February 23, 2021

COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
February 23, 2021

Commissioners Scott Blain and Bill Bullock; Administrative Officer Angela Newell; and Commissioners’ Secretary Barbara Krizek were present.

8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.

Red Lodge Area Community Foundation (RLACF) members Tesla Palmatier, David Kallenbach, and Robin Adams joined to present an update on the Carbon County Area Ride & Transit (CART) program which is now offering assistance in the community. So far, they have one van but hope to add more vans for operational efficiency. They requested of Commissioners a continued Letter of Support for their Montana Department of Transportation grant; Commissioners drafted and signed. 8:40 Commissioner Miller joined the meeting. Adams detailed RLACF’s Workforce Housing program; they are actively building affordable homes in the Spires Subdivision but are looking to expand farther out into the County.

Commissioner Bullock reported that yesterday he met with Red Lodge Mayor Bill Larson, Red Lodge Community Development Director James Caniglia, Messiah Lutheran Church representative Linda Daly, her architect Susan Hovde, Red Lodge Airport Board members Steve Smith and Gary Herem, Administrative Officer Angela Newell, and Commissioners’ Secretary Barbara Krizek to discuss Messiah Lutheran’s desire to begin construction this summer on a new church along Highway 78 on a property that falls within the City of Red Lodge’s Airport Safety Overlay Zoning District and the airport’s Runway Protection Zone (RPZ). Mayor Larson stated that the City would not support the construction without prior approval from the FAA. Commissioner Bullock emailed a summary of the meeting to County Attorney Alex Nixon.

9:30 Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Coordinator Cyrina Allen joined to present her proposal to renew the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) which would require a $51k County match. Commissioners discussed a salary increase for her from 85% to 95% of elected official pay which would be effective during the course of the grant. Commissioner Miller moved to approve the EMPG grant proposal; Commissioner Blain seconded; motion carried. Discussion regarding COVID-19 vaccination timelines for teachers who fall into the 1C category; Public Health currently has 400-500 more 1B category vaccinations to conduct first.

10:00 Department Head meeting attended by Justice Court Judge Kevin Nichols, Clerk and Recorder Christine Stovall, District Court Clerk Rochelle Loyning, Sanitarian Cortney Lynde, Treasurer Lori Lynde, Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator Cyrina Allen, Weed Coordinator Brian Ostwald, Sheriff Josh McQuillan, Extension Agent Nikki Bailey, and Geospatial Information Systems Coordinator / Fire Warden Tom Kohley. Newell detailed timelines for the preliminary budget and Capital Improvement Plan updates. The Compensation Board will meet April 6 and 8. MACo health insurance premiums are decreasing for the next fiscal year. Newell noted County employment policy follows Federal guidelines regarding cannabis as an illegal and controlled substance (cannabis is now legally allowed in Montana for recreational use); new hires as well as seasonal recalls will have pre-employment drug screening. Newell will send this policy via email to all employees. Newell stated that the County may be looking at adding a Human Resources/Payroll position, especially if proposed Detention Facility ballot passes. Commissioner Bullock asked that Department Heads work through existing vendors instead of making purchases on credit cards. Discussion regarding Courthouse security and panic buttons. McQuillan provided an update on the proposed Detention Facility process. Discussion regarding the new Constitutional Carry law as applicable to the Courthouse; McQuillan will confer with County Attorney Alex Nixon.

Commissioner Bullock moved to approve Commissioner Proceedings for February 3; Commissioner Blain seconded; motion carried.

12:00 Adjourned.