COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
September 7, 2017
Commissioners Doug Tucker, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock, and Administrative Assistant Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance
Gordon Sirrine was present.
Mary and Richard Sink met with Commissioners to discuss the medical marijuana shop south of Bridger. They are concerned neighbors were not informed before about the shop opening. Commissioner Bullock noted medical marijuana shops are regulated by the State of Montana not the County. Mary asked why the County does not have a business license requirement; it was noted to implement that kind of license would require changes to County Development Regulations which would be initiated through the planning board.
Commissioner Tucker moved to accept Clerk and Recorder Monthly Deposit Reconciliation; Commissioner Bullock seconded; carried
Commissioner Tucker moved to accept Treasure Cash Report for August 2017; Commissioner Bullock seconded; carried.
Commissioner Tucker moved to accept District Court Fees Distribution Report for August 2017; Commissioner Bullock seconded; motion carried.
Commissioner Tucker moved to accept District Court Fines and Fees Summary for August 2017; Commissioner Bullock seconded; motion carried.
9:00 County Attorney Alex Nixon, Deputy County Attorney Shannon Foley, and Civil Deputy Attorney Jacque Papez met with Commissioners to discuss County business. Alex noted the City of Red Lodge may be pulling out of DUI Task Force. Commissioners and attorneys discussed ownership issues with the Red Lodge Cemetery District Referendum. A letter was sent to the City requesting cemetery land ownership issues be resolved prior to the election. Alex will contact the City Attorney regarding necessary actions to clear up ownership in the deed record. Jacque received a call from the Big Horn WY Fire District regarding a proposed interlocal agreement for fire protection and other emergency assistance. As the District is not associated with Big Horne County they would prefer to enter into an agreement for fire protection services only. Commissioners agreed to address the larger interlocal agreement separately with Big Horn County. Angela noted she has been contacted by EverPower and is in the process of scheduling meetings with them at the end of September to review new project lay out and to determine if the project is the same and can be constructed under their existing Development Permit.
9:45 Superintendent of Schools Jane Swanson-Webb and Lori Kane met with Commissioners to present final school budgets. Commissioner Bullock moved to approve school budgets as presented; Commissioner Blain seconded; motion carried. They also discussed School Bus route changes.
10:00 Contract Planner Forrest Mandeville, DES Coord. / GIS Mgr. Tom Kohley, and Clerk and Recorder Marcia Henigman met with Commissioners to discuss Subdivision Regulation updates. They discussed fire protection provisions and the current practice of accepting an Alternative Fire Fee to meet those requirements. A concern is that fire protection conditions have been left up to the individual Fire District Chiefs; the County would like a consensus on what fire suppression systems or mechanisms are most useful to districts and a consensus on how to evaluate the fire risks a subdivision may pose. Funding and maintaining fire suppression systems were also a concern; Commissioners discussed the option of using special rural improvement districts to ensure the maintenance of fire suppression systems.
Also discussed multiple family transfers and potential issues that may arise with dense development created through this type of exemption. Marcia noted she has received multiple documents all at one where a family transfer ends up being sold to another individual outside of the family. Marcia asked is this pattern of development is subdivision evasion and could creating patter of development be defined in regulations. Forrest noted legislative changes which will require Regulation updates including: HB 416 which clarifies the purpose of an environmental assessment; HB 445 which allows for a phased subdivision development; and HB 245 which establish timelines for review of a final plat.
Commissioners and Forrest also discussed changes to an approach for an additional lot being accessed by the existing driveway. Commissioners would like new approach applications submitted and agree to waive the fee.
11:15 Commissioner Blain moved to accept Resolution 2017-15 to Allow Department of Revenue to add Special District delinquent assessments to tax bills; Commissioner Bullock seconded; carried.
Commissioner Blain moved to approve Commissioner Proceedings for August 3, 7, and 10; Commissioner Bullock seconded; motion carried.
Commissioner Tucker moved to accept claims for August 2017 as presented; Commissioner Blain seconded; motion carried.
Commissioners discussed the open Bridger Road Foreman position. Would like to interview both Jarred Bergum and Matt Lammaman who have expressed interest in the position.
12:00 Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Assistant