CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS

07-27-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday, July, 27, 2023 in the Carter County Commission Board meeting room of Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Rod Tauck, Chairman; Mike Watkins, Vice-Chair; Pamela J. Castleberry, Member, was present.

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

Road and Bridge Supervisor Carl Knapp joined the meeting to review probation period for employee Justin Kerr. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to remove Justin from probation. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Carl requested advertising for (2) two temporary, part-time people to mow road ditches. Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve to hire 2 temporary, part-time employees to mow the road ditches. The position will start August 15, 2023 through November 30, 2023 as needed. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

The Road and Bridge Department is interested in purchasing a Schulte hydraulic arm for the mower. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to purchase one Schulte hydraulic mower arm. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Fallon Co./Carter County Extension Agent Amanda Williams called into the meeting to request an increase in hours from 20 hours to 32, for the Administrative Assistant position for the Extension office. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to grant permission to increase the hours of the Fallon Co./ Carter County Extension Administrative Assistant, contingent on approval of the Fallon Co. Commissioners, to 32 hours a week. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Road and Bridge Department will have 4 loads magnesium chloride delivered and applied on several roads around Ekalaka. There was discussion regarding speed limits on County roads. Carl left the meeting.

County Attorney Corbit Harrington joined the meeting.

There was a review of the commission proceedings.

Carter County Treasurer Jesi Pierson joined with the Treasurers reports, including Journal vouchers from report L100 from April-June 2023. There was discussion regarding funds.

There was a review of the predator budget.

The meeting broke for lunch at 11:50 a.m. and reconvened at 1 p.m.

The longevity policy opt out and request for base discussion was removed from consideration by Commissioner Tauck.

Deputy Treasurer Cecile Smith Kuehn joined the meeting with a request for clarification on the Longevity policy removal from discussion. She has figured payroll for the month and requests ample notice, in the future when policies that affect payroll maybe changed.

The commission reviewed the Procurement Policy. The Personnel and Procurement Policies will be updated and proof read before submitting to County employees. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the Procurement Policy. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright joined the meeting with an email quote for a repair on a Weed Department spray truck. The Commission placed a call to Weed Supervisor Stefan Livingston with questions about the repair. The commission agreed to approve the repair of the truck.

Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the Commissioners proceedings for July 17, 2023. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

The meeting broke at 3 p.m. and reconvened at 3:30 p.m. for the Land Planning Board meeting with Robie Culver and Lane Walker of Stahly Engineering. The Public was invited to attend the open house at 5:30 p.m.

The meetings were set to start the process of renewing the County Growth Policy.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

Attest:/s/ Dana Eshelman, Deputy Clerk of the Board

07-31-2023

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday, July, 31, 2023 in the Carter County Commission Board meeting room of Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Rod Tauck, Chairman; Mike Watkins, Vice-Chair; Pamela J. Castleberry, Member, was present.

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

The Commission reviewed payroll in the amount of $277,788.89 and claims in the amount of $200,474.25.

Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright received word that the credit card program is moving forward the current card will no longer be in use next week.

The meeting broke for lunch at 11:50 a.m. and reconvened at 1 p.m.

The Commission reviewed the 2022-2023 Budget amendments. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve Resolution 07312023-01. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Road and Bridge Supervisor Carl Knapp stepped into the meeting to discuss the price of car gates. He will check with the Clerk and Recorder to update the costs.

Charlene “Fritz” from Senator Steve Daines office joined the meeting. There was discussion regarding updated state and local policies, the new hospital building as well has economic development.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

Attest:/s/ Dana Eshelman, Deputy Clerk of the Board