CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS

03-09-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday, March 09, 2023, the Carter County Commission Board Meeting Room of the Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Rod Tauck, Chairman; Mike Watkins, Vice Chairman; and member Pam Castleberry were present.

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

Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright joined the meeting with information regarding the current insurance dropping coverage on the airport fuel tanks. The Commission signed a letter requesting updated coverage from new providers.

Road and Bridge Supervisor Carl Knapp joined the meeting with plans for replacement of The Hackberry Creek Bridge and the repair of the guard rails and installation of a walking bridge on the Russell Creek Bridge. The Commission agreed to both replacement of the Hackberry Creek Bridge and repair and installation of walk-way on both sides of the Russell Creek Bridge.

Carl has received word the gravel truck that was ordered almost two years ago, is ready to be picked up.

The Commission, Judy and Carl completed the Montana Association of County Road Supervisors (MACRS) survey.

Carl would like to set up system to monitor the fuel usage possibly meters on the tank or keys at the pumps with fuel logs to track gallons used.

There was discussion regarding the purchase of a positive air welding helmet. This would be used when the crew builds car gates as well as other welding projects. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to purchase a positive air welding helmet. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

The commission and guests discussed purchases, and procurement policy as it pertains to the Road Department. Carl left the meeting.

Eastern Montana Drug Task Force MOU. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Attorney Corbit Harrington joined the meeting.

Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright joined the meeting with the Commission Districts boundaries was discussed and they found that no changes are needed at this time.

Commissioner Castleberry attended the LEPC meeting yesterday the agenda items consisted of Community Emergency Preparedness including; emergency shelter, cots, blankets, food and seating. The last power outage during the cold temperatures brought to light the need for these items and storage for these items. Emergency generator power for the hospital building set as a top priority.

Snow removal for emergency travel within city limits was also a topic of discussion. Disaster and Emergency Coordinator (DES) Georgia Bruski joined the meeting. She stated that she will inform the public of evacuation locations and preparedness for future situations. She will look into grants to be used to purchase the needed supplies. Georgia left the meeting.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the meeting minutes for February 28, 2023 and March 06, 2023, Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

County Attorney Corbit Harrington presented a revised vehicle use policy to be included in the Personnel Policy.

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

A call was placed to Public Health Manager Stefanie Harrington for clarification on the Health and Safety mini grant task order for $5,000. Commissioner Tauck signed the task order# 23-07-03-11-46-0 That will be used to purchase 2 Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machines. Chairman Tauck signed the task order.

The commissioners reviewed and updated the Procurement Policy. 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

03-13-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday, 09, 2023, in the Carter County Commission Board Meeting Room of the Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Rod Tauck, Chairman Mike Watkins, Vice Chairman and Pamela Castleberry, member were present.

Chairman Rod Tauck called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. There was no public comment.

The Commission reviewed the Procurement Policy.

Carter County Public Health Nurse Kirstie Nelson called into the meeting regarding use of leave during inclement weather with road closures. She requested that the commission look into the matter as part of the Personnel Policy update. Commissioner Castleberry stated that use of Comp time for leave for a weather/ road condition related absence since the County would not be paying the employees that make it to work time and a half wage. Elected Officials are required to keep offices open according to Montana State Statute.

Kirstie and Stefanie Harrington, Public Health Manager, will be attending the Public Health meetings in Billings April 3-5, 2023. The Carter County Public Health Office will be closed for two of those days. The commission requested that the Health Department advertise the closure as soon as possible. The call with Kirstie ended.

The Procurement Policy review resumed.

Attorney Corbit Harrington joined the meeting.

The Commission placed a call to discuss the hospital generator project with Greg Benjamin of Stahly Engineering and left a message.

The meeting broke for lunch at 11:55 a.m. and was called to order at 1 p.m.

Dahl Memorial CEO Ryan Tooke joined the meeting to present the Dahl Memorial quarterly report. He also updated the Commission on changing office hours at the clinic, the addition of a Physical Therapist and Pharmacy hours. Ryan left the meeting.

The Predator Board President Jeff Tauck and Board Member elect Charlie Williams joined the meeting. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve Charlie has a Predator Board member. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried. Jeff and Charlie outlined the options the Predator Board discussed for the Fish Wildlife and Parks Coyote funding allocation.

Greg Benjamin returned the Commissions phone call. He requested permission to contact Slate Architect for more information on the scope of work on the hospital generator upgrade project. Greg will call the Commissioners with an update at 2 p.m. March 20, 2023.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

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