Commissioner Proceedings

Thursday, April 13, 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 6, 2023 commissioner proceedings were read, approved, and ordered published.

The board met via Zoom with Aaron Eckland and Josh Taylor to review progress with the FLAP grant. Teel Mullanix joined the meeting. A meeting is planned for June 12, 2023 to revisit the progress of the FLAP grant.

Teel Mullanix stopped in to discuss various road issues.

Rhonda Parsons, Eastern Montana Mental Health, met with the board to introduce herself and present her youth preventative services for alcohol and drugs. Parsons requested collaboration between Powder River County and EMT Mental Health in various programs for the youth. Commissioners approved her request to use county facilities for her program at no charge.

Resolution 2023-7, Appointment of Special Prosecutor, was reviewed by the board and Lori Fortner motioned to approve, John Olson seconded motioned, all in favor, motion carried.

Resolution 2023-8, Resolution of Intent to Amend Budget and Create Fund for USDA Grant, Ambulance 2, was reviewed and John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded motion, all in favor, motion carried.

Mayor Chad Gatlin and Cass Zimmer met with board to request the landfill to be open during the week of the Town of Broadus clean up, May 22-26, 2023. After discussion it was approved to allow Cass Zimmer to dump at the landfill on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the clean up week, and during the days the dump is regularly open the county will not charge for landfill fees with some limitations on bulk items.

The board continued to read correspondence and conduct various administrative duties.

Clerk and Recorder Cynde Jo Gatlin met with the commissioners to begin discussion regarding the redistricting of commissioner districts and precincts. It was decided that Gatlin will reach out to the county attorney for assistance on the commissioner districts and will meet again with the commissioners with more information.

Marty Drane, Maintenance Supervisor, met with the board to conduct his bi-weekly update. Drane reported on the various projects his department is working on.

Having completed all current business for the day, the board adjourned at 5:00 p.m. and will reconvene Monday, April 17, 2023.

Monday, April 17, 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 31 and April 3, 2023 commissioner proceedings were read, approved, and ordered published.

Kate Copelan stopped in to thank the county for providing EMS standby services for the recent basketball tournament.

Nadine Elmore, Montana Health Network, met with the board to discuss the transition of Temporary Administrator for Powder River Manor. The commissioners updated Elmore on the nursing home status and stated the requests they have for her as she is the Interim Administrator.

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

Extension Agents Mary Rumph and Julie Riley met with the board at their monthly meeting. Christine Appleman joined the meeting to inquire and discuss recycling in the county.

Resolution 2023-9, Resolution to Amend Budget, DNRC Fire Warden Grant. Lori Fortner motioned to approve, John Olson seconded motion, motion carried.

Resolution 2023-10 Amend Resolution 223-8, Intent to Amend Budget and Create USDA Grant-Ambulance #2. Lori Fortner motioned to approve, John Olson seconded motion, motion carried.

The board then began discussion on the purchase of metal movable bleachers for the fairgrounds. The wood on the current bleachers is deteriorating and becoming unsafe and repairs are unlikely to solve the structure issues.

Treasurer Hattie Arithson met with the board to discuss the monthly balancing for Powder River County. Arithson presented monthly balancing and securities and interest for the months of December 2022, January, February, and March 2023.

The board discussed the pay rate for EMS trainers. The board discussed $20/hour as a training wage rate and will establish via resolution at a later meeting date.

Powder River Medical Clinic employees Vikki Klemm and Abbey Barnhart met with the board to discuss the restructuring and administrative needs for the clinic. The change to a rural health status for the clinic was discussed with advantages and disadvantaged reviewed. It was stated the clinic is in need of a new x-ray machine and will be budgeted in the next budget cycle. Interviews will be conducted next week for the part-time desk clerk at the clinic. It was decided the clinic will now be scheduled to have monthly meetings with the commissioners, preferably Thursdays.

Having completed all current business for the day, the board adjourned at 5:00 p.m. and will reconvene Monday, April 24, 2023.