CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS

01-31-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday January 31, 2023, in the Carter County Commission Board Meeting Room of the Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Rod Tauck, Chairman; and Pamela Castleberry, member was present. Mike Watkins, Vice Chairman was absent.

The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m.

The commission reviewed and approved claims in the amount of $410,298.93 and payroll in the amount of $240,129.58.

Treasurer Jesi Pierson presented Resolution# 01312023-01. Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve Resolution# 01312023-01 that would authorize signatures by Treasurer Jesi Pierson and Deputy Treasurer Cecile Kuehn on Warrants and claims through Stockman’s Bank of Miles City. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to sign the letter assigning Jesi and Cecile as signees on the Stockman Bank accounts. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Road and Bridge Supervisor Carl Knapp joined the meeting with a list of surplus property to be sold by sealed bids. Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to list the items in the Ekalaka Eagle for bids due February 28, 2023 at 1 p.m. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Attorney Corbit Harrington joined the meeting.

The quote from Bruski Fencing for Chain link fence around the County Road Department yard was $35,000. This would include two gates. The final price would depend on the type of gates used. Commissioner Castleberry suggested that the fencing project be added to the Comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan (CCIP) .

The Road Department summer project of clearing the ditches of Sand Creek Road will require the use of an excavator. Carl requested permission to rent an excavator for at least a month to complete the project. Carl left the meeting.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to sign the application for electrical service at the Stenseth property. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

The commission signed a letter of authorization for signature at Summit National Bank of Ekalaka for Deputy Clerk and Recorder Dana Eshelman.

The meeting broke for lunch at 12 p.m. and reconvened at 1 p.m.

The commission and Attorney Harrington reviewed the current by-laws (03-11-21) and the Montana Code Annotated as it pertains to the Protection Board funds. The collection of the funds was suspended in 2011. The Predator Board may utilize the funds with input from the Stock Growers for the Protection of County Livestock. The Commission may set forth a Resolution to further clarify the use of the funds.

Summit Bank call in with Brian Elkin President and CEO of Summit National Bank of Ekalaka. Treasurer Jesi Pierson joined in person. There was discussion regarding Carter County moving the majority of the accounts from Summit Bank. The decision was made by Jesi with the backing of the Commissioners to continue with the transfers. The call with Mr. Elkin ended.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve the commissioner’s proceedings for January 17, and 26, 2023. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

The commission called Road Supervisor Carl Knapp regarding pricing continuous fence around the County yard.

Commissioner Castleberry moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

Attest:/s/ Judy Wright, Clerk of the Board