Commissioners Proceedings

August 30, 2021

Commissioners met for their weekly meeting with Lee Randall, Donna Giacometto, and John Olson present.

The meeting was called to order. No public comment was received at this time. Consent agenda was approved.

Teel Mullanix, Road Supervisor, met with the board. An agreement was presented for the board to review between the county and county resident for gravel exchange. Mullanix updated on the Moorhead Bridge project, Belle Creek Road and gravel hauling.

Cynde Jo Gatlin, Clerk and Recorder, met with board to update on the ARPA reporting due August 31, 2021. Commissioner Randall will upload the report. Gatlin also requested a change in her original budget requests. The public computer used for record search in the vault crashed during a recent lightning storm and she was informed by the Secretary of State’s office of a mandatory training in February for elections. These two issues would increase her election travel and outlay in the Clerk and Recorder’s budget.

Resolution 2021-31, Resolution to create pay scale for Sheriff’s Deputy. Donna Giacometto motioned to approve, John seconded, motion carried.

Resolution 2021-32, Resolution to amend Powder River County Pay Scale. Donna Giacometto motioned to approve, John seconded, motion carried.

Preliminary budget hearing began at 1:00 p.m. No public comment was heard. The board reviewed budget.

No public comment was heard at this time.

Meeting adjourned.

August 31, 2021

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Lee Randall with John Olson and Donna Giacometto present.

Consent agenda was reviewed and approved.

Teel Mullanix, Road Supervisor, stopped in to report he has heard back from the liaison from the FLAP grant. He has a form to fill out to show how to rebuild the road. Teel does not understand as we are not rebuilding the road just bringing in shoulders and blading gravel. Mullanix requested the commissioners to review the form and Commissioner Randall stated he thinks this is a formality and the county has to fill out the capability assessment.

Blakeman Propane easement was then discussed. Blakeman will cover the cost of the project and has contracted Bill Gay to do the project. Donna motioned to approve Blakeman Propane easement, John seconded the motion and motion carried.

Donna Giacometto exited meeting due to possible COVID exposure.

John Olson left meeting at 10:00 a.m. to attend the fire meeting.

Ron Hecker, US Forest Service, called to cancel his 1 p.m. meeting.

Pat Phillippi stopped in and brought reconciliation forms and security and interest.

Debbie Stieg, Tri-County, met with the board. Stieg stated Tri-County is still getting billed for the full amount from Powder River County Physical Therapy for OT/PT from last school year. Stieg stated this is the 3rd time she has brought this to the commissioner’s attention and she is still getting billed. Tri-County has a contract with PR County for OT/PT to only pay for certain amount for the services. Commissioners will talk to Sean Hill again about this issue.

Commissioners reviewed claims for August 2021.

Commissioners reviewed payroll for August 2021.

No further public comment was heard and meeting was adjourned.

September 7, 2021

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lee Randall with John Olson present; Donna Giacometto was absent due to quarantine. Giacometto called in to the meeting in morning and afternoon.

The board conducted administrative duties in the morning.

Jim Atchison, SEMDC, met with the board at 1 p.m. to present Certification of Appreciation and requested Powder River County to remain a member.

Sean Hill phone conferenced into the commissioners for a meeting. Commissioner Randall discussed the PT/OT billing issue that was brought to the board’s attention again last week. Hill will check into this issue again and a possible joint meeting may be needed. Randall suggested in the future the Manor just send one bill at the end of the year for the contracted cost. Hill reported the bathroom project is still progressing, 29 residents, the back porch area is almost done, and a large number of staff is out with COVID. The patient count at the clinic is rising, and Abbey Barnhart started September 1. She is in Miles City right now job shadowing. Dr. George is officially done the clinic. Public health reported 11 active COVID cases in the county and Hill stated he is going to request assistance from the state for contract tracing. Hill stated he is still working with the kitchen on the quantity and quality issues in the kitchen.

Jeff Noble, County Attorney, stopped in to give the commissioners a policy and procedure for the ambulance department.

Pat Phillippi, County Treasurer, stopped in to visit about her office. She is concerned she does not have sufficient staff for her to go to convention.

No further public comment, meeting adjourned.

September 9, 2021

Chairman Lee Randall called the meeting to order with John Olson and Donna Giacometto present.

FY 2021-22 budget hearing was held at 10 a.m. No public comment was heard. The board reviewed the budget. The Clerk and Recorder was still working on putting final resolution together; the board agreed to reconvene at 1 p.m. to sign resolution.

The board then began a Zoom meeting with Great West Engineering to discuss the bridge renovation project.

Resolution 2021-33, Adoption of County Compensation Schedule for Elected Officials, John Olson motioned to approve, Donna Giacometto seconded, all in favor, motion carried.

Resolution 2021-34, Final Budget and Levies, Donna Giacometto motioned, John Olson seconded, motion carried.

After hearing no further public comment, meeting was adjourned.