This is to certify the following is a true and correct copy of the Broadwater County Commissioner Minutes approved by the Commissioners on March 12, 2007.

Rhonda Nelson, Clerk

 

COMMISSIONER MEETING          

January 22, 2007                                                         

 

 

Chairman James V. Hohn called the Broadwater County Commissioners to order.  Present were Commissioner Gail Vennes, and Commissioner Keith C. Lynn.

 

 

Bob Masolo, Tom Helm, Bob Davis, Bill Davis and Bill Lane came before the commission with the recommendation to change out the culvert to Big Spring Irrigation Ditch on Lombard Road. Bob Masolo, Broadwater County Road Department, suggested starting over with a whole new pipe.  The cost would be $147.00/foot and Bob suggested it could be taken out of the Bridge Department budget.  Commissioner Hohn asked how many feet of pipe.  Bob Masolo stated approximately 100 feet. Bill Lane suggested moving the phone line as it is in the way of the road.  Bob Davis felt that moving the phone line to the north would be best.  Tom Helm and Bob Davis met with the phone company and was quoted $2500-$3000.00 to move the phone line. Vigilante Electric will move the electric for $147.00/ foot.  Bob Masolo said the quote would also include 4 bands at $147.00/each.  Bill Davis mentioned straightening the road to move it.  Tom Helm expressed his appreciation to Commissioner Vennes for coming out to view the situation. Commissioner Hohn stated that it would be approximately $15,000.00 to complete.  Tom Helm stated that all the additional fill needed, he could provide for no cost.  Bob Masolo suggested having the planner, Shawn Higley, come and assess the situation.  Tom Helm felt that the project could go forward by the middle of April.  Bob Masolo thought that would depend on the moisture. Bob Davis inquired about stopping traffic for the 1-2 days that it would take to move the road.  Bob Masolo suggested a notice in the paper has been all that was necessary in the past.  Tom Helm stated that he has a road if someone absolutely had to get through.  Commissioner Hohn asked for any objections from the board.  Hearing none Commissioner Vennes moved to approve the purchase of the culvert for Big Spring Irrigation Ditch.  Commissioner Lynn seconded.  The motion passed.  Bob Masolo also briefed the commission regarding the roads. The Road Department has been removing the rocks off the roads and watering them.  Bob also stated that they have been stockpiling lime rock. 

 

Steve Siegelin, MSU Regional Department Head, arrived for his annual visit regarding Virginia Knerr, Extension Agent.  Mr. Siegelin asked for the commission’s thoughts on what can be improved upon and how to effectively serve Broadwater County.  The partnership is a 1/3 federal, 1/3 state and 1/3 county.  County supplies some help with Virginia Knerr’s salary, which is 65% of the Clerk & Recorder’s salary. MSU does have assistance available for the county.  The county can contact Virginia if MSU can help the county in any way.  The commission had no questions at this time.

 

Vince Vacarro submitted a letter requesting that his penalty and interest be waived on his taxes as his mortgage company requested his tax bill.  Mr. Vacarro’s mortgage was paid off in April 2006.  However, the mortgage company requested his tax bill and thus, the bill never arrived to Mr. Vacarro. Rhonda Nelson, Broadwater County Treasurer, presented the commissioners with copies of the tax histories for all property owned by Mr. Vacarro.  The commissioners reviewed the fact that the other property was paid with penalty & interest (12/5/2006), as well.  Rhonda Nelson stated that she was concerned that the commission would be setting a precedence if they waived the penalty & interest, as we can not control the mortgage companies or the mail, either.  Commissioner Vennes did not want to set precedence by waiving the penalty & interest. Commissioner Hohn and Commissioner Lynn agreed.  Mrs. Nelson offered to write the letter to Mr. Vacarro denying his request to waive the penalty & interest.  Commissioner Lynn suggested backdating the interest to the date of Mr. Vacarro’s letter (1/2/2007).

 

A Resolution By The Board of Broadwater County Commissioners To Amend the Personnel Policies for Broadwater County, regarding county landline and county cell phone calls.  The policy states that county landlines are to be used for personal business on a Limited Basis Only. The policy states that county cell phones are to be used for County Business Only - please see attached.

 

Earl Griffith, Tetra Tech Inc., briefed the commissioners on the Grover site.  Mr. Griffith has been working on the cleanup of the site for the last 14 years.  Mr. Griffith gave the commission copies of the groundwater reports comparing January 2007 to December 2004. He noted the improvement to all well sites that had previously shown contamination-see attached reports. At this time all contaminated well sites are county owned property. Mr. Griffith noted the concentrations in the groundwater were dramatically reduced and no adverse impacts to the county owned property.  Commissioner Hohn inquired about the cost of the cleanup.  Mr. Griffith replied that the Cleanup Fund is still footing the bill.  Mr. Griffith stated that he would like to see $.01/gallon of gas contributed to the cleanup fund to keep this type of work going in the future.  Commissioner Hohn also questioned Mr. Griffith about the Pop Inn cleanup site.  Mr. Griffith will forward copies of their recommendations for this site to the commissioners.  Commissioner Hohn signed the Change Order supplied by Tetra Tech Inc to continue the services that they have provided.

 

Shawn Higley, Broadwater County Planner, presented Lot B-3 Minor Plat for preliminary approval.  The findings of fact and order are attached.  Owners of record are James and Carol Duval being represented by First Shot Enterprises.  The Planning Board based on the conditions-see attached granted preliminary plat approval.  Commissioner Lynn moved to grant a variance for upgrading the 60 ft wide access & utility easement.  Commissioner Vennes seconded.  The motion carried.  Commissioner Lynn moved to grant a variance for the existing transmission line that traverses Lots B-3 and B-3-2.  Commissioner Vennes seconded.  The motion carried.  Commissioner Lynn moved to accept preliminary plat approval for Lot B-3 Minor.  Commissioner Vennes seconded.  The motion carried. 

 

Commissioner Vennes was called away on a personal matter.

 

Shawn Higley, Broadwater County Planner, presented Savane Estates Major Subdivision for preliminary approval.  The findings of fact and order are attached.  Owner of record is John Clark being represented by First Shot Enterprises.  The Planning Board based on the conditions-see attached granted preliminary plat approval. Condition 4 states that a professional engineer completes a road study. Melissa Tuemmler, First Shot Enterprises, on behalf of Mr. Clark replied that Savane Estates would remove trees and put signs up to improve the road.  However, Melissa did want the commission to be aware that the problems with the road exist with or without this subdivision.  Commissioner Hohn asked for a “Safety Study” be required rather than a complete “Road Study”.  Melissa Tuemmler also stated that they had received a letter from Ed Shindoll, Rural Fire Chief, stating that the “area” would need a 30,000 gallon water storage tank for fire protection versus the preferred per lot fee.  Commissioner Hohn while agreeing that it should not be the sole responsibility of this developer alone referred them to the Fire Board for resolution of this matter. Shawn Higley suggested that some form of payback from future buyers to alleviate the burden by this developer. Commissioner Lynn moved to approve Savane Estates Major Subdivision.  Commissioner Hohn seconded.  The motion carried.

 

Shawn Higley, Broadwater County Planner, presented River View Estates Phase A Minor Subdivision for preliminary approval.  The findings of fact and order are attached.  Owner of record is Steve Stolp being represented by First Shot Enterprises.  The Planning Board based on the conditions-see attached granted preliminary plat approval. Commissioner Lynn moved to grant a variance for the cul-de-sac of 1,915 ft. Commissioner Vennes seconded.  The motion carried.  Don Schauber, Schauber Surveying, wanted to insure the commissioners that Mr. Stolp worked hard so as disturbance was minimal and the road was not viewable from town.  Commissioner Lynn moved to grant Riverview Estates Phase A Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plat Approval. Commissioner Hohn seconded.  The motion carried.

 

Shawn Higley, Broadwater County Planner, presented Park Trail Ranch Major Subdivision for Final Plat Approval having met the conditions set forth by the Planning Board-see attached. Park Trail Ranch submitted a check in the amount of $32,929.48, 125 % of the estimated value for the cash bond payment for telephone services and the bus turnaround. The fees set aside are as follows:

                        BSE-$7,250.00

                        QWEST-$25,679.48

Commissioner Lynn moved to approve Park Trail Ranch Major Subdivision Final Plat.  Commissioner Hohn seconded.  The motion carried.

 

Don Thompson, Airport Board Chairman, briefed the commission on the use of the dirt pile from BOR for use of upgrading the Canyon Ferry Airport.  Don Thompson met with Randy Sobeck, owner of Montana Operators Training Trust, and made an agreement to use his heavy machinery students to move the dirt onto the airport.  Mr. Thompson inquired if the county could provide the fuel for the heavy equipment the students will use.  Mr. Sobeck’s company provides the use of the machinery and the students do the work, however, it is up to the airport to pay for the fuel.  Commissioner Hohn agreed to pay for the fuel.  Commissioner Lynn moved to approve $10,000.00 of PILT money to cover the cost of fuel for the Canyon Ferry Airport.  Commissioner Hohn seconded.  The motion carried.

 

Mail items:

 

Items/Mail for Action:

 

      • Payroll PPE 1/8/2007 - $218,070.94
      • Claims 1/11/2007 - $115,384.66

 

  • Commissioner Lynn moved to approve the payroll and claims.  Commissioner Vennes seconded.  The motion carried. Commissioner Hohn signed and approved the claims.

 

  • The commissioners signed a letter from Board of Crime Control requesting support of Brooke Dolan’s Victim/Witness Advocate Grant.

 

  • Sponsor Certification for Real Property Acquisition for the Townsend Airport Land Acquisition was reviewed and signed by the commissioners.

 

  • Jack Sangray sent a letter requesting a reduction in solid waste fees.  Commissioner Hohn noted that Sangray Excavation was charged for 4 units of solid waste.  Commissioner Hohn agreed that 4 units are excessive.  Natalie Tomeo will write a letter to Mr. Sangray, Department of Revenue and Tim Pool.

 

  • Commissioner Lynn moved to approve minutes from January 8, 2007.  Commissioner Hohn seconded.  The motion carried.

 

 

 

Ř      Items/Mail for Discussion:

 

·        Bob Masolo presented the commission with 2 estimates for repairs on one of the Broadwater County Road Department trucks.  The estimates are from Grizzly Diesel.  The first estimate is for $14,090.06, which includes replacement of the rods and mains.  The second estimate is for $12,790.57 without replacing the rods and mains.  Bob is waiting for 1 more estimate from Saltzman’s Fleet & Street.

 

·        Don Schauber submitted a letter from Jenny requesting a leave of absence for 2 months from the planning board, as she will be out of state.

 

·        Don Schauber inquired as to whether the commission would like to view the presentation for the Rolling Glen Ranch PUD, which is approximately ˝ hour in length.  The commissioners agreed to the presentation and told Mr. Schauber to contact Natalie Tomeo to arrange a time for the presentation.

 

·        A claim for extradition of a prisoner to Texas came through the Sheriff’s Office. Natalie Tomeo suggested a budget amendment by the amount of the claim, as that line item was significantly under-budgeted for this unseen event.  Commissioner Hohn stated that the Sheriff look at the policy for extradition and make changes to the policy if needed.

 

·        DNRC sent notification of the 2007 Matching Funds Program for the Rural

Fire Assistance Program.  Commissioner Hohn requested Natalie forward the notification to the Fire Board.

 

·        Bob Masolo’s retirement party was set for the afternoon of January 29, 2007.  Cake and coffee will be served.

 

 

v     Public Comments: 

 

o       Mr. Troy Hendrickson of S Fork Ray Creek Road wanted to state his comment regarding Savane Estates, John Clark’s subdivision. Mr. Hendrickson’s concern is groundwater.  Mr. Hendrickson would like the board to impose a geological study on groundwater.  He feels that 20 wells would be an extreme amount for the area and wanted certified personnel to look into the matter.

 

o       Janet Blazevich, a homeowner from Canyon Ferry Estates, expressed her concerns regarding Savane Estates.  She is concerned about the new subdivision’s impact on the S Fork Ray Creek Road.  Janet is also concerned about the water aquifer and the impact of a subdivision of this size.  Melissa Tuemmler replied to Janet’s concerns that DEQ would know more about the water table and had requested this information with good results.

 

o       Tom Shindoll, Rural Fire Board, noted that it was a pleasure working with Park Trail Ranch Subdivision. 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 pm.  The next meeting is scheduled for Monday January 29, 2007 and will be held in the Commissioners room located in the basement of the County Courthouse at 10:00 am.

                                                            _________________________________

                                                            Chairman, James V. Hohn

Attested By:

 

 

_____________________________________

Rhonda Nelson

Broadwater County Clerk & Recorder/Treasurer