CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS (MAY 20, 2024)

05-20-2024

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, May 20, 2024, in the Carter County Commission Board Meeting Room of the Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Mike Watkins, Vice Chairman and Pamela Castleberry, member were present. Rod Tauck, Chairman, was absent.

The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by Vice-Chairman Mike Watkins.

County Custodian Kristy Bruce stepped into the meeting with an update on her work schedule. She plans to take leave next week after which she will be back to her regular schedule. There was discussion regarding finding a replacement for when she is going to be gone.

Kristy will order blinds for the Event Center. Kristy left the meeting.

Senior Coordinator Tricia Lovec joined the meeting with the bids for Respite care-one bid from Dahl Memorial Healthcare for $210.00 a day and $78.00 per hour with a meal. Meals on Wheels-received one bid from Dahl Memorial Healthcare for $8.00. The was one bid received for Congregate meals from Jimi Fix for $20.00 a meal.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to accept the bids for $8.00 for meals on Wheels, Respite Care for $210.00 a day, and $78.00 a day with a meal, and reject the bid for $20.00 for congregate meals from Jimi Fix. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Tricia requested the approval of an early warrant to purchase the senior transport van. Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve the early warrant for $12,470.00 funding match to purchase an ADA compliant, 2023 Ford 9 passenger Van. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Shelia McCalmont has signed on to drive senior transport as needed.

The Senior Coordinator Budget review included increase in supplies. The Capital outlay increase for the van purchase. Congregate meals will be based on an acceptable bid. Tricia left the meeting.

The Commissioners set the Salary Compensation Board meeting with the Commission meeting in the Commission chambers for June 03, 2024 at 1 p.m..

Attorney Harrington joined the meeting.

There was a call in with Michelle Howard and Reggis Guthrey of ADAAPTA to review the Old Hospital probable Demo or rehab options. The top four (4) options from the public meetings and surveys completed over the last year.

Senior Housing, Public Health Office / Food Bank and business offices, Recreation Center/ Daycare/ Food Bank, Ambulance Barn - Demo and rebuild

There was a Teams meeting set for the June 3rd Commissioners meeting at 10 a.m. The meeting with ADAAPTA ended.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve Resolution 06202024-01 authorizing warrant signees for Carter County Stockman's Bank Account. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

There was discussion regarding the Mutual aid agreement with the County, Rural fire and Ekalaka Fire Department.

DES Coordinator Georgia Bruski and Sheriff Neil Kittelmann joined the meeting to present 2024-2025 budgets. Georgia left the budget the same as last year. She has plans to order Cots and chairs from supplies this year.

Public Safety budget with Sheriff Kittelmann; plans are to increase salaries and leave everything else the same. The Department is still looking into building a Fire Hall and they have purchased a vehicle for $75,000.00 from Notbohm Motors. This will replace the Dodge pickup. Georgia and Neil left the meeting.

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

Justin Zindell and Craig Canfield of KU and Troy Fruit Ekalaka Airport president joined the meeting were there was discussion regarding the 2025-2031 Ekalaka Airport Capital Improvement Plan including the installation of the Automated weather observing system (AWOS III), runway extension, pavement repair and maintenance.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve Capital improvement data sheets including AWOS III installation and runway extension. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

The County will obtain the require easements, and right away to move forward with the AWOS III and the runway extension projects. KLJ has completed the survey for the projects.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve the request for grant funds AIP 017 and AIP 018. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Airport Board Chair Troy Fruit presented the Commissioners with the Ekalaka Airport 2024-2025 Budget. The Airport Board will have the leaking hydrant repaired by a contractor with license, insurance and independent contractors license. Craig, Justin and Troy left the meeting.

David Wolff, Carter County Predator Board Chairman joined the meeting with questions pertaining to Aerial hunting contracts. The current Aerial hunting contract is with Mark Husbey who passed away. The Commission stated that all contractors must provide License, Insurance, and Workers Compensation Exemption, and all work must be done through advertised contract. Dave left the meeting.

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/ Dana Eshelman, Deputy Clerk of the Board