CARTER COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS (AUGUST 19, 2024)

08-19-2024

The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, August 19, 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 a.m. by Chairman Tauck.

There was no public comment.

Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright stepped into the meeting to discus final fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. She is working through the funds to make the presentation of the Budget Hearing.

Judy has also received word that the application for the .gov email accounts as been accepted and she has included DIS as administration on the account so that they can continue to work through the set-up process. Judy left the meeting.

The Commission placed a call to the Carter County Farm Service Agency to speak with Samantha Wright regarding County drought declaration. Samantha confirmed the importance of reporting drought conditions to the U.S. Drought monitor and that the local office would not be able to make the declaration.

Attorney Harrington joined the meeting where there was a review and discussion of an email requesting clarification to the status of the Chimney Rock Rd as a County road.

Justin Zindell of KU Engineering joined through Teams Meeting. In person guests included Airport Board president Troy Fruit, board member Steve Summers and County attorney Corbit Harrington. Justin stated that there is MDT {Montana Department of Transportation} Aeronautic grant funds available to help with the installation of lights and navigation aids to allow night time medical flights. The cost of the project would be $8,000-$18,000 and the dollar amount would be based on the amount awarded by the MDT grant. The County would cover the cost in November until the grant funds could be obtained in January. The video conference ended at 10:25.

There was discussion with Troy and Steve regarding the need for an airspace easement with the Hammel Ranch. Commissioner Castleberry made a motion, based on the recommendation of the Airport Board, to proceed with the Air navigation project including application of the MDT aeronautics grant. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

The Airport Board received a quote from Jesperson Construction to repair the waterline leak to the hydrant at the hangar. Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to have Jesperson Construction complete the work. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.

The Airport Board has been preparing for the fly-in that is scheduled for October OS, 2024. Troy and Steve left the meeting.

County Extension Agent Amanda Williams joined the meeting where she requested permission to hire an assistant or secretary. Commissioner Castleberry suggested that they consider the position at 20 hours a week. The position would help Amanda expand the programs offered including programs for the southern portions of the County. Commissioner Castleberry made the motion to allow Amanda to advertise for a 20 hour a week Administrative Assistant position and allow for the position in the 2024-2025 budget. Commissioner Tauck 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.

County Treasurer Jesi Pierson and Attorney Corbit Harrington joined the meeting where Jesi let the Commission know that she does not have an update on the closeout of 2019 General Obligation bonds for the hospital. Jesi left the meeting.

The Commission signed an early warrant in the amount of $270.00 to Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for the closure permit for the underground storage tank for the old hospital courthouse, facility# 0600863.

There was discussion regarding the hospital building site improvement proposal from Stahly Engineering and the itemized list of repairs and mileage from Dons Electric for the electrical issues at the hospital. The Commission placed a call to Road and Bridge Supervisor Carl Knapp to discuss the hospital parking lot and the downspout drainage.

There being no further business, the commission meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

Board of County Commissioners

Carter County, Montana

/s/ Rod Tauck, Chairman

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