Commissioner Proceedings

Monday, June 10, 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.

The board met with Brandon Duffy, Greg Benjamin, Spencer Javich, and Teel Mullanix to discuss the progress of the bridge project. The Little Powder Bridge and Pilgrim Creek Bridge were discussed.

Teel Mullanix, Road Supervisor, met with the board to discuss the Road Department. He reported the crusher has broken down and will be out of service for 3-4 weeks. He also presented verbiage for the bid to be placed in the paper for the gravel hauling project.

Commissioners met with Brandon Duffy, Teel Mullanix and Talena Adams with Western Federal Lands Division via Zoom to discuss the FLAP grant and progress report on the Belle Creek Road project. Brandon conducted a progress report and explained the weather and the crusher being broke down is creating a setback. The grant agreement expires at the end of the calendar year, but an extension can be requested at that time if not completed.

Adam Johnson met with the board to update the department. Adam reported he is struggling with life flights and has reached out to the National Guard for assistance in medical emergencies.

Sheriff Boman met with the board to request approval and signatures on the Memorandum of Understanding with the Eastern Montana Drug Task Force.

Ron Hecker met with the board to discuss logging roads. Teel Mullanix, Road Supervisor, joined the meeting. Teel approved the temporary approaches requested by the Forest Service on 10 and 15 Mile Roads.

The board then signed the purchase order for the purchase of a stage for the fairgrounds for $32,000.

Nathan Schroht reported via phone he will be sending out the award letter for the hangar project. He also reported the FAA is waiting on the final funding which is expected in August. Construction will begin in the fall for the hangar.

Commissioner John Olson left the meeting to attend interviews at the nursing home.

After completing all business for the day, the board adjourned.

Monday, June 17, 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.

Resolution 2024-19- Transfer of Federal Mineral Royalty Funds, John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded, motion carried.

Resolution 2024-20-Transfer of Oil & Gas Production Funds, John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded, motion carried.

A discussion was held regarding a cleanup company that had contacted the commissioners and requested the landfill to accept contaminated soil. The landfill manager will be contacted for final decision.

Tammy Jackman, Senior Center Director, met with the board to update on the current activities at the center. Jackman reported an oxygen tank has been received for the center through a public health grant. The center was awarded a PRCEF grant to redo the flooring. Julie Riley and the Senior Center will split the cost above the awarded grant amount. A document clinic was held and was well attended. Jackman also reported on upcoming trips. There will be a pancake breakfast and dessert auction on the 4th of July organized by the Bumblebee Daycare.

Paige Powell, Director of Nursing at the nursing home met with the board.

Angela Cross, Grant Administrator, met with the commissioners and Ambulance Director Adam Johnson to inspect the ambulance that was acquired by the USDA grant.

At 1:00 p.m. the board began the canvass of the 2024 primary election.

After finalizing all business for the day, the board adjourned at 5:00 p.m.