May 25, 2023

114
COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
May 25, 2023
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
Todd Buchanan was in for public comment to discuss the newly constructed wine bar and the encroachment of HVAC and landscaping onto County property. There was discussion of the initial walk through with Bullock which included mention of a boundary line relocation, the numerous attempts the County has made to survey and establish the boundary line between the two properties, the survey markers that were removed by the construction crew of numerous occasions, conversations with the contractor regarding boundary issues which were not relayed to Buchanan. Buchanan and Miller with work through the details and present a possible solution to be ratified by the full Commission.
Commissioners approved the use of Medcom Agreement for COBRA processing.
Sandy Conlee and Jeff Wise met with Commissioners; discussed the Red Lodge City Council’s meetings Tuesday in relation to the Airport Board Agreement and the Mayor’s authority to terminate an agreement. Nixon noted there is a history of Council Resolutions to remove themselves from Interlocal Agreements.
9:30 Discussion about Per Diem Travel Rates. Newell and Helmuth presented revised Resolution and State forms they asked Commissioners consider implementing. The forms would better consolidate the full expenses of a travel event into one document and provide a more consistent process for meal reimbursements, authority to receive full mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle use, and formalize the approval of out of state travel. Bullock moved to approve Resolutions 2023-14 Set Per Diem Travel Rates and implement travel forms from the State of Montana; Miller seconded; motion carried.
Bullock moved to close the meeting to discuss personnel issues; Miller seconded; motion carried. 9:50 Blain joined the meeting.
10:10 Meeting reopened.
Discussed the City of Red Lodge’s resolution calling for mediation regarding the airport, lack of clarity as to whether or not Council agrees that the agreement has been terminated and if mediation is or is not the next step, the probable timeline for mediation if that is the next course, and review of the dissolution process.

10:30 Human Resource Specialist Kate Asbury, Sheriff Josh McQuillan, Sanitarian Barbara Krizek, Treasurer Lori Lynde, and Nixon met with Commissioners to discuss sage scales, methodology for developing consistent pay scales across offices, and whether the pay rate should be based on skills and responsibility of the position or the critical nature of the position.
11:15 Election Administrator Crystal Roascio met with Commissioners to discuss the Canvas for the Special Districts Election. Bullock moved to accept Canvases as presented; Miller seconded; motion carried. Bullock moved to appoint Diane Keller to the Bridger Area Park and Rec District for a three-year term expiring May 31, 2026 and Robert Webber to the Joliet fire Dist. #1 Board for a three-year term expiring May 31, 2026.
Miller moved to accept Jay Carter’s letter of interest for the open Bridger District Road Operator position; Bullock seconded; motion carried.

12:00 Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer