January 11, 2024

012
COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
January 11, 2024
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
Stena Bushnell met to make comments on Development Regulation updates. Commissioners provided an overview of the changes made at Tuesday’s meeting and discussed a vacancy on the Planning Board.
Discussed the need for professional distancing from independent news sources
9:00 Sanitarian Barbara Krizek, Sanitarian Jesse Gutierrez, and Assistant Lori Kane met for the Environmental Health Department monthly update. Krizek noted sh has met with City of Red Lodge Building Inspector Brian Hannah and Mayor Dave Westwood regarding hanger construction and a path forward so hangers follow sanitary restrictions and City Building codes. The solution will also allow new hanger plumbing to eventually tie into City services when they become available. Krizek noted the installation of a septic system without a construction authorization; a violation letter was delivered yesterday and is on file. The installer is on probationary status for this year. Discussed updates to County Wastewater Regulations. Krizek noted there are some State changes that need to be incorporated. Krizek would also like to add criteria for approved site evaluators, continue the licensing requirement for self-installation of septic systems, streamline regulations with references to State Statute, add groundwater monitoring requirements, clean up language on penalties for consistency, and remove licensing reciprocity for installers licensed in other Counties. Discussion of elevated sand mound material requirements in DEQ4 and lack of available material statewide. Discussion of maintaining reciprocity with other Counties. Commissioners noted they are not interested in being more restrictive than State law and encouraged the Department to ensure Regulation revisions include a common-sense application of laws so as not to create an undue burden.
9:35 City of Red Lodge Mayor Dave Westwood met for his regular meeting. Denise Rivette was present. Discussed Floodplain management; Westwood noted GreatWest Engineering will not utilize former City staff now employed by GreatWest on any City projects. Discussion of the Conditional Use Permit issued for water at the new subdivision on Brewery Hill. Commissioners presented request to waive late fees for City water due to newly adopted procurement policy cutting off invoice payments prior to when City water bills are received. Discussion of Development Regulations and process of requesting changes. Discussion of Observatory and inconsistent philosophies of previous administration between Observatory on public property and Airport on public property.

Bullock moved to approve January 4th minutes; Blain seconded; motion carried.
10:30 Treasurer Lori Lynde met for quarterly collateral. Discussion of disaster recover drain on cash waiting on FEMA reimbursements. Bullock moved to approve Treasurers collateral; Blain seconded; motion carried.
10:40 Blain moved to close meeting for a Human Resources discussion; Bullock seconded; motion carried.
11:00 Meeting opened. Blain moved to approve Sick Leave Grant variance request as presented.
Safety Committee Meeting. Undersheriff Jeff Schmalz, Public Health Director Erin Cross, Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Coordinator Cyrina Allen, Deputy Clerk and Recorder Lola Asbury, Treasurer Lori Lynde, Building Maintenance Coordinator Mike Schilz, HR Specialist Kate Ashby, Sanitary Assistant Lori Kane, and Denise Rivette were present. Asbury reviewed past meeting minutes and they were approved. Asbury’s goal for 2024 is to update the Safety Manual. Discussed safety training topics that the committee would like to see. Reviewed accident and incident reports at the end of quarter 4; two with minor treatment or missed work, two with medical treatment, and one repetitive motion / knee injury (will have ongoing treatment in 2024). Asbury noted there was also an incident from a member of the public walking through landscaping rock. Discussed of annual building inspections and AED battery and pad replacements; Asbury is looking for grants to replace AED machines. Discussed new committee members.
Asbury met regarding building maintenance coordinator hiring authorization and revised job description. Bullock moved to approve the Revised Job Description and to approve to move forward with advertising the position; Blain seconded; motion carried.
12:00 Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer