March 5, 2024

050
COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
March 7, 2024
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock, and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
Treasurer Lori Lynde and Deputy Treasurer Leah Neimi met to discuss the subsequent tax billing for the State Equalization mills. Lynde noted there are 975 tax bills under $5 minimum to totaling about $2,000 she can configure the system to not generate bills for less than $5. Commissioners would like to see all property billed the same.
Election Administrator Crystal Roascio met to cancel the special district board elections, there were not enough candidates to require an election. Bullock moved to accept a recommendation from Roascio to cancel the special district elections; Blain seconded; motion carried.
Discussed employee time status.
Bullock noted Yellowstone County is planning an expansion of their Detention Facility and asked the other two Commissioners if they would like to explore a “rent to own” arrangement with Yellowstone County for dedicated jail space in Billings. Blain and Miller agreed it was worth a conversation.
9:30 Red Lodge Mayor Dave Westwood and new Public Works Director Mike Maples 406-426-0056. Discussed the Department of Transportation’s flood recovery work at Rotary Park. Bullock noted the only outstanding item is the addition of a guardrail, no additional work will be done because the previous Floodplain Administrator revoked the permit for the removal of woody and rock debris along Rock Creek through the City of Red Lodge. Discussion of a path forward for seeding and planting. Discussion of email exchange yesterday between City and County attorney regarding airport board procedures and officers.
9:50 Rodeo Association Chair Phil Nardinger joined the meeting.
9:55 Contract Civil Attorney Jacque Papez joined the meeting.
10:00 Papez and County Attorney Alex Nixon met for their regular meeting. Papez to discuss litigation strategy in the Bennett case. Blain moved to close the meeting; Bullock seconded; motion carried.
10:20 Meeting reopened.

Commissioners discussed the Grader Bid. It was noted consideration of delivery date was included as award criteria. Blain moved to accept Grade Bid from RDO; Bullock moved; motion carried.
Bullock moved to approve minutes for February 22, 2024; Blain seconded; motion carried.
10:30 Red Lodge Fire Chief Tom Kuntz, Assistant Chief of EMS Torston Prahl, Election Administrator Crystal Roascio, contracted Civil Attorney Jacque Papez, and Phil Nardinger met regarding the Ambulance Mill Levy Election. Kuntz reviewed the final survey results, especially regarding expectations on response times. Discussion of average costs 80% are willing to pay $5 or more per month and the average person will pay close to $10 / month. Bullock moved to approve Resolution 2024-15A Submitting to the Qualified Electors of Carbon County, Montana, the Question of Levying 18 Mills to Fund the Provision of Both Emergency and Non-Emergency ambulance response, Emergency Medical Services, and other Emergency Services Beneficial to the Citizens of Carbon County; Blain seconded; Commissioners noted funding will make sure current volunteer services have sustained financing. Discussion of PILT Funding for Ambulance services; Bullock does not see that this would alter current PILT funding or supplant any existing funding except for the Red Lodge/Roberts Ambulance District fee. Blain confirmed the Commission’s intent is to repeal the $69 fee for the current Red Lodge Roberts Ambulance District. Miller noted the levy will support the current volunteer systems and will not provide a different system. Commissioners thanked Kuntz and Prahl for their efforts to coordinate and bring the issue to the table. Kuntz noted cooperative efforts with Clarks Fork and Joliet Ambulance Services and noted the hope is that if the levy is passed it will help preserve the volunteer services in Joliet and Bridger and provide more sustainability for the Red Lodge System. Motion carried.
11:00 Red Lodge Sand Shed Bid Opening. Tim Jagger ARETE Design, Phil Nardinger of Mike Coleman Const., Bryon West of Morgan Contractors, Adam Delvo of TW Ridley LLC, and Shane Shoopman of Langlas and Assoc. were in attendance. Bids received as follows:
o Langlas and Associates – Bond, Resident contractor, ack addendums 1-4, base $386,760.
o TW Rigley – Bond, resident contractor, ack addendums 1-4, base $546,000.
o Morgan – Bond, resident contractor, ack addendums 1-4, base $404,290.
o Mike Coleman Construction – Bond, resident contractor, ack addendums 1-4, base $552,000.

One question regarding the sub list for the low bidder; Jagger did not see one included, and does not believe it was a requirement. Jagger would like to confirm the construction timeline for bidders and the pre-payment of materials.
11:50 Bullock moved to close the meeting for a Human Resources discussion; Blain seconded; motion carried.
11:55 Meeting reopened. Geospatial Information Systems Coordinator / Fire Warden Tom Kohley joined the meeting to discuss Fuel Tax maps. Kohley and Commissioners agreed there were no needed changes to the maps.
12:00 Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer