Commissioner Proceedings

Thursday, February 29, 2024

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 February 26, 2024, commissioner proceedings were read, approved, and ordered published.

Clerk and Recorder Cynde Jo Gatlin met with the board to present Hydrometrics Professional Agreement for the landfill annual report, and the board signed the document. Gatlin also updated the board on her recent meeting with the auditor. Gatlin informed the board the auditor has recommended the county start to consider creating a grant administrator position due to the quantity of grants the county is receiving.

During the day monthly claims were reviewed and approved for payment.

Teel Mullanix, the road supervisor stopped in to visit with the board.

The Board of Health meeting began at 11:00 a.m. in the Commissioner office. Attending were Taylor Price, Darlynn Williams, Abby Barnhart, Paige Powell, Kylie Randall, Becky McEuen, Josie Morris and Jami Jo Schroeder. Complete minutes for meeting were taken by Board of Health Secretary.

Jim Atchison, Southeastern Montana Development Corporation, met with the board to recap on the 2023 Community meeting. Atchison also informed the board the county will need to start planning to update the county growth plan. Julie Stoddard joined the meeting via telephone. Discussion was held on a grant administrator position for the county. Julie and Jim offered to assist the county in a job description for a grant administrator and writer.

After hearing no further public comment the board adjourned at noon.

Monday, March 4, 2024

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.

John Wilson joined the meeting.

Jackie Walden requested a meeting with the commissioners via phone. During the phone call Jackie requested the commissioners to request copies of the 72-hour notice letters the Forest Service sent out to ranchers. Commissioners will reach out to the Forest Service and request letters.

Cynde Jo Gatlin, Clerk and Recorder presented letter to commissioners to request appointment of an audit committee for the post-election audit. The commissioners will appoint an audit committee on March 11, 2024.

Kylie Randall nursing home administrator met with the board to conduct a general department update. Todd Gardner, Broadus Insurance agent, joined the meeting. The Commissioners were informed the nursing home malpractice liability insurance does not meet Medicaid standards. Todd Gardner informed the board he is getting quotes and should have them by next week. Todd Gardner left the meeting. Kylie then conducted her general update. She stated the nursing home and clinic are live with Morrison-Maierle Systems and reported a resident census of 22.

Tammy VanTine, Weed Supervisor, met with the board to request approval to proceed with plans for the bathroom addition at the weed building. The board approved the plans submitted and authorized VanTine to proceed with the request for quotes process

Resolution 2024-11, Resolution to Amend County Drug and Alcohol Policy, John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded, motion carried.

The board then left the office to tour county roads.

The board returned to the office at 3:00. Lee Randall left the meeting and Commissioners Lori Fortner and John Olson conducted inventory.

After hearing no further public comment the board adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Monday, March 11, 2024

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

Commissioners reviewed and approved the consent agenda.

February 29 March 4, 2024 minutes approved and ordered published.

Teel Mullanix, road supervisor met with the board to conduct road department update. He reported on rebuild options for the MP2 and Cat Blade and will present quotes later. The board requested Mullanix to get some gravel on the Gotfredson Road. The 2025 Gas Tax maps were reviewed and approved.

The Commissioners met with Clerk and Recorder Cynde Gatlin to appoint the election audit committee. Commissioners appointed Hattie Arithson, Denni Schuetzle, Kelda Page and alternates Todd Gardner and Kylie Randall.

Todd Gardner, Broadus Insurance Agent, and Kylie Randall, Nursing Home Administrator, met to present insurance malpractice policy quote that will meet the Medicaid requirements. The quote presented is $39,075.00/year. Gardner informed the board that the high premium reflects the past state survey injunctions. The board discussed and made the decision to proceed with purchasing the policy.

Marty Drane, Maintenance Supervisor, met with the board for a general department update. Drane presented quotes from Range Telephone for security cameras at the MP/indoor arena building for $30,00.00. He also presented a quote for panic buttons at the courthouse with Interstate Alarm for $1800.00. No decision was made.

Tracy Thomas, Chamber of Commerce member met with the board. Thomas stated the Chamber would like to purchase a storage container to consolidate the Chamber inventory that currently is in multi locations, but the chamber has no location for the container and is requesting the county to allow a location on county property to store the container. The Commissioners stated they are happy to work with the Chamber and find a location for the container.

The board then discussed the clinic flooring and baseball fence projects. Local contractor Chad Gatlin phoned in to inquire on the county’s plan to proceed. Gatlin stated he will present another option of flooring with a quote. Gatlin also inquired on the fence project.

Clerk and Recorder Cynde Jo Gatlin met with the board. Gatlin presented February 2024 expenditure report, requested the board to sign a utility occupancy permit and review an airport hangar project addendum. Gatlin also presented a request for quotes for a bathroom addition for the weed building to be approved for publication and board approved.

After hearing no further public comment the board adjourned at 5:00 p.m.