Commissioners Proceedings

September 13, 2021

Commissioners met for their weekly meeting with Lee Randall, Donna Giacometto, and John Olson present.

The meeting was called to order. No public comment was received at this time. Consent agenda was approved.

Rich Biesheuvel, acting Maintenance Supervisor, met with the board and updated them on the department happenings. The Community Center is getting new sidewalks, the back patio at the Manor is almost finished, and the coal chute at the Manor is being rebuilt.

Billy Stuver, Powder River Examiner, stopped in to discuss the 2021-22 budget.

Teel Mullanix, Road Supervisor, met with the board. Mullanix stated that he will start mowing ditches when the weather cools down, to reduce the risk of fires. The Terrett gravel project is almost finished, and they should have some gravel left over. Weeds in the ditches were discussed, and the board will meet with Mullanix next week to discuss his wage raise.

A public hearing regarding the HVAC system at the nursing home was held at 11 a.m. Commissioner Randall called the hearing to order. Sean Hill, Medical Administrator, Jim Atchison, SEMDC Executive Director, and Angela Mendoza, SEMDC, were present via Zoom. Cynde Gatlin, Clerk and Recorder, and all Commissioners were present in person. Jim stated he is in full support of the HVAC system. SEMDC has received many requests for the nursing home in the past, and he stated the proposed infrastructure upgrade is much needed. Atchison sent in the following letter:

TO: Powder River County Clerk and Commissioners

FROM: Jim Atchison, Executive Director - SEMDC

RE: Public Testimony – CDBG CARES Act Application – Nursing Home HVAC Equipment

DATE: Monday September 13th (11:00 a.m.)

Thank you, Powder River County Commissioners and Clerk for the opportunity to offer Public Comment concerning your proposed application to the MT CDBG CARES Act Funding Program.

My name is Jim Atchison and I am the Executive Director for the Southeastern Montana Development Corporation (SEMDC). As a Regional Non-Profit Economic Development Group, we do what we can to increase the economic and community development activity within the four counties of Custer, Rosebud, Treasure and Powder River. SEMDC has been around since 1997 and I have been with SEMDC going on 21 years now. We have established an awesome and productive team of employees and our track record shows over $65 million in economic impacts since 2002.

I would like to state that SEMDC is in full support of the proposed HVAC Project at the Powder River County Nursing Home located in Broadus. For the past few years during the annual CEDS Planning sessions in Broadus, SEMDC has recorded numerous requests and needs concerning this facility. I believe last year alone, at least four (4) healthcare related needs were requested. With the COVID-19 pandemic challenging this rural facility and long-distances to other healthcare assistance, this proposed infrastructure / equipment upgrade at the nursing home, only makes sense. In-addition, this equipment is also noted on the regional SEMDC Infrastructure Needs List as a much needed and wanted item.

Thus, SEMDC is in Strong Support for the CDBG CARES Act Application from Powder River County for this HVAC Equipment at the nursing home.

Sean Hill then commented that the building is old and the airflow upgrade would help with comfort and biological control within the facility. Hill stated that negative and positive airflow is needed. He is in full support of the upgrade. After hearing no further public comment, Commissioner Randall closed the public hearing.

The board then discussed the county’s hiring process.

The board discussed the EMS policy and procedures.

A local resident stopped in to thank the commissioners and Road Department for the work they have done on the Sayle-Sonnette Road.

No public comment was heard at this time.

Meeting adjourned.

September 16, 2021

Commissioners met for their weekly meeting with Lee Randall, Donna Giacometto, and John Olson present.

The meeting was called to order. No public comment was received at this time. Consent agenda was approved.

Commissioners conducted administrative duties throughout the morning.

Julie Emmons Stoddard phone conferenced in to visit about the USDA Grant she is applying for an ambulance. She stated the county match is 65%. Commissioners asked Stoddard to see if the ARPA funds can be used for the match before moving forward.

After hearing no public comment the meeting adjourned at noon.