January 2022 Minutes

Baker Chamber of Commerce & Ag General Meeting

Thursday, January 6, 2022 at the Tavern.

Members present: Alissa Miller, Tammy O’Donnell, Karol Zachmann, Melissa Higbee, Vaughn Zenko, Dean Wang, Jade Boggs, Josey Madler, Trish Barth, Melissa Rost, Roy Rost, Beth Epley, Steve Zachmann, and James Park.

President Alissa Miller called the meeting to order.

Tammy moved and Vaughn seconded to approve the December minutes. All in favor. Minutes approved.

Executive Director Report: Director Heiser explained to those who hadn’t read their e-mail that should would be resigning and her last full day will be Thursday, January 6, 2022. She stated she would be willing to assist in the transition to a new director.

Old Business:

Rec Department Update- The Rec Department has received donations totaling $2,340 since last month. Registrations have been passed out to the preschools and school and will be posted on Facebook for those interested in our upcoming Rec Department activities. Volleyball skills for kindergarten through 3rd grade will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from January 18th- February 24th. Preschool tumbling will be Thursdays and Fridays from January 20th- February 25th. It was decided that the next activities the Rec Dept will take on will be track for kindergarten-6th grade and preschool dance.

Baker Jam (All hands-on deck) April 2nd-3rd -Jobs List- Alissa will look for last year’s registration form to update with this year’s information. She will also work on the brackets and get with Sew What to order the trophies and medals. She is looking for volunteers to call and get refs, someone who can schedule set up and clean up volunteers. Will need approximately 2-3 people throughout the day and 6-8 people to set up and clean up. Alissa stated registration will be $200 per team.

Christmas Cheer Bingo-The only players were Melissa Higbee and Karol Zachmann. Will not do BINGO again next year.

Christmas Stroll Parade- Alissa stated that walkers need to go first next year as they struggled to keep up with the floats in front. Soup supper hosted about 200 people. Santa wasn’t as busy as anticipated.

New Business:

Board Members- Emily advised the board she would not be renewing her board membership as they just purchased a second business. Jade, Alissa, and Tammy’s terms all ended December 31, 2021. Jade will remain on the board as ex-officio for 2 years. Tammy made a motion and Dean seconded for Alissa to take over as president. All in favor. 2 Absent. Motion carried. Alissa is now acting president. Her term will expire December 31, 2023. Alissa made a motion and Karol seconded for Tammy to stay on as secretary. All in favor. 2 Absent. Motion carried. Tammy will remain secretary with her new term expiring December 31, 2023. The vice president position and one other board member position is currently vacant.

Budget for 2022- A special meeting will be called with committee members including Trish, Tammy, Karol and Marjorie.

EPEDC CEDS- A 5-year strategic plan that will go into effect in July. If you have ideas for what you want to see in Fallon County in the future let them know. Ideas that were mentioned include an ice rink, theater, and second-hand store. There will be a meeting for the upcoming job fair Monday at 12 pm at Thee Garage.

Board Member Reports:

SMART/EMEDA: Vaughn missed some time due to a medical emergency, but is getting back into full swing with the Zero to Five Montana Pilot Program. A survey will be sent out next week to local businesses to determine the need for childcare for the local businesses. Ashley met with the director of Head Start in Glendive and was given some great advice and potential opportunities depending on funding that comes down through the Build Back Better Plan. She would like to have a follow-up meeting with some information that has came from her most recent board meeting as well.

EPEDC- Melissa advised of 3 current grants that are out or will be available in the next couple weeks. The Montana Trail Stewardship Grant through FWP helps create new paths, or create shared paths) It is due February 15th with a maximum grant of $75,000 with a required 10% in-kind or cash match. FWP Recreation Trails Program helps with urban trail maintenance and education safety. It doesn’t open until January 18-February 28. The Destination Recovery Event Grant is between $5,000-25,000 to assist with an established event or creating a new one that will assist with the cost of marketing, advertising, signage, or infrastructure (porta putty’s/ hand wash stations). It will be open until funds are exhausted or June 23rd whichever comes first.

Alissa shared that there is a Renewable Energy for America training with the USDA in Glendive on February 8th in the morning and a Value-Added Ag Producer workshop in the afternoon. A digital packages training on February 16th, a website/web presence training on February 23rd, Outreach services training on February 28th, cloud document sharing March 2nd and additional trainings scheduled for June and September.

Beth shared that EPEDC’s Annual Meeting will be at Gunner’s Ridge in Glendive on January 19th at 5:30 pm. If you would like to know what they are doing throughout their service area.

FMC Foundation- Health Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27th from 6 am- 1 pm with blood draws from 6- 11 am. Viatalent will be at the Senior Center on January 11th from 12-6 pm for those who would like to donate blood. The Talk around Town is sponsored by the Bank of Baker and is a great way to advertise local upcoming events it plays on both AM and FM stations Tuesday and Thursdays.

City of Baker- Mayor Zachmann met with Commissioner Braun and Dave Jackson with the Railroad to discuss the possibility of adding another crossing with the recent issues and delays at the crossing and concern for emergency personnel not being able to get to the north side of town in the event of an emergency. They are working on replacing watermains from the tanks into town hopefully with some grant money assistance that EPEDC will be submitting shortly. SID 36 continues with street improvements. Rich Menger is working with the CDC for a wastewater collection program to determine rates of COVID. All deer sent to be tested for CWD came back negative and venison will be distributed to those in need.

Fallon County- Commissioner Rost explained that bids for the bridges have been put out. Last years projects have been completed. Currently there is a waterfall project at the gazebo being worked on with some grant money Rich Menger received. Denbury’s CO2 pipeline has been completed, but he doesn’t believe it has been put into operation yet.

O’Fallon Museum- There is a planning meeting January 7 to start working on this year’s Heritage Fest. They received a tourism grant to add on to the front of their metal building.

Steve made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Beth seconded. All in favor. Meeting Adjourned.