MINUTES OF THE COMMISSIONER’S MEETING

OCTOBER 17, 2005

The meeting of the Broadwater County Commissioners was called to order by Chairman James V. Hohn. Present were Commissioner Steven R. McCullough and Commissioner Elaine M. Mann.

Helena Job Service’s Assistant Manager, Phil Grossberg along with Career Institute representative’s Lisa Smith and Cheryl Smith appeared before the Commissioners. Mr. Grossberg presented an update on what services are provided to the public by Job Service. Lisa Smith reported on Career Institute’s Business and Computer Software training. They also provide Clerical- medical training. They have a new course in- conjunction with the Lewis and Clark Library which is a basic computer course that trains people on how to complete an "on line" work application. Cheryl Smith advised the Commissioners about dislocated worker’s program. She noted that veterans returning from Iraq may qualify for that program. CTI will be at the Broadwater County Library on November 16, 2005. Chairman Hohn brought up the problem of Child Care Resources in our County and asked if the group had any suggestions to help. He was advised that there is some Federal money available for start up. They said that Joe Bauer is a Consultant at the Business Resource Center and that he could possibly advise someone about getting a small business started.

Don Thompson, Broadwater County Resident, met with the Commissioners to express his interest in becoming an Airport Board member. He told the Commissioners that he is a pilot and would like to provide his service and knowledge to the Board. He presented the Commissioners with references. The Commissioner will make a decision on the Board member at a later date.

Items of Discussion:

• Chairman Hohn discussed the cost of storage which is currently $135 per mo.
• Asked Natalie Tomeo, Finance Officer to investigate the cost of the Sheriff’s Officers weapons.

• Chairman Hohn advised the Commissioners that a phone system is supposed to be installed at the airport along with a modem which will be connected to the Finance Officer’s office. This is being installed so that the Finance Officer can monitor the usage of credit cards when purchasing airplane fuel. The Airport Board will set the cost of the fuel per gal. A flowage fee of 4 cents will be paid to the county plus the cost for the credit card processing fee. Commissioner McCullough informed the Commissioners that the Airport Board is bad mouthing the Commissioners over a number of things. Commissioner McCullough is concerned about residential hangars and how they will affect the airport. The FAA is to evaluate the airport on Wednesday. At least one of the Commissioners will be at that meeting. Commissioner Mann stated that she believes the airport is for economic development and should be business oriented.
• Chairman Hohn advised the Commissioners that he is concerned about not having an Attorney at the Commissioners meetings. He is investigating on how that could be accomplished.

At 11:00 Bids were open for a Road Grader. RDO presented a bid for $215,800 and will except a trade-in of the County’s John Deere 772. This will leave a balance of $176,420. The Commissioners will take this under advisement.

Julie Lethert, County Planner, presented the Quiet Subdivision Phase III. Commissioner McCullough asked if the Road Supervisor had signed off on the roads. Julie stated that Bob Masolo had indicated to Nicole Brown that if Tom Campbell, the engineer of the project had signed off then he’d ok it. The Commissioners wanted to get the ok from Mr. Masolo. Mr. Masolo appeared before the Commissioners stating that he had inspected the Road. He told the Commissioners that the basic structure was there. Commissioner

McCullough moved to approve Quiet Subdivision Phase III. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Mann informed the Commissioners on how Jefferson County is handling their Road Improvement District. Julie Lethert, County Planner, said that Jefferson County has received a grant for $60,000 to be used for studies of the roads. Commissioner Mann told the Commissioners that the impact on the road was more evident through the usage of maps received from Dept of Transportation. Great West did the survey for Jefferson County. Commissioner Mann asked if the County could increase the impact fee to handle this issue. The Commissioners advised her that there are specific laws governing the impact fee.

The Commissioners discussed the legal study conducted about Dunbar Road. Commissioner McCullough moved to authorize Chairman James V. Hohn to enter into a contract with Morrison-Maierle Inc of Helena, MT at his discretion. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Tim Ravndal, Multiple Use Association, appeared before the Commissioners to advise them on the Road less Area Petition process. The Multiple Use Association has asked the Governor for the State’s position on RS2477 routes. The Governor has not requested funding from the Dept of Agriculture and the Multiple Use Association wants to know why. The Governor will only accept information from the Counties. The Multiple Use Association would like the Commissioners to do a resolution appointing a task force on the economic impact of the road less areas. Commissioner Mann told the Commissioners that at the conference in September, Mike McGinley presented the impact to the Beaverhead caused by the road less areas. Mr. Ravndal told the Commissioners that RY Timber has hired a Forester to do a study on 13 areas of Timber; School of Mines is doing a study on the area; Grey Mont has a Environmental Assessment person doing a study on land owned by Jack Smith. These Studies should help determine that the road less areas will not benefit the public. The Multiple Use Association is trying to get the January 2006 deadline extended to April 2006. Mr. Ravndal asked the Commissioners for help in this matter.

Judy Gillespie, Clerk and Recorder/Treasurer, presented a request from a mobile home taxpayer for a reduction in the penalty and interest on the delinquent taxes. The taxpayer recently purchased the mobile home and is fixing it up for his family to live in. Mrs. Gillespie told the Commissioners that the taxes are delinquent since 2000 and the property needs considerable remodeling. The Commissioners took no action on the matter.

Public Comment:

• Mike Ferguson appeared before the Commissioners to ask about the airport. He wants the Commissioners to know that he is willing to help.

Julie Lethert, Sanitarian, appeared before the Commissioners to discuss the Travis Richtmyer set back. The property is located at Springville. Julie stated that the way the former Sanitarian had set up the set back, it only measured 91 feet. It should be 100 ft. The Commissioners reviewed the location and suggested that if the location of the well was changed to the no build zone it would meet the 100 ft requirement.

Julie Lethert, County Planner, presented the Commissioners with a requested for waiver of the Road Plan and drainage system from Wilkin Major Subdivision. The Commissioners denied the request.

Julie Lethert, County Planner, advised the Commissioners that the Colters Run Subdivision has been sold.

Julie Lethert, County Planner, asked the Commissioners how the impact fee formula on roads would work. She asked about the pay back formula. The money would be held in escrow until things are completed. She said the Developer has to pack the weight. The Planning Board wants to know where to go from here. The Commissioners stated that the Morrison-Maierle was supposed to get us a formula that is defensible. She told the Commissioner that The Planning Board wants to get a zoning plan in affect.

Julie Lethert, County Planner, informed the Commissioners that Brian Rogers from Bozeman, MT wants to put a house on the property that he owns in this County. The property is located in the flood plain. Mrs. Lethert suggested that he get a variance of the flood plain. He has offered to put up a scholarship to the High School if the County would give him a variance. The Commissioners said that he needs to have a base flood evaluation study done on his property and submit it to the Federal and State Agency’s that handle the flood plain. Commissioner McCullough will check to see how much it would cost the County to have the study done.

Commissioner Mann reported on demolition of the old jail.

Commissioner Mann moved to accept the Commissioner Minutes of September 19, 2005. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner McCullough moved to accept the Commissioner Minutes of September 26, 2005. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Mann moved to accept the Commissioner Minutes of September 12, 2005. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner McCullough moved to amend the previously approved minutes of August 15, 2005 as indicated in italic. Commissioner Hohn seconded the amendment. The motion passed unanimously.

Mail:

• Dept. of Transportation completed the study of Highway 285 from Highway 287 to Radersburg. They recommend setting up speed zones as you approach Radersburg that goes from 70mph to 45mph to 35mph to 25mph. The Comment period is for 60 days. The Commissioners concur in the Highway Department’s recommendations.
• Letter from Joelle Briggs, FAA inspector, advising the Commissioners that he will be doing the Townsend Airport inspection on October 19, 2005 at 9:00 a.m.
• Department of Revenues letter regarding the Northwestern energy’s change in valuation. The change has lowered the amount of tax collection around $18,000.
• Letter from Work Force Investment thanking the Commissioners for their cooperation and support.
• Letter from the Historical Society designating all Montana Courthouses as historic.
• Letter from Larry Connor questioning the proposed Dunbar Road.
• Thank You from the Food Pantry for the $2500 donation.
• Packet to the Commissioners from Beth Ilhe, Forest Service, regarding the North Belt Travel plan.
• Radio Steering Committee notice
• Department of Environmental Quality amendments to Administrative Rules.
• Letter from Teamsters stating that they ratify the contract.
• Dave Moray of Dept of Health and Human Services sent Welfare Plan.
• Letter from Peccia and Assoc. regarding Land Use.
• A letter from a Construction Company asking for a zoning permit. They will be using the gravel pit at the Andy Bruce property. The Commissioners will write to the Company advising them that there is no zoning but there is a weight restriction on Jack Farm Road.
• Commissioners received a letter regarding the Iron Mask transfer of land. Comments have to be made by Thursday. The Commissioners will table the matter for the time being.

Commissioner Mann moved to accept Claims in the amount of $55,589.44. Commissioner McCullough seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner McCullough moved to accept payroll in the amount of $102,656.47. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for October 24, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioner’s room of Broadwater County Courthouse.

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James V. Hohn, Chairman

ATTESTED:

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Judy R. Gillespie, Clerk