Commissioner Proceedings

Thursday, January 18, 2024

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 board discussed the request by Raymond Ragsdale to authorize the DNRC truck to join the striker team in Custer County. The board approved the request. Ragsdale informed the board the DNRC will invoice as the unit is utilized and the county will receive the funding, to be used for purchase of larger inventory at later dates.

Marty Drane, Maintenance Supervisor, met with the board to conduct his biweekly meeting. Drane reported that the ceiling tiles for the courthouse hallway are in and ready for pickup in Billings. New security cameras for the multipurpose building have been quoted at $1700.00 and will have a monthly fee. It was decided not to purchase the compressor truck that was discussed in earlier meetings. Drane has ordered a heated air curtain for the nursing home.

A teams meeting began with Great West Engineering, Brandon Duffy to discuss the Memorandum of Understanding for the EDA Belle Creek Bridge Project.

After hearing no further public comment the board adjourned at 12:00 p.m.

Monday, January 22nd, 2024

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 January 8, 2024 commissioner proceedings were read, approved, and ordered published.

Public comment was heard by John Wilson to inquire on the precinct boundary update. The commissioner informed John they are working on the update and plan on a public hearing soon. Sheriff Devin Boman also stopped to propose to the Commission giving the Sheriff more office space in the courthouse. The board will consider the proposal.

Teel Mullanix, Road Supervisor, met with the board. Mullanix reported the gravel crushing company he was working with to crush gravel is now unable to crush. The board informed Mullanix of the other gravel crushing company that has contacted the county and Mullanix will reach out to them. Butte Creek pit is now officially owned and operated by Powder River County. The board requested Mullanix to get millings to the back of the nursing home parking lot to prevent any future falls from ice. Mullanix stated he will get it done as soon as he can.

Adam Johnson, EMS Director met with the board and presented a 2023 year end general update.

He reported he is currently looking for a new training provider. Johnson reported he will be working with the nursing home and clinic employees to train and recognize stroke patients. He also reported the SAMSHA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration) grant is open, and the county is eligible to apply for the matching grant.

The board signed a Mutual Aide agreement with Campbell County for emergency services.

The board began the process of appointing 2024 board members for various county boards.

The commissioners will finalize vacancies in the next meetings.

The board then discussed the update of subdivision regulations for Powder River County. The board needs to approve the updated subdivision regulations and fees by resolution. After discussion the commissioner will continue to review the updated subdivision regulations before finalizing the plan by resolution.

Kylie Randall, Nursing Home Administrator met with the board. Randall requested the board to consider approval of Covid pay at times when the facility is in crisis status. The commissioners will continue discussion on request. The new time clock system will start next week. The county has purchased 10 new tv’s and 10 new closets and the county will offer closets to the public for purchase after two weeks notice. Kylie will also be working with the staff to reduce the amount of reimbursement requests the employees are submitting; employees should be making purchases from existing vendors whenever possible.

The board entered a closed meeting to discuss employee personnel issues.

Christy Olson, Transportation Director met with the board to conduct her monthly meeting. Olson presented the Montana Department of Transportation Preventative Maintenance Plan to be approved. Commissioner Randall signed the plan. Christy Olson then presented the Transit Coordination Plan for Fiscal Year 2025 to be approved. The board unanimously approved the coordination plan.

The board conducted administrative duties for the remainder of the day.

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