COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
March 23, 2021
Commissioners Bill Bullock and Scott Miller; Administrative Officer Angela Newell; and Commissioners’ Secretary Barbara Krizek were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
Newell stated that Commissioner Blain reported that last night the Town of Joliet formally adopted their resolution annexing the proposed Detention Facility property.
Marvin Rodenbec joined the meeting during Public Comment period to observe County business.
9:00 Carbon County Historic Preservation Officer Debra Hronek joined the meeting regarding the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) agreement renewal and the Certified Local Government Grant (CLG) agreement renewal. Commissioner Bullock inquired about gravel site permitting as related to the SHPO. Hronek said that most of their reviews are subdivision and bridges, but that she didn’t see any reason that a potential gravel site couldn’t be evaluated by her as well. Commissioner Bullock stated that FEMA requires SHPO certification for reimbursement of expenses as pertaining to gravel procurement. Commissioner Miller moved to approve Professional Services Agreement with Carbon County Historical Society for SHPO; Commissioner Bullock seconded; motion carried. Commissioner Miller moved to approve the Montana Historical Society for CLG; Commissioner Bullock seconded; motion carried.
9:30 Ken Coffin, District Ranger for Custer-Gallatin National Forest, met with Commissioners for an update. Discussed Forest Plan Revision; hope to have it signed in September for implementation in the following year. Great American Outdoor Act – provided $41.9B annually for the next five years to provide maintenance for facilities and infrastructure in national parks, forest, wildlife refuges, and recreation areas. It will also use offshore oil and natural gas royalties to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Funding will be used for adding camping sites on Lake Fork and improvements to the Glacier Lake trailhead road to help mitigate use of unauthorized camp sites along the road. Also funding to improve pavement and chip sealing on West Fork Road. Hope to make improvements on Road into the Pryors in 2022 or 2023. Also looking at possible improvements to Nichols Creek trail head. Timber harvest – greater focus in Red Lodge area; discussion regarding legal challenges; bid has been issued hoping to start the project this summer. Focus on fuels reduction to create a better margin in the event of a wildfire. Also hope to create vegetative diversity to promote better wildlife habitat. Intend to enter into Good Neighbor Agreement with DNRC so they can provide staff support and manage the landscape in a more cooperative manner. Discussion regarding fire protection for Red Lodge Mountain ski area; effects of fire on erosion and soil stability. Discussed increasing campground fees. Discussed the possibility of entering into a cooperative road maintenance agreement for roads that directly access the National Forest; Coffin would propose County takes care of road to Forest boundary and Forest Service take care after that point. Coffin is working through this process with Stillwater. Would also be a vehicle for other cooperative projects that Coffin hopes could help gain some efficiencies where Forest could help maintain county roads in exchange for County maintenance on Forest roads in other areas.
11:00 Detention Facility discussion with Sheriff Josh McQuillan, Undersheriff Jeff Schmalz, and Commissioner Scott Blain. Discussion regarding HB632 (Implementing the American Rescue Plan Act) and the probability of 25% match requirement; construction bond might be able to be used as a source of match. Discussion regarding operating budget. Discussion regarding Joliet Town Council and their annexation resolution formally adopted last night. Discussed Sheriff Office deputy applications; approximately 20 applications received, many from out of state, but won’t be able to test until April.
11:30 Commissioner Miller moved to adopt Resolution 2021-06 Intent to Amend the Carbon County Development Regulations; Blain seconded; discussion that Resolution initiates a 30-day protest period; Commissioners may recommend changes from Public Hearing; removed language that Commissioners appoint full planning board as some members are appointed by municipalities; motion carried.
12:00 Adjourned. Commissioners Miller and Bullock plan to attend an Open House this afternoon provided by Montana Department of Transportation regarding the Chance Road Bridge replacement.