COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
February 11, 2020
Commissioners Robert ‘Pits’ DeArmond, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; Angela Newell, Administrative Officer; and Barbara Daniel, Commissioners’ Secretary were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance
Roberts Highway 212 Improvement and Safety Committee (RISC) members Michael Gebhardt (chair), Steve Keebler, Sanford Langager, MarCo LaRowe, Dale Marie Muller, Frank Jarvenpaa, Chris White, and Alex Ator joined the meeting. RISC proposed three changes to Montana Department of Transportation’s (MDT) Improvement Plan: 1) reduce the speed limit from 45mph to 35mph through Roberts; 2) do not install the Two-Way Left Turning Lane (TWLTL) so as to allow wider shoulders as a buffer for farm vehicles, pedestrians, and Amish buggies; 3) fill in the open ditches on both sides of the highway with buried drainage culverts. RISC would prefer curb-and-gutters over the current ditch design for business curb-appeal, similar to Joliet’s community feel.
RISC is requesting a temporary speed reduction before MDT’s formal speed study that the Commissioners said they support upon project completion. RISC feels that MT Code Annotated 61-8-309(d) supports this reduction. RISC would explore private funding and MDT approval for neon-flashing speed signs similar to Joliet’s.
Commissioner Blain concurred that the TWLTL was not necessary and that a speed reduction would be reasonable, however, he disagreed about the drainage ditches stating that MDT will not go to curb-and-gutter at this late point in construction and because the ditches were designed to improve drainage in the area.
Commissioner Bullock mentioned the Ordinance passed in 1999 about lowering the Roberts school zone speed to 40mph during school hours.
Discussion about Amish buggy safety. RISC reported approximately seven Amish families around Roberts presently, with more families expected soon. RISC requested that buggy signs be posted as soon as possible. Commissioner Bullock referred to a recent email from Zach Kirkemo, MDT Traffic Engineer, inquiring about whether there was a need to install W11-14 horse and buggy warning signs. Commissioners will reply to MDT requesting the signs be posted North and South of Roberts.
9:10 Mary Boyer joined to meeting to present Inclusion of Properties to the Belfry-Carbon County Water & Sewer District. The district requested to include three new properties and then closing boundaries as they will be at capacity. Commissioner Bullock and Newell stated that the measure is a district Board issue and not a
Commissioner issue; Newell read MCA stating that the Board can draft an Ordinance and file with the Clerk and Recorder.
9:30 Public Health Nurse Roberta Cady, Public Health Nurse Sheila Boggio, and Mental Health Center Prevention Specialist Mary Cameron joined the meeting for the Office of Public Assistance (OPA) Community Support Request. They would like to bring OPA back for at least 2 days a month, as some other counties have done, if the County could provide OPA space in the Personal Services building. Cady stated that the residents of Carbon County aren’t getting the assistance they need because the nearest office is 60 miles away over oftentimes difficult roads. All departments in the Personal Services building are feeling the burden and increased task load trying to guide citizens who are in need of comprehensive OPA services.
The Commissioners will ask the State for a full-time renewal of services and see whether the State agrees, or can come to a compromise agreement. Commissioners will draft a letter detailing all the negative side-effects of OPA’s departure on other County offices in the building and the citizens in the County.
10:00 Special Airport Board Meeting. In attendance were Board members Merrill Pfeiffer (teleconference) and Mark DeRudder, and Yellowstone Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) members Matt Boggio and Carl Jones.
Bullock moved to approve the Yellowstone SCCA Autocross event as proposed for May 30-31, 2020 at the Bridger Airport contingent upon the drafting and signing of the agreement by Yellowstone SCCA and the Airport Board; Blain seconded; motion carried.
10:35 Special Airport Board Meeting adjourned.
Commissioner Bullock noted that Commissioners received mail copies of correspondence from Felt Martin PC, legal representation for Meeteetse Meadows South Homeowners Association demanding Priority 2 road maintenance and snow removal on Meeteetse Trail to the east of the top of the bench to the entrance of Crow Hill Lane. Sherriff/Dispatch/DES have been apprised of the legal situation and have been told that all inquiries need to route through County Attorney’s office.
Commissioner Bullock moved to approve the Commissioners’ Proceedings for January 21, 2020; Commissioner DeArmond seconded; motion carried.
12:00 Adjourned
Respectfully submitted: Barbara Daniel, Commissioners’ Secretary