STATE OF WYOMING         )                                                                                   LANDER, WYOMING

                                                ) ss.                OFFICE OF THE FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

COUNTY OF FREMONT      )                                                                                            December 6, 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, Dennis Christensen and Travis Becker. Commissioner Whiteman was absent for professional reasons.  County Clerk and Clerk of the Board Julie A. Freese was present for the meeting. 

Dennis Christensen moved, Travis Becker 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 November 22, 2011.  Dennis Christensen abstained due to his absence at said meeting.  Motion carried.

Travis Becker moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to accept the bills for payment with the exception of a mileage reimbursement request for a Sheriff’s Department employee, pending clarification.   Commissioner Thompson abstained from voting on a Fremont Communications voucher.  Motion carried.  Later in the day, Pat Hickerson moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to approve the reimbursement request for the Sheriff’s Department employee.  Motion carried unanimously.

Vendor Name	Department Name	Invoice Description	Invoice Cost
A & I Distributors	Vehicle Mtce/Ambulance	Oil, Supplies	$2,722.08
A. D. Martin Lumber Co	Co Buildings – Admin	Materials	$202.72
Ace Hardware-Lander	Ambulance	Supplies	$100.91
American Family & Life Insurance	Segregated	Insurance	$5,389.27
American Heritage Life Insurance	Segregated	Insurance	$183.88
Associated Bag Company	Ambulance	Zipper Bag	$35.74
Atlantic City F.C.U.	Segregated	Savings	$610.00
AXA Equitable Life Insurance	Segregated	Insurance	$119.04
AXA Equitable PEDC	Segregated	Annuity	$850.00
B & T Fire Extinguishers,  Inc	Vehicle Maintenance	Extinguisher Services	$320.39
Bailey Enterprises, Inc	Segregated	Fuel,Parts,Supplies & Services	$66,414.69
Bank of the West	Investment Pool	Bank Charges	$555.10
Baseline Equipment Company	Jail	Safety Devices	$1,258.60
Becker,Travis	County Commission	Reimburse Expenses	$84.00
Bill Jones Plumbing & Heating	Co Buildings – Admin	Supplies	$425.10
Billin, Aaron	Ambulance	Contractual Services	$500.00
Bloedorn Lumber-Lander	Co Buildings – Admin	Materials,Supplies & Equipment	$455.01
Bloedorn Lumber-Riverton	Co Buildings – Admin	Materials/Supplies/Equipment	$10.60
Bob Barker Company, Inc	Jail	Inmate Supplies	$808.67
Bound Tree Medical, LLC	Ambulance	Medical Supplies	$621.60
Bresnan Communications	Segregated	Internet Svcs	$498.17
Brewer, Lara	Emergency Management	Reimburse Expenses	$322.31
Bull’s Service & Towing LLC	Vehicle Maintenance	Parts/Labor	$37.50
Burns Insurance Agency	County Attorney	Bonds & Insurance	$100.00
Cabin Fever Books	Co Buildings – Admin	Books/Shipping	$5.39
California State Disbursement	Payroll	Child Support	$250.00
Capital Business Systems, Inc	Segregated	Supplies & Maintenance Contrac	$1,452.30
Caselle, Inc	Capital Revolving Fund	Software	$18,562.50
CenturyLink	Co Sheriff/Agriculture Dept	Telephone	$1,817.17
Child Support Services/ORS	Payroll	Child Support	$334.00
Christensen,Jessica D.	County Attorney	Reimburse Expenses	$30.00
Clerk of the Circuit Court (Riverton)	Payroll	Deduction	$805.63
Clifford,Gregory P MD PC	Ambulance/Jail	Contractual Services/Inmate Medical	$4,444.00
CAN Surety	Segregated	Bonds & Insurance	$400.00
Collinson Enterprises	Ambulance	Uniforms	$136.25
Colonial Life & Accident Ins	Segregated	Insurance	$389.12
Communication Technologies Inc	Support Services	Maintenance Agreement,Repairs	$3,252.76
Correctional Counseling, Inc	Adult Drug Court	Mrt Training	$2,600.00
Custom Sheet Metal Co., Inc	Library Energy Retrofit	Energy Effecient Retro Upgrade	$15,000.00
Davidson, Lora L	Juvenile Drug Court	Reimburse Expenses	$105.00
Dell Marketing, L.P.	Computer Services	Computer Equipment,Supplies	$1,751.86
Department Of Employment	Co Admin	Workers Comp	$18,981.38
Desert Mountain Corporation	Transportation	Ice Slicer	$6,772.35
DOWL HKM	Burma Road Phase 1	Engineering Services	$1,892.80
Dubois Telephone Exchange	Segregated	Telephone	$871.35
Duckwall-Alco Stores Inc	Ambulance	Supplies	$19.98
Eggli, Dan	Ambulance	Travel Expenses	$68.46
E B M S	Co Admin	Health Insurance	$37,175.23
Farmer Bros. Co.	Jail	Coffee	$393.62
Federal Express Corp	County Sheriff	Shipping Fees	$55.03
First Interstate Bank	Segregated	Credit Card Expenses	$3,724.28
Fleetpride Inc	Vehicle Maintenance	Parts	$263.85
Food Services of America	Jail	Prisoner Board	$9,319.47
Fremont Communications	Ambulance	Equipment/Repair	$70.00
Fremont County District Court	Payroll	Child Support	$100.00
Fremont County Library System	Health Promotion	Wellness Rebate	$950.00
Fremont County Solid Waste	Health Promotion	Wellness Rebate	$100.00
Fremont County Treasurer	Co Admin	Witholding/Fica	$234,040.94
Fremont County Treasurer	Co Admin	Section 125 Benefits	$46,043.92
Fremont County Treasurer	Co Admin	Health Insurance	$257,424.09
Fremont County Treasurer	Co Admin	Health Ins Claims	$463,326.04
Fremont County Weed & Pest	Health Promotion	Wellness Rebate	$450.00
Fremont Motor Riverton, Inc	Vehicle Maintenance	Parts/Repairs	$1,071.50
Fremont Motors – Lander	Vehicle Mtce/Ambulance	Parts & Supplies	$2,295.57
G Neil Corporation	County Clerk	Printed Supplies	$512.41
Galic Disbursing Company	Segregated	Annuity	$750.00
Galls, An Aramark Company	Ambulance	Uniform Supplies	$401.44
Globalstar USA	Search & Rescue	Satellite Phone Service	$56.31
Grainger	Co Buildings	Materials/Supplies	$536.81
Hammer Electronics	Agriculture Dept	Supplies	$304.95
Hasco Industrial Supply	Co Buildings/Vehicle Mtce	Materials/Parts/Supplies	$168.65
Healthsmart Benefit Solutions	Segregated	Insurance	$1,024.00
Healthy U Educators	Ambulance	Aha First Aid	$427.25
Hedgecock,L. Joanne MD PC	Health Nurse/Co Health Officer	County Health Officer	$1,500.00
Hoffman Electric	Ambulance	Electrical Repairs	$8.10
Hotsy Intermountain	Vehicle Maintenance	Parts & Supplies	$22.20
J & V Restaurant Supply	Co Buildings – Jail	Parts	$380.89
James Gores & Associates, P.C.	Burma Road Phase 1	Engineering Services	$94,849.24
John Deere Financial	Segregated	Materials/Supplies	$24.50
Keel,Jennifer	Dispatch Center	Reimburse Expenses	$369.60
K-Mart 4837	Ambulance	Supplies	$45.40
Lander Medical Clinic PC	Jail	Inmate Medical	$670.00
Lawson Products, Inc	Vehicle Maintenance	Parts & Supplies	$17.14
Lyles, Jesse	Jail	Reim. Mileage	$21.84
Main Street Books	Juvenile Drug Court	Educational Materials	$51.88
Martin, Terrance R, P.C.	Public Defender	Office Rent	$450.00
Meadow Gold Dairies, Inc	Jail	Inmate Board	$1,177.25
Med-Tech Resources, Inc.	Ambulance	Medical Supplies	$203.15
Meridian Trust F.C.U.	Segregated	Savings	$823.15
Metzler, Kathi	Emergency Management	Reim. Expenses	$68.04
Mid-Valley General Contractors	County Court – Riverton-Remodel	Riverton Court Remodel	$27,059.50
Miller, Margaret	District Court	Court Appointments	$1,102.50
Moore Medical, LLC	Ambulance	Medical Supplies	$4,866.98
Mr D’s Food Center Inc	Segregated	Supplies	$1,277.04
NAPA Auto Parts-Lander	Ambulance	Parts &/Or Supplies	$44.35
National Business Systems Inc	County Treasurer	Postcards	$535.19
National Food Group Inc	Jail	Inmate Board	$1,851.97
New York Life Insurance	Segregated	Insurance	$321.10
Noble Medical, Inc	County Sheriff	Drug Testing Supplies	$400.00
Office State of Wyoming	County Commission	Filing Fee	$25.00
Orchard Trust Company	Segregated	Wyoming Benefits	$10,188.86
O’Reilly Automotive Inc	Co Buildings – Admin	Equipment & Supplies	$48.97
Pamida #178 LLC	Transportation	Supplies	$50.57
Pavillion, Town of	Co Buildings – Admin	Water	$61.00
Popo Agie Women’s Clinic	Jail	Inmate Medical	$935.00
Quill Corporation	Segregated	Computer/Office Supplies	$889.33
Quillen, Jeffrey	Health Promotion	Wellness Rebate	$150.00
R T Communications	Segregated	Telephone Services	$568.19
Ratigan, Daniel, M.D.	Jail	P.A. Supervisor Contract	$3,430.00
Reed’s Moghaun Office Supply	Segregated	Office Supplies	$738.33
Riverton Ranger, Inc	Voca Grant – Attorney	Advertising,Subscriptions	$66.00
Riverton, City of	Co Buildings/Ambulance	Water/Sewer	$626.00
Robinson, Sara R	Public Defender	Office Rent	$450.00
Rocky Mountain Boilers Inc	Co Buildings – Admin	Services	$900.00
Rocky Mountain Power	Homeland Security -09 Hsg9	Wyolink	$3,108.00
Safeway, Inc	Juvenile Drug Court	Supplies	$26.52
Sanofi Pasteur, Inc	Immunization Program	Vaccine	$3,745.36
Securus Technologies Inc	Jail	Inmate Supplies	$1,400.00
Skaggs Companies, Inc	Jail	Uniforms	$34.92
Sonntag, Sharma	Dispatch Center	Travel Expenses	$130.20
Sourcegas	Co Buildings/Ambulance	Utilities	$8,993.13
State of Wyoming	Public Defender	Office Rent – Public Defenders	$1,650.00
Swanson Services Corporation	Jail	Inmate Supplies	$586.50
Taylor Creek Exxon	Ambulance	Car Wash	$22.00
The Caterers	Emergency Management	Meals	$413.14
Tilton,Kathleen H	Public Defender	Office Rent	$450.00
Total Net Salaries	Segregated	Salaries	$773,366.94
Trehearne,Sarah	County Sheriff	Reimburse Expenses	$101.64
Tweed’s Wholesale Co	Co Buildings – Admin	Supplies	$37.20
U.S. Dept of Education	Payroll	Deduction	$311.84
Union Telephone Company	County Sheriff	Cellphone Charges	$1,038.72
V-1 Propane	Ambulance	Propane,Fuel	$360.71
Valley Printing Inc	County Assessor	Printed Supplies	$225.00
Verizon Wireless	Segregated	Cellphone Charges	$540.29
Virden,Juanita	Health Promotion	Wellness Rebate	$150.00
West Payment Center	District Court	Subscriptions	$1,583.50
Whiting Law, P.C.	District Court	Professional Services	$1,597.50
Whitney,Sharon	County Attorney	Reim. Expenses	$42.00
Wy SDU	Payroll	Child Support	$1,000.00
Wyo Child Support Enforcement	Segregated	Child Support	$950.00
Wyoming Retirement System	Co Admin	Contributions	$141,343.38
Wyoming Taxpayers Assoc	County Assessor	Dues	$100.00
Wyoming. Com	Segregated	Internet Svcs	$1,457.55
		Total Bills Presented	$2,325,587.34

Travis Becker moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to accept a voucher from EBMS in the amount of $47,104.28 for health insurance claims.  Motion carried unanimously.

The following items in the Signature File were reviewed:  1) Abatement Summary cover sheet; 2) Wyoming Department of Transportation Acceptance Certificate for the Country Acres Road; 3) Amended project request to SLIB to include Squaw Creed Road along with the Baldwin Creek Road Safety Improvement Project; 4) Amended Residential Lease Agreement with Ralph and Minnie Higinbotham; and 5) Record of Proceedings.  Pat Hickerson moved, Travis Becker seconded, to approve a VOA/OJJDP “Non Participating State” grant Reimbursement Request in the amount of $1,120.69.  Motion carried unanimously.  Pat Hickerson moved, Travis Becker seconded, to approve an Authorization to Conduct Environmental and Planning Services between Ecosystem Research Group, LLC and Fremont County for the Shoshone National Forest Plan Revision Analysis.  Motion carried unanimously.  Pat Hickerson moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to approve engagement letters with Decoria, Maichel and Teague for the Juvenile Treatment and Court Assisted Supervised Treatment Courts for the year ended June 30, 2011.  Motion carried unanimously.

Items in the Priority Mail were reviewed as follows: An Access Easement for the Heritage Trail over State of Wyoming property is needed. Chairman Thompson will submit the application while he is in Cheyenne later in the week.  A City of Lander request to change the easement for Lander Pathway Project from the current location through Sheriff’s Department parking lot, to two other areas, was discussed.  The Board agreed to recommend to the City to have the survey done of the proposed access changes and also have the City ensure there will be adequate parking at the new locations.  A State of Wyoming Department of Audit notice was reviewed regarding Special Districts within the County not filing an annual report, which can cause the district to be dissolved per state statutes.  County Clerk Freese will follow up with the various districts name as being non-compliant.  A Federal Homeland Security Grant opportunity for funding for capital improvements to Circuit and District Courts in the State was reviewed as a possible funding source for the Riverton Circuit Court remodel project that is currently underway.  Building Maintenance Supervisor J.R Oakley will review the information and proceed as necessary.

A Public Hearing was held at 9:20 a.m., as advertised, regarding Unanticipated Revenues and Budget Transfers.  Present were County Clerk Julie Freese and Financial Assistant Mike Stalder.  Nathan Maxon was present and requested the Commission consider viewpoints from all organizations as related to the Federal Natural Resource Policy Account funding for the Shoshone National Forest Plan Revision process.  He further stated The Nature Conservancy is satisfied with the draft Plan relating to sage grouse habitat that still allows for significant development.  Pat Hickerson moved, Travis Becker seconded, to approve Resolution 2011-31 as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2011-31

 

FY 2011-12 BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 7

 

                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:               Fremont County

TO:                         Dubois Museum Capital Project Fund                                             $125,000 $125,000

SOURCE:               Federal Natural Resource Policy Account

TO:                         Shoshone National Forest Plan Revision 2011                               $100,000 $100,000

SOURCE:               Federal Natural Resource Policy Account

TO:                         Lander Bureau of Land Management Resource

                                                Management Plan 2011                                                                       $100,000 $100,000

 

BUDGET TRANSFERS:

FROM:                   Cash Reserve

TO:                         Fremont County Museum                                                                  $125,000 $125,000

FROM:                   Cash Reserve

TO:                         Town of Dubois                                                                                   $25,750                   $25,750

FROM:                   Cash Reserve

TO:                         Town of Hudson                                                                                  $55,281                   $55,281

                Dated this 6^th day of December, 2011.                                                                              

BOARD OF FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                /s/           Douglas L. Thompson, Chairman

ATTEST:

/s/           Julie A. Freese, Fremont County Clerk

Deputy County Attorney Jodi Darrough joined Transportation Superintendent Dave Pendleton regarding the Mortimore Lane Bridge replacement process.  They stated the process for imminent domain is in compliance with federal regulations for the grant process and funding.  They stated the intent is to negotiate with the affected landowner first and use the imminent domain statute as a last resort only.  A WYDOT negotiator will need to be hired for the Temporary Construction Easements and Right-of-Way acquisitions for the bridge replacement project. The Commissioners directed Pendleton to move forward on hiring a negotiator.  Dennis Christensen moved, Travis Becker seconded, to approve Resolution 2011-30, as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2011-30

 

MORTIMORE LANE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

EXERCISE OF EMINENT DOMAIN

 

                WHEREAS,  pursuant to W.S. §1-26-801, the Board of Commissioners of Fremont County is authorized to institute condemnation proceedings where property for public use cannot be acquired through good faith negotiate by purchase or gift; and

                WHEREAS, the public interest and necessity require the replacement of the Mortimore Lane Bridge in Fremont County, and that the property shown on the plans for this project be acquired for road purposes; and

                WHEREAS, the right-of-way and/or temporary construction easements to be acquired are identified as being located in Sections 24 and 25, T33N, R100W, 6^th P.M., and Sections 19 and 30, T33N, R99W, 6^th P.M., and constitutes approximately 0.08 acres of property for additional right-of-way and approximately 1.80 acres of property for temporary construction easements.

 

                NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the property sought to be acquired is necessary for the proposed project and in the event successful negotiations cannot be effectuated with any of the owners thereof, condemnation proceedings shall be commenced and prosecuted to acquire the necessary additional right-of way and/or temporary construction easements.

                PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6^th day of December, 2011.

                                                                                BOARD OF FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                /s/           Douglas L. Thompson, Chairman

ATTEST:

/s/           Julie A. Freese, Fremont County Clerk

Dave Pendleton reviewed a memo regarding Atlantic City Right-of-Way issues, as related to a site inspection taken on November 29, 2011 with Commissioners Thompson and Becker.  At issue is semi-permanent private property that was unwittingly constructed within County Rights-of-way by adjacent landowners and whether that property inhibits snow removal activities to the extent that it requires relocation.  Also at issue is whether that property poses a health and safety risk to employees and the public that would necessitate its relocation or protection.  Pendleton also distributed a surveyed map showing a portion of the Winter Road, Three Forks Road and Dexter Avenue as related to the five properties with right-of-way issues.  The memo outlined steps that could be taken to alleviate the right-of-way issues and further stated all work must be completed by the property owners by July 1, 2012.

Dave Pendleton reviewed his concern with Sheriff’s Office impound vehicles being located at the County shop, which is currently overrun with these vehicles as well as County units set aside for future auction.  He notified the Board they have prepared a pad on the east side of the Detention Center for storage of impounded vehicles.  The area would need to be fenced in as soon as possible, and necessary costs could be funded from his Department.  Dennis Christensen moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to proceed with digging holes and fencing the pad for the new Sheriff’s impound vehicle yard.  Motion carried unanimously.

Other business reported by Dave Pendleton included notice of a meeting set for December 13^th for the West Wind River Crossing Study committee.  The Riverton crews have been working on Buckhorn Flats Road.  The Dubois Maintenance Contract went to a new contractor this year and he stated they are doing a very good job in that area.  He stated he has a budget of $40,000; however, due to the additional amount of work performed by the contractor, he informed the Board he may go over budget this year for Dubois.  Commissioner Hickerson expressed concern that the Forest Service is not performing routine maintenance on their roads. 

Public Health Nurse Manager Julie Twist stated the State has asked Nurse Managers if they would be interested in taking over the Family Planning grants.  Western Wyoming Family Planning currently administers these grants; however, Twist stated Fremont County has seen a decrease in services provided.  Fremont County currently ranks first in the state with the number of teen births, which could be attributed to the lack of services.  Twist recommended that her office take over administration of the five year grant and keep the two employees currently employed by Family Planning.  If under county administration, a board would also need to be set up to oversee the program.  The Commissioners expressed concerns regarding additional costs to the county.  Twist stated Washakie County has been administering this program for many years and she agreed to get further information regarding costs, what the grant will provide, office space issues, work load, and other agencies offering the same services and oversight.

CWC Executive Vice President for Administrative Services Jay Nielsen was joined by State Senator Eli Bebout and CWC supporter Scott Ratliff to discuss a partnership with the College, City of Riverton and County in building a community multi-events center.  They opened the discussion by stating CWC would like to incorporate the possibility into their master plan and begin discussions about facilities and growth.  The College is required by the State to do a master plan every five years and is just beginning the process.  The College has seen a 45% increase over the last five years in enrollment and Nielsen reviewed new programs that include the Rural Juvenile Training Center in which they have just finalized a contract with the Bureau of Indian Affairs for training certification.  Environmental Health and Safety has entered into a partnership with the mineral industry, radio and tv classes and GED opportunities are other new curriculum additions.  They strive to be a community partner and offer what is wanted.  The master plan process will begin with the college hosting focus groups to discuss needs and growth plans between January 25-27, 2012. They are continuing developments on the voter approved Health and Science Center, and the next major project is a new equine center.  The equine center was deemed a priority in 2006 to rebuild and move closer to the Riverton campus.  He estimated the new equine center’s cost to be approximately $7 million, with the State possibly contributing two-thirds of the funding.  Handouts of the CWC campus was distributed for review.  Discussion was then held regarding the County’s plans for the newly acquired Major property; and specifically how it could be used as a possible site for the equine center as well.  They discussed the success of the Intertribal Center based on collaboratively working together with federal, local, state and private funding sources.  Chairman Thompson stated the County has a process in place to designate capital improvement projects for the County, of which the Riverton Fairgrounds and Riverton Justice Center are on the list.    The Board stated they would be interested in continuing discussion regarding collaborative projects to benefit both Riverton and the County and Commissioners Becker and Whiteman were named as committee members to work specifically with projects relating to this property.

Building Maintenance Supervisor J.R. Oakley was joined by Fremont County Library Director Matt Nojonen and Maintenance Supervisor Tom Norwood to review the bids opened on November 22, 2011 for the Riverton Library ARRA Grant Retrofit lighting project.  They recommended the Board accept the low bid submitted by Hoffman Electric for a base bid of $75,989, Alternate No. 1 – deduct $840; Alternate No. 2 – add $407 and Alternate No. 3 – add $895.  Dennis Christensen moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to accept their recommendation to award the ARRA Grant Retrofit lighting project to Hoffman Electric for the base bid and all three alternates.  Motion carried unanimously.  Chairman Thompson signed the Proposal Acceptance Form with Hoffman Electric, Inc.as well as the Contract. 

In other business, J.R. Oakley stated he would like to use the Jail Endowment Fund to replace five old digital video recorders in the Detention Center.  He stated there are 76 cameras on the five DVR’s.  Treasurer Scott Harnsberger was present for the discussion and concurred with funding the purchases from the Fund.  Oakley stated the cost for the five units would be $18,000 based on a bid submitted by Blackhawk Security Equipment, the only dealer in the area.  Travis Becker moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to accept the bid submitted in the amount of $18,000 with funding from the Jail Endowment Fund.  Motion carried unanimously.  In a related matter, he informed the Board the Riverton Circuit Court would be back in their remodeled offices December 12, 2011.

Help for Health representatives Mary Margaret Stockton, Executive Director Laura Toppenberg and Chief Financial Officer Rhonda Locker stated their intent to hire a consultant to develop a strategic plan for the Hospice Home to perform operational review and needs assessments to develop short and long term goals.  Travis Becker moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to authorize a transfer of funds in the amount of $300,000 from the escrow account to Help for Health Hospice Home to fund the Strategic Plan.  Dennis Christensen abstained due to conflict of interest.  Motion carried. 

The Board continued discussion on the Cobecon Consulting Services Proposal.  Present were Margy Irvine, Jim Massman, Jodi Darrough and Scott Harnsberger.  The Elected Officials and Executive Health Committee members had been sent a copy of the Proposal for review and submittal of comments for the Board today.  Irvine stated her only concern being the company needs a true direction of what the Commissioners want from them.  She stated the Plan has recently lost four health families as a result of open enrollment with their spouses companies.  Discussion was held regarding whether all their services should be accepted or just a few as well as a possible reduction in their fees.  County Clerk Freese stated she has been in contact with the three other counties currently using Cobecon’s services, and they all indicated their satisfaction with the Company as well as all three stating the company had saved their County’s money.  The group stated the importance of having a five year plan and the need to set insurance rates early in the budget cycle and not balance the budget based on the insurance costs.  Travis Becker moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to hire Cobecon and authorize the Executive Heath Committee to negotiate fees.  Motion carried unanimously.

Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor Glen Steers and EnCana representative Randy Teeuwan discussed natural gas vehicles.  Teeuwan stated EnCana’s safety tests indicated the natural gas vehicles are safer than gas or diesel units.  The compressed natural gas cylinder is hard to break, and dissipates in the air if broken.  He volunteered to convert a County unit to natural gas at no cost to the County.  Steers indicated the County will be purchasing two units with the ARRA grant.  Chairman Thompson stated he would like to purchase and test the vehicles prior to discussing a pumping station and thanked Teeuwan for his offer to convert a county vehicle to natural gas.

Travis Becker moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to adjourn into Executive Session regarding potential litigation with Deputy County Attorney Jodi Darrough and Transportation Superintendent Dave Pendleton.  Motion carried unanimously.  Pendleton left the session while Darrough remained to discuss personnel.  Dennis Christensen moved, Travis Becker seconded, to return to Regular Session.  Motion carried unanimously. 

County Clerk Julie Freese reviewed the changes made to the Credit Card policy, specifically related to violations.  Travis Becker moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to approve the amended Credit Card Policy.  Motion carried unanimously.  She then informed the Board that the Solid Waste Disposal District gave the County a budget for this fiscal year and then asked for their full 3 mills, which was more than what they requested in their budget.  For 2012, a new process will be set in place to ensure this does not happen again.

Travis Becker moved, Pat Hickerson seconded, to approve the holidays for 2012, as per policy:  Motion carried unanimously.  Holidays for 2012 are: January 2 (New Year’s Day); February 20 (Presidents Day); April 6 (Good Friday); May 28 (Memorial Day); July 4 (Independence Day); September 3 (Labor Day); November 12 (Veterans Day); November 22 & 23 (Thanksgiving) and December 25 (Christmas).  October 8 (Columbus Day) was also set as an in house work and cleaning day.  The Board approved the Meeting Calendar for 2012 with the dates for budget hearings set as tentative. 

Information Systems Specialist Joni Miller reviewed the District Court’s recommendation to upgrade their phone systems.  She had earlier informed the Board of this request, as well as concerns she had with a different system than used by the other offices.  The Commissioners stated they would send a letter to the Supreme Court asking for their reasoning behind the recommendation to replace the phones. 

The Board reviewed bids for fingerprinting equipment and video arraignment equipment for the Sheriff’s Office with funding from the Capital Revolving Fund.  Travis Becker moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to accept the bid from Biometrics4All in the amount of $25,459.50 for the fingerprinting equipment and from CLAAY in the amount of $13,220 for video arraignment equipment.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Commissioner Becker will work on a draft RFP regarding potential leases for farming the newly acquired Major property.  The Board stated they would allow the current lessee to continue for one year and determine the amount he should pay and then put out at RFP for the following year. 

The date of December 21, 2011 has been set as “Meet Your Legislature” Day with the time slot of 9:20 am – 9:35 scheduled for the Commissioners.

County Clerk Julie Freese requested Commissioner Hickerson contact the County Fire Warden regarding that agency paying their employees’ share of insurance premiums.  She stated this action makes their employees ineligible to utilize the Wellness Program set up by the County’s benefit plan.

There being no further business, Travis Becker moved, Dennis Christensen seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 4:50 p.m. and reconvene at 9:00 a.m. on December 13, 2011.  Motion carried unanimously.

                                                                        /s/         DOUGLAS L. THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN

                                                                                    FREMONT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

ATTEST

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