May 11, 2023

103
COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
May 11, 2023
Commissioners Scott Miller, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock; and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.
Blain departed to assist with Cedarwood Auction preparations.
Meeting with Myrna Latuskey Beartooth RC&D and Jason Seiler with DEQ to discuss the Brownfields program in relation to asbestos remediation.
9:00 Sanitarian Barbara Krizek and Administrator Lori Kane met for the Environmental Health Department’s monthly update. Sandy Conlee was in attendance. Krizek reviewed her written report (attached). Discussed variance fees; Krizek wants to ensure there is consistency going forward. Bullock noted the fee waiver for Beartooth Meats was due to the push to promote meat processing in the State and the high standards and tremendous benefits of a USDA facility. Miller concurred that the facility was unique and did not anticipate any changes to the residential and commercial variances fees. Sanitarian Jesse Gutierrez joined the meeting and provided an overview of the short-term rental (STR) inspections; he noted the City of Red Lodge is contemplating STR caps which has led to the exponential increase in STR licenses and inspections. Discussed septic violations. Discussed utilization of Spry Consulting for DEQ reviews. Krizek noted applicants seem to be happy with the process, about 90% of applicants are opting for that process with the extra fee rather than waiting on DEQ. Krizek did note that DEQ leadership change does seem to be making a difference for the better.
Conlee noted she has filed to run for Red Lodge Mayor. Her goals are to improve city-county relations and to improve rental housing stock.
Geospatial Information Systems Coordinator / Fire Warden Tom Kohley met to discuss herd district boundary change and map updates.
Kohley and the Commissioners discussed the Lower Luther Road realignment petition. Kohley noted if realignment was approved he would like to see the County’s right-of-way retained for Fire District water access.
9:30 Lower Luther Road realignment petition. Clerk and Recorder Macque Bohleen was in attendance. Bullock presented the petition, Survey and Road Viewers Report. Noted after construction on the new alignment is completed it is the intent of landowners to petition to abandon the old road.
104
COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
May 11, 2023 (cont.)
Bullock moved to grant prayer of petition to realign Lower Luther Road; Miller seconded; Bullock noted private individuals will be paying for the construction of the road and bridge including all material costs; there will be no construction costs to the County; motion carried.
9:50 Bullock moved to approve Resolution 2023-12 Prosecutorial Assistance in the Criminal Cases Involving Darrick Michael Angel; Blain seconded; motion carried.

Bullock moved to approve the internal job posting for the vacant position at the Bridger Road Shop; Blain seconded; motion carried.
Bullock moved to accept Justice Court End of Period Disbursement for April; Blain seconded; motion carried.
Commissioners discussed holding a formal auction for property in Joliet.
10:00 County Attorney Alex Nixon met for his regular meeting. Discussed the formation of the City of Red Lodge Planning Board; the record is not clear as to whether it was formed as a City Planning Board or a City/County Planning Board and whether or not the Commissioners have full control over their representative to that board. Nixon recommended that a formal agreement could be put in place to replace what can not be found in the record.
10:25 Bullock moved to close to the meeting to discuss HR issues; Blain seconded; motion carried.
10:40 The meeting was reopened.
10:40 Brook Neibauer, Jeff Schmidt, Clerk and Recorder Macque Bohleen, and Election Administrator Crystal Roascio met to discuss the reauthorization of the Red Lodge Mountain Resort Tax Area and Resort Tax. Neibauer estimated an additional $60,000 in revenues for online ticket sales. Discussion of timeline and mechanisms to hold the election. Bullock moved to adopt Resolution 2023-13 Intent to Hold an Election September 12, 2023, for the Renewal of the Red Lodge Mountain Resort Area and Resort Tax; Miller seconded; motion carried.
11:10 Extension Agents Karrie Krug and Kylie Butterfield and Extension Administrator Sheri Hatten met with Commissioners to discuss the Extension Office preliminary budget. Discussed educational expenses and vehicle costs.

Blain moved to elevate the Extension Administrator the Clerk 6 wage starting July 1; Bullock seconded; Commissioners noted Hatten’s longevity in the office and her proficiency in staffing the office in the gaps between extension agents; motion carried.
11:50 Melissa Ostwald and Chrissy Frank met regarding the Fair Board preliminary budget. Discussed surplus auction items.

12:00 Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer