This is to certify the following is a true and correct copy of the Broadwater County Commissioners Minutes approved by the Commissioners on July 17, 2006. Judy R. Gillespie, Clerk
MINUTES OF COMMISSIONER’S MEETING
July 10, 2006
Chairman Steven R. McCullough called the regular meeting of the Broadwater County Commissioners to order. Commissioner James V. Hohn and Commissioner Elaine M. Mann were present.
Bob Masolo, Road Foreman, reported on the Road Department’s activities as follows:
Henry Covey, whose residence is on Indian Creek Road, appeared before the Commissioners to inform them that he will be moving from Indian Creek in about 60 days. He told them that his wife can’t take the constant dust caused by the traffic on that road. He stated that he will continue to keep the road wet by his residence until the dust suppression is laid. Another resident of Indian Creek Road, John Wright, stated that the condition of the road has deteriorated. He advised the Commissioners that he had been run off the road twice because he couldn’t see due to the dust. He told the Commissioners that it is the responsibility of the County and Continental Lime to maintain the road and make it safe for the public.
Commissioner Hohn moved to approve the Commissioner’s Minutes for the meeting held on June 26, 2006 with corrections. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Natalie Tomeo, Finance Officer, notified the Commissioners of the following:
§ Bills from Stahly Engineering for their services to the sidewalk project. She will submit them to Montana Department of Transportation.
§ Per instructions from the County’s Auditors, trust fund balances will be transferred from fund 4301 to fund 7010.
§ A Billing statement for services provided to the County from Tom Budewitz, Attorney at Law was received. Natalie asked the Commissioners what funds are to be used to pay the bill. The Commissioners told her that half of the bill would be paid by the airport funds and the other half to be paid by the Commissioners. She suggested that the half paid by the Commissioners should in fact be paid out of the Wheatland Road escrow funds because the work performed by Mr. Budewitz was concerning the Wheatland Road turn lanes. The Commissioners agreed.
Jerry Bodmer, Broadwater County Planning Board Member, appeared before the Commissioners to present them with the Planning Board’s Community Decay Ordinance.
He reported that the Planning Board got copies of Gallatin County and Missoula County’s ordinance. After the Planning Board reviewed the Ordinances, they chose Gallatin County’s. He told the Commissioners that in order for the Ordinance to work, they would have to be willing to enforce it. He said that there was an AG exception in the Ordinance. The Commissioners will review the Ordinance and will discuss the matter at the next meeting. Melissa Tuemmler, Broadwater County Citizen, voiced her opinion on Community Decay Ordinances. She stated that they are a nightmare to enforce. She asked what the County’s current problems are pertaining to community decay. The Commissioners said abandon vehicles, mobile homes, and salvage yards. Melissa explained that there are junk vehicle laws that handle part of the problem but it does have a number of loop holes.
Commissioner Hohn moved to approve the payment of County Claims in the amount of $280,151.59. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Hohn moved to approve payroll for 6/23/06 in the amount of $87015.47. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Hohn moved to approve the payment of County Claims for 6/30/06 in the amount of $54,612.47. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Bill Burkland of Peccia and Associates, updated the Commissioners on the acquisition of properties for the Airport. Chairman McCullough did not take part in the discussion as a member of the Board of Commissioners since he is one of the land owners that will be discussed. Mr. Burkland reported that there is 6 different track of land that the Airport hoped to acquire to meet future needs. 4 have been acquired. Tract 11 which is 5 acres in the north west corner has asked 3 times the accessed value. Mr. Burkland said the property is not worth it. A piece of land owned by Mr. McCullough is also one that has not been acquired yet because of negotiation with the City. It is a narrow strip of land on the east side of the Airport. Mr. McCullough is concerned about his lease with the City on 70 acres adjoining the Fair grounds. He is asking to lease this land to protect his pivot. Mr. McCullough is also concerned about the Rodeo and Fair grounds. He asked if the airport was in compliance with a 60 foot runway. Mr. Burkland stated that it is in compliance. He told Mr. McCullough that the narrow strip of land that he owns would affect parallel taxi way if the airport decided to have it constructed. Mr. Burkland told the Commissioners that the acquisitions have to be done and submitted to FAA by July 21, 2006. John Walsh of the Rodeo Board expressed his concern about the possibility of the Rodeo-Fair Grounds being removed. Mr. Burkland stated that if the Airport Board decides to go to a higher weight status then the Grand Stands would have to be removed. Mr. Walsh explained that the FAA took half of their pasture land already are they going to take the remaining amount? Mr. Burkland explained the FAA makes none of the decisions regarding the land, however, the Airport Board does. Mr. Walsh expressed his frustrations over the matter. He said that the Rodeo Board cannot make plans for the future.
Valerie Middlemas, Clerk of District Court, asked the Commissioners for additional work days for her Deputy. She would like to have a 4/5 Deputy. Commissioner Mann asked how many training days per year that Valerie attended. Valerie stated that there was 1 week for training and convention plus 2 days for District meetings per years. Commissioner Mann asked how many days that she took for vacation. Valerie stated that she takes 2 weeks. Commissioner Hohn asked how much time the District Judges are here. Valerie stated that most Fridays they were here. The Commissioners told Valerie that they could not make a decision until they have got the County’s valuations and budget figures.
Jack Mann and Ed Regan appeared before the Commissioners. They represent the Forest Industry. Mr. Mann presented the Commissioners with the coalition’s recommendations to the Forest Service regarding the harvesting and usage of the Beaverhead National Forest. The coalition is made up of Smurfit-Stone, Sun Mountain Lumber of Deer Lodge, RY Timber of Townsend, Roseburg Forest Products and Pyramid Lumber of Swan Lake. The Coalition has also formed a partnership with Montana Wilderness, Trout unlimited, and National Wildlife Association. The objective of the Groups is to put moderate thinking people on the same page to address the Forest health and management
impacts the communities and citizens that live near or within the Forest. Commissioner Mann said that she was concerned about their proposal as it addressed only the Timber industry. She asked about the recreational or other multiple forest usage. Ed Regan advised Elaine that the Forest Service Travel or Recreational Plans are different than the plan that they are supporting. They ask the Commissioners to support their plan. Commissioner Hohn moved to support the coalition. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Hohn moved to sell an old generator owned by the county for $150. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous.
Commissioner Hohn moved to sell the old cook stove from the Senior Center for
whatever they can get for it. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous.
Beth Ihle, bike path project manager, presented the Commissioners with the application for the encroachment permit for the project for their approval and signatures. Commissioner Hohn asked what entity would be responsible for the maintenance of the bike path. Beth stated that Montana Department of Transportation would be responsible for the spraying of the weeds but the County would be responsible for any repair.
Commissioner Hohn moved to approve the bike path encroachment permit with Montana Department of Transportation. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous.
Jenny Schauber, non-voting member of the Planning Board, asked the Commissioners to become a voting member of the Planning Board. She explained that since she and her husband are retired from Schauber Surveying, there is no conflict of interest in her position to the Planning Board. The Commissioners asked her to put her request in writing.
Commissioner Hohn moved to approve the Commissioner Minutes for the meeting held on May 22, 2006. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. Commissioner McCullough abstained since he was not in attendance of the meeting. The motion passed.
Mail/items needing approval and signature:
§ The Senior Citizens have invited the Commissioners to attend lunch on Monday, July 17th for Commissioner appreciation day.
§ Tri County Electrical bill for installing the Seniors Citizen’s new cooking range will be paid out of maintenance according to the Commissioners.
§ Natalie Tomeo presented the Commissioners with letters from interest Citizens wanting to service on County’s Boards.
§ The Bio Terrorism grant was presented to the Commissioners for their approval. Commissioner Hohn moved to approve the application. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
§ Debbie Ilke of Montana Dept. of Aeronautic sent a copy of her letter to Bob Hollister regarding his request for through the fence access to the Canyon Ferry Airport.
§ Email from Shawn Higley, Broadwater County Planner, regarding Wheatland Meadows. The Commissioners need clarification on the email.
§ A copy of HB 124 distribution for 2007 was presented to the Commissioner by Natalie Tomeo.
§ USDA-Forest Service Water Compact Commission is having their meeting tomorrow.
§ Julie Lethert, County Sanitarian, requested authorization to attend a meeting. Chairman McCullough ok’d her request.
§ Myra Schultz has extended her contract with MACO.
§ Lynne Moon of Glacier Affordable Housing Foundation wants a resolution adopted appointing someone to be responsible to do environmental inspections for Home grant recipients in this County. The Commissioners are not interest because of the liability to the County.
§ Yellowstone County Commissioners invited the Commissioners to attend Pompey Pillar’s induction.
§ Granite County Commissions sent a copy of their letter to Bruce Ramsey, Forest Supervisor regarding the Forest Service Plan for the Deer Lodge National Forest.
§ Montana State Unversity-Bozeman sent letter advising of the transition period caused by the retirement of personnel in the local government area.
§ Memo to Virginia Knerr, Extension Agent and Michelle Christensen, Fair Board Manager, regarding the JPIA guidelines on the County’s liability insurance.
§ A letter from Greg Jackson requesting the amount for certificate of Insurance.
§ 2007 Service Agreement for Boyd Andrew’s services. No decision will be made this week as it wasn’t on the agenda.
§ $28,279. Motorola Claim for the Radio’s for the Sheriff’s Department have been paid out of the inoperable funds. 6 more radios have been invoiced. Natalie Tomeo noted that the DES Coordinator has not submitted his budget for 2006-2007. The Commissioners told Ms. Tomeo to submit the invoice for the 6 extra radios to the DES Coordinator.
§ Commissioner Mann moved to approve the Victim/Witness Advocate Officer Grant. Commissioner Hohn seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous.
Discussion item:
§ Commissioner Hohn reported that children were jumping off the docks at the Silo’s Bay. He is afraid that with the boats entering and leaving the bay someone will get hurt. The Commissioners will write a letter to the Silos RV Park suggesting signs put up in the dock area against swimming, diving, etc. A copy of the letter will be sent to the Trust Board.
§ Commissioner Hohn reported to the Commissioners on the mosquito spraying and the lack of funds for the Fish, Wildlife and Parks area of the lake.
§ Commissioner Mann brought up the subject of full time Commissioners since Chairman McCullough has submitted his letter of resignation. Judy Gillespie, Clerk to the Commissioners, stated that as far as she was concerned there is no vacancy on the Board as the law specifically says that the resigning Commissioner has to submit his letter to her. The Commissioners discussed the cost to the County Taxpayers if they would approve full time Commissioners. It would cost the taxpayers in salaries alone over $150,000 per year not including benefits. There would also be costs related to housing, equipment and office supplies. Commissioner Hohn and Chairman McCullough stated that they were not in agreement to her request.
§ Commissioner Mann stated that the Salary Commission will meet again next week.
Public Comments:
§ Sara Seiler, Broadwater County Resident, asked who owns the Fair Grounds. The Commissioners told that the City and County owns the ground. The Rodeo Board leases the facilities. She also asked why Broadwater County doesn’t have impact fees since Arizona and Gallatin County has them. Commissioner Mann told her that there is legislation regarding impact fees.
The meeting adjourned at 2:52 pm. The next regular meeting will be held on July 17, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioner’s Room of the Courthouse.
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Steven R. McCullough, Chairman
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Judy R. Gillespie, Clerk