066
COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
April 19, 2022
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 Levi Van Buggenum and Tim Jager of the ARETE Design Group met with Commissioners for an interview for on-call architect services. Jager the Project Manager located in Red Lodge. Van Buggenum highlighted their projects portfolio, showcasing a diverse scope of projects. ARETE was founded with a focus on small communities (originating in Sheridan WY) and small communities continue to be a significant portion of their client base. Discussion about workloads, experience with historic buildings, navigating construction requirements depending on funding sources, experience with space needs assessments that include ADA upgrades, tech space electrical prioritize assistance with funding, cost estimates and issues with cost projections consultations with contractors for estimates,
Miller moved to increase Deputy County Attorney Robert Spoja’s wage to $80,000 with the successful completion of his probationary period; Bullock seconded; motion carried.
Bullock moved to provide a credit card to Sanitarian Barbara Krizek with a $5,000 limit; Miller seconded; motion carried.
Discussion about the request from the Rodeo Association that the County enter into a contract that it will not interfere with the Rodeo and will continue to allow overflow parking at Fair Grounds. Because of contractual limitations, Bullock suggested a resolution may be more appropriate.
11:00 Allison Totten and Ben Lloyd of Hennebery Eddy Architects met with Commissioners for an interview for on-call architect services. Most of Hennebery Eddy’s work has been in the City of Bozeman for City, State, and School Districts. They have also worked on State Capital Building in Helena. Their Bozeman firm merged with firm out of Oregon that has a larger scope of expertise to draw from. Totten is located in Cody and the firm is using this opportunity to expand their client base. Discussed space needs programing process, work on city and county buildings, development of master plans, court room construction projects, community education for bond measures, educating public regarding facility’s needs, and consultations with contractors for price estimates.
11:55 Miller moved to accept Commissioners Proceedings for March 24, Blain seconded; motion carried.
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Public Hearing Compensation Board. Gordy Hill, Justice of the Peace Kevin Nichols, Human Resource Specialist Kate Asbury, Clerk of District Court Rochelle Loyning, County Attorney Alex Nixon, Dan Coolidge, Treasurer Lori Lynde. Blain moved to open public hearing; Miller seconded; motion carried.
Discussion about pay scales and wage structures, Montana Average Weekly Wage increase (7.5% for Carbon County), Consumer Price increase (4.7%), insurance premium increases (6.5%) and the increased county contribution of $99/mo (for the basic plan the contribution increase covers the $51 premium increase and provides an provides an additional $48 toward other coverage). Public members of the board chatted while elected officials excused themselves; Pam Christ joined the meeting. Public members recommended an 8% increase, but would reduce that by 1.7% for consideration of the insurance contribution increase for a wage increase of 6.3%. Discussion about retirement savings incentives as part of the compensation package increase. Blain noted the Consumer Price Index from December – December was 4.7% although March was significantly higher at 8.5%. Discussion about insurance benefits, employee retention, and housing shortages. Discussion about educating employees on total compensation package including benefits. Discussion about longevity and impact on total recommended increase. Public Hearing was continued to Thursday.
3:00 Gary Levine Spectrum Group Architects met with Commissioners for an interview for on-call architect services. Discussion about project load and availability, existing buildings and quantify needed repairs to assist in prioritizing projects, long range planning, pricing unpredictability, inflation, focus on public work, and historic projects with the County.
3:30 Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer