MINUTES OF THE COMMISSIONER’S MEETING

February 21, 2006

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

Pam Converse, Weed Department Coordinator, presented the Commissioners with a copy of the Coop Agreement with the City of Townsend. Commissioner Hohn moved to accept the agreement. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Hohn moved to approve the payroll in the amount of $89,539.49. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Hohn moved to approve the claims in the amount of $79,328.77. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Tom Shindoll, Rural Fire Board member, appeared before the Commissioners. He presented them with a copy of the Community Fire Plan. Commissioner Hohn asked a number of questions, some of which are listed as follows:

• Is this the actual plan or just an outline. Mr. Shindoll stated that it was the actual plan. Commissioner Hohn stated that the plan calls for over a million dollars of expenditures and asked how the Rural Fire Board expects to achieve the collection of the money. Mr. Shindoll told the Commissioners that the Plan was just a goal. Commissioner Hohn asked if the Fire Board expects the Developer to pay for it. Mr. Shindoll expects that they will be asked to make a substantial contribution towards that end. Commissioner Hohn stated that he doesn’t have a problem with the Plan but feels that more thought should go towards the financing.
• Is the statement on page 70 of the Plan supposed to supercede the Subdivision regulations. Mr. Shindoll told him that the Planning Board was well aware of it and in on it from the very beginning.
• The Fire Board recommends that a well with a rating of 20 gallons per minute for 20 minutes which is based on NFP Guidelines. Commissioner Hohn asked if this was per household. Mr. Shindoll said that it was and that Park County is trying to get a higher amount approved.
• Commissioner Hohn questioned why the Fire Board still wants all subdivisions to have water tanks. Mr. Shindoll stated that although he doesn’t necessarily agree with the tanks, the Fire Dept. thinks that they are needed.

Commissioner Mann stated that since this Plan is for full time departments, she would like a letter stating how the Fire Dept. expects to meet the needs. Mr. Shindoll advised the Commissioners that the Fire Dept. is trying to locate a 2 acre parcel of land for a Fire Hall near the lazy HM Subdivision. He also informed them that the Fire Board is replacing the Toston Fire Truck. They have obtained a 15 year loan for $119,000 to purchase it. $53,000 will come out of the fire protection fund.

Greg Jackson, MACO-JPIA Program, along with Julie Zipperian and Bill Kearns of Centennial Insurance appeared before the Commissioners to review the mid-year policy of the Montana Association of Counties Joint Powers Insurance Authority. Mr. Jackson explained how the Trustees use a study to determine whether or not to increase or decrease the coverage/rate for the up coming year. Other items discussed were: JPIA By-Law changes, proposed liability manuscript changes, County Facility use guidelines, claims administration/building update, work comp pool and election of Officers to the Insurance Authority Board. Commissioner Hohn asked about the liability of County sponsored sites such as skate board parks. Mr. Jackson said that there is county liability to be considered and suggested that Commissioner Hohn check with Lewis and Clark County on how they dealt with their Parks.

John Wright, resident of Indian Creek Road, met with the Commissioners regarding the Road. Mr. Wright presented the Commissioners with road petitions for Indian Creek Road from 1867 forward. He said that the old Wilson placer commonly known as the Ridge Road or Stage Road should be the main road and is the perfect area for the current Indian Creek Road to be moved. He wants the Commissioners, BLM and himself to come to an agreement. He wants them to recognize the old road and move the current road out of the placer mining area. The Commissioners will review the matter and take under advisement.

Mail/items of Discussion:

• Letter from Attorney at Law, Tom Budewitz, discussing the FAA compliance of our airports. He won’t be able to research the matter until after the 1^st of March, 2006.
• Letter from Susie Cavanaugh regarding phases 2 and 3 of the Rolling Glen Subdivision.
• Search and Rescue request for proposal of their new building. They want the Commissioners to comment. The Commissioners will ask them to meet with the Commissioners.
• A letter of resignation was received from Kim Kondelik. She is resigning from the Planning Board. Commissioner Hohn moved to accept her letter and asked that the Commissioners send a letter of "Thanks". Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
• A letter from Department of Transportation regarding funding issues. No action was taken at this time as the Commissioners need time to review the matter.
• A letter from Department of Environmental Quality regarding a permit for Broadwater Estates.
• A copy of the grant for a walking path with the Trust Board as the sponsor was sent by Joni Shearer.

The meeting adjourned at 11:32 a.m. The next meeting is scheduled for February 27, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioner’s room of the Broadwater County Courthouse.

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Elaine M. Mann, Vice Chairman

ATTESTED:

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Judy R. Gillespie, Clerk