March 15, 2018

COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
March 15, 2018
Commissioners Scott Blain and Bill Bullock, and Administrative Assistant Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance
Gordon Sirrine, Steve Peterson, and Audrey Wallaser were present.
Commissioners discussed hiring a temporary employee to help cover the Red Lodge Shop while an employee is out on Work Comp leave. Commissioner Blain moved to advertise for a temporary road crew member to help cover items while the employee is out; Commissioner Bullock seconded; motion carried.
9:00 Steven Peterson Bridger Commissioner Interview.
9:15 Carbon County News reporter Eleanor Guerrero joined the meeting.
9:30 Ross Oyler Bridger Commissioner Interview.
10:00 John Lopresti met with Commissioners to discuss the increase in his garbage disposal costs. Republic has increased the price to $100/quarter. He asked why the County does not have transfer station. Commissioner Bullock noted that issue has been raised by City of Red Lodge and the County is open to more discussion on the possibility.
County Attorney Alex Nixon, Deputy County Attorney Shannon Foley, and Contract Civil Attorney Jacque Papez met with Commissioners. They discussed gravel crushing; the contract requires the crushing to be completed by the end of March and the contractor has not started crushing. Jacque suggested adding liquidated damages in future contracts. Jacque noted she has been contacted by one of Industrial Communications & Electronics’ insurers; they do not have a determination of damages yet and she recommended holding off on filing suit at this time. Shannon is working with the Attorney Generals office to review the Mutual Aid Agreement with Big Horn County WY. Commissioners noted the Sheriff’s Office has asked if the Road Department can assist with vehicle towing; there is a vehicle at the rodeo grounds and the owner is in jail. Alex will review statutes, but he is not sure that would be covered by the County’s liability insurance.
10:30 Carbon County Historical Society and Museum Director Sarah Russel, Preservation Officer Samantha Long, and board members Dick Deville and Dan Coolidge met with the Commissioners to discuss the renewal of the Historic Preservation Services Agreement. Sarah asked if the County was still interested in leasing space from the Museum. Commissioners noted they are currently working with our Architects to evaluate the County’s space needs; once the evaluation is completed they will revisit.

Commissioners signed Certified Local Government Grant Agreement. Commissioner Blain moved to approve Historic Preservation services agreement with the only changes from last year being dates; Commissioner Bullock seconded; motion carried. Contract will be signed once dates have been changed.
11:00 Chris Skorupa Bridger Commissioner Interview.
Commissioners approved allowing USDA to conduct surveys on E. Side Road.
11:55 DES Coord. / GIS Mgr. Tom Kohley met with Commissioners regarding sand bag inventory. There are 1100-2500 sandbags between the Joliet and Bridger Road Shops. There is also inventory in the Red Lodge Shop sand shed, but it is frozen shut so they can not get a count. Tom noted the emergency levy fund balance is only available when another emergency is declared.
Commissioners received Engineer estimate for East Side Road Bridges. The project is estimated to be $1,000,000 requiring a $500,000 match to the Treasure State Endowment Program Grant. Commissioners would like to focus on other infrastructure needs at this time and may not submit a TSEP application for the bridges.

12:00 Adjourned

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Assistant