Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

Commissioners June 16, 2023 Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 by Commissioner Turley. Commissioner Pancratz and Commissioner Goffena were present.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to approve the agenda as is. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Commissioner Goffena made the motion to approve the June 9, 2023 minutes as written. Commissioner Pancratz seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Commissioner Goffena attended the Area II Council on Aging Executive Meeting Monday June 12, 2023. The Finance Officer is also doing the Directors job and would like to hire a director. They are going to wait until the year end reports and finances are available. The issue will be tabled until the July 23, 2023 meeting where they will discuss the job description and wage.

Commissioner Turley did a lot of road inspections after the flood to see what will need worked on.

Commissioner Turley and Commissioner Pancratz attended the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting. R.I.D.E and the parades were discussed. Monitoring the parades is a concern. Trees at the fairgrounds need to be worked on. There is a lot of connection with the Community and LEPC.

All Commissioners and Mayor Jones went to Senator Testers Office in Billings regarding the Signal Peak Mine EIS, Environmental Impact Study from the State. There is real concern for loss of revenue with no way for the County to replace it.

Maintenance Supervisor Jett gave her weekly report to the Commissioners. Ms. Jett asked if the Road Department might have the means to move a concrete block back where it should be. The Commissioner will ask Road and Bridge Supervisor Stockert if it would be possible. There are a few pieces of equipment that may be auctioned off when the County does the next surplus auction. Ms. Jett gave measurements of her equipment for a new shed for her. She will be getting estimates.

Vern and Patti Lang from Musselshell met with the Commissioners regarding putting a trailer and some slabs on County property temporarily. Mr. Lang has been cleaning up the property East of the Church. All Commissioner agreed to Mr. Lang using the property temporarily.

County Agent Solf gave her weekly report to the Commissioners. The yearly Administration Salary Share for her assistant is going to be coming in from Golden Valley. 4H Camp was last week and went well. The Fair entry deadline was June 15, 2023. 45 to 50 kids have entered. A tree fell on the west end of the pig barn in the storm. It is being cleaned up. There was breaker box damage from another tree that fell. Ms. Solf is going to check with local electricians for the fix. 4H Road is still closed. Market on Main is every other Wednesday and will be from 5 to 7.

County Attorney Larsen met with the Commissioner to go over some of the Middle Musselshell County Water District information for the election. MCA § 7-13-2241 required candidates to file a declaration of candidacy no sooner than 145 days and no later than 85 days before the election, and a write-in candidate must give a declaration of intent 65 days before the election. As the election is scheduled for August 15th, 2023, the 65th day prior to that was June 11th. The election administrator had only received one declaration by June 11th. MCA § 13-1-502(4) requires that if the number of candidates is less than or equal to the number of positions (in this case 5) to be filled at the election, the election administrator shall cancel the election and notify the governing body in writing of the cancellation. (5) of the same statute states that if the election is canceled and there is only one candidate for a position, the governing body shall declare the candidate elected to the position by acclamation, and if there are no regular or declared write-in candidates for a position the governing body shall fill the position by appointment. Larsen recommended the commissioners and election administrator accept any additional declarations of intent from interested individuals to take into consideration when deciding on appointments to the Board of Directors for the proposed water district.

Sheriff Lesnik gave his weekly report to the Commissioners. The budget was discussed. Identification of equipment needs to be updated in all departments. There is going to be an Employee Policy Handbook Committee for the new Policy Manual. Detention Officer position and wage was discussed.

DES Director Russell and Coordinator Rook gave their weekly report to the Commissioners. Private individual effected by flooding should send a Damage assessment to the State for possible assistance. There were 2 new addresses and 3 address verifications this week. Inventory is being worked on.

Treasurer Hetrick gave the Commissioners her Monthly Balancing Report and went over investment percentage rates.

Matt Smith with Stahly Engineering met with the Commissioners to go over the Fairgrounds Master Plan for the ARPA Water Projects.

Ambulance Director Solberg met with the Commissioners and gave an update on the “panic button” installation.

Linda Yount met with the Commissioner regarding the Refuse Contract with Republic Waste

Jonty Stahl from Flatwillow met with the Commissioner regarding a permit to run a pipe over the County Road. The Commissioner told him to contact Road and Bridge Supervisor Stockert. Mr. Stahl asked the Commissioner to please go out to Colony Road to view the condition of the road for themselves. Who is liable if something happens to someone on the road?

There was no Public Comment of several budget amendments.

Public Comment:

Mike Jacko, Sherri Flanscha, Wendy and David Shreeve and Ken Naylor were present.

Michael Jacko met with the Commissioners to discuss junk vehicles and trailers on property close to his home. Mr. Jacko met with the Commissioners and County Attorney Larsen in March and was under the impression Mr. Larsen was going to be working on the issue. Mr. Jacko asked what the chain of Command is in the County. The Commissioners explained that they are the governing body but only have so much authority. There are covenants and or land use restrictions for properties in the area in question, but violations are a civil matter to be taken before a judge.

Wendy Shreeve and Sherri Flancha were given a draft agreement for using the Musselshell County Central Commons kitchen 2 days a week, with payment and insurance.

Ms. Shreeve asked about the Resolution to cancel the Trustee Election for the Middle Musselshell Water District. The deadline for turning in the Declaration of Nomination was missed so now the County Attorney advises any interested party to contact the Clerk & Recorders Office to get a Declaration of Nomination/Intent to give to the Commissioners.

Ken Naylor told the Commissioners that he is going to be getting an opinion letter from an attorney regarding the easements running through the Roundup Mesa Subdivision that he is going to give them possibly next week.

End of Public Comment

Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to sign the Standard Lease Contract with the Department of Revenue. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Commissioner Goffena made the motion to sign Resolution 2023-36 Canceling the Middle Musselshell County Water District Trustee Election. Commissioner Pancratz seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to sign the Coal Board Request for Funds Drawdown #1 in the amount of $96,200.00 for MT-CB-EP-23-0949 for the Road Department Belly Dump Trailers submitted by Stahly Engineering. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried

End of meeting.

Commissioner Turley and Commissioner Goffena did the second run of claims for the month of June on June 18, 2023.

Claims amounts for the last normal run of June, 2023 = $311,782.01

Monday June 19, 2023 Road Department meeting.

Commissioner Turley, Commissioner Goffena, Road and Bridge Supervisor Stockert and Secretary Newman were present. Minutes were taken by Secretary Newman.

Do to all the heavy rainfall, some County Roads washed out and had some flooding. The County Road Dept was out at night and weekends checking roads putting up barricades and hauling fill where needed. They spent last week hauling a lot of fill dirt and fixing the roads so they are safe again for residents. The Road Department had an interview on Monday for the job opening and has another one scheduled for Monday the 26th.

End of meeting.

Commissioners June 23, 2023 Minute

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 by Commissioner Turley. Commissioner Pancratz and Commissioner Goffena were present.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Goffena made the motion to approve the agenda for the day as. Commissioner Pancratz seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to approve the minutes from the June 16, 2023 meeting as written. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pancratz attended the Snowy Mountain Development meeting. The Governor is taking 54,000.00 away from their funding so there will be a budget increase next year for us. We need to look for a grant writer.

Commissioner Pancratz attended the City Council meeting Monday the 19, 2023 to remind them that the County is here and wanting to work with them. The County will be considering supporting the City pool.

Commissioner Turley attended the MT Oil & gas meeting in Colstrip June 19 & 20, 2023. Mr. Turley’s minutes as follows:

Commissioner Turley attended the subject Board meeting. Montana Association of County Commissioners (MACO) provided a tour of the Westmoreland and Rosebud Mine the afternoon of June 19. Very informative tour and made note of excellent reclamation of the mined area. House District 39 Representative Gary Parry of Colstrip, a 40-year employee of Westmoreland mine, was a tour guide.

On the morning of June 20, the Congressional staff of Senator Steve Daines, Senator Jon Tester, and Representative Matt Rosendale provided informational messages from each respective member.

Ben Jones, Petroleum Engineer of the Montana Board of Oil and Gas provided new rules governing the capping/plugging and recovery of existing oil wells.

Dan gray, Jr. President of Rosebud Operating Services, Inc. presented the coal refuse fired electric plant north of Colstrip and its operation. This is an excellent facility providing electric power from resources not fit for the Colstrip power units.

Darryl James, Westmoreland Mine Government Affairs representative. Darryl provided information relative to the mine infrastructure investment, including the economic and politically sustainable methods critical in the future.

Molly Schwend, Northwest Energy Community Affairs specialist provided policies to secure affordable and sustainable power for 340,000 customers while meeting EPA rules.

Shelby DeMars, MAOGCC Executive Director provided Legislative updates that MAOGCC were actively involved in during the 2023 legislative session.

Alan Olson, Montana Petroleum Association and former Legislator, provided regulatory updates and also a positive outlook for Montana energy.

The meeting provided a positive outlook on Montana clean and reliable energy that few states are able to provide while exceeding Federal and State environmental rules.

Commissioner Goffena attended the Weed Board meeting on Wednesday June 21, 2023. HB821 was talked about. There is grant money available for salt cedar and woody plants and only 3 counties were offered the funds. They would like to hire a helper to spray.

Justice of the Peace Marking met with the Commissioners to let him know he was going to be meeting with Senator Tester to discuss Veterans. The Commissioner also told Mr. Marking they are going to schedule a meeting with Mayor Jones regarding an MOU with the City for Court Services.

Sheriff Lesnik gave his weekly report to the Commissioners. The new hire starting wage was discussed. They need to update the employee policy and procedure manual. There could possibly be localized flooding.

DES Director Russell and Coordinator Rook gave their weekly report to the Commissioners. The have been installing new radios and screens in the fire trucks. There are 2 new addresses and 2 pending. The school window film project has been completed. They are working on the command trailer to be ready for the 4th. Mr. Russell is pretty sure the flooding will result in a Presidential Emergency Declaration.

Theresa Doumitt- Update on the Welcome Center Project. Committee is facing challenges with delays on siding and roofing. They will be submitting an updated timeline to the commissioners as more information becomes available. Update on the hospital generator will need a load bank to ensure it functions properly. They need to go back to the Coal Board and request an extension for the project, as the load banks will not be available until September or October.

Commissioner Turley: Add Coal Board Grants as an Agenda Item for next meeting. Dept heads to submit requests for grant funds. Think of equipment that is necessary for long term.

Water District Update: Water is hooked up in Harlowton. Roundup is expecting water by Christmas 2024.

Wendy Shreeve, provided a lease agreement to the Commissioners regarding using the ovens at the Commons for Bread making. Sherri has been removed from the agreement.

End of public comment.

Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to sign Resolution 2023-37 to amend increasing and decreasing budget spending authority. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.

There being no further business Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Commissioners June 30, 2023 Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 by Commissioner Turley. Commissioner Pancratz and Commissioner Goffena were present.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Goffena made the motion to approve the agenda as amended. Commissioner Pancratz seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Board meetings:

Commissioners Goffena and Turley attended the Road Dept. On June 26th, 2023. Interviewed for open road dept. position. Discussed gravel for county roads and had a budget meeting with the job superintendent. The road dept is in the process of assessment for reviewing roads and prioritizing maintenance.

Commissioner Turley attended the Refuse Dept meeting on June 29th, 2023. The current contract is expired, a meeting has been scheduled for July 13th, 2023

Commissioner Goffena went to the Weed Department Meeting on June 25h 2023. Discussed House Bill 42. Weed Supervisor has applied for a grant for spraying for Russian Olives and Salt Cedar along the Musselshell River.

Commissioner Goffena went to the Musselshell County Safety Meeting. The purpose of Safety Meeting is to identify areas of accidents and implement safe working environments leading to fewer injuries as well as a reduction in County insurance premiums. Musselshell County has $175,000 in claims for slips and falls. During the meeting they reviewed the 10 Enemies of Safe Behavior (attached)

Commissioners Turley, Pancratz and Goffena went to the Compensation Board Meeting on June 22nd. The board has tentatively passed a $1.50 per hour wage increase for County employees, subject to ensuring the county has funds in the budget for the increase.

Commissioners Pancratz and Turley toured the rodeo grounds on June 22nd. They reviewed utilizing sand from the premises to fill the arena.

Community Agent Jennifer Solf met with the commissioners she updated them on current events. Reviewed sand for the rodeo grounds, parking for the rodeo at RIDE. Planning to have the East entrance closed at RIDE due to flooding. Porta potties ordered for RIDE. Repairs have been completed at the campground. Preparing for the 4H Fair July 15-22nd.

Sheriff Lesnik gave his weekly report to the Commissioners. Completing RIDE prep. All deputies have their assignments. 4 additional deputies are coming from other counties to assist, with Ride paying for it.

County Attorney Adam Larson gave his update to the commissioners. He is putting a rental agreement together for the Commons. The Roundup/Mesa Water Board must have ballots out by July 27th, 20 Days before the election. We need 5 people for the Water Board and 5 individuals have provided written expression of interest. Everything is on track for the election on August 15th.

Bobbi Rouns with Compliance Monitoring Solutions met with the commissioners. They are contracted with the DOC. They are willing to provide services to Musselshell County for alcohol and drug monitoring services. They have the ability to do lab testing, hair testing and patches, install and maintain electronic devices. They are contracted to work with DOC clients to do the following: job development, one on one meetings, weekly scheduling, job application assistance. Compliance Monitoring will assist with program development.

Public Comment

Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to sign The Extension of the Musselshell County MCEP Grant Contract #MT-TSEP-CG-21-164 Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion; motion carried.

Commissioner Goffena made the motion to sign the COS for David and Melissa Turley. Township 6N, Range 28E, Sec1, the S2 of N2. Commissioner Pancratz seconded; motion carried.

Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to sign Resolution 2023-37, to amend the spending authority in several funds. Grant increase to $58,895. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion; Motion carried.

Commissioner Goffena made the motion to sign Resolution 2023-38, a Resolution to receive the Mason Moore Foundation Grant for 2-40MM launchers, and fiber optics for the Musselshell County Sheriff’s Department in the amount of $3,390. Commissioner Pancratz seconded; motion carried.

Wendy Shreve: Came to review the lease agreement for the Commons. County Attorney is working on revisions.

Michael Jacko: Came to review the junk cars and homes on Treetop Rd. Commissioners, along with County Attorney, Adam Larsen discussed various options. Concluded that there is nothing that the County can do to enforce property covenants.

Kathy Hower & Cheryl Skrapits: Came to speak to the Commissioners about road damage from flooding. Roads affected are Bender, Log Cabin, East Parrott Creek, and West Parrot Creek. Community concerns were raised from the possibility that the flooding was caused by recent fiber optic construction, including concerns of the dam being undermined.

Kathy requested County to assist in evaluate and provide services to repair road to function on an emergency basis. Roads are private and the county cannot provide services or funding to repair. Concerned about traffic coming into to see storm damages making issues worse for residents. County Attorney, Adam Larsen, suggested posting signs “Private Road Severe Damage Enter at Your Own Risk”

There being no further business Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Commissioner July 7, 2023 Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 by Commissioner Turley. Commissioner Pancratz and Commissioner Goffena were present.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Goffena made the motion to approve the agenda as amended. Commissioner Pancratz seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Board meetings:

Commissioner Goffena attended the Fire Council Meeting. All 6 fire districts were present. Roundup Fire Department and Musselshell County Fire Department are both halfway done with their inventory. Melstone is still trying to get water storage tanks. The council passed their budget for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.

Commissioner Turley attended the Roundup Memorial Hospital (RMH) Board meeting this date. Administrator Wolff and Billings Clinic accountant Anne Marie Kloppel reported that personnel revisions and renewed budget has been presented to the Board for approval. Fiscal year 2022-23 ended June 30, and we are now in Fiscal year 2023-24. Fiscal year 2022-23 ended in positive ending cash. The 2023-24 budget projections are conservative and positive, with cost factors for inflation, and a replacement Doctor position. There are many unknows for health care given unknowns for labor, area economy, and new Musselshell County residences with unknown health care needs. Overall, medical care is becoming more complicated, nonetheless, RMH is prepared for it, and willing to take on more patients who have difficult/specialized care requirements. Administrator Wolff and Val Russell indicated that staff work accommodations and schedules have reduced stress and increased efficiency. Billings Clinic stated that a Level One Trauma determination is still forthcoming for Billings Clinic, which is quite positive given RMH relationship with Billings Clinic. Level One Trauma designation is the highest level in Montana. Very positive meeting overall.

Sheriff Lesnik gave his weekly report to the Commissioners. He updated on RIDE event, attendance approx. 4,000 people attended. The sheriff’s office is concerned about being adequately able to provide security services for future RIDE events as the number of attendees has grown.

Commissioners Turley, Goffena, and Pancratz met with Mr. Zimmerer at the Old Hitching Post Building.

DES Director Justin Russell and DES Coordinator Daren Rook met with the Commissioners. They reported that the county’s current pine moisture content is 225% of normal, the sage moisture content is 175% of normal. Concerns for the fire season isn’t expected to start until the end of July to mid-August. DES has sent off the accruals for the end of the fiscal year to the State. The only incident from the RIDE event was a 3-vehicle accident. Public funds from disaster may be available from grants.

No Public Comment

Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to sign the Underground Electric Utility Easement between Musselshell County and Northwest Energy, Commissioner Goffena seconded; motion carried.

Commissioner Goffena made the motion to sign the Northwestern Energy Customer Agreement,

Commissioner Pancratz seconded the motion; Motion carried.

Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to sign The Memorandum of Understanding for the Montana Wool Growers Association Predator Control Fund, Commissioner Goffena seconded; motion carried.

Commissioner Goffena made the motion to approve The Contract for Services of County Superintendent of schools between Rosebud County and Musselshell County. Commissioner Pancratz seconded; motion carried.

Commissioner Pancratz made a motion to sign the Musselshell County Refuse Disposal District Revised By-Laws. Commissioner Goffena seconded; motion carried.

There being no further business Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.