COMMISSIONER’S MEETING

February 5, 2007

This to certify the following is a true and correct copy of the Broadwater County Commissioner Minutes approved by the Commissioners on February 26, 2007.

Rhonda Nelson, Clerk

Commissioner Chairman James V. Hohn called the meeting of the Broadwater County commissioners to order. Present were Commissioner Gail Vennes and Commissioner Keith Lynn.

· Susie Hamilton Library Trustee presented a strategic 5 year plan being implemented by Sharon Borer, Jerry Bodmer, and herself concerning use of the public library and also grants for the library. She left a survey form with each office in the courthouse regarding library use to be picked up later. She will update the commissioners with a power point presentation next time she meets with them.

· Bill Fleiner DES presented a resolution to the commissioners on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) that is being adopted by all Federal, State, & County emergency services. He would like to see all commissioners take a 3 hour course in Incident Command System (ICS 100) to familiarize them with how the NIMS works. The resolution presented is the first step in our county recognizing NIMS so the county will be able to receive State and Federal funding and emergency help in times of disaster. Bill also stated the funding for Emergency services may be going from a 50/50 match system to a competitive grant system.

Commissioner Hohn expressed concern as to whether our county would still receive disaster funding.

Bill Fleiner advised the commissioners it was the DES coordinators responsibility to apply for funding by participation and journals. He said we should not lose any funding, we may lose some hours from full time to part time, but no funding should be lost. Counties may choose not to participate in NIMS.

Commissioner Vennes expressed concern about limitations on funding.

Bill Fleiner said our funding will depend on our level of involvement with NIMS. He wants to be able to show we are ready and in compliance with NIMS at the county level (LEPC) local emergency planning committee. Bill also stated he would still use this system even without the funding issue because it is the system recognized by state and federal level and is easily adaptable as the emergency grows.

Elaine Mann was present with Bill Fleiner and bill advised the commissioners that Elaine was staying on to help with LEPC and to format our operations.

· Tom Shindoll Rural Fire Department addressed the commissioners about the Impact Fee Request for the Three Forks Fire District. He brought in letters signed by Ed Shindoll, Rural Fire Chief for Broadwater County and a letter signed by Bruce Felz, Fire Chief for Three Forks Fire, stating their concern about the rapid growth in our District due to the subdivisions in the south end of our county.

Commissioner Hohn questioned if the members of the Fire Board were all in agreement with the letters or if someone was trying to further their own agenda. He stated we need to have the request letter from the Fire Board and not the Chiefs of the Departments. Commissioner Hohn also stated if the impact fees come from our county we need to make sure that Gallatin County is willing to match what we put in.

Tom Shindoll said he would take the letter back to the Fire Board and have them present it to the commissioners and help in any way he could.

· Doug Ellis approached the commissioners about four abandoned mobile homes within the city limits. One owned by Josh Obert and three in the trailer park owned by Ron Lawser. Doug said these mobile home abandoned and pose a danger to the community. He was questioned by Sheriff Brenda Ludwig about the Obert trailer, she was concerned about fire danger and danger to children who could gain access to the building. Doug asked if the commissioners would be willing to waive the delinquent taxes on the trailers, which would allow them to be disposed of. Doug said Tim Poole Supervisor for the Sanitation Department would dispose of them for $50.00 a piece.

Commissioner Hohn asked how much the delinquent taxes for the properties were.

Doug advised he would have the amounts at the next commissioners meetings and he thought the taxes were uncollectible as the owners were no longer residents of the county or could not be located.

· Cheri-Costco marketing questioned if it would be possible to do a payroll attachment for county and city workers for Costco and give a$10.00 discount on the membership cost.

Commissioner Hohn advised her that had never been done before and they would have to talk it over amongst the commissioners.

· Sharon Walker-Silos Recreation Area 2006 Review Proposal for 2007

Sharon said they had a wonderful year at the silos with no complaints for the year. Thy added 2 new outhouses which will require more cleaning. She said they would like to keep only 2 open during the winter. They are trying to keep up with the tagging that vandals are doing to the buildings. She wanted to know if it would be possible to have someone come in and tag the buildings professionally or possibly something like the anti-meth signs the students did around the state. She said they paid $5200.00 in garbage fees and was wondering if the city or county could help out with that. They are thinking of hiring someone to manicure the grass and take care of the grounds. She also stated their payment was $18000.00 last year bu they only made $5000.00. She was wondering if they could get their payment lowered to $12500.00 for a longer term. (see attachment)

Commissioner Hohn said he will try to get to the trust board meeting and talk to them about her concerns.

· Shawn Higley submitted a preliminary plat approval for Lazy Acres subdivision. It was initially denied but now meets county approval and is being resubmitted. (see attachment)

Natalie Tomeo asked if there were any restrictions due to the airport zone.

Commisisoner Hohn asked Shawn to put the airport zone restrictions in the covenants.

Commissioner Vennes made a motion to approve with modifications. Commissioner Lynn seconded the motion. The motion was passed.

· Shawn submitted a preliminary plat approval for Homestead Tract 2 which was brought before and denied but now meets county specifications.

Commisisioner Vennes had a question on the lots sharing wells and wastewater treatment systems.

Ron Elliot was representing the Folkvords and advised the commissioners the buildings on these lots would be guest homes and they would like to allow the owners to put these homes wherever they would like on a 2.8 acre envelope. He said there would only be 2 homes connected to any well or wastewater treatment system. (see attachment)

Shawn Higley requested the plan be approved pending compliance with conditions set forth.

Commissioner Hohn mentioned they had received a letter from Mathew & Crystal Marx with concerns regarding this subdivision.

Shawn said there was no documentation or jurisdiction regarding that matter.

Commissioner Lynn moved to approve, Commissioner Vennes seconded, motion passed.

· Shawn Higley brought a final plat approval for Quiet subdivision Tract 7.

Commissioner Hohn had a question regarding mail boxes and addressing on subdivisions. This was discussed and it was decided Shawn and Nicole Brown will work on addressing and submit something to the commissioners about prepaying.

Commissioner Vennes moved to approve tract 7, Commissioner Lynn seconded, motion passed.

· Mail/Items for Discussion/Action

FWP submitted letter regarding Trusts for Projects for Funding

Rhonda Nelson Treasurer submitted a response to Vince Vacarro advising the late fees for tax ID#7C00233 would not be waived.

Larry Conner submitted a letter of complaint that he could not hear at the last planning meeting. Nicole said she would see if planning board would respond to the letter.

· Natalie submitted Payroll claims for $39,204.05

Commissioner Lynn moved to pay, Commissioner Vennes seconded, so moved.

· Commissioner Hohn thought driveway approach process should go through planning department instead of County Commissioners.

Natalie said she would have Shawn look at the driveway approach permit process.

· Natalie received a letter from Trainco offering classes for Heating/AC, Electrician and was wondering if Warren would need any of the training.

· Commissioner Hohn suggested we just hire professional help when needed.

· Commissioner Hohn received a quote for a commercial freezer and refrigerator for the Senior Citizens Center and submitted a quote for approval.

Commissioner Lynn moved to accept the quote, Commissioner Vennes seconded, the motion passed.

Natalie said she would order the units and pay for it out of the PILT fund.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 pm, the next Commissioners meeting is scheduled for February 12, 2007 at 10:00 am in the Commissioners room located in the basement of the Courthouse.

______________________________

James V. Hohn Chairman

ATTESTED:

_____________________________

Douglas D. Ellis

Chief Deputy

Clerk & Recorder/Treasurer