Your Community Builder
Your Community Builder
06-03-2024
The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, June 03, 2024, 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.
County Custodian Kirsty Bruce stepped into the meeting to request permission to order new blinds for the Event Center. The Commission approved the purchase of room darkening blinds for the Event Center. Kristy left the meeting.
Senior Coordinator Tricia Lovec joined the meeting with information on the Congregate Meals program. She hasn't received a bid for the second round of ads. She has received information that the Area 1 funding for the senior programs has been cut.
Tricia suggested that the County go out for bids for the replacement Toyota Van as the regular supplier can't get a van that meets the ADA requirements. She will follow up with information on the requirements. Tricia left the meeting.
Michelle Howard, Kate Lucas, Maggie Belanger, and Regus Guthery joined the meeting through Teams Meet to review the draft of the Old Hospital Draft Reuse Recommendation Report. The ADAAPTA / K State Team used the information and suggestions provided by public surveys and meetings held last year to provide options for reuse of part of the building or the property.
Attorney Corbit Harrington joined the meeting.
There was discussion on the current condition of the building and issues that would hinder the reuse of the building including the water and sewer, electrical and HVAC system. The fuel tank and the boiler will be removed. There will be a follow up meeting with the Commission as well as a public meeting to present the options provided by ADAAPTA and K-State.
The Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation - Executive Director Tara Burman, Community Development Specialist Teresa Olson, Food and Ag Development Specialist Hannah Wichmann and Community Development Specialist. There was discussion regarding the Old Hospital building and the status of the reuse project, fuel tank removal, Community Block Grant due the end of June.
The meeting broke for lunch at 12 p.m. and reconvened at 1 p.m.
Salary Compensation Board met with the Commission. Ashelee Thomas, Mikel Fruit, Justice of the Peace Kathy Rosencranz, Deputy Treasurer Cecile Smith-Kuehn, County Attorney Corbit Harrington, Treasurer Jesi Pierson, Sheriff Neil Kittelmann, and Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright.
Jesi provided information including federal cost of living (COLA) 3.2% and state 4.1%. The Treasurers office has projected a 1% increase in the county payroll expenses due to an increase in Health Insurance premiums and longevity pay.
Mikel Fruit made the motion to consider 3.65% increase in base salary. Neil Kittelmann seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 4 yay and 1 abstain.
Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve the recommendation of the Salary Compensation board of 3.65% of the base pay. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
The regular Commissioners meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.
The Commission attended the Carter County Growth Policy public outreach meeting with Robie Culver and Traci Conduit of Stahly Engineering between 3 and 6 p.m.
Board of County Commissioners
Carter County, Montana
/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman
Attest:/s/ Dana Eshelman, Deputy Clerk of the Board
06-10-2024
The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, June 10, 2024, 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 by Chairman Rod Tauck at 9 a.m. There was no public comment.
The Commission reviewed the predator groundmen contracts.
Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve Taylor Kuntz as a member of the Camp Needmore Board. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
Stacey Ashbrook, Predator Board Secretary joined the meeting to request approval of the predator Board Contracts. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the 2024-2025 Predator groundmen Contracts with Robbie Fix and Chad Harrington. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
County Attorney Corbit Harrington joined the meeting to discuss the Carter County Geological Society lease agreement for the building. Corbit left the meeting.
The Ekalaka Fire Department Mutual Aid Agreement with Carter County was tabled until Acting Fire Chief Mike Ashbrook can join the meeting.
Karen Kreitel, Carter County Conservation District Clerk, presented the 2024-2025 Conservation District Budget. Karen made no major changes to the budget and is applying for an administrative grant. Karen left the meeting.
County Attorney Corbit Harrington joined the meeting.
Carter County Treasurer Jesi Pierson joined the meeting with numbers for the cost of living increase for County hourly employees. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve a $1.04 per hour increase for non-elected employees. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried. Jesi left the meeting.
Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the Commissioners proceedings for May 20, 2024. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
The meeting broke for lunch at 12 and reconvened at 1 p.m.
Stefanie Harrington and Kirstie Nelson, Carter County Public Health Department, Sharon Carroll and Dana Eshelman Public Health Board, County Treasurer Jesi Pierson and Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright joined the meeting for the 2024-2025 Public Health budget.
The group discussed grants, employee hours and budget object codes, as well as the WIC Program. The Carter County Public Health Department is currently billing for Medicare part D and no other billing at this time. There is currently a $45,000.00 short fall on the vaccination program. This program typically breaks even with the cost of the vaccines. Carter County PILT funds have been used to cover some of the short fall in the Carter County Public Health Department. Historically PILT funds have been used to fund Bridge maintenance. Stefanie and Kristie left the meeting.
Dahl Memorial Healthcare update- Guests include Acting CEO Shelia Sherman, Dahl Memorial Board Members Georgia Bruski, Troy Fruit, John Marks, and Carla Dowdy PA-C.
The group discussed Dahl Memorial Budget, new computer billing software, possible public outreach and projects on the exterior of the building including sidewalk railing, bird netting and parking area. The guests left the meeting.
The commissioners contacted Doug Roehm, from the Montana Department of Revenue with questions concerning Co2 pipeline tax evaluation processes. Mr. Roehm stated that since this is a new type of pipeline the exact process of tax evaluation has not been set at this time.
Clerk of District Court Tracey Walker joined the meeting with a request to place an ad for "as needed office staff' which would not exceed 120 hours annually. The Commission approved the request and Tracey left the meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:08 p.m.
Board of County Commissioners
Carter County, Montana
/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman
Attest:/s/ Dana Eshelman, Deputy Clerk of the Board
06-17-2024
The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, June 17, 2024, 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.
DES Coordinator Georgia Bruski stepped into the meeting to ask if the approach at parking area for the motorcycles be repaired for safety during the motorcycle rally. The Commission recommended speaking with County road Supervisor Carl Knapp before altering the approach.
The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Rod Tauck. There was no public comment.
The Commissioners completed the 2024 Official Primary Election Canvas. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to sign the official 2024 Primary Election Canvas. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
The Commission was joined by Camp Needmore Board members Helen Stevens and Amanda Williams as well as Kurt Hanson of the Sioux Ranger District USFS for the Cabin 6 rehab bid opening. There were two bids received. Shawn Crisler - $31,842.50 without the pavilions, and King Construction - $50.00/hr. man rate without the pavilions.
The pavilions will be completed at a later date due to the need for an archaeology study and requirements to follow the State Historical Society Guidelines.
Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to accept the bid from Shawn Crisler in the amount of $31,841.50 to complete the cabin 6 rehab project. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
The Camp Needmore Board received a $10,000.00 grant from Grasslands Federal Credit Union that will be used for upgrades to the mess hall water system. The guests left the meeting.
The Commission discussed a request from the Resource Use Committee to speak to/ work with Attorney Wally Congdon on the Resource Use Plan. The Commission approved with reasonable consideration of Mr. Congdon's fees.
Road and Bridge Supervisor Carl Knapp joined the meeting with an update on work projects and request to purchase a 2024 Chevy 3500 pickup.
Commissioner Watkins made the motion to sign the gravel lease for the Kennedy Gravel Pit. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
Commissioner Watkins made the motion to purchase a 3500, 4x4, crew cab Chevy pickup from Queen City Motors for $55,440.00 for the Road and Bridge Department. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
The commission approved the purchase of the flex arm for the mower.
The Road Department will start mapping and preparing for the survey for the first phase of the Durm Road Project starting at the Tie Creek Rd area.
The meeting broke for lunch and was called to order at 1 p.m.
Senior Coordinator Tricia Lovec presented the applications for the housekeeper position. Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to offer the 40 hour a month position to Jessica Enos. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
Tricia has not received any bids for the Congregate meals at this time.
Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the State Title 6 Plan of non-discrimination for the senior transportation from MDT. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
The Commission receive a Certified letter from Attorney's Crowley - Fleck representing Rusty Gagle to amend the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust. There will be a hearing August 3, 2024 in Yellowstone County Courthouse, Billings, MT.
Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve a temporary increase in the Public Health credit card limit to $2,500.00 for the month of July 2024. (30 days.) For a total limit of $3,500.00. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
Call in with Dax Simek of Stahly Engineering to finalize the hospital parking project. The county plans to gravel the parking lot and place a culvert East of the parking area. There will be a sidewalk on the north side of the parking lot. Dax will revise the quote and send the document to the Commissioner tomorrow. The call ended with Dax.
Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the proceedings for May 23rd and 3lst, 2024. Commissioner Castleberry seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
There was no comment on non-agenda items.
Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to adjourn the meeting as there is no further business. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 3:14 p.m.
Board of County Commissioners
Carter County, Montana
/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman
Attest:/s/ Dana Eshelman, Deputy Clerk of the Board
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