Commissioner Proceedings

Monday, January 10, 2022

Chairman Lee Randall called meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. in the commissioner’s office, Powder River County Courthouse. Commissioners Donna Giacometto and John Olson were present.

8:30 a.m. - The board discussed a request for use of office space by a local resident. The board approved use of space with rent at $200.00-month, 1 year lease, and Commissioner Randall will reach out to the resident for additional information.

9:00 a.m. - Transportation Director Christy Olson met with the board to request additional help to drive. Discussion was held on the need for an additional driver. The board will discuss and get back to Olson with a final decision.

10:00 a.m. - Road Supervisor Teel Mullanix met with the board. Mullanix reported on the road crew blading and graveling roads. Discussion continued to Mullanix’s concerns regarding the updated cattle guard policy. Board will discuss Mullanix’s concerns regarding policy.

11:00 a.m. - Teams meeting with the Ambulance Acquisition have been cancelled and will be rescheduled for Thursday, January 10, 2022.

11:10 a.m. - The board received airport pavement inspection via email. Inspection reported 80% satisfactory grade for airport pavement.

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Commissioners adjourned for lunch.

1:00 p.m. - Extension Office Agents Julie Riley and Mary Rumph met with board for their monthly update.

1:30 p.m. - Board appointments began by the Commissioners.

2:00 p.m. - Medical Administrator Sean Hill met with the board. Hill updated on expenditures. Bathroom is 90% complete.

3:00 p.m. - Ambulance Bid opening. Bids received:

Arrow

Bid A 2021 Ram 4x4, Available: immediately $229, 900.00

Bid B 2022 Ram Type 1 4x4, Available: 150-180 days out, $167,900.00

Apgar

Bid A 2022 F350 Type 1 4x4 Available: July 2022, $189,000.00

Bid B 2021 Dodge 4500 4x4, Available: 45 days

Super Duper Buy, Custom Apgar with grill guard, $222,194.00

Board tabled final decision on award of bid.

4:00 p.m. - Maintenance Supervisor Marty Drane met with the board. Drane is installing a washer and dryer at the MP building. A new thermostat was needed in MP building and has been replaced.

Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Commissioners will meet again on Thursday, January 13, 2022.

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Chairman Lee Randall called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioner’s office, Powder River County Courthouse. Commissioners Donna Giacometto and John Olson were present.

The minutes of the January 3 and 10th, 2022 commissioner proceedings were read, approved, and ordered published.

8:45 a.m. - The board reviewed and approved payment of various county departmental expenses as submitted by the Clerk & Recorder’s office of mid-month claims.

9:00 a.m. - The board continued working on appointing board members.

10:00 a.m. - A Teams meeting was held with USDA Angela Cross, and SEMDC members Julie Stoddard and Angela Mendoza to discuss the acquisition of an ambulance and equipment. Powder River County has been awarded funds in the amount of $122,500.00 to purchase an ambulance. Conditions of the grant were discussed. County match will be $227,500.00 for a total project of $350,000.00.

11:00 a.m. - MT Department of Transportation Keith Biphell met with the board to report on the speed study requested by the commissioners on Highway 212. Biphell stated the State is proposing to move 50 mph back to mile marker 87. The board will review the speed study and make comments within 60 days.

12:00 to 1:00 - Commissioners adjourned for lunch.

1:00 p.m. - Ambulance bid award was discussed. Chad Harrington, First Responders, joined the meeting. The bids were reviewed at length. The board approved to purchase Apgar Option #3, $222,194.00.

The board will reconvene Thursday, January 20, 2022.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Chairman Lee Randall called meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioner’s office, Powder River County Courthouse. Commissioner John Olson was present, Commissioner Donna Giacometto was absent.

The board read and approved meeting minutes from January 13, 2022 to be published. The board reviewed and read consent agenda.

8:30 a.m. - Coal seam mitigation. Raymond Ragsdale, Fire Chief, stopped in to present Memorandum of Understanding between Powder River County, Custer County, Rosebud and Big Horn County to work together to receive grant funding for coal seam mitigation. Commissioners will agenda signing of M.O.U. for the next meeting.

8:45 a.m. - Road Supervisor Teel Mullanix stopped in to update the board on the Road Department.

10:00 a.m. - Transportation Director Christy Olson met with the board to present the Transportation Coordination Plan for 2023. The board reviewed and will agenda for next meeting to be signed. Olson presented quarterly reports. Discussion was held on the repair of the roof and how to proceed. Commissioners have asked Olson to proceed with getting contractors to do repairs. Updates were given on upcoming conferences.

11:00 a.m. - The board reviewed and signed lease agreement between Powder County and Catalyst for Change.

11:00 a.m. - Landfill inspection. The board left the courthouse to go to the landfill to inspect and discuss the recent DEQ violation.

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Commissioners adjourned for lunch.

1:00 p.m. - Medical Administrator Sean Hill met with the board. Hill updated that the phone system is being upgraded, 29 residents, and the COVID mandate updated by the Supreme Court. Commissioners asked Hill to look into a subscription for telehealth doctors.

Meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m. Commissioners will meet again on Monday, January 24, 2022.