a breakdown to add to the budget.

10:40 Preliminary Budget – 911 and Radio Communications. Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Coordinator Cyrina Allen, Sheriff Josh McQuillan, and Accounts Payable Clerk Piney Helmuth were present. Discussion about State trunking radio system. Allen noted Trunking would require radio equipment upgrades for Fire/EMS/Road. McQuillan noted his Office currently has a Gateway to the State’s system and can communicate on it where coverage is available. Allen and McQuillan noted the Simulcast Radio System is working as intended, but still has coverage gaps. Biggest issue is how to maintain communications for Fire and Ambulance. Commissioners would like a long range plan regarding the radio system so that when the current system requires significant replacements the evaluation to continue on Simulcast or not has been done.
11:15 Shane Warehime met with Commissioners to discuss leasing property in Joliet for grazing. Blain noted he has had other inquiries regarding leasing the property. Commissioners agreed they would like to make money off the property, but may need to advertise it.
11:30 Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Coordinator Cyrina Allen met regarding the Emergency Management Performance Reverted Funds Grant application. After using both Emergency Operations Centers over the last couple of weeks she would like to apply for some needs including: shelving, a conference camera, printing and binding to produce copies of emergency operations plans, white boards, and a wireless printer. The grant does require a 50% match from the County. Miller moved to approve grant application; Blain seconded; motion carried.

12:00 Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer