Commissioners

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AT THE COURTHOUSE IN SUNDANCE, CROOK COUNTY, WYOMING

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

8:30 o’clock a.m. Present were Chairman Fred M. Devish, Vice-Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Member Bob Latham and County Clerk Melissa Jones.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited to the Flag.

After discussion, Kelly moved to appoint Gary Anderson on behalf of HDR Engineering, Inc., as the Crook County Contract Engineer and Surveyor. Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Bob moved to approve & ratify the minutes from November 4 and 5, 2024. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

The following bills were presented to the Board:

Total Wages and Cell Phone Stipend-$281,654.55;Design Construction-Pavement Striping - Warren Peak Rd-$14,240.00;AFLAC-Insurance-$3,314.98;Clerk of the District Court-Garnishment-$1,226.00;Crook County Payroll Tax Account-Withholding & Social Security-$85,721.49;Great-West Trust Company, LLC-Deferred Compensation-$5300;NCPERS Wyoming-Life Insurance-$128;New York Life Insurance Company-Life Insurance-$379.78;WY Department of Workforce Services-Worker’s Compensation-$6,561.33;Wyoming Retirement System-Retirement-$67,865.80;Wyoming Educator’s Benefit Trust-Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance-$92,321.63;Election Judges-Meals, Salary, Mileage & School-$13,104.07;A & B Business Inc-Copies & Maint Agreement-$440.51;Alsco-Shop & Courthouse Supplies-$324.11;April D. Gill-Cell Phone Reimbursement & Mileage-$93.84;Architectural Specialties LLC-Labor & Rental-$2,455.61;AT&T Mobility-Cell Phone-$1,007.55;AV Tech-Vehicle Parts Installation -$2,620.00;Bearlodge Ag Supply-Seed-$355.00;Big Horn Tires Inc.-Tires-$427.32;Black Hills Chemical Co.-Ice Melt-$146.89;Black Hills Energy-Electricity -$65.00;Black Hills Truck & Trailer -Part-$247.40;Blakeman Propane Inc-Propane-$2,084.42;Bomgaars-Batteries-$121.80;Brannan Trucking Inc -Contract Hauling -$15,065.00;CBH Co-op-Fuel-$9,629.37;CDS Supplies-Hardware-$65.66;Centurylink-E911 Telephone-$938.51;City of Gillette-Water-$7.50;City of Sundance-Water-$2,076.12;Clinical Lab of the Black Hills-Autopsy-$11,665.00;Co Huntsman Transport LLC-Inmate Transport-$2,800.00;Colin Shamion Trucking-Contract Hauling -$7,045.63;Collins Communications-Fire Alarm Monitoring; Radio Trouble shooting -$2,156.20;Contractors Supply Inc -Culverts-$12,600.00;Croell Inc-Road Base & Concrete-$3,547.00;Crook County Treasurer-Postage-$41.53;Curtis Rankin-Mileage & Witness Fees-$52.26;Dakota Equipment Rental-Parts-$87.98;David Osborne-Mileage-$85.76;Decker’s Market-Supplies -$150.97;Do Life Sober LLC-Vive 18 Speaking Day-$7,900.00;Dustbusters Inc -Mag For Dust Suppression-$7,162.44;Election Systems & Software -Election Supplies -$4,535.00;Elite Edge Firearms Training & Tactics-Training -$1,200.00;Employment Testing Service Inc-Random Testing-$244.00;Fedex-Postage-$86.48;Geis Septic Tank Pumping-Servicing Units-$300.00;Gillette Printing & Engraving Co Inc -Raffle Tickets-$299.74;Good Electric Inc-Parts & Labor-$1,463.03;Grimm’s Pump & Industrial Supply-Parts-$398.74;Grossenburg Implement-Parts-$3,011.85;Heimans Fire Equipment-Valves-$1,354.36;Horning Horning & McGrath LLC-Court Appointed Attorney-$44.00;Humphrey Law LLC -Court Appointed Attorney-$1,248.20;Integritas-Supplies -$69.94;J D Power -Online Valuations-$1,460.00;Jacobson Tools LLC-Tools-$13,905.25;Jalen Rowell-Mileage-$21.57;Jeffrey Hodge-Cell Phone Reimbursement-$65.00;Jordan Ann & Chancy Miller-Water Usage-$684.00;Josh Throckmorton -Reimbursement-$50.59;JW Services LLC-Contract Hauling -$2,286.65;Karen’s Delivery-Delivery -$44.00;Kelly B. Dennis-Mileage-$80.40;Kelsey Schloredt-Reimbursement-$112.64;KLH Consulting Inc-Computer Services-$17,213.50;Kyle Shamion Trucking -Contract Hauling -$8,452.50;Lacey Waddell-Cake-$55.00;Lakeview Wash & Storage -Car Washes-$210.90;Laramie River Reserve-Tanker Trailer -$14,000.00;Liberty Law Offices PC-Court Appointed Attorney-$1,601.72;Lindsay Kuhbacher-Mileage & Witness Fees-$85.76;Marco Technologies LLC-Copy / Maint Fees-$65.12;Max Robert Masters-GIS Consulting & Mapping Contract-$3,400.00;McKesson Medical Surgical-Vaccines-$7,092.54;Meadowlark Counseling -Employee Eval -$375.00;Melissa Jones-Mileage & Reimbursement-$99.99;Michelle Hegge-Mileage-$21.57;Monument Health-Morgue Use-$500.00;Morgan Ellsbury-Truck Lease-$1,100.00;National Council For Mental Wellbeing -Class-$119.75;Norco Inc-Rental -$72.60;Paradise Foods-Fuel-$276.82;Plains Towing & Recovery -Towing -$90.30;Powder River Energy Corp.-Electricity -$4,966.79;Premier Vehicle Installation Inc -Equipment Installation -$1,250.30;Pro Force Law Enforcement-Firearms-$10,945.00;Quality Agg & Construction Inc-Contract Hauling & J & W Base-$72,071.25;Quik Signs-Signs-$139.81;Quill Corporation -Office Supplies-$647.87;Range Telephone Cooperative Inc-Telephone -$7,081.49;Raquel Croell-County Website Maintenance-$500.00;Ringer Law PC-Court Appointed Attorney-$805.00;Rocky Mountain Fire Systems Inc -Fire & Sprinkler Maint-$2,400.00;Roger Showman-Deployed Firemen Expenses-$16,388.00;Rolling Metal Sinclair-Fuel-$242.45;Saddle Tree Ranch Trucking LLC-Contract Hauling -$5,844.55;Sara Fleenor-Mileage-$220.56;Sara Rankin-Mileage & Witness Fees-$52.26;Shamion Trucking-Contract Hauling -$7,035.25;Sheridan County Public Health -Tiger Tubes-$9.05;Sherri Davis-Mileage-$45.56;Sherwin-Williams Co-Paint-$233.76;Skydio Inc -Vehicle Mic-$287.61;Slattery Enterprises Inc-Servicing Units-$675.00;Sundance Hardware & Sporting Goods-Parts & Supplies-$1,511.70;Sundance State Bank -Direct Deposit Fees-$10.46;Sundance Times-Legal Publication & Display Ads-$1,830.63;Susannah Rohbock-Sewing -$30.00;Sylvesteri Customization -Monthly Website Maint-$300.00;The Home Depot Pro-Supplies -$1,549.63;Timberline Services Inc -Contract Hauling -$4,622.86;Top Office Products, Inc.-Copies $444.00;Town of Hulett-Water-$62.30;Town of Moorcroft-Water-$69.69;Tracy Motor Company-Parts & Supplies-$5,744.97;US Post Office-Box Dues-$154.00;Vilas Pharmacy-Inmate Meds-$82.07;Visa-Adobe, Supplies, Postage, Travel Expenses, Cable, Internet, Straight Talk, Starlink, Equipment-$24,973.44;Visionary Broadband-Internet Service-$996.71;Volunteers Of America Northern Rockies -County Funding -$12,000.00;Warne Chemical & Equipment Co-Pump-$6,248.00;Wells Plumbing & Farm Supply-Parts -$38.14;Wendy DePina-Travel Expenses-$671.52;Western Stationers-Office Supplies -$774.70;Windstream-Telephone -$127.83;WLEA-ADVTMG-Certification-$790.00;WY Association of Co Agricultural Agents-Dues -$150.00;WY Department of Health -State Nurse-$16,102.50;WY Department of Workforce Services-Worker’s Compensation-$1,060.42;WY Retirement System-Firemen’s Retirement-$506.25;WYDOT - Financial Services -Project Expenditures & Tractor -$7,529.63;Wyoming Educator’s Benefit Trust-Cobra VSP-$14.90;Wyoming Machinery Company-Parts & Labor-$7,361.94;Wyoming State 4-H Foundation -Dues -$60.00;Wyoming State Fire Advisory Board -Dues -$500.00;Zeta Nuckolls Anderson -Reimbursement-$100.00;Total-$981,342.37;

Bob moved to allow all bills as presented. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

The following monthly collections were collected:

County Clerk $15,150.50

County Sheriff $37,974.08

Clerk of District Court $2,010.50

Public Health (October) $3,290.02

Circuit Court $6,196.00

Facilities $2,560.00

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Tammy Jundt, County Treasurer, submitted the following monthly report of receipts and disbursements for month end November 2024:

Receipts: Property Tax $5,404,273.38

Sales Tax $151,340.44

Misc Receipts $1,048,138.51

County Auto $146,347.29

Total $6,750,099.62

Disbursements Towns $221,323.91

County Boards/Districts $421,576.45

State & Local School $1,842,113.60

DOT/DOR/Rebate $234,513.61

Redemption $2,996.50

Total $2,722,524.07

Investments Wyo-Star $450,375.26 $1,556.05 (October Interest)

Wyoming Class $3,389,123.53 $4,020.07 (October Interest)

Kelly made a motion to broadcast the monthly Commissioner meetings online. After discussion, Bob seconded all ayes, motion carried. The County Clerk will look into options for this.

Dan Thomas, County Assessor, Joseph Baron, County Attorney, Julie Crawford, Clerk of District Court, and Tammy Jundt, County Treasurer, were present to go over items of interest within their departments.

Dan Thomas County Assessor: Last month there were 54 deeds of property ownership transfer processed. We have approximately 200 Long Term Homeowner’s Exemption processed so far. We are sending out Personal Property Declarations this week as well as finishing out all the new construction field reviews. I attended the It Committee Meetings last month. I was also in Cheyenne for the Revenue Committee meeting where they introduced some bills that will affect property tax. I will be back in Cheyenne in January for the legislative session. We will be having one job opening at the end of this month for a Field Deputy.

Joe Baron, County Attorney: working on several cases received from the different law enforcement agencies, have noticed a decline in juvenile cases, working on cleaning up open road issues, including FERTA, spoke with Morgan about such issues, working on cleaning up outstanding projects, working with Mel on rights & responsibilities on our insurance contracts, Opioid funding, sent out the audit risk and liabilities letter, working on lease agreement between Crook County and VOA, working through some IT issues and ordering a new laptop for Dave, I would request that the IT Committee work on a Replacement Policy for County devices.

Melissa Jones, County Clerk: recorded 610 documents, made 263 titles, completed the general election, had a 91% turn out of the registered voters in Crook County, got all Election Day registrations entered, working on balancing poll books, traveled to Weston County to aide the Weston County Clerk in counting ballots during her canvass, hosted the local girl scout troop who were here to learn about elections, had a zoom meeting with a company who hosts public records requests, Morgan, Tammy & I completed the Local Highway Finance Report, attended the IT Committee meeting & Compensation Committee meeting.

Julie Crawford, Clerk of District Court: Total Receipts for November: $9,603.25 with $2,010.50 to the County I received 9 new case filings, processed 41 record searches, 6 new passports, assisted multiple other customers with renewal passports and there is still 1 civil appeal in process. I processed 344 total filings with 284 transactions being filed through eFiling. I sent out 75 jury notices for a trial that settled the morning of the trial. I hosted the local girl scout troop who were here to learn about the judicial system. I hope to have the open position in my office filled by the first of the year. I attended an online Special Child Support Authority Board meeting, 4 E-Filing and Clerks’ Association Teams meetings, 2 IT Committee meetings, and the Employee Compensation Committee meeting.

Tammy Jundt, County Treasurer: Total receipts were $6,750,099.62 and disbursements to the county boards, towns and schools were $2,722,524.07. In November we did a total of 4,615 transactions. We were very busy at the counter and received many property tax payments in the mail. As our deadline for the 1st half payment property tax was November 10th. Issuing more and more of the new plates as people are renewing their vehicles with 2025 expiration date. Part of the server migration was completed. We had some issues with trying to get up and running again, and still have a few issues outstanding. I did get a laptop from R & B and one from the Assessor’s office. IT cleaned both and installed in our office. They are working great. Since the SPOT did not pass on the ballot. The sales tax will drop to 5% on April 1st. I attended the employee compensation meeting. I do not have any warrants to report this year that are over a year.

County Commissioners: Bob: Attended both IT committee meetings, took calls on roads. Kelly: took a few calls on County issues, traveled a couple roads Fred: fielded road issues, attended Zoom meetings with BHNF, WCCA, and National Old Growth, fielded calls on burn restrictions.

After discussion, Kelly moved to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2024-30

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING USUAL BUSINESS HOURS

WHEREAS, per Wyoming Statute 18-3-103(b), county officers shall keep their offices open during the usual business hours of each day excluding Saturday, Sunday, legal holidays and other days established by the County Commissioners in the Crook County Handbook, Section VII and Section XII.

THEREFOR BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming that the offices in the courthouse shall remain and be open from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M Monday through Friday of each week, except:

1. The offices in the courthouse shall be closed on the following legal holidays and other days:

CROOK COUNTY 2025 HOLIDAYS

January 1 New Year’s Day

January 20 Wyoming Equality Day/Martin Luther King Day

February 17 Presidents’ Day

May 26 Memorial Day

July 4 Independence Day

September 1 Labor Day

October 13 Columbus Day

November 11 Veterans Day

November 27 Thanksgiving Day

November 28 Day after Thanksgiving Day

Early Close - December 24 Christmas Eve Day (close at 2:30 P.M.)

December 25 Christmas Day

December 26 Day After Christmas

Dated this 3rd day of December, 2024.

Board of County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member.

State of Wyoming }

County of Crook }

Signed or attested before me on December 3, 2024 by Fred M. Devish, Chairman, Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman and Bob Latham, Member, Board of Crook County Commissioners in and for Crook County, Wyoming.

Melissa Jones, Crook County Clerk

Bob seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Dan Thomas, County Assessor, presented the following tax roll correction: C453180100. Bob moved to approve the corrections as presented. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Melissa Jones, Secretary, Tammy Jundt & Bonnie Stahla, Members, Compensation Committee, gave a monthly report. Also, present were Julie Crawford and John D. Davis.

Bob moved to approve 3 Classification Reviews, 1 from the Clerk of District Court and 2 from Road & Bridge. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Julie Crawford, Clerk of District Court, was present to discuss potential applicants for the Clerk of Court Chief Deputy position. The Board agreed that she could offer the applicant the wage approved by the Compensation Committee Step/Grade.

Bob moved to approve a Final Acceptance Certificate for the FY23 CMAQ grant. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Larry Schommer, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, gave a monthly report.

The meeting adjourned at 11:59 o’clock a.m.

1:00 o’clock p.m. Present were Chairman Fred M. Devish, Member Bob Latham and County Clerk Melissa Jones. Vice-Chairman Kelly B. Dennis was absent.

Sara Fleenor, UW Area Educator & Erica Reasoner, 4H Educator, Extension Office, Jasmyne Bryant, Events Coordinator, Fair/Facilities and Carol Stutzman, Public Health Nurse and Bonnie Stahla, Director, Crook County Library gave monthly reports.

Bob moved to make the following appointment:

Cort Cundy - Fair Board Member – five-year term.

Fred seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Ed Robinson, Homeland Security County Coordinator and Charlie Harrison, Fire Warden gave monthly reports.

Bob moved to approve a Grant Award Agreement between Wyoming Office of Homeland Security and Crook County for $30,025.00 for the FY24 EMPG with 50/50 match. Fred seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Tony Barton was present to discuss hosting the Sundance Winter Festival at the Crook County Fair Grounds if they are not able to host it downtown. Jasmyne has blocked off the week for it and the Board agrees to host it at the fairgrounds if need be.

Joe Baron was present to give updates on County Road hearings and matters. Also present were John D. Davis, Tim Lyons and via Teams, Morgan Ellsbury.

The meeting adjourned at 4:21 o’clock p.m.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

8:30 o’clock a.m. Present were Chairman Fred M. Devish, Vice-Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Member Bob Latham and County Clerk Melissa Jones.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited to the Flag.

Steve Dietrich, Resident Engineer, Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), gave an update on bridge and road projects.

Larry Schommer, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, continued his monthly reports.

Paul Brooks, Mayor, City of Sundance, was present to discuss snow removal in the courthouse parking lot as well as city permits required for properties located within city limits including the fairgrounds. Also present were Sarah Pridgeon, Larry Schommer, Tracey Jundt, DaNece Day, John D. Davis, Joe Wilson, Joe Baron and Via Teams, Morgan Ellsbury.

Soni Lampert, KLH, was present via Teams, for the monthly IT update. Also present were Dan Thomas, DaNece Day, John D. Davis, Joe Baron and via Teams Julie Crawford.

Tim Lyons, Planning Director, and Caleb Peters, Wastewater Specialist, gave a monthly report.

Bob moved for the chairman to sign a Contract with Independent Contractor for Comprehensive Land Use Plan Services between Crook County and Y2 Consultants, LLC. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 11:42 o’clock a.m.

1:00 o’clock p.m. Present were Chairman Fred M. Devish, Vice-Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Member Bob Latham and County Clerk Melissa Jones.

Roger Connett, RER, Ralph Knode, CEO, Strata, and Bridget Helms, Office Manager, CCNRD were present to give an update on items of interest. Also present were John D. Davis, DaNece Day and Joe Baron.

Bob moved for the Clerk to submit a statement of support for Strata’s Amendment to License. Kelly seconded, all ayes, motion carried.

Board openings:

The following board positions are currently unfilled:

One NEWEDC County Member – Three Year Term

One NEWEDC Municipalities Member – Three Year Term

One NEWEDC Private Sector Member – Three Year Term

One Predatory Management District – Non-Ag - Three Year Term

Weed & Pest Board Member – Area 2 – 4 Year Term

Weed & Pest Board Member – Area 4 – 4 Year Term

All interested parties are encouraged to apply. Applications can be obtained from the Crook County Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 37, Sundance, WY 82729, 307-283-1323.

The meeting adjourned at 1:36 o’clock p.m. to meet in regular session on January 7 & 8, 2025 at 8:30 o’clock a.m., in the Commissioner’s Room at the Courthouse in Sundance, Wyoming.

Fred M. Devish, Chairman Kelly B. Dennis, Vice-Chairman

Bob Latham, Member Attested: Melissa Jones, County Clerk

Publish: December 19, 2024