February 2, 2023

COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
February 2, 2023
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
9:00 Public Health Director Erin Cross met for her monthly update. Discussed progress of Crisis Coalition team. After conversations with Mental Health Center staff, Cross believes it is possible to create a clinician lead team so that time face to face with patients is billable. Cross noted request from schools for assistance with reproductive health and hygiene education; Public Health would like to partner with Girlology Inc. to provide this information. Discussed Senior Center visits for chronic health management program. Cross noted the Tobacco cessation program is now under Public Health. Noted RLACF Youth Coordinator has offered the assistance of high school students with required volunteer hours to assist with any needs related to the Community Health Assessment. Cross noted she has an employee on extended military leave.
9:30 Red Lodge Mayor Kristen Cogswell met for her regular appointment. Discussed nursing homes and Medicaid reimbursement. Discussed the current legislative session and state budget surplus. Discussed the airport, industrial park proposal, and the meeting scheduled for February 7. The Mayor is concerned that the City is committing the airport land for no value. Blain noted the significant economic impact of airports that have had investments including the City of Hamilton, whose Mayor believes the airport is one of the most valuable economic drivers for their community. Blain noted changes in the last 5-10 years for tourism. Mayor does not believe development would prevent or hamper the airport’s existence. Bullock noted alteration of boundary may need to wait until the current boundary is considered for FAA API funding. Bullock noted the economic development study done in 2004 was finalized by an economics student at MSU and questioned if it is still viable. Bullock noted proposed observatory may encroach on runway protection zone and Airport Board was not consulted regarding the development. Discussion about Airport boundary and Airport Board’s authority over that property. Mayor agrees that airport needs enough land to secure FAA Funding. Discussion about sewer expansion; Mayor noted City needs impact and hookup fees to pay to extend services.
10:00 Contract Civil Attorney Jacque Papez met for County Attorney time. Papez noted a complaint had been filed regarding the election video posted by Chip Bennett. Blain moved to close meeting to discuss pending litigation and criminal complaint regarding elections items; Bullock seconded; motion carried.

10:30 Joseph M. Sylvester, Natural Resources Manager Wyo-Ben, Inc. met with Commissioners to discuss Bentonite Leases. Deputy County Attorney Robert Spoja was in attendance. Carbon County has 6.25% mineral interest on land in the Warren Area. Sylvester discussed Wyo-Ben history and products that contain Bentonite, presented a reclamation history and plans, sage grouse considerations and protections, and royalty formula used by the company. Sylvester presented a draft lease agreement and permit documents including sage grouse. Commissioners would like to give County Attorney a week to review agreement and will place on next week’s agenda.
10:50 Meeting Closed to discuss personnel issue.
11:30 Meeting reopened

12:00 Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer