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COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
December 14, 2021
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 Public Health Coordinator Erin Cross, Public Health Officer Cyrina Allen, Medical Director Cindy Swan, and Karen Clayson met with Commissioners regarding a department update and new Public Health position requests. David Lehnherr in attendance. Cross noted that new Nurse Charleen Austin is getting up to speed on MIDIS for Communicable Disease reporting. Austin is also working in child care center site visits for immunization requirement checks; they have not been done since 2019. Cross requested the addition of an Administrative Assistant and the following positions subject to the receipt of grant funding: Congregate Living Coordinator, Disease Intervention Specialist, and School Nurse. Also looking to put the Crisis Coalition Coordinator under Public Health and requested two VISTA positions to assist with the Community Needs Assessment. There was a discussion regarding the need for better coordination between those in public information officer (PIO) roles. Allen also noted there may be a need for a PIO position for the County; Commissioners would like to revisit at preliminary budget. Discussion about grant funding, likelihood of continued funding. Swan noted once everything is set up to bill, some of these programs will also help fund the department. Commissioners approved the creation and hiring of the three grant funded positions and Administrative Assistant position and participation in the Montana Health Corps VISTA program.
10:00 Carbon County News Reporter Eleanor Guerrero joined the meeting. Blain moved to approve Resolution 2021-34 Establish Commissioner Districts; Miller seconded; motion carried.
10:30 Jeff Schmidt from Red Lodge Mountain and Stephen Kimball of the Department of Natural Resource and Conservation met with Commissioners regarding the Greater Red Lodge Area Project and participating in the DNRC Amicus Brief. Jacque Papez and Guerrero in attendance. A draft resolution is under legal review. Discussion regarding Red Lodge Mountain’s participation. Bullock has consulted with the Coalition of Forrest Counties for grant funding for legal drafting; the County would have a 10% match. Discussion about fuels management in relation to Robinson Draw fire.
Rebekah Easter met with Commissioners regarding the possibility of contracting to fill the Crisis Coalition Coordinator position. Easter and Commissioners discussed the job description and scope of grant project.
12:00 Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer