September 9, 2021

COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
September 9, 2021
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
9:30 Red Lodge Mayor Bill Larson meet with Commissioner for his weekly meeting. Red Lodge Airport Manager Jeff Wise was present. Discussed complaints about cats.

10:00 County Attorney Alex Nixon called in for his regular meeting. Discussed creating an agreement for gravel pit royalties.

Bullock noted conversation with DNRC regarding timber harvesting around Red Lodge Mountain. DNRC plans to file an Amicus Brief regarding the suit that has stopped the project. Bullock asked if the County would be willing to participate.

11:00 Carbon County News Editor Alistair Baker in attendance. Miller moved to adopt resolution 2021-26 Naming the Robert “Pits” DeArmond Memorial Bridge; Blain Seconded; discussion regarding the bridge. Commissioners’ noted the bridge was closed by MDT shortly after Pits was appointed and he was able to get the bridge replaced to accommodate the construction of the Pryor mountain wind farm. Motion carried.

11:30 Miller moved to close Public Hearing on Preliminary Budget; Blain Seconded; motion carried.

Blain moved to adopt Resolution 2021-27 Adopt Fiscal year 2021-2022 Final Budget; Miller seconded; motion carried.

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Human Resource Investigation. Contract Deputy County Attorney Jacque Papez, Callie Allen, and Justice of the Peace Kevin Nichols were present. Papez reviewed open meeting laws and individual privacy issues. Miller moved to close meeting; Blain seconded; motion carried.

1:18 Meeting re-opened. Miller moved to dismiss employee; motion failed for lack of second. Blain moved for suspension without pay until a reassignment can be arranged or until procedures can be put in place for corrective counseling and to formalize office procedures; motion failed for lack of second.

1:20 Miller moved to close; Blain seconded; motion carried. Meeting closed.

1:30 Meeting reopened. Blain moved to impose a written warning, corrective counseling and suspension without pay of not less than two weeks and up until corrective counseling can be completed and either a reassignment can be arranged or until office procedures and protocols can be formalized; Miller seconded; Miller requested an amendment include an admonishment that any retaliation would be grounds for immediate dismissal; Blain seconded amendment;

1:35 Reclosed.

1:37 Reopened. Amendment passed; no discussion on motion as amended; motion carried.

Blain moved that suspension without pay begin Monday September 13th; Miller seconded; motion carried.

Discussion regarding reassignment; noted that if Allen refuses reassignment would effectively resign. Discussion regarding timeline for corrective counseling.

Allen departed meeting.

1:47 Reclosed

2:10 Adjourned.

ATTEST:

___________________________ __________________________________
Clerk Commission Presiding Officer

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer