Commissioner Proceedings

Monday, May 20, 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.

Road Supervisor: Teel Mullanix reported the 3 bridge beams will be here for the Little Powder Bridge by Friday. He updated on the current road blading progress. The scale system is coming for the loader for the gravel crushing project. John Melgaard updated on the trucking requirements which include 8-10 trucks per day and if trucks want to haul on the weekend, then road supervisor will schedule a blade to lay gravel.

Pubic Hearing for Randall/Moorhead Bridge Replacement Project: Public hearing began with all-commissioners present, Brandon Duffy with Great West Engineering, and Cynde Jo Gatlin, Clerk and Recorder present. Brandon reported the bridge is not on Randall property and the creek name next to the bridge cannot be found therefore moving forward it will be called Randall/Moorhead Bridge. The foundation and bridge are in a current state of despair and warrants the need to apply for the MCEP grant for replacement with a box culvert and cattle pass. Finalized paperwork and documents for letters of support from the community are needed.

Resolution 2024-14, Resolution to Authorize Submission of MCEP Application was read and John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded, motion carried.

Congregate Meal Bid Opening: One bid was received and opened by the board. - Powder River Lanes Bid $15.50/meal

John Olson motioned to accept the Powder River Lanes bid, Lori Fortner seconded the motion, motion carried.

Meals on Wheels Bid Opening: One bid was received and opened by the board. - Powder River Manor Bid $15.00/meal

John Olson motioned to accept the Powder River Lanes bid, Lori Fortner seconded the motion, motion carried.

Resolution 2024-15, Resolution to Transfer Oil & Gas Production, resolution was read and John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded, all in favor, motion carried.

Resolution 2024-16, Resolution to Transfer Oil & Gas Production to Fire Districts, resolution was read and John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded, all in favor, motion carried.

Resolution 2024-17, Resolution to Transfer Federal Mineral Royalty Funds, resolution was read and John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded, all in favor, motion carried.

Nursing Home Administrator: Kylie Randall met with the commissioners to report on various department happenings. 4-H kids planted raised flower beds; the sign outside will be replaced. Allen Johnson has been hired for maintenance with a starting date of May 1, 2024 The private room policy has been updated.

EMS Director: Adam Johnson met with the board to update on general department happenings. The board then discussed and voted on increasing the fee schedule. Discussion then continued to options for filling opening shifts.

Maintenance Supervisor: Marty Drane met with the board to discuss the concrete pad to be placed under the new scale at the fairbarn. They are still working on the pool and sprinkler system at the courthouse.

Resolution 2024-18, Resolution to Set Ambulance Transport Fees was read and John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded the motion, motion carried.

Jeff Noble, county attorney stopped in to discuss the details to construct a document in regards to the BLM mineral owner trespass fee/surface damage agreement.

Having Completed all current business for the day and hearing no further public comment the board adjourned at 5:00 P.M.

Friday, May 31, 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.

Clerk and Recorder Cynde Jo Gatlin met with the board to present month end bookkeeping and presented journal vouchers to be approved.

KLJ Engineering- Engineer Nathan Schroht visited with the board via phone to discuss the airport hangar project.

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

Security upgrades: The board discussed security upgrades and will continue discussions through the budgeting process.

Having completed all current business for the day, the board adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

Monday, June 3, 2024

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

Commissioners reviewed and approved the consent agenda.

Montana Association of Counties met with the board along with Todd Gardner, Broadus Insurance, to discuss the 2024-25 property and casualty insurance policy.

Road Supervisor Teel Mullanix met with the board and reported the crusher is broken down. A local resident stopped in to thank the Road Department for blading Sayle Road. Upcoming road projects were also discussed.

The board discussed the fence project at the ball field and is waiting to hear back from the fencing company on further details.

Nursing Home: Kylie Randall, Administrator, met with the board to update on training and conducted a general update.

Commissioners left the office to inspect and tour the airport runway, Little Powder Bridge and the new scale at the fair barn.

The board spent the remainder of the day reading correspondence and taking care of various administrative duties and adjourned at 5:00 p.m.