Commissioner Proceedings

Monday, May 23, 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 board read and approved meeting minutes from May 16 and 19, 2022 to be published.

9:00 a.m. - Road Supervisor Teel Mullanix met with the board. Mullanix presented quote for gravel crushing, Sacrison Paving is anticipated to be here June 6-13, culvert at Bear Creek has been repaired, blading roads was discussed and the board requested to prioritize Moorhead Road near the Rough Creek area. The new blade is anticipated to have a July delivery date, bridge replacement project and road crew employees being trained as blade operators were also discussed. The Board reminded Mullanix that the Little Levi rodeo is coming up and asked the road crew to assist and in getting the outdoor arena prepped.

10:15 a.m. - Meals on Wheel bid opening. Donna Giacometto motioned to approve Powder River Manor bid, John Olson seconded motion, all in favor, motion carried.

10:30 a.m. - Congregate Meal bid opening. Donna Giacometto motioned to accept Powder River Lanes bid, John Olson seconded, all in favor, motioned carried.

11:00 a.m. - The board conducted EMS Director interview.

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

1:00 p.m. - A local resident stopped in to present pictures and express concerns regarding the 10 Mile Road (Sugar Run).

1:15 p.m. - Clerk & Recorder met with the board.

2:00 p.m. - Medical Administrator Sean Hill met with the board. Private pay rates were discussed. The status of bookkeeping was discussed. Hill presented quotes for fire doors. Hill presented Director of Nursing resignation and commissioners stated the position needed to be opened to the public. Hill then presented the MT Medicaid Nursing facility rate calculations for SFY2023. The open nurse position at the clinic was then discussed. Hill stated he would like to intermix nursing home nurses with the clinic nursing position; Commissioners again stated the clinic nurse position needs to open to the public with the proper hiring procedures followed.

3:00 p.m. - Resolution 2022-13, Approving the Southeast Montana DUI Task Force Plan and Membership for SFY22-23. The board reviewed and tabled the signing for a later meeting date.

3:30 p.m. - Maintenance Supervisor Marty Drane met with the board. Drane reported the pool is being cleaned and ready for the summer season, there has been a sand point drilled between the library and St. V’s buildings, still working on a quote for the courthouse panic buttons, and a TV engineer will be unavailable until after June 1 to repair repeaters. Roof leaks have been found at Community Center and courthouse. Local 4-H group will be painting fence at the fairgrounds.

The board will reconvene Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

Tuesday, May 31, 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.

Commissioners approved minutes from the May 23, 2022 meeting and authorized the Clerk and Recorder to publish.

8:30 a.m. - Senior Director Rita Harden met with the board to recommend the hiring of Tammy Jackman as Senior Director. The board discussed and hired Tammy Jackman as the Senior Director to replace Ms. Harden.

8:40 a.m. - The board met with the potential EMS director for a meet and greet at the Jesse Ambulance building.

10:30 a.m. - The Transportation Director meeting was postponed until June 9, 2022.

During the day the claims were reviewed and approved for payment of various county departmental expenses as submitted by the Clerk & Recorder’s office.

11:00 a.m. - Road Supervisor Teel Mullanix met with the board. Brandon Duffy, Great West Engineering, phone conferenced in to discuss bridge project. Mullanix then conducted a general Road Department update.

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

4:00 p.m. - Treasurer Pat Phillippi met with board to present securities and interest for December, January, February and March. Phillippi stated she will have cash reconciliation reports in the next two weeks. The board requested to receive current up to date cash balances by June 13, 2022.

The board will reconvene June 6, 2022.

Monday, June 6, 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.

8:30 a.m. - EMS update. The board offered the EMS Director position and the applicant accepted. He will start on June 20, 2022.

9:00 a.m. - Road Supervisor Teel Mullanix met with the board. Various road conditions after the rain were discussed.

11:00 a.m. - Jessica Malone, Chamber of Commerce, met with the board to discuss plans for the 4th of July.

11:30 a.m. - Arnie Mader, Pat Ruland, and Doug Mraz met with the board to discuss predator control.

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

1:00 p.m. - A conference call was held with Julie Emmons-Stoddard to discuss a second new ambulance and capital improvement plan.

2:00 p.m. - Sean Hill, Medical Administrator, met with the board. There may be consideration of new residents if they are fairly self-sufficient, as they are still very short staffed. They are planning to run an ad next week to generate interest in becoming CNA. Discussion was held on an increase in private pay rates to match Medicaid reimbursement rates in the new fiscal year. The clinic nurse position was discussed and an interview process could possibly start next week.

3:00 p.m. - Chad Gatlin, Town of Broadus Mayor, and Peggy Fruit and Raymond Ragsdale, Town of Broadus, met with the board to discuss APRA funding. Great West Engineering will be involved in the process for the sewer and water project.

4:00 p.m. - Maintenance Supervisor Marty Drane met with the board for a general update. The pool has a large return leak that is running water under liner; Drane is working on repairs. The drainage issue between library and St. V’s has been addressed and the town has assisted in helping the drainage in the alley.

5:00 p.m. - After hearing no public comment, commissioners adjourned and will reconvene on Thursday, June 9, 2022.