January 22, 2024

017
COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
January 23, 2024
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
Blain provided an update on the EWP project for the Town of Fromberg. Discussion about the request to landowners to contribute to the required match. Landowners eventually understood the benefit and generally seemed willing to contribute.
8:45 Red Lodge Fire Chief Tom Kuntz, Assistant Chief of EMS Torston Prahl, and Election Administrator Crystal Roascio met to discuss the Ambulance District proposal. They are hoping to put the initiative on the June Primary Ballot. Discussion of timing with School Levies and additional tax bills for the State Equalization fund. Discussion of both Red Lodge / Roberts Ambulance District and Board of Commissioners passing a resolution to not levy the $69 fee if county-wide ambulance levy passes.
10:00 Bridger Mayor Mark DeRudder, Airport Manager Jeff Wise, Steve Smith, Terry Durbin, Elanor Gurrero, and Red Lodge City Council members Jody Ronning, Kelly Heaton, Kris Keys, and Chelsea Toupin, were present to discuss the Airport Interlocal Agreement presented by the City of Red Lodge. Commissioners discussed the redline version of the agreement prepared by the County Attorney. Blain noted he is opposed to a six-member board that drops the County’s participation to two members as it would result in no representation for the Joliet District although they pay taxes to the Airport Board via the County Mill Levy. Bullock would like to see the inclusion of the agreed-upon boundary for the Red Lodge Airport.
Commissioners noted the language for dissolution is proposed to be more detailed. DeRudder noted the Town of Bridger needs more time to consider various versions of the agreement. Discussion of 2021 lease language that was not ratified by the City of Red Lodge; Bridger is more favorable to 2021 language. Clarification of what was adopted by the City of Red Lodge and what changes were made to the original agreement. Discussion of the process to move forward for each entity to fully consider and adopt a new interlocal agreement. Discussion of having a different lease for each of the two airports; the parties agreed to focus on interlocal for now and to address leases at a later day. Durbin asked about the Master Planning status. Smith noted the boundary is critical as it is obligated to the FAA for 20 years and will allow RPA to move forward with Master Planning. Discussion of FAA regulations. Discussion of lease rates and how they are set, if the municipalities should be more involved in setting the rates, and the canvas of hanger lease rates throughout the State showing rates commensurate with other facilities in the State.

Consideration of the Airport Boundary as amended by the City of Red Lodge will be considered at the Commissioners’ February 6 meeting. Commissioners would like formal survey completed before the Interlocal Agreement is signed so the COS number(s) can be included in the Interlocal Agreement.
11:20 Bullock moved to approve Commissioners’ Proceedings for January 9; Blain seconded; motion carried.
12:00 Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer