Commissioners June 23, 2023 Minute
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 by Commissioner Turley. Commissioner Pancratz and Commissioner Goffena were present.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Goffena made the motion to approve the agenda for the day as. Commissioner Pancratz seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to approve the minutes from the June 16, 2023 meeting as written. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Commissioner Pancratz attended the Snowy Mountain Development meeting. The Governor is taking $54,000.00 away from their funding so there will be a budget increase next year for us. We need to look for a grant writer.
Commissioner Pancratz attended the City Council meeting Monday the 19, 2023 to remind them that the County is here and wanting to work with them. The County will be considering supporting the City pool.
Commissioner Turley attended the MT Oil & gas meeting in Colstrip June 19 & 20, 2023. Mr. Turley’s minutes as follows:
Commissioner Turley attended the subject Board meeting. Montana Association of County Commissioners (MACO) provided a tour of the Westmoreland and Rosebud Mine the afternoon of June 19. Very informative tour and made note of excellent reclamation of the mined area. House District 39 Representative Gary Parry of Colstrip, a 40-year employee of Westmoreland mine, was a tour guide.
On the morning of June 20, the Congressional staff of Senator Steve Daines, Senator Jon Tester, and Representative Matt Rosendale provided informational messages from each respective member.
Ben Jones, Petroleum Engineer of the Montana Board of Oil and Gas provided new rules governing the capping/plugging and recovery of existing oil wells.
Dan gray, Jr. President of Rosebud Operating Services, Inc. presented the coal refuse fired electric plant north of Colstrip and its operation. This is an excellent facility providing electric power from resources not fit for the Colstrip power units.
Darryl James, Westmoreland Mine Government Affairs representative. Darryl provided information relative to the mine infrastructure investment, including the economic and politically sustainable methods critical in the future.
Molly Schwend, Northwest Energy Community Affairs specialist provided policies to secure affordable and sustainable power for 340,000 customers while meeting EPA rules.
Shelby DeMars, MAOGCC Executive Director provided Legislative updates that MAOGCC were actively involved in during the 2023 legislative session.
Alan Olson, Montana Petroleum Association and former Legislator, provided regulatory updates and also a positive outlook for Montana energy.
The meeting provided a positive outlook on Montana clean and reliable energy that few states are able to provide while exceeding Federal and State environmental rules.
Commissioner Goffena attended the Weed Board meeting on Wednesday June 21, 2023. HB821 was talked about. There is grant money available for salt cedar and woody plants and only 3 counties were offered the funds. They would like to hire a helper to spray.
Justice of the Peace Marking met with the Commissioners to let him know he was going to be meeting with Senator Tester to discuss Veterans. The Commissioner also told Mr. Marking they are going to schedule a meeting with Mayor Jones regarding an MOU with the City for Court Services.
Sheriff Lesnik gave his weekly report to the Commissioners. The new hire starting wage was discussed. They need to update the employee policy and procedure manual. There could possibly be localized flooding.
DES Director Russell and Coordinator Rook gave their weekly report to the Commissioners. The have been installing new radios and screens in the fire trucks. There are 2 new addresses and 2 pending. The school window film project has been completed. They are working on the command trailer to be ready for the 4th. Mr. Russell is pretty sure the flooding will result in a Presidential Emergency Declaration.
Theresa Doumitt- Update on the Welcome Center Project. Committee is facing challenges with delays on siding and roofing. They will be submitting an updated timeline to the commissioners as more information becomes available. Update on the hospital generator will need a load bank to ensure it functions properly. They need to go back to the Coal Board and request an extension for the project, as the load banks will not be available until September or October.
Commissioner Turley: Add Coal Board Grants as an Agenda Item for next meeting. Dept heads to submit requests for grant funds. Think of equipment that is necessary for long term.
Water District Update: Water is hooked up in Harlowton. Roundup is expecting water by Christmas 2024.
Wendy Shreeve, provided a lease agreement to the Commissioners regarding using the ovens at the Commons for Bread making. Sherri has been removed from the agreement.
End of public comment.
Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to sign Resolution 2023-37 to amend increasing and decreasing budget spending authority. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.
There being no further business Commissioner Pancratz made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Goffena seconded the motion. Motion carried.
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