STATE OF WYOMING         )                                                                                   LANDER, WYOMING

                                                ) ss.                OFFICE OF THE FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

COUNTY OF FREMONT      )                                                                                          December 13, 2011

The Board of Fremont County Commissioners met in Regular Session at 9:00 a.m. with the following members present:  Chairman Douglas L. Thompson, Pat Hickerson, Keja Whiteman, Dennis Christensen and Travis Becker. County Clerk and Clerk of the Board Julie A. Freese was present for the meeting. 

Keja Whiteman moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to approve the Agenda as amended.  Motion carried unanimously.   

Travis Becker moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held December 6, 2011, as amended.  Commissioner Whiteman abstained from the vote due to her absence at said meeting.  Motion carried.  The Minutes were amended to correct ARRA lighting project bids as follows:  Modern Electric bid corrected from $93,219.00 for their base bid to $93,391.00 and Alternate No. 1 in the minutes were corrected from $50,000 to $150. 

Dennis Christensen moved, Keja Whiteman seconded, to accept the regular bills for payment, with the exception of a Capital Revolving Fund payment to Vehicle Lighting Solutions for light bars on two Coroner vehicles and Hudson’s Funeral Home for an indigent veteran burial.  Travis Becker abstained from The Print Shop voucher.  Motion carried. 

Keja Whiteman moved, Travis Becker seconded, to accept a voucher from EBMS for health insurance claims in the amount of $83,595.29.  Motion carried unanimously.

Pat Hickerson moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to accept a voucher from Lander Valley Medical Center in the amount of $3,250 for a Title 25 patient.  Motion carried unanimously.  Pat Hickerson moved, Travis Becker seconded, to send a denial letter to Lander Valley Medical Center rejecting a claim as the incident warranting a Title 25 claim originated in another jurisdiction.  Motion carried unanimously.

The following items in the Signature File were reviewed: 1) Western Surety Company Official Bond and Oath for Edward R. McAuslan; and 2) Record of Proceedings.   Dennis Christensen moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to approve a Contract between Cobecon Corporate Benefits Connection and Fremont County for Health Benefits Consulting Services.  Motion carried unanimously.  Keja Whiteman moved, Travis Becker seconded, to approve the Nationwide Life Insurance Company Stop Loss Insurance Contract for the Fremont County Health Benefit Plan.  Motion carried unanimously.  Keja Whiteman moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to approve Amendment No. 3 to the Plan Document and Summary Plan Description for Fremont County Employees Medical and Dental Benefit Document.  Motion carried unanimously. 

The following items in the Priority Mail were discussed:  1) December 2011 Proposed Draft Plan: Shoshone National Forest document (Vice-Chairman Hickerson is reviewing); 2) McKesson Governmental Payor Settlement Proof of Claim Form relating to local government entities that paid for brand name prescription drugs based on process reported by First DataBank or Medi-Span (to be reviewed by the County Attorney’s Office to see if a claim exists for Fremont County); and 3) letter from State Lands and Investment Office approving the addition of Squaw Creek Road to the Baldwin Creek Road Safety Improvement Project. 

Sheriff Hornecker presented a monthly report by referencing November daily Detention statistics of 133 in house, 172 total inmates and 23 incarcerated out of County.  This compares to one year ago of 143 in house, 182 total and 20 housed out of County.  He further noted that 60 inmates (43 in house, 17 out of facility) of the total 172, are sentenced.  Two hundred five intakes were recorded in November and 113 inmates in Detention are pre-sentenced.  Fremont County Juvenile Detention Center reports for October and November were presented for the Board’s review.  October costs were $27,647 and November was $8,428 which would be costs to Fremont County if we did not have a juvenile justice act compliant, and state certified juvenile detention center.

The Communications Center has two vacancies and testing is underway for both of these positions.  One former employee recently returned to fill the third vacancy.  Supervisor Sonntag and Manager Freeman attended the Wyoming State APCO Conference in Casper where Dale Runberg, the radio technician, was awarded the State of Wyoming APCO Radio/Service Technician of the year.  The Lander Low Level WyoLink site is finished and on air as of December 12^th.  The Riverton site is in the test mode and should be turned on for use by December 16^th.  Another site located in Thermopolis is scheduled for full use and the site will enhance communications in the Wind River Canyon.  After the first of the year, they will be tackling the Narrow Band P-25 mandates that have a deadline of December, 2012.  Calls for service have experienced a slight decline compared to summer months, but remain steady and higher than this same time one year ago.

Detention currently has three certified positions open.  Two Deputies graduated from the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy the end of October.  The processing of those arrested in operation “Angry Sun” went smoothly with 29 individuals transported and processed.  Since the bond hearings and subsequent arraignments, there are still 19 remaining in custody.  Twelve Deputies were assigned to support this operation.

Patrol/Enforcement had 14 Deputies assigned to support the “Angry Sun” operation, providing enforcement support.  The operation was conducted without incident or injury to any enforcement personnel or apprehended suspects,

Sheriff Hornecker reviewed a letter from the Office of Homeland Security awarding funding to support local homeland security initiatives for training, equipment, exercises and planning.  In addition, the grant funding is available to support local court room security enhancements.  He informed the Board he would be attending a meeting with the Select Committee on Tribal Relations where discussions will be held regarding state certification for BIA officers. 

County Coroner Ed McAuslan reviewed the cost to Hudson’s Funeral Home for an indigent veteran’s burial in the amount of $6,099.  The Board reviewed their Fremont County Indigent Burial and Cremation Policy that states veteran’s burial payment as:  “the amount expended for preparation of the body shall not exceed $1,800.  The amount expended for the transportation of the veteran’s body shall not exceed $500”.  McAuslan distributed copies of State Statute § 19-14-101(a) Burial of Indigents, stating in part “The board of county commissioners of each county shall provide for the preparation of the body and transmittal to and burial in the veteran’s cemetery or any other than a dishonorably discharged veteran ……….and who dies leaving insufficient funds to defray the necessary funeral expenses”.  County Clerk Freese stated the Commissioners had budgeted for two indigent burials at a cost of $1,800 each, and that anything over that amount would require a budget hearing.  McAuslan stated the County policy should be updated to be in compliant with current statutes and perhaps veterans’ organizations should be contacted for input.  The Board took the voucher under advisement until later in the day when Travis Becker moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to authorize payment of $2,300 to Hudson’s Funeral Home for an indigent veteran burial, as per policy, with the balance being funded by the Coroner’s Department budget.  Motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Christensen discussed the voucher to Vehicle Lighting for light bars for the Coroner’s suburbans.  He stated they cost $1,800 and $1,700 each and contained take down lights and sirens, which he felt was excessive for Coroner vehicles.  Coroner McAuslan stated he knew what was needed for his vehicles and the funding was approved through the Capital Revolving Fund.  The Board stated they would take the voucher under advisement.  Later in the day, Dennis Christensen moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to pay the voucher to Vehicle Lighting for the light bars with the condition they are removed from the Coroner’s vehicles and replaced with a single light bar.  Motion carried unanimously It was further discussed that the original light bars would be stored until needed on emergency Sheriff’s Department vehicle

A Budget Hearing was held at 10:15 a.m., as advertised, regarding Unanticipated Revenues.  Present was County Clerk Julie Freese and Financial Assistant Mike Stalder.  Travis Becker moved, Keja Whiteman seconded, to approve Resolution 2011-32.  Commissioner Christensen abstained from the vote.  Motion carried.

RESOLUTION 2011-32

FY 2011-12 BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 8

                WHEREAS, Fremont County adopted the Fiscal Year 2011-12 Budget in accordance with the Wyoming Uniform Fiscal Procedures Act; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Fremont County Commissioners wishes to amend the adopted budget in accordance with the same Act.

                NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the following budget amendments are made:               

UNANTICIPATED REVENUES:

                                                                                                                                                Advertised            Approved

SOURCE:               Fund Balance                                                                                                       

TO:                         Help for Health                                                                                     $300,000 $300,000

                Dated this 13^th day of December, 2011.                                                                            

BOARD OF FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                /s/           Douglas L. Thompson, Chairman

ATTEST:

/s/           Julie A. Freese, Fremont County Clerk

District Court Administrative Secretary Cora Gist continued discussions regarding Judge Young’s request to move from the County telephone system to the State system, with the State responsible of all installation costs.  Information Systems Supervisor Joni Miller was present for the discussion and reviewer her concerns with wiring, security, etc.  Vice-Chairman Hickerson stated that, if the State system were approved, the Board should send a letter fully documenting the County’s concerns for the file in case something happens as a result of the different system not being compatible with the County’s.  Further discussion later in the day resulted in the Commissioners drafting a letter to Judge Young stating they would agree to install a six line set, still in the Cisco system with the rest of the County phones, with funding from the State.  This would ensure all phone sets would receive any emergency warning. 

In other business, Commissioner Becker relayed his concern to Joni Miller that the auditors could not get internet access to their agency while working at the Courthouse.  Miller recommended they get their own wireless card because the County does not allow outside access at this time.  She did state there is a possibility for public internet access with funding through the Capital Revolving Fund for necessary upgrades in the future.

Fremont County Library Director Matt Nojonen joined the meeting to present a time line on the Carnegie Library remodel schedule.  At present, they are relocating items in the Carnegie Room to other areas for storage and plans call for the roof rehabilitation to begin first.

Public Health Nurse Manager Julie Twist was joined by Heidi Sterns, Nurse/Midwife and Sally Webster, School District No. 1 Nurse, to continue discussions regarding submittal of a grant to have Family Planning come under Public Health administration.  As requested from the previous meeting, Twist presented a budget including the program for the Commissioner’s review.  She further reviewed space concerns by stating the program would remain in the WIC Offices located in the Courthouse basement when the office was scheduled for Lander and remain at the current Riverton location on 325 West Main at a monthly rent of $675.   The grant would enable the Public Health Nurse Manager to administer the grant (in-kind) with Public Health serving as a referral site.  Public Health maternal child health programs will not be impacted by family planning.  Services offered must follow guidelines set forth by Title X.  Both Sterns and Webster expressed their support of the grant being administered by Public Health and both stressed the need for the program in Fremont County.  Keja Whiteman moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to approve the grant application for federal funding of $55,000 for the Family Planning program to be administered by Public Health.  Voting against the motion: Doug Thompson, Pat Hickerson and Travis Becker.  Motion failed.  Commissioner Thompson stated he would like to see the complete grant application before approving the grant application.  Commissioner Hickerson reiterated his concern with the wording in the grant application on how the program would deal with abortion issues.  Twist will get the grant application to the Board for review at their following meeting which will still give her time to submit by the December 22, 2011 deadline.

Deputy County Attorney Jodi Darrough was present to review the timeline for the Bunker Road alteration.  The Laramie County Commissioners had approved their Road Superintendent, Don Beard, to accept the Viewer position for the Alteration process.  Travis Becker moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to appoint Don Beard as Viewer for the Bunker Road Alteration.  Motion carried unanimously.  Mr. Beard will be required to take an Oath and then can begin as soon as possible.  The Board stated they would like to have his written report by January 3, 3012 that will state whether the alteration is in the interest of the public, and if so, the best route for alteration and an estimate of costs.  The Board stated they or the County Attorney’s Office would have no contact with Mr. Beard but he will have contact with the Fremont County Road Superintendent Dave Pendleton and affected landowners.  In closing, Darrough recommended the Board consider hiring a hearing officer for the public hearing scheduled for February 28, 2012 and also adopt the Timeline for Bunker Road Alteration during their January 10, 2012 meeting.  County Clerk Julie Freese stated her discussions with the Laramie County Clerk indicated that County would provide Mr. Beard with their County vehicle and Fremont County would be responsible for meals and travel related costs.

The Board proceeded to hold the following interviews for various County Board vacancies:  Amy Hamilton and Scott Walters (Fair Board); Steve Bauman, Jerry Crews and Richard Klaproth (Solid Waste Disposal District); Nathan Maxon and Katherine Swistowicz (Natural Resource Planning Committee); Vic Mosbrucker and Rowdy Anderson (Predatory Animal Board).  Later in the day, Keja Whiteman moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to re-appoint Amy Hamilton to a five year term on the Fremont County Fair Board.  Motion carried unanimously.  Keja Whiteman moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to appoint Rowdy Anderson to a three year term on the Fremont County Predatory Animal Board.  Motion carried unanimously.  Keja Whiteman moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to re-appoint Jerry Crews to a three year term on the Fremont County Solid Waste Disposal District and appoint new members Steve Baumann and Richard Klaproth.  Voting against the motion: Doug Thompson.  Motion carried.  Keja Whiteman moved to appoint Nathan Maxon and Katherine Swistowicz to three year terms on the Fremont County Natural Resource Planning Committee.  Motion died for lack of a second.  Pat Hickerson moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to appoint Katherine Swistowicz to a three year term on the Natural Resource Planning Committee.  Motion carried unanimously.

Building Maintenance Supervisor J.R. Oakley was joined by Lander Ambulance Crew Chief Todd Smith to inform the Board of damage to a garage door at that Station.  On December 3^rd a driver backed an ambulance into the first bay of the new building.  Thanks to assistance from the County for equipment, the door was able to be closed.  A bid of $5,163.42 was received from Overhead Door Company for a new door and replacement costs, with a three week delivery on the door.  Smith stated this was a procedural violation and a preventable accident and appropriate internal department action has taken place.  Travis Becker moved, Keja Whiteman seconded, to accept the bid from Overhead Door Company for a new door.  Motion carried unanimously.

Keja Whiteman moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to adjourn into Executive Session with Deputy County Attorney Jodi Darrough regarding litigation.  Motion carried unanimously.  Travis Becker moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to return to Regular Session.  Motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Whiteman has met with the Extension Office and was informed they had made the decision to hire a Community Development Education Specialist to replace Fremont County’s Nutrition and Food Safety position.  The Commission had earlier informed Extension Chairperson Cunningham they preferred the position remain as a Nutrition and Food Safety position.  Whiteman was requested to draft a letter to the State Extension Office to reiterate Fremont County’s consensus to keep the Nutrition and Food Safety position.

Commissioner Whiteman further reported on the JDAI site visit in Albuquerque with other County officials regarding children and families.  She then visited the Billings, Montana site and offered to host a community meeting.

Commissioner Becker reviewed two Request for Proposals he drafted for leasing the Major property in Riverton.  Deputy County Attorney Darrough will take the information and finalize the document.

Chairman Thompson stated the Bureau of Land Management is going to develop a Sage Grouse Instruction Memo that he felt would be very restrictive.  He further noted Fremont County does have adequate regulatory measures in place and should be exempt.  He will be attending a Federal Planning meeting in Cheyenne later in the week to continue these discussions.

There being no further business, Travis Becker moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 5:50 p.m. and reconvene at 9:00 a.m. on December 20, 2011.  Motion carried unanimously.

                                                                        /s/         DOUGLAS L. THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN

                                                                                    FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ATTEST

/s/         JULIE A. FREESE, COUNTY CLERK AND CLERK OF THE BOARD