May 28, 2020

COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
May 28, 2020

Commissioners Scott Blain and Bill Bullock; Administrative Officer Angela Newell; Commissioners’ Secretary Barbara Daniel; Gordon Sirrine (via tele-conference) were present.

8:30 Pledge of Allegiance

Discussion regarding litigation at the state level regarding the Federal primary election and whether ballots postmarked on June 2nd (election day) would be counted; the Supreme Court blocked the lower court’s order and ballots will be due at 8pm on June 2nd.
Commissioner Blain reported on a conversation with the Sweetgrass Floodplain Administrator; will explore options and costs for potentially contracting services.

9:20 Mayor Bill Larson, Chief of Police Jason Wells, and Judge Raphael HeDoesIt joined the meeting for the City of Red Lodge weekly update. Discussion regarding the Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) grant application. The biggest COVID-19 expenses for city law enforcement have been overtime and personal protective equipment (PPE). Newell recommended applying for personnel costs for this grant since other grants cover other types of expenses. Larson recommended adding City Attorney COVID-19 time. City and County will sign an interlocal agreement. 9:30 Commissioner Bullock departed the meeting to present a COVID-19 Facebook Live situation update. Newell will approach the Bridger Police Department to determine their COVID-19 costs. 9:45 City Attorney Becky Narmore joined the meeting. Commissioner Blain detailed modified operations to the County Fair in July due to COVID-19 if the state is still in Re-opening Phase 2. Larson detailed planning for the weekly Farmer’s Markets with modified operations due to COVID-19.

10:00 County Attorney Alex Nixon phoned in for his weekly update. Newell informed him of the upcoming interlocal agreement for the MBCC grant discussed this morning. 10:45 Commissioner Bullock re-joined the meeting.

Commissioner Bullock moved to approve Commissioners’ Proceedings for May 14th and 19th, 2020; Commissioner Blain seconded; motion carried.

11:00 DUI Taskforce Coordinator Mary Cameron and Chair Diane Dimich joined the meeting to discuss the DUI Task Force Plan. The main difference from last year is not having a paid Coordinator so that $5k is re-allocated elsewhere.

Commissioner Bullock moved to approve the DUI Task Force Plan for July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021; Commissioner Blain seconded; motion carried.

11:25 Sirrine departed the meeting.

12:00 Adjourned.