Powder River Examiner -

Monday, October 23, 2023

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

Commissioners reviewed and approved consent agenda.

EDA Bridge project update began with Brandon Duffy, Teel Mullanix, Spencer Jovich and Greg Benjamin TCA Construction were present. Duffy reviewed the progress report and discussion as held on the bridge progress. Pilgrim Creek Bridge will be poured and backfilled this week.

Propane bid for 2023-24 were opened. No public was present. Bids received:

Alderman Oil $ .90/gallon

Lori Fortner motioned to accept propane bid, John Olson seconded, motion carried.

Fuel bid for 2023-24 were opened. No public was present. Bids received:

Alderman Oil

Gasoline E-10 Unleaded, 87 Octane $3.75623

Gasoline Premium Unleaded 91 Octane $4.40334

Diesel Dyed #2 $4.55

Diesel Dyed #1 $5.15

Lori Fortner motioned to accept fuel bid, John Olson seconded motion, motion carried.

Cynde Jo Gatlin, Clerk and Recorder met with the board. Gatlin reported she reached out to Alderman Oil owners Gary and Theresa Alderman with concerns with the county’s charge account. Alderman oil is in the process of changing ownership. Gatlin reported Gary and Theresa stated there will be no change in the charging and billing for the county.

Gatlin then reported the Sheriff had reached out to her and reported he will start paying his deputies more on call time as the deputies are required to be on standby at certain times throughout their monthly work schedule. Gatlin informed the board she reminded the Sheriff to stay within his budget and discussion with Commissioners may be needed at some point. During the meeting with the Clerk, Lori Fortner reported she has spoken with the sheriff regarding the community member concern of a previous 911 call not being answered. Fortner reported the Sheriff stated there was a statewide system failure that particular day.

John Olson reported Larry Woolston will be reaching out to recycling vendors to get rid of more cardboard from the recycle center.

Billy Stuver stopped in discuss the recycling center.

Kylie Randall, nursing home administrator met with the board to discuss the nursing home.

Marty Drane, maintenance supervisor met with the board.

Commissioner John Olson left the meeting at 3:45.

Lori Fortner remained in the office and conducted general administrative duties.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Friday, October 27, 2023

Commissioners Lee Randall, Lori Fortner and John Olson met at 9:00 am in the Commissioners office to open the gravel crushing bids. Brandon Duffy, Great West Engineering was phoned into the meeting. One bid was received.

Bid received: Wyrick Construction

Teel Mullanix joined the meeting. Discussion was held on the bid, and it was decided to agenda for a final decision at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned.

Tuesday, October 31, 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.

Cynde Jo Gatlin, Clerk and Recorder met with the board to report the 2020 Ford Explorer that was recently purchased as a county vehicle had an oil change and needs repairs. Gatlin reported she contacted Two Rivers Auto in Miles City, and the vehicle is still under warranty. The commissioners will contact Marty Drane to haul the vehicle to Miles City for repairs.

Adam Johnson, EMS director met with the board to conduct a budget review for the CIH program. He reported he is putting together a bid package for a multi-purpose vehicle. He will be purchasing new equipment bags. Johnson also requested to purchase his office supplies through officesupplies.com.

The board then began the process of voting on the recent gravel crushing bid. Bid received by Wyrick Construction, Baker MT. The board unanimously decided to decline the bid due to lack of bond and high cost. The board discussed re-opening with a longer project date to June 30, 2024.

The board then met with Raymond Ragsdale, Paul Pauley, and Randy Keeran to present a fire mitigation agreement between Powder River County and BLM. The agreement is for 5 years and has a 10% administration fee and can be terminated at any time. Raymond stated he would contact landowners and a public meeting will need to be held to see if there is any interest.

The board then met with Kylie Randall, nursing home administrator. Randall reported the IT service for the nursing home has recently had a large rate increase. Randall would like to contact other IT companies for price comparison.

The board reviewed and approved claims and payroll presented for payment for the month of October. Claims can be reviewed at request in the Clerk and Recorders office.

The board spent the remainder of the day conducting administrative duties.

After hearing no further public comment the board adjourned at 5:00 p.m.