CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS (AUGUST 12, 2024)

08-12-2024

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, August 12, 2024, in the Carter County Commission Board Meeting Room of the Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Rod Tauck, Chairman and Pamela Castleberry, member were present. Mike Watkins, Vice Chairman was absent.

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am by Chairman Tauck.

There was no public comment.

Road and Bridge Supervisor Carl Knapp joined the meeting to advertise surplus property for sale including the 1992 Kenworth truck and the 2005 pickup.

The Sany road grader that was purchased 11 months ago has had problems with overheating and several other issues. The Sany Company and DSR Inc. have worked with Carter County Road Department to overcome the problems with little resolution. Sany and DSR Inc. have agreed to provide a new road grader with the stipulation that if in 3 months the new road grader does not perform as expected Sany will refund the full value of the invoice dated 7/27/2023 including the value of the trade in. Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to enter into the agreement with Sany and DSR Inc. for the 3-month trial use of the new road grader. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

Commissioner Tauck and Carl signed the encroachment permit for the electrical substation access on the Mill Iron Camp Crook Road.

There was discussion regarding steps needed to declare a disaster due to the on-going drought and the July 13, 2024 storm. Guests included David Wolff, Ronda Cordell, Rodney Walker, Steve Summers, Bill Kennedy Jeff Elmore, Travis Loehding, Liane Carroll, Scott Kittlemann, Colby Diede, Shane Peabody, Bill Carlisle, and Ben Bruski. The producers stressed that the drought conditions have prevailed since 2019, a long with grasshopper infestations, wind erosion, water quality and the July 13th wind storm damage. The USDA Farm Service Agency has set up a natural disaster loan program for Carter County. The producers in attendance are hoping that a disaster declaration or Resolution by the Carter County Commission would provide support for more assistance. They requested that letters from the Commission be sent to the Governor and representatives in support of assistance for area producers.

Liane Carroll spoke to the possibility of donations to support producers through the Community Foundation. The meeting recessed at 10:45 and reconvened at 1:00.

General obligation bonds series 2019 for the hospital building. Treasurer Jesi Pierson joined the meeting where she clarified the process to close out the bonds and place in debt service. Jesi will sign a letter of engagement with Causey CPA to perform an independent arbitrage analysis and figure the rebate payment. Jesi stressed that the final project expenses should be finalized as soon as possible so that the final transfers and penalties can be paid by the end of the month. Jesi left the meeting.

County Attorney Corbit Harrington joined the meeting where there was discussion regarding a county declared disaster and letters from the Commission to the Governor and other government agencies.

The Public Hearing for the 2024 Growth Policy proceeded at 2:00 pm with Attorney Harrington, Land Planning Board member Sharon Carroll and County Extension Agent Amanda Williams present.

Commissioner Castleberry made a motion to adopt Resolution 08122024-01 to approve the 2024 Carter County Growth Policy. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. Sharon Carroll expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be a part of the policy update process, the support of the Commissioners and Stahly Engineering for their assistance. The motion carried unanimously. Sharon and Amanda left the meeting.

The commission reviewed the Bret Lesh Conservation Easements with the Montana Land Reliance.

Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to approve the proceedings for June 25, 2024 and June 31, 2024. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

The commission placed a call to Robyn Sargent of Pioneer Technical Services regarding moving forward with the removal of the hospital/ courthouse underground fuel storage tank. She will contact Muggli Construction to schedule the removal.

The Commission called A and A Stieg to prepare to have the propane tank moved to allow the equipment room to get to the tank. They will contact Al's Handyman and Tree Service to remove the tree.

Superintendent of Schools Tracey Walker stepped into the meeting requesting a Commissioner join the transportation meeting currently in session. Commissioner Castleberry agreed to join the meeting.

There being no further business, the commission meeting adjourned at 4:12 pm.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

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