May 20, 2021

COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
May 20, 2021

Commissioners Scott Miller and Bill Bullock; Administrative Officer Angela Newell; and Commissioners’ Secretary Barbara Krizek were present.

8:30 Pledge of Allegiance.

Geospatial Information Systems Coordinator / Fire Warden Tom Kohley joined during Public Comment period to discuss the federal surplus property standard operating procedures and agreement; he highlighted the importance of equipment being used for the proposed purpose stated during acquisition.

9:00 Resolution Amending the Development Regulations. Presented by Contract County Planner Forrest Mandeville and attended by Clerk and Recorder Christine Stovall. Commissioners asked Mandeville what input he’s received; Mandeville replied that he has had two inquiries regarding medical marijuana dispensaries in Rockvale and Fox for which Group 2 permits were applied to change to Commercial use. Mandeville received input from Nevin Harding making four requests: 1) A new developer shall be required to verify that increased water use would not negatively affect existing users; Mandeville stated that other entities such as Montana Department of Environmental Quality are already responsible for such determinations. 2) Change the definition of “residential multi-family” from four units to two units; Mandeville countered that the proposed language marries with State law. 3) Property should be designated abandoned after 180 days instead of two years; Mandeville stated the extension was intentional by the Planning Board due to the County’s seasonal economy. 4) All adjacent property owners be notified even if beyond the 100ft proposed; Mandeville noted that nearby owners would get notified that aren’t necessarily adjacent. Commissioner Bullock asked about the level of support for these amendments by the Planning Board; Mandeville replied that the Board was very involved throughout the process and unanimous in its support. Commissioner Miller moved to approve 2021-11 Resolution to Amend the Carbon County Development Regulations; Commissioner Bullock seconded; no further discussion; no public comment; motion carried.

Commissioners supported allocating grants to all County senior centers from COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds; Newell will explore a per-capita allocation of funds aligned with Area 2 Agency on Aging formulas.

9:55 Commissioner Blain joined the meeting and proposed adding criteria for ARPA grant proposals asking whether an entity has already been a recipient of COVID-19 relief funds.

10:00 County Attorney regular meeting attended by Deputy County Attorney Mike Ellinghouse and Contract Deputy County Attorney Civil Jacque Papez. Discussion regarding Industrial Communications mediation next week. If a settlement is offered by Industrial Communications, it can only be accepted after a Public Meeting has been held; Public Meeting scheduled on June 1, 9am. 10:05 Meeting closed to discuss litigation strategy and a personnel issue; 10:30 Meeting re-opened. Commissioner Blain moved to approve Resolution 2021-12 To Designate Commissioner Bill Bullock as County’s Representative for Industrial Communications and Electronics Mediation Regarding the Simulcast Radio System; Commissioner Miller seconded; motion carried.

10:40 Treasurer and Superintendent of Schools Preliminary Budget attended by Treasurer Lori Lynde and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Lori Kane. Lynde asked to transition Jordan Morales from a Clerk to a Deputy in order to plan for succession with Lynde’s eventual retirement. Lynde asked to increase Kane’s wage to 75% of elected base salary.

11:00 Sanitarian Preliminary Budget attended by Sanitarian Cortney Lynde and Kane. Lynde asked to retain $25k for contracted professional services which had been used for Engineering West, but asked to re-allocate towards a temporary per-diem position. Capital funds are being allocated towards a replacement vehicle in two years. Newell budgeted Lynde to 90% of elected base as per the 5% annual increase that was planned, and Kane to 75% of elected base.

Commissioner Blain moved to approve Commissioner Proceedings for April 29 and May 4; Commissioner Miller seconded; motion carried.

11:15 Commissioner Bullock departed the meeting.

12:00 Adjourned.