August 18, 2022

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COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
August 18, 2022
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
Discussion with Treasurer Lori Lynde regarding the County’s taxable value; now that it is over 50K the resolution to add another deputy can be in effect.
9:00 Building Maintenance Coordinator Mike Schilz and Janitor Assistant Callie Allen met with Commissioners to discuss a request from Allen to reduce hours to 34 hours per week with an altered schedule still Monday – Friday with flexible hours; Allen noted she still plans to start at 7:00 and work until 3:00 most days with the end time being more flexible. HR Specialist Kate Asbury was in attendance. Newell noted that with reduced hours, Allen would no longer be eligible for 1% longevity increases.
Meeting closed to further discuss HR issues. 9:15 meeting reopened.
Newell gave overview of budget balancing process and line item increases.
9:30 Red Lodge Mayor Kristen Cogswell met for her regular meeting. Discussion included the upcoming Summer Fest Flood fundraiser; Cedarwood Villa sale, MDT’s repair work in Red Lodge, and FAA funding for the airport.

10:00 County Attorney Alex Nixon met for his regular meeting. Blain discussed Stene and Everetz Road status; Nixon noted treatment of the road for the last half century probably constitutes a prescriptive easement. Nixon noted response to voter integrity group, noting that records can be kept longer if there is pending litigation, his office recommendation is to follow the retention schedule. Discussed appeal provisions for Development Regulation processes for Group 1 and Group 2 permits. Nixon noted Regulations allow for an “aggrieved person” to appeal the Planning Directors’ decision. Discussion about appeal process, and concerns about timelines. Discussed noticing issuance of permit to property owners within the 100’ radius.
10:12 meeting closed to discuss HR issue. 10:30 meeting reopened.

Miller moved to approve Commissioners proceedings for July 21, 26, 28; Blain seconded; motion carried.

10:30 Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Coordinator Cyrina Allen, Jeff Gates State DES, Fromberg Mayor Tim Nottingham, Linda Jones, Phil Dehaan, Tina Foust, and Alistair Baker Carbon County News met regarding Fromberg’s flood bills.

Nottingham noted roughly ½ of properties in town were damaged by the flood. Noted already losing money on garbage service because Town Council does not want to raise rates. Also noted residents also pay extremely high water and sewer bills because of state requirements for debt related to water and sewer system repairs.
Nottingham noted the Town does not have cash on hand to pay for dumpsters related to flooding; Nottingham hopes there is a way to take care of it without the town paying for it. Allen emphasized that flood debris removal is Public Assistance eligible reimbursement, but FEMA will need documentation that it was related to flood debris removal. Allen emphasized that FEMA is on a reimbursement basis, Gates noted FEMA’s project list for Fromberg has reserved $150,000 for dumpsters although he understands the cash flow issue. Gates noted other jurisdictions have had to borrow money to make the initial payment to receive FEMA reimbursement. Gates noted the Public Works director can provide document that dumpsters were only used for flood related debris and submit letter for FEMA PA. Gates noted 25% of FEMA funding received State-Wide has gone to Fromberg residents or is earmarked for the Town of Fromberg. Miller emphasized the need for City elected officials and hired employees to be the ones requesting items. Allen reemphasized that the Town Council needs to designate someone to be their State Liaison; Gates noted this is a State legal requirement and many municipalities typically designate County DES.

11:30 Commissioners discussed Floodplain Fees for permits related to the 2022 Spring flooding. Miller moved to waive Floodplain Fees until to December 31, 2022; Blain seconded; motion carried.

Rod Ostermiller met with Commissioners to discuss the Mental Health Center Services Agreement.

Kohley met for the DNRC Option 3 Agreement; Commissioners signed. Kohley noted fire page last night for incident off Pryor Mountain Road.

12:00 Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer