Meeting Minutes: October 29, 2021
Commission Proceedings
10-29-2021
The Board of Carter County Commissioners met in regular session on Friday, October 29, 2021, in the Carter County Commission Board Meeting Room of the Carter County Courthouse at 214 Park Street in Ekalaka, Montana. Steve Rosencranz, Chairman; Rod Tauck, Vice Chair and Mike Watkins, Member; were present.
The Commission approved the claims in the amount of $359,011.85 and payroll in the amount of $216,961.03. There was a second warrant issued to correct an error in Fike Crushing in the amount of $4,000.00. The commission also withheld payment to Evergreen Landscaping
Clerk and Recorder Pam Castleberry joined the meeting. There was discussion regarding the Event Center rental policy including fees and the rental agreement.
The commission discussed employee meal reimbursement. The Policy and Procedures manual and Resolution # 01072019-02.
Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the October, 12th and 18th meeting minutes, with corrections. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
County Attorney Corbit Harrington joined the meeting. Commissioner Steve Rosencranz left the meeting.
Judge Kathy Rosencranz joined the meeting for the official review of the Justice of The Peace office hours. Judge Rosencranz presented the duties and case load currently at the office. Attorney Harrington finds it important to his duties to have the office open full time. The commission commented that the office hours were originally extended to full time to facilitate setting up the Full Court software system. This has been accomplished but they are not currently running updated system ‘Enterprise” Software because of installation issues with the State of Montana. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to continue to staff the Justice of the Peace office full time. Commissioner Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
Clerk and Recorder Pam Castleberry and Deputy Clerk Judy Wright discussed the claims for the warrant for the Town of Ekalaka, it will be reissued to pay the utilities separate from the ARPA funds draw. The Evergreen Landscaping warrant will be held until the issue with the repair of the sprinkler lines is resolved.
The meeting adjourned for lunch at 12:00
The Public Health Board met at 1:00 pm. Board Members present included Steve DeFord Rita Williams, Steve Rosencranz, Mike Watkins and Rod Tauck. Advisory members present: Georgia Bruski, County DES coordinator. Also present: Public Health Manager Stefanie Harrington and by phone Kirstie Nelson.
The meeting minutes from the July 30, 2021 meeting were read and approved by a motion from Steve DeFord and seconded by Rita Williams. There was no public comment and the motion was passed unanimously.
Department reports: The Carter County Public Health Department held two influenza vaccination clinics, one in Ekalaka and one in Alzada with 75 vaccinations given. They are scheduling 2 more vaccination clinics.
Kirstie has completed her child car seat certification. The department has plans to set up a car seat check in the future.
The public Health Department is offering the Suicide prevention class to the public and the Carter County Public School staff. This program is presented by Eastern Montana Mental Health Center.
They are also working with Sabre Moore who has the suicide prevention certification through YAM (Youth Aware of Mental Health) to offer the Y.A.M. Program at the Carter County Public School students in the spring of 2022.
The Health Department is preparing to participate in the Smile Partners Program that offers a traveling dental program.
They are also offering free COVID-19 testing, and vaccinations, including the booster shot by appointment.
There being no further business the Carter County Public Health meeting adjourned at 2:00 pm.
Commissioner Tauck made the motion to approve a Warrant for $16,000.00 to the Town of Ekalaka. for the water mainline project as part of the ARPA funds, Contingent on the approval of the County and Ekalaka ARPA funds contract. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
Commissioner Tauck made the motion to sign the substance abuse tax distribution agreement. Commissioner Watkins seconded the motion. There was no public comment and the motion carried.
Deputy Clerk and Recorder Judy Wright asked for clarification on County Departments purchasing goods from the Ijkalaka. They offer prepaid accounts. This would be difficult to set up and track for each department. The commission recommends that the purchaser pay for the items needed and then fill out a claim for reimbursement by the County.
Participation in the Big Sky Water Shed Corp was discussed. Commissioner Watkins made the motion to approve the acquisition of a member to assist the County Weed Department with spray season duties. Commission Tauck seconded the motion. There was no public comment, and the motion carried.
The commissioners signed the letter to approve compensation for Jerry Kalstrom at $15.71 per hour for snow removal at the airport in Bill Kalstrom’s absence.
Jessie Scott, Weed Department Supervisor joined the meeting where she and the commission reviewed the decision on the application for the Big Sky Water Shed Program member. Jessie doesn’t currently have candidates for the position to interview. She will keep the Weed Board and the Commission updated on the situation.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 3:20 pm.
Board of County Commissioners
Carter County, Montana
Attest:/s: Steve Rosencranz Attest:/s: Pamela J Castleberry
Steve Rosencranz, Chairman Clerk of the Board