CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS

03-20-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, March 20, 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. Guests include Weed Board members Lee LaBree and J.O. Tooke. Clerk and Recorder/ HR. Officer Judy Wright and Weed Supervisor Jessie Scott. Judy stated that Jessie did not report her absence on Thursday and Friday March 16 and 17, 2023 as per the Personnel Policy. Jessie responded that she has been ill and did not remember to let anyone know that she would not be able to work. There will be a follow up meeting with the Weed Board scheduled for March 31, 2023. Jessie, Lee and J.O. left the meeting.

The commission signed an official letter to approve the disposal of Election documents presented by Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright.

Judy received notification that Extension agent Amanda Williams will be out of the office on medical leave.

County attorney Corbit Harrington joined the meeting.

The commission discussed the information presented at the Montana Department of Transportation meeting in Miles City March 15, 2023 that included relevant legislative updates and possible improvements to Highway 7.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion to sign the alcohol tax fund designation. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from March 9, and 13, 2023. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation (EPEDC) Executive Director Beth Epley, Agriculture and Community Development Specialist, Terra Burman and Community Development Specialist Lizzy Robertson joined the meeting for introductions and project updates.

Beth is resigning from her position in late spring. The position will be advertised in Prairie, Dawson, Wibaux, Fallon, and Carter Counties until filled.

Current projects include ARPA funded water and sewer grant projects for several area Counties. The Brownfield/ KTAB grants for the Carter County old hospital building. There is Brownfield/ KTAB meeting set for May 22-24, 2023 in Ekalaka.

EPEDC is also facilitating a State funded small business initiative for low interest business loans.

C-PACE- information and training for Commercial property improvement renewable energy program is open to County Clerks, Treasurers, and Commissioners and will be held March 29, 2023 at the Glendive courthouse from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

EPEDC will be holding their quarterly Board meeting April 19, 2023 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Dahl Memorial Board room in Ekalaka.

The meeting broke for lunch at 12:10 and was called to order at 1 p.m. with Commissioners Tauck, Watkins and Castleberry present.

The Commission placed a call to Greg Benjamin of Stahly Engineering. Greg reached out for a quote from Con’eer Engineering to perform a peer review of the Hospital generator upgrade project. Greg will have the quote available by the end of next week.

Attorney Harrington joined the meeting. The was discussion regarding the options for the generator project.

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

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

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