Powder River Examiner -

May 4, 2020

All commissioners present for meeting.

No public comment was heard.

Consent agenda, Rod motioned, Donna seconded, all in favor, motion passed.

The board then discussed and voted to repeal Resolution 2020-11, Resolution to Access Courthouse to the Public. Resolution 2020-12, Resolution to Repeal Resolution 2020-11, was read and Rod motioned to approve, all in favor, motion passed.

Teel Mullanix met with board for his weekly meeting. Mullanix reported he has spoken with CAT in Billings and the quote for repairs on the blade. The transmission on blade is out. The board discussed a complete rebuild or just a new transmission. Mullanix reported there is not the amount of shale in the 15 Mile gravel pit that was expected. Various road issues were discussed.

The board then discussed the application for the federal assistance for the SF-424. The airport is eligible for $20,000 stimulus monies from the Covid Funds Relief Act. The board reviewed the application and signed it. Funds will be used for repairs and maintenance.

Public hearing was held at 11:00 a.m. for the CDBG grant application.

Julie Emmons and Jim Atchison continue to visit with commissioners regarding the EIDL applications for ag entities.

Ron Hecker, Forest Service, phoned in to inform board the tree planting crew is here. He informed them all planters have been quarantined for 2 weeks. They discussed the shale pit on 15 Mile, and Hecker authorized the county to continue looking for gravel/shale on the forest.

Sean Hill, Medical Administrator, met with board. He reported 19 residents and stated the clinic and PT department are open to the public. Discussion was held on the lawn and the donated estate. Commissioners reminded Hill to make sure all contracted laborers have adequate liability insurance.

No further public comment was received. Meeting was adjourned.

May 11, 2020

Commissioners met for their weekly meeting with all members present.

Meeting was called to order.

No public comment was received at this time.

Consent agenda – Rod moved, Donna seconded this motion, all in favor, motion carried. Consent agenda approved.

Maintenance Supervisor Marty Drane met with the board. They discussed the possibility of letting the high school have their graduation on the courthouse lawn. The county does not have a problem with it. Marty reported that they started working 4-10’s, the track and trolley system has been installed in the boiler room. The “No Tractor Trailer Parking” signs were discussed. The TV antenna at Sarpy Creek is still not working; Burkhardt is working on it. Marty will check on the guy coming to work on the courthouse gutters.

Road Supervisor Teel Mullanix met with the board for his weekly meeting. Teel informed the board of the research he has been doing on fabric for the roads. He is considering laying fabric on the Boyes Road, from the first car-gate on. The information Lee received from Dwayne Williams concerning the gravel hauling trucks and the weigh station was discussed. Wagner Construction is planning to be here in the middle part of June. Rod informed Teel that he has had some complaints about the road from people who live on 10 Mile. Teel let the board know the crew is working on 15 Mile right now, and when they are finished, they will move on to 10 Mile.

The Commissioners and Clerk & Recorder Cynde Gatlin met to discuss the COVID-19 Budget Amendment. The county has received several stimulus payments from the state. The board decided to wait on the budget amendment until they get more information from the state and federal government on how funds should be expended.

Cynde Gatlin moved on to discuss a few issues with the board. They discussed the monthly reports sent out by the Clerk & Recorder’s office for predator control.

At 10:30, the bid opened for congregate meals and Meals on Wheels.

Pat Ridenour, Senior Center, met with the board to discuss her upcoming schedule for the next month. Ridenour informed the board that Action for Eastern MT has told her that the Senior Center is not to reopen and congregate meals are not to resume until stage 3 of the governor’s directives.

Todd Gardner, Gardner Weed and Pest, met with the board to discuss his contract for the summer of 2020.

Mary Rumph and Julie Riley, Extension, met with the board for their monthly update. Discussion was held on the fair. They will continue as normal until a decision has to be made. Mary asked about requirements for county employees wearing masks; there are no requirements for employees or the public to wear masks in the courthouse. It was discussed and decided that the election room will be opened for meetings, as long as they are less than 10 people. There is a Fair Board meeting on May 21. There will be more than 10 people, so Mary requested the use of the lobby so they can follow the social distancing rules. They discussed grasshoppers in the upcoming summer.

Medical Administrator Sean Hill met with the board for his weekly meeting. They discussed a COVID grant that’s been approved and a $2000.00 grant for technology to help community and family members stay in contact with the residents at the Manor. Hill informed the board that the contract with MT Health Network has been signed. Hill reported 19. They also discussed a communication system, Nixel. Grounds and maintenance at the Manor and clinic were also discussed.

No public comment was heard at this time.

Meeting adjourned.

May 12, 2020

Commissioners met for their weekly meeting with all members present.

Meeting was called to order.

No public comment was received at this time.

Consent agenda – Rod moved, Donna seconded this motion, all in favor, motion carried. Consent agenda approved.

Teel Mullanix stopped in to present quotes for a blade for the 140-motor grader.

Clerk and Recorder Cynde Gatlin met with board to discuss various issues. She presented PT contract up for renewal in June 2020 and the IGT contract. Commissioners signed IGT contract and will discuss PT contract further. She presented Associated Employers 2020-2023 board term elections to be signed; the board signed. Gatlin then presented the cemetery map and discussed the new signage and maps.

The board met with the cemetery board at the cemetery for a joint meeting to review mapping and signage at the cemetery. Valli Fulton, Anita Wetherelt and Katie Ward, cemetery board members, Don Birkholtz, Grounds and Maintenance, all commissioners and Cynde Jo Gatlin were present.

No public comment was heard at this time.

Meeting adjourned.