Commissioner Proceedings

Friday, March 31, 2023

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

Commissioners reviewed and approved the consent agenda.

The minutes of the March 20 and 27, 2023 commissioner proceedings were read, approved, and ordered published.

Kristy Elgin and Leanne Rhodes met with board to express concerns for the Powder River Manor.

Paige Powell, Director of Nursing, Powder River Manor, met with the board to conduct a monthly update meeting. Discussion was held on the prioritizing of setting up Aqreva to conduct all medical billing for the nursing home.

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

The board reviewed and signed the work agreement with Montana Health Network to allow Powder River County to employee Nadine Elmore as the temporary Nursing Home Administrator.

The board spent the remainder of the day reading correspondence and taking care of various administrative duties and will reconvene Monday, April 3, 2023.

Monday, April 3, 2023

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

Commissioners reviewed and approved the consent agenda.

Teel Mullanix, Road Supervisor, met with the board. Mullanix reported on the MACRS conference. Mullanix presented a new road product for road stabilization. Mullanix will be rebuilding the John Deere grader to save county from having to purchase new motor grader. He will be getting quotes for a concrete crossing at Stump Creek and discussion was held on the upcoming winter storm.

Cathy Landa, Justice of the Peace, stopped in to discuss upcoming Bill 562.

Cynde Jo Gatlin, Clerk & Recorder, met with the board. Gatlin informed board the current Recycle Center employee will not be returning from their leave of absence. Gatlin requested to begin advertising in house for the Recycle Center position at this time; board approved. Gatlin also reported the clinic will be purchasing a copier rather than using the lease program due to cost savings.

Tammy Jackman, Senior Center Director, met with the board. Jackman reported on various projects and programs the center is providing.

Board of Commissioners met at the Powder River Manor at 1 p.m. to conduct an all staff meeting to discuss the transition of medical administrators.

Adam Johnson, EMS Director, met with the board. Johnson reported the #2 Chevy ambulance is here, and discussion was held on the transition of the old to new ambulances. Staffing was then discussed and Johnson reported a shortage in staffing and proposed pulling outside EMT’s with a $5/call in to cover shifts; no decision was made. Upcoming legislation on IGT payments was discussed. SAMSA grant application cycle is open. The grant is available up to $200,000.00 with a 10% match; no decision to apply was made. Johnson proposed the county to require nursing home and clinic employees to be trained on stroke prevention.

Becky McEuen, DES Coordinator, met with the board to present EMPG grant and Emergency Operating Procedures (EOP) to be reviewed and approved. McEuen will be updating EOP.

The board discussed restructuring the Medical Administrator position at the clinic. No decisions were made.

Resolution 2023-6, Intent to Amend Budget and Create Fund 2865, DNRC Fire Warden 2865, John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded motion, motion carried.

Having completed all current business for the day, the board adjourned at 5:00 p.m. and will reconvene on Thursday, April 13, 2023.