July 16, 2018

COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
July 16, 2018
Commissioners Robert ‘Pits’ DeArmond, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock, and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance
Angela informed the Commissioners for levied funds, cash balances are up about $500,000, and the preliminary expenditure budget is about $750,000 above the 2017-2018 final budget.
9:00 DES Coord. / GIS Mgr. Tom Kohley met with Commissioners regarding Volunteer Fire Fighter Assistance Grant. The Grant will reimburse Rural Fire Districts for wildland firefighting equipment. Commissioner Blain moved to approve the Volunteer Fire Fighter Assistance Grant agreement; Commissioner DeArmond seconded; motion carried.
Commissioners discussed holding regular meetings with municipalities. They requested Angela draft a letter requesting town council meeting schedules. Commissioners hope by attending City Council meetings or holding joint meetings with Carbon County municipalities on a more regular basis, they will be able to develop a better understanding of challenges facing other local governments. They also hope this will improve cooperative efforts between Carbon County and municipalities to provide the best service to our residents.
10:10 Fish Wildlife and Parks Regional Supervisor Barb Beck met with Commissioners. She noted there have been some problem grizzly bears around Bearcreek that have caused cattle losses. One bear was trapped by the Bearcreek sewer ponds and was euthanized by USDA the sow with cubs has not returned. There have been some out of state boat inspections for water craft at Cooney Reservoir. Commissioner DeArmond asked if the State has considered implementing an inspection program like Wyoming’s where local people are certified to perform inspections. This would allow visitors to have a local inspection rather than having to drive to Hardin. Barb and Commissioners discussed flood damage; Commissioner noted aside from some large projects there was a lot of road washouts and lost gravel. Barb noted the follow-up meeting regarding chronic wasting disease was poorly attended. There will not be a special season next year, but the department will continue to test and will post instructions online for individuals to send in lymph nodes in for testing. Barb noted the mule deer fawn survival rate is was lower last year but they were higher for the last two years. Whitetail fawn, moose calf, and sheep ewe survival rates have been average. Goat kids had some significant losses over the winter. Both upland bird and turkey numbers down.

11:00 Sheriff Josh McQuillan, Cooney Park Manager Marina Matheson, and Barb Beck met with Commissioners regarding Cooney State Park Law Enforcement Services Agreement. County Attorney Alex Nixon was present. The Agreement would provide law enforcement coverage at Cooney State Park on weekends and holidays; Reserve officers will provide the services not Deputies. Marina noted Park staff does not have arrest authority and with the State changing the focus of the Game Warden he has less time for enforcement. The Sheriff’s Office and Park have received public complaints because of the lack of enforcement. Commissioner Blain moved to approve the Cooney State Park Law Enforcement Services Agreement; Commissioner DeArmond seconded; motion carried. Commissioners approved a $6,000 increase in the reserve wage line item to accommodate the contract.
11:40 Commissioner Blain moved to approve July 2nd and 5th Commissioner Proceedings as presented; Commissioner DeArmond seconded; motion carried.
Jerry Sticka met with Commissioners regarding purchase of asphalt paver. He signed a Bill of Sale.

12:00 Adjourned

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer