CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS

11-30-2022

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, in the Carter County Commission Board Meeting Room of the Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Rod Tauck, Vice Chairman; and Mike Watkins, member was present. Steve Rosencranz, Chairman; was absent.

The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. There was no public comment.

The Commission approved claims in the amount of $274,973.95 and payroll in the amount of $255,039.99.

Clerk and Recorder Pam Castleberry joined the meeting.

Carter County Treasurer Jesi Pierson presented Resolution# 11302022-01, a property tax refund for Robert Laird in the amount of $2002.67. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve Resolution # 11302022-01. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Jesi is still working on setting a meeting with Summit National Bank regarding the discrepancies in the interest rates on the Carter County accounts.

Attorney Corbit Harrington joined the meeting

Commissioner Tauck made the motion to approve the meeting minutes for 11-14-2022 and 11-21-2022. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Clerk and Recorder Pam Castleberry presented more information regarding the Stenseth property currently owned by Carter County. The property description is of North 1/3 of Block 5, which contain Lots 1-2-and 3. Park addition, Citizens addition. It has historically been described and transferred as one unit of property. Pam suggests that the County enter into a Contract or lease agreement with Dahl Memorial Health Care Association for the use of the house, shop and garage.

Attorney Harrington spoke to the need to address property ownership and the laws regarding selling, leasing, or gifting, as a means of transferring property. The current situation leaves the County liable for any number of accidents, injuries, theft and all other loss.

Public Health Nurse Trish Loughlin was not available for the call-in meeting to update the Commission on the progress in getting the Carter County Health Department credentialing.

Carter County Treasurer Jesi Pierson joined the meeting at the request of Attorney Harrington, where he presented an option as per Montana Code Annotated with regard to the payment of interest to Commercial and Government accounts. The suggestion was also made that the Commission Chair should contact the Summit Bank president to schedule a meeting to come to an agreement on the correct documentation of accounts for the County.

The meeting broke for lunch at 12 p.m. and was called to order at 1 p.m.

Guests present: Attorney Harrington, and Clerk and Recorder Castleberry.

The Commission received a call from Greg Benjamin of Stahly Engineering to review and approve the contract for Engineering and survey services and /or grant administration services. The contract and supporting documentation were received and reviewed. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the contract. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Greg requested the Commission keep in touch with upcoming projects so that Stahly could work in a timely manner with their schedule. The commission plan to complete the (CCIP) Comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan. The plan should bring about projects and ideas that Greg and Robie Culver will be involved in. The call with Greg ended.

Deputy Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright presented request for approval for letter of authorization for Summit National Bank. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the letter authorizing Dana Eshelman as a designated signee on various accounts held at Summit National Bank. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion, and the motion carried. Judy left the meeting.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the request for vacation for Weed Department Supervisor Jessie Scott. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Dahl Memorial Board members Georgia Bruski, Jitt Schnieder, Charles Parks and CEO Ryan Tooke met with the Commissioners regarding the Stenseth property. In the process of planning for the refurbish or demo of the old hospital building it has come to the attention of the Commission that there is no agreement with DMHA for the use of the Stenseth property. This presents a liability issue for the County as well as DMHA. Ryan will find alternative housing for the CNAs and nurses that are currently using the Stenseth house until the situation is settled. DMHA Board and the Commission will discuss the next steps in the upcoming meetings.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Steve Rosencranz, Chairman

Attest:/s/ Pamela J Castleberry, Clerk of the Board