COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
July 8, 2021
Commissioners Scott Blain, Bill Bullock and Scott Miller; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioners attended a public information meeting hosted by the Detention Facility Citizen Committee last evening held at the Joliet Community Center. In attendance were: Committee members Hal Lewis, Gary Morseman, Gary Foecterle, Steve Theusen, and Jane Swanson-Webb, Hulteng CCM’s Shane Swandal, Spectrum Architects’ Kathleen Armstrong, Sheriff Josh McQuillan, Administrative Officer Angela Newell, Melvin Hoferer, Karen Huso, Allen Huso, Rebecca Nicholas, Judy Moresman, Kristin Kelly, Dennis Nagel, John Francis, Tom and Karina Francis, Carbon County News’ Alistair Baker, Linda Beeler, Gary Beeler, Shane Warehime, Jerry Schiffer, Harold Shirmann, Betty Grewell, Amber Foecterle, Mike Cline, Brenda Cline, Lou Schreiter, Marla Moody, Michah Snodgrass, Sue McQuillan, Jim Gruber, Lisa Gruber, Shelly Jurk, Norm Stevens, Steve Sherman, Patricia Pucheer, Greg Poucher, Ed Fischer, John Fischer, Dan Nardinger, Judy Manweiler, Mike Manweiler, and Emily Ringer. A panel presentation was given covering topics such as: the decades-long history regarding detention issues, transportation challenges to other counties with facilities, the nature of the crimes being committed and the warrants outstanding, the public safety challenges facing judges with few options for imposing detention on offenders, and construction and operating budgets. A public question and answer session concluded the meeting.
9:20 Miller moved to approve the Area II Agency on Aging Certification of Match for a 2.25% increase for 2021-2022; Blain seconded; motion carried.
Commissioners discussed the request from Carbon County/Stillwater Senior Programs for a 4% increase for 2021-2022; Commissioners budgeted requested increase.
Blain moved to approve Resolution 2021-22 for Prosecutorial Assistance with Sweet Grass County; Miller seconded; motion carried.
9:30 Red Lodge Mayor Bill Larson and Community Development Director James Caniglia met with Commissioners for the City’s standing meeting. Updates regarding hiring a new Chief; 2021-2022 Budget (excess Resort Tax revenues will result in property tax relief). They presented a map for an area on the North end of Red Lodging they are considering for an Urban Renewal Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District; would freezes property tax revenue for 15 years, all new revenues would be invested in that district. Will have to outline funding priorities; one item would potentially be workforce housing; curb, gutter, sidewalk projects; roadway improvements (for non-Highway roadways) especially 2nd street that accesses the High School; improvements to the old pea cannery; false fronts for unattractive buildings; and potentially
improvements to the High School. New buildings would be the highest priority until there is a tax increase to help support additional other infrastructure. Additional buildings on Red Lodge Ales property (to the North of the current building) could be the first buildings to contribute to the TIF. Bullock asked about development code and community entrance zoning (housing, mixed use, dense development). Caniglia noted the TIF would aid developers (paying for permit fees) as a “carrot” to get developers to meet City priorities. Hope to create before February 1 deadline, the City is also considering a TIF at the South entrance to the City to address old hospital and other abandoned buildings.
10:30 Contract Civil Deputy County Attorney Jacque Papez met with Commissioners regarding the Industrial Communications and Electronics Settlement Agreement. There are some minor adjustments that still need to be approved by Industrial’s attorney. Blain moved to approve the Industrial Communications and Electronics settlement agreement terms and to accept the final Settlement Agreement as long as there are no substantive changes to Papez’ redlines; Miller seconded; motion carried.
11:00 Brent Moore Interstate Engineering met with Commissioners regarding the American Rescue Plan Act State Competitive Grant Application with the Town of Joliet that includes the extension/upsizing of services to the proposed Detention Facility site. Blain moved to provide $300,000 to the Town of Joliet’s match for the State Competitive ARPA Grant Application; Miller Seconded; motion carried.
11:30 Miller moved to approve claims for June 2021; Blain seconded; motion carried.
DES Coordinator Cyrina Allen met with Commissioners to discuss possible grant programs to address ditch issues related to recent ditch blow outs; Allen is reviewing Building Resilient Infrastructure and communities Program (BRIC) or Flood Mitigation Grants through FEMA. Commissioners are hesitant to sponsor the grant applications; they prefer the Ditch Company initiate the application. Bullock asked if there are other ways the County could support the grant. Commissioners approved Allen assisting with the application process.
12:00 Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer