GLACIER COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS MEETING
September 7th,
2006
Glacier County Commissioners
Regular Meeting
September 7, 2006
The Board of Glacier County Commissioners met at their
regular meeting at 8:00 A.M. on Thursday, September 7,
2006. Commissioners Ray Salois, John Ray, and Michael
DesRosier were present. Chairman Ray Salois called the
meeting to order. Clerk and Recorder Sylvia Berkram recorded
the proceedings.
The Commissioners met with Communicate representative
Jayme Bronson, Merle Cowell of maintenance, and Nancy
Kroeker of the Clerk and Recorder’s office who deals
with the phone billing and system. Road Supervisor Bill
Bandel was also present. Jayme stated he was here in 1995
when they installed the Panasonic system so Glacier County
Courthouse is not a new thing to them and he understood
the importance of a new system that functions. He knew
that when Mark (the technician) left after installing
the system it was still dropping call, first long distance
and then all calls. They worked with Quest who was the
long distance carrier but could not get it to go away.
So it was both Communicate and Quest’s problems.
Quest did battle a problem in Cut Bank as a whole. At
first the system was dropping one out of every four or
five calls and this lasted for three weeks. Then we had
no dropped calls for a period and then some again that
was Communicates problem. Then on Tuesday, September 5,
the whole system went down. He does not know why it happened.
There was another issue with Quest on a problem. The master
unit was replaced and they missed a step when they installed
the controller. They corrected the step they missed and
that could have been the problem. On the UPS (battery
back-up) installed, they used the one from before. When
the generator kicked on for a test, they saw a huge difference.
The UPS should be able to handle it but he does not know
if it will. Jayme continued that one difference in this
new system is the old circuit board is more reliable and
problems were rarely hardware but the software had more
problems. They are going to monitor the problems for a
while. He gave some addendums that may be of benefit to
the system. The biggest problem is the sheriff’s
office not having phone service in case of emergencies.
He suggested making 4 lines there in a separate box if
we lose service and they can flip a switch that will transfer
them to separate service. This would cost $400 to $500
for 2 hours labor. Another thing they could be done is
to get a device to isolate the system for $500 and it
could be done remotely. Another thing to do is if the
controller is down put in a device for $4800 to bring
it back up in 2 or 3 minutes. If they will order it today
the County may purchase it for $3400 as it costs Communicate
$3210. Merle Cowell stated that we should have something
for the sheriff’s office for liability. He (Merle)
stated that with the new E911 the cell phones are not
being pickup. It was agreed to pay the 2 hours labor to
install the switch. Commissioner Ray moved to pay the
labor for the switch for 4 lines to be moved for service
from the main system. Commissioner DesRosier seconded
the motion that passed by Board vote.
The Commissioners met with Road Supervisor Bill Bandel
to open bids for a Gravel Screen Plant to go with the
gravel crusher. There were three bids to open and review.
Bill Bratt was present from Western Plains. The bids were
as follows:
1. Two-Tone -- $165,000
2. Tri-State -- $169,000
3. Western Plains -- $171,950
The Board agreed to take the bids under advisement to
look at the options included for each bid. They will decide
which bid best meets the needs of the County Road Department.
The Commissioners met with County Attorney Larry Epstein
to review the subdivision laws and regulations as presented
by Myra Schultz who contracts with MACo liability insurance
for the counties. Clerk and Recorder Deputy Land Clerk
Loretta Torgerson attended the discussion. Remainders
were discussed on how they are handled in Glacier County.
A subdivision of 5 lots is not regulated but ones with
6 lots there are regulations. People on the west side
are abusing the remainders and on the east side it has
not been a big problem but we will have some eventually.
We also have tracts of record that are of concern. Larry
stated that a lot of MACo insurance money has gone on
subdivision regulations on the west side and because of
these problems MACo is adamant there are not remainders
and that they have to be re-surveyed. Anything less than
160 acres is a subdivision. They are tightening up on
the regulations, as they need control of the developers.
Larry presented two options on remainders and suggested
one of the two is adopted. It was agreed to further consider
the regulations September 21st.
The Commissioners conducted the Glacier County Tax Deed
Property Auction at 10:00 A.M. Chairman Ray Salois offered
the parcel for sale but no one bid on them. Present was
Carl Jenkins and Treasurer Kate Salois. The parcels are
now eligible for people to meet with the Board and offer
no less than 70% of Fair Market Value as listed on the
Auction Notice.
The payroll and claims were reviewed and signed by the
Commissioners in the amount of $238,046.86.
The Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2007 Glacier
County budgets. Present were LeAnne Kavanagh of the press
and Road Department Supervisor Bill Bandel. Commissioner
Ray moved to approve them as prepared by Clerk and Recorder
Sylvia Berkram. Commissioner DesRosier seconded the motion.
Chairman Salois stated he was against the $9,000 budgets
for the Eagle Shield Senior Center as they are under the
Federal Region and do not qualify for county funds. Commissioner
DesRosier stated that the Senior Centers are for all residents
of Glacier County and not to send funding to the west
end center would be discrimination. There were two affirmative
votes to approve the budgets and one nay. LeAnne asked
the Board if they had budgeted for the local Boys and
Girls club as requested by the director earlier this week.
They are considering supporting the club from the PILT
Fund. The following resolutions were adopted:
GLACIER COUNTY RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION 2006-26
WHEREAS, the Board of Glacier County Commissioners is
charged with the duty of adopting a final budget for the
operation of all County offices and functions for Fiscal
Year 2006-2007; and
WHEREAS, the Board has determined that in order to provide
continued services to the residents and citizens of Glacier
County, Montana, that ensure protection of their health,
safety, and welfare at an acceptable level, will require
additional funds to be received in tax revenues as authorized
in House Bill No. 124 passed by the 2001 Montana State
Legislature; and
WHEREAS, this Board has determined that it will be necessary
to increase the number of mills, as authorized by the
Montana Legislature, assessed for property tax revenues
in obtaining revenues required in Fiscal Year 2006-2007;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Board of Glacier County Commissioners resolved
to adopt the Glacier County Budgets as approved on September
7, 2006, with an increase of revenue from property taxation
from the 2001-2002 tax levy of mills as allowed by House
Bill 124 for the support of County Funds.
The appropriate notice required by Section 7-6 MCA, was
published prior to the hearing provided for herein.
3. A public hearing was held beginning 21st day of August,
2006, as required by Section 7-6-2317, MCA, to receive
comments for or against any part of the budget by any
taxpayer or resident of the county. The notice was made
as follows:
BUDGET HEARING NOTICE
The Board of Glacier County Commissioners has completed
the Glacier County proposed budget for the Fiscal Year
2007. The budget is open to inspection in the County Clerk
and Recorder’s office. Any taxpayer or resident
of the County may appear and be heard for or against any
part of the budget beginning in the chambers of the Glacier
County Commissioners, 512 East Main, Glacier County Courthouse,
Cut Bank, Montana, beginning Monday, August 21, 2006,
at 8:00 A.M., until the final budget is set.
The Board of Glacier County Commissioners will fix the
final budgets for Fiscal Year 2007 at 11:00 A.M., local
time, on Thursday, September 7, 2006.
/s/Raymond D. Salois
Raymond D. Salois, Chairman
Publication date is August 16, 23, and 30, 2006, in the
Cut Bank Pioneer Press.
ADOPTED this 7th day of September, 2006.
BOARD OF GLACIER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
/s/Raymond D. Salois____ Raymond D. Salois, Chairman
/s/John W. Ray_ John W. Ray, Commissioner
/s/M. DesRosier_____________________
M. DesRosier, Commissioner
Attest:
/s/Sylvia Berkram_________________
Glacier County Clerk & Recorder
GLACIER COUNTY RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION 2006-27
WHEREAS, the Board of Glacier County Commissioners has
reviewed and considered the health insurance needs and
requirements of the County and its employees; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to make timely provisions for
the insurance benefit provided to the elected officials,
deputies and employees of Glacier County;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the cost of the premium
for each employee will be paid in full for the Fiscal
Year 2007 in the amount of $495.00 per month, to the county
insurance carrier for the Montana Association of Counties
Health Care Trust plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution, upon adoption,
will be effective October 1, 2006.
ADOPTED this 7th day of September, 2006.
/s/Raymond D. Salois________
Raymond D. Salois, Chairman
/s/John W. Ray________________
John W. Ray, Commissioner
/s/M. DesRosier__________
M. DesRosier, Commissioner
Attest:
/s/Sylvia Berkram______________
Glacier County Clerk & Recorder
GLACIER COUNTY RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION 2006-28
WHEREAS, the Board of Glacier County Commissioners has
reviewed and considered all sources of revenue and all
necessary considerations set out in said legislation and
the needs and requirements of the County and its employees;
and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to make timely provisions
for the compensation and benefits provided to the employees,
deputies, and elected officials of Glacier County;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that all salaries of
all county employees, shall be, and are hereby increased
by 5% for Fiscal Year 2006-2007, (7-4-2504 MCA). Another
governing board (i.e. Library, Museum, etc.,) may set
their own salaries at a different amount. The Road Department
employees, excluding the Road Supervisor, raises are in
acceptance of final union negotiations. These increases
will be for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following salaries will
be given to the County Payroll Clerk so that she can maintain
the payroll accordingly:
POSITION YEARLY BI-WEEKLY
SHERIFF/CORONER $51,212.00 $1,969.69
CLERK & RECORDER 35,690.00 1,372.69
CLERK OF COURT 35,690.00 1,372.69
TREASURER 35,690.00 1,372.69
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 27,160.00 1,044.62
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE 24,431.00 939.65
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 37,690.00 1,449.62
COUNTY ATTORNEY 37,500.00 1,442.31
DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY 40,500.00 1,557.69
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution, upon adoption,
will be effective for the July 13, 2006, payroll date.
ADOPTED this 7h day of September, 2006.
BOARD OF GLACIER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
/s/Raymond D. Salois___
Raymond D. Salois, Chairman
/s/John W. Ray_________________
John W. Ray, Commissioner
/s/M. DesRosier__________
M. DesRosier, Commissioner
Attest:
/s/Sylvia Berkram______________
Glacier County Clerk & Recorder
The Commissioners met with Road Supervisor Bill Bandel
in regards to the Gravel Screen Plant bids after Bill
had reviewed them. He stated the best bid for our needs
is the Western Plain one for $171,950. He stated the middle
bid was for a used one from Tri-State. The low bid was
from Two Tone and is the company from whom they purchased
the crusher and it has been a nightmare for parts as it
was not made in the USA. It was agreed the County has
the right to determine which bid best meets the County’s
need. Bill stated he can afford it in his budget and the
purchase will not need financing. Commissioner DesRosier
moved to purchase the Western Plains machine as bid. Commissioner
Ray seconded the motion that passed by Board vote.
Road Supervisor Bill Bandel updated the Board on employee
positions for the department. He stated he plan to make
Robert Bull Shoe permanent after his six months probation
is finished.
Commissioner Ray Salois left at Noon to attend a funeral.
There being no further business for the day, the meeting
adjourned at 1:20 P.M. motion by Commissioner DesRosier
and a second by Commissioner Ray. The motion passed by
Board vote.
BOARD OF GLACIER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
____________________________
Raymond D. Salois, Chairman
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Glacier County Clerk and Recorder
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