Powder River Examiner -

Monday, February 6, 2023

Chairman Lee Randall called 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.

The board read and approved the meeting minutes from January 31, 2023 to be published.

The board reviewed and read the consent agenda.

Old business was reviewed.

Aaron Eckland, FLAP Grant Administrator, met with the board via Zoom to discuss the preliminary phase, tribal notification, and environmental study.

Tammy Jackman, Senior Center Director, met with the board. Jackman updated on the various activities at the center. Jackman reported LEAP funds are coming in to help with heating cost for community members. The turkey dinner was well attended and she informed the board of summer trips she is working on.

A resident stopped in to express concerns regarding the East Powderville Road conditions.

Raymond Ragsdale stopped in to discuss an app for use when volunteers are called in for a fire. Discussion was held on his Fire Warden position.

Julie Emmons-Stoddard met with the board and reported she attended a CIP/ TA (Transportation Assistance) Grant meeting. The county was encouraged to apply again for the CIP grant. Stoddard stated the TA Grant would be to enhance sidewalks from nursing home to downtown area to the high school.

Adam Johnson, EMS Director, met with the board. Johnson reported there will be an EMT and EMR training this coming weekend and he has created a student application and evaluation form.

The board conducted administrator duties. Raymond Ragsdale stopped by to invite the Commissioners to the coal seam mitigation meeting on February 16, 1 p.m. in Miles City.

Alisha Oerellaman met with the board via Zoom. The CDBG grant for a critical access hospital and feasibility study was discussed.

Teel Mullanix, Road Supervisor, met with the board. Discussion was held on the recent complaint on East Powderville Road.

Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Commissioners will meet again on Monday, February 13, 2023.

Monday, February 13, 2023

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

Commissioners reviewed and approved the consent agenda.

The minutes of the February 6, 2023, commissioner proceedings were read, approved, and ordered published.

The board reviewed budgets for the EDA Bridge Project and the board approved to allow bid bond to begin May 1, 2023.

Clerk & Recorder Cynde Jo Gatlin met with the board. Vacant board positions were discussed and a quote for phone upgrades through Range Telephone was approved. Gatlin presented resignation from Library Board member Dee Stuver, and the board appointed LeAnn Rhodes to fill the unexpired term.

Christy Olson, Transportation Director, met with the board to present the 2024 grant application; board signed the grant.

Billy Stuver, Powder River Examiner, stopped in to discuss general county happenings.

Teams meeting began with Brandon Duffy, Great West Engineering, and Teel Mullanix present. Discussion was held on the status of the crushing contract for the upcoming 18 miles road project that is included in the EDA Bridge Replacement Project. The board approved for Duffy to receive crushing contracts.

Julie Riley and Mary Rumph, Extension Office Agents, met with the board to conduct a monthly department report.

Karen Amende, Diana Edwards and Julie Riley, Powder River Recyclers, met with the board to present a final check of Powder River Recyclers to the county in the amount of $12,915.54 to assist in the transfer and maintenance of the Recycling Center to old fair barn building.

Sean Hill, Medical Administrator, met with the board. Hill reported 20 residents. Hill expressed concerns in the shortage of nurses. MTX, biomed company, was here to check medical devices. Aqreva has been reactivated for Physical Therapy billing. Abbey Barnhart will be ordering a dictation device to assist her in charting. The clinic is getting panic buttons, safety doors and safety glass at front desk for safety precautions.

Montana Fish and Wildlife Brett Dorak and Brad Smitts met with the board to present a proposal of aerial predator control for assistance for certain areas in the county. Dorak presented a map of the proposed area of coyote control needed and the board will contact Powder River Predator Control Pat Ruland to discuss the proposal.

Marty Drane, Maintenance Supervisor, met with the board. Drane reported he is still working on ordering supplies for the courthouse bathroom remodel, still building pen areas at the new Recycle Center and security cameras will be installed on February 15.

After no further business, the board adjourned at 5:00 p.m. and will reconvene Thursday, February 16, 2023.