October 15, 2019

COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
October 15, 2019
Commissioners Robert ‘Pits’ DeArmond, Scott Blain, and Bill Bullock, and Administrative Officer Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance
Commissioner Bullock moved to approved the Justice Court End of Period Disbursement for September 2019; Commissioner DeArmond seconded; motion carried.
9:30 Beartooth RC&D Economic Development Director Steve Simonson met with Commissioners regarding a Coal Board Grant Application on behalf of the Bridger Senior Center for repairs to their building. Commissioners discussed possible matching funds if the project was not fully funded and may be able to contributing to the project. Commissioner Bullock moved to approve the Coal Board Grant application to be submitted by Beartooth RC&D; Commissioner DeArmond seconded; motion carried.
Commissioner DeArmond moved to approve employee time as submitted; Commissioner Bullock seconded; motion carried.
10:00 Public Hearing Community Development Block Grant Planning Grant Application. Steve Simonson, Carbon County News reporter Eleanor Guerrero, and Heather Quinn were present. Steve reviewed the purpose of the grant and noted holding two public hearings were part of the application process. Carbon County intends to apply for a planning grant to help pay for services related to jail facility planning.
11:00 Sheriff Josh McQuillan met with Commissioners for the jail planning discussion. Commissioners noted they have received one land proposal and will have another presented on Tuesday at 11:00. Commissioner DeArmond noted he is exploring the possibility of contracting institutional meals with Food Services of America. Commissioners have also issued a press release seeking members for the citizen committee. Sheriff Josh McQuillan noted last weekend there were three people arrested that they could not get into Yellowstone Co. Detention and were released. Commissioner Bullock asked about transports for The City of Red Lodge; Sheriff McQuillan noted City Court has been good about coordinating transports. 11:14 Carbon County News reporter Eleanor Guerrero joined the meeting. Commissioners and Sheriff discussed current Sheriff’s Office staffing levels and prisoner transports; Sheriff McQuillan would prefer detention staff be responsible for transports so an officer is not taken off patrol. Commissioners and Sheriff discussed issues with finding space in current contracted facilities and public safety concerns with taking an officer off patrol to take someone to jail.
12:00 Lunch
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COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
October 15, 2019 (cont.)
1:00 Contract Planner Forrest Mandeville, Clerk & Recorder Christine Stovall, Kate Stout Red Lodge Surveying, and Mark Moore met with Commissioners regarding an appeal for a family transfer that was disallowed. Forrest reviewed the history of divisions of the parcel and his staff report. Forrest noted there is a for sale sign on the remaining tract that contains the Moore’s current house and gravel pit. 1:05 Bill Karas Red Lodge Surveying joined the meeting. Mark Moore noted the gravel pit has been for sale for a number of years and he and his wife are looking to downsize; they would like to keep a 5-acre tract for storage. Commissioner Blain noted a family transfer is not the only way to divide the land although it is the least expensive; the division would be subject to subdivision review if the exemption was denied. Commissioner Blain asked Mark what happened with the family transfer in July 2019; Mark noted the parcel had been rented for years and it was divided and sold to the long-term renter. Commissioners agreed the history of land division with the intent to sell the parcel is red flag for evading subdivision review. Forrest reviewed the 2-lot minor subdivision application process and possible conditions that could be put in place by the Planning Board. Kate noted if not going to be used for residence, Mark may be able to use the Ag exemption; Christine noted that before the parcel could be built on, the agricultural restrictions would need to be lifted through subdivision review. Bill Karas noted there are no limits on how long someone has to hold onto a tract before it is sold.
Having reviewed and considered the application materials, project memorandum, public comments and all of the information presented, Commissioner Bullock moved that the determination to evade the subdivision and platting act is not overcome and to deny the exemption; Commissioner DeArmond seconded; Commissioner Blain agreed with staff report that there appears to be a pattern of development; motion carried unanimously.

Adjourned

Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Officer