CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS

03-31-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Friday, March 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 Mike Watkins, Vice Chairman and Pamela Castleberry, member were present.

Commissioner Tauck brought the discussion to the table regarding the questions from the payroll Clerk to Commissioner Castleberry about payroll adjustments. There was discussion regarding what had been done in the past when a full-time employee works less then 40 hours and have no leave left. Commissioner admonished Commissioner Castleberry for advising the payroll clerk without prior notification.

Commissioner Tauck recommends that all questions with such matters be brought to the board of Commissioners before any decisions are made by Commissioner Castleberry.

Georgia Bruski DES Coordinator joined the meeting requesting signatures on the Emergency Performance Grant (EMPG) grant application. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the EMPG grant application. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried. The grant is a request for $23,000.00 that would require a match from Carter County of $16,000.00.

Georgia will attend the regional meeting to discuss restructuring the Pre-disaster mitigation plans (PDM). Carter County has already set the PDM that must be in place to apply for State and Federal grants. Georgia left the meeting.

The commission reviewed the claims in the amount of $492,111.78 and Payroll in the amount of $229,418.46.

Karen Kreitel has been hired as the Carter County Conservation District Clerk.

Clerk and Recorder/ HR Judy Wright present a letter of employment for signature.

The County received a quote in the amount of $3,900.00 to replace the packing in the elevator that must be paid before work can be done.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the updated insurance coverage at the Airport that includes the fuel tanks. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

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

Guests included Weed Supervisor Jessie Scott, members of the Weed Board: Matt McCabe, J.O. Tooke, and Lee LaBree. Clerk and Recorder/ H.R. Officer Judy Wright.

Commissioner Tauck informed Jessie Scott that there will be discussion regarding her employment and that she may choose to close the meeting there by going into executive session. Jessie chose to go into executive session at 1:05 p.m.

Commissioner Tauck opened the meeting to public comment at 1:32 p.m. The meeting was joined by Weed Board members Matt McCabe, Gabe Carroll, J.O. Tooke and Lee LaBree. The Board commented that Jessie’s work performance has not improved and they recommend dismissal from duties of Weed Board Supervisor.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion for termination of Jessie Scott from the position of Weed Board Supervisor for Carter County. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Human Resource officer Judy Wright requested that Jessie turn in all County owned property and presented her with a copy of the County Personnel Policy. Jessie and Judy left the meeting.

Lee LaBree requested they schedule a Weed Board meeting. The Board also requested that there be an ad placed for a seasonal Weed Supervisor. The Weed Board left the meeting.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the meeting minutes for April 20, 2023. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Commissioner Castleberry left the meeting.

Road and Bridge Supervisor Carl Knapp joined the meeting with an update of plans to repair six miles of the Ridge Road early this spring. He requested permission to purchase 45-50 loads of 2” fractured rock to the road base. The crew will then add gravel to the base at a later date. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to purchase the rock to repair the Ridge Road. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Carl also informed the Commission of plans to repair a car gate on the Hammond Rd. There was discussion of the Personnel Policy rules and regulations.

Commissioner Castleberry joined the meeting as Carl left the meeting.

Commission received a call from Sheriff Neil Kittelmann requesting permission to advertise 3 Sheriff Department motor vehicles at auction May 6, 2023 with Pifers Auction Service in Ekalaka. The commission approved his request as long as there is appropriate advertising.

The Commission placed a call to Greg Benjamin of Stahly Engineering for an update on the peer review of the hospital generator upgrade project.

Greg suggested the commission review several presentations from the Montana Association of Road Supervisors (MACRS) convention several weeks ago. One pertaining to funding from Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) and the other with information on road law.

Greg forwarded the information on peer review and requested Commissioners opinion on obtaining a seconded peer review, after which they will decide if they want a paid independent scope of work review. The call ended with Greg.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

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

04-03-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, April 03, 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.

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

The Commission read Resolution 04032023-01 that would form the Eastern District Disaster and Emergency Services/ Emergency Management Mutual aid agreement. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve Resolution 04032023-01. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

The Commission discussed the legislative session and email correspondence.

Carter County Treasurer Jessie Pierson joined the meeting with a banking update. She has received more communication with Summit National Bank to re-evaluate the time frame to have the County Accounts moved from Summit Bank. Jessie is in the process of making sure that all accounts that send or receive funds are transferred to the correct Banking institution.

Attorney Corbit Harrington joined the meeting.

Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright gave an update Human Resources, including letters for signature, insurance coverage and return of County property for the Weed Supervisor position.

Senior Coordinator / Transportation Director Tricia Lovec stepped into the meeting to present the letter of resignation of bus driver Shelia McCalmont. She will advertise for the position in Ekalaka Eagle next week. Tricia left the meeting.

The meeting broke for lunch at 11:58 a.m.

Commissioners Tauck and Watkins and Attorney Corbit discussed the procedure required to pay employee premium for health insurance based on hours worked. Discussed contacting insurance company for clarification.

The meeting was called to order at 1 p.m.

Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright brought to the table credit card purchases. The current system is not ideal, and she requested permission to look into alternatives. Judy also present the early warrant for the payment to Otis for the elevator repair.

The Commission reviewed and updated the Procurement Policy.

There being no further business, the meeting meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

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