Powder River Examiner -

Monday, June 5, 2023

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

Commissioners reviewed and approved the consent agenda.

Cynde Jo Gatlin, Clerk & Recorder, met with the board to discuss the finalization of the county auction at 3 pm and update the board on the Willow Crossing Cemetery fence project. Commissioner Randall reported the Little Levi Rodeo has requested to move the catch pins up in the arena, after discussion it was decided there should be no issues with moving the pins. Commissioner Randall will reach out to the rodeo club and inform them of the decision. The rodeo club will also be bringing in sand for the outdoor arena.

Dave Vineyard, contractor for the Willow Crossing Cemetery fence project, met with the board to discuss the fence project. Vineyard informed the board he is hoping to have supplies in hand by the end of the week to begin the project.

Marty Drane, Maintenance Supervisor, met with the board for his general department update. The pool, recycling center and mowing of county grounds were discussed.

Libby Nisley, Pool Supervisor, stopped in to give an update on the pool. Nisley reported that everything is going well.

Nadine Elmore, Interim Nursing Home Administrator, met with the board. Elmore is working on creating an Environmental Supervisor Position to oversee laundry and housekeeping.

Commissioners Randall and Olson then left the office to travel to 10 Mile Road and Willow Crossing Cemetery. Commissioners will meet Ron Hecker at the Forest Service Station in Ashland at 3 pm to conduct a general update meeting with the Forest Service.

The board will reconvene Monday, June 12, 2023.

Monday, June 12, 2023

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.

The minutes of the May 22, 31 and June 6, 2023 commissioner proceedings were read, approved, and ordered published.

Resolution 2023-17, Oil and Gas Production Transfer, John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded, motion carried.

Resolution 2023-18, Oil and Gas Production Transfer Special Districts, John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded, motion carried.

Resolution 2023-19, Federal Mineral Royalty Transfer, John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded, motion carried.

Resolution 2023-20, Resolution of Intent to Amend the Budget, John Olson motioned to approve, Lori Fortner seconded, motion carried.

Teel Mullanix, Road Supervisor, met with the board. Discussion was held on CDL’s and possible new employees. Boyes Road was discussed and Mullanix reported the road has been bladed 4 times this spring but is need of gravel. Mullanix stated he has considered hiring a local road contractor to rebuild the road but no decision was made. The commissioners reported they traveled to 10 Mile Road and it has just been bladed and appears in good shape. Discussion continued to be blading of roads and various road department issues.

The board then discussed the request from the local fire department to purchase a dozer.

Extension Agents Julie Riley and Mary Rumph met with the board to conduct their monthly meeting.

Town of Broadus Works Cass Zimmer stopped in to discuss dumpsters at the fairgrounds. Zimmer is concerned with putting more dumpsters at the fairgrounds without an additional fee for the county. The commissioners are in favor of the town charging them for extra dumpsters if necessary and Zimmer requested the board to consider a solution.

Clinton Watters stopped in to request a change in dump policy to not allow root balls in the tree pile. The board will make a final decision at a later meeting date.

FLAP zoom meeting was held with Aaron Eckland and Great West Engineering present.

OneHealth Network, Colette Mild, David Mark, Wendy Richards and Kent Doughty met with the board to discuss management options for the clinic. Also present were Nadine Elmore and Paige Powell. No decisions were made.

Nadine Elmore, Interim Nursing Home Administrator, met with the board to discuss the nursing home.

Debbie Stieg, Tri- County Agent, met with the board to discuss the PT/OT contract. Steig requested billing changes.

After hearing no further public comment, the board adjourned at 5:00 p.m. and will reconvene on June 15, 2023.