January 2005 COMMISSIONERS MINUTES

January 3^rd, 2005

Commissioners James S. Warnken, B. J. McComb, and Judy A. Stang met in a regularly scheduled session. The commissioners conducted the following business:

· MONTHLY RC&D MEETING: The commissioners attended the monthly RC&D meeting in the commissioners meeting room. For complete minutes contact the Mineral County Extension Office. Some of the agenda items and reports are: Gary Swartz, from Missoula Job Service was at the meeting to go over some of their functions in Mineral County. Rob Harper, Superior Ranger District reported on issues in the Superior Ranger District. Kit Sutherland, RC&D Coordinator, updated the group on upcoming projects. The group also went over any legislative bills that might effect local governments.

• COMMISSIONER CHAIRMAN: The commissioners appointed Commissioner James S. Warnken to be the chair of the commission.
• DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE VALUE CHANGES: Present Lois Sherd, Department of Revenue office, the commissioners approved a value change from Quest Corp on some centrally asses properties. There was a settlement made in Helena with Quest Corp and the Department of Revenue.
• NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS: Commissioner Stang swore in the newly elected officials. Public present was John Q. Murray for the Chronicle. Commissioners Stang swore in Sheriff Hugh Hopwood, Clerk of Court Sharon Gull and Commissioner B. J. McComb.

The commissioners adjourned.

January 4, 2005

Commissioners James S. Warnken, B. J. McComb, and Judy A. Stang met in a regularly scheduled session. The commissioners conducted the following business:

· CINDY GRIMM-COMMISSIONER ASSISTANCE: The commissioners worked with Cindy Grimm, who will be their administrative assistance. She will work about 8 hours a week for the commissioners and the rest of the time for the Justice of the Peace.

• JEFF NOONAN/LIGHTING DISTRICT IN ST. REGIS/VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER: Present Jeff Noonan, President of the St. Regis Community Club. Jeff was in to request that the commissioners pay for an added streetlight at the St. Regis Community Center. The commissioners are the board for the St. Regis Lighting District since the board of the lighting district has dissolved. The budget has been set for this fiscal year, but the commissioners agreed to ad the monthly streetlight bill to the St. Regis lighting district at the next budget year. The commissioners will also ad two lights across from the St. Regis School entrance to the St. Regis Lighting District budget next fiscal year.
• SAM VICHE, CUSTODIAN: Sam was in to let the commissioners know that he will be absent from work for some time. He needs to have surgery and will need a recovery period.

The commissioners adjourned.

January 12, 2005

Commissioners James S. Warnken, B. J. McComb, and Judy A. Stang met in a regularly scheduled session: the commissioners conducted the following business:

· CTEP PROJECT: RIVER STREET WALKS – TOWN OF SUPERIOR, MONTANA/STPE 1(21) – C3ONTROL NUMBER 5706: The commissioners signed an amendment CTEP Project for $2050.00. Brenda Schneider, Clerk for the Town of Superior, brought in the amendment. Earlier this year the commissioners supported a CTEP proposal from the Town of Superior for the replacement of sidewalks along River Street. The added costs came from a drain problem where Flat Creek goes under the sidewalks on the North side of Town. The Town of Superior has agreed to pay for the extra costs and will not ask for the commissioners to change their CTEP request.

· RESOURCE USE GROUP – ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Present Dennis Hildebrand, Jim DeBree, Alan Amborn, Dave Brink, members of the advisory committee, and Joe Hanson. The advisory committee reported to the commissioners on the agenda items of their last meeting and. Proposed activities of the Advisory Group meeting from Jan. 11, 2005. The committee also would like to focus on the following issues:

1. WOLF SITUATION - The committee is going to ask for an update from the State regarding Wolf plan in relation to the resource use plan. The focus of the existing management plan is going to focus on livestock instead of wildlife. Jim asked if the commissioner would mind if the committee wrote a letter to the State regarding the Wolf plan. The committee would like Mike Fagley, local State Game Warden to be involved in the Wolf situation meetings.

2. RS2477 – The committee will receive certified maps identifying the roads in 1906. There will be a cost of about $67.00. Phil Donnally is providing a map of roads in the 1920’s. The commissioners agreed to pay for maps.
3. B GATE CLOSURES – The B gates have not been opened for snowmobiling for the last 2 years. The committee will do a draft to the forest service on the B gate situation and present it to the commissioners.
4. PATROLING USING FOREST SERVICE VEHICLES: It has been reported that non-Forest Service people have been patrolling the woods using Forest Service Vehicles. The committee wants to investigate this activity. The commissioners feel this is not an issue for the county to investigate.
5. Alberton Gorge Land Swap – The committee is concerned about the shut down of motorized access on the river related to search and rescue. The county is working on this project, and has been for 8 years.
6. Wolf, B Gate and Cooperating Agency Status

COOPERATING AGENCY STATUS – At present Mineral County is not considered a Cooperating Status. The committee feels the Forest Service doesn’t want the commissioners to have cooperating status. The commissioners agreed to do a meeting on March 8^th, 2004, from 10 AM –Noon in the commissioners meeting room. The commissioners will have their staff confirm the meeting date with the district ranger and schedule the meeting.

· MINERAL COUNTY COMMUNTIY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) – 11:10 AM LOAN COMMITTEE. Present at the meeting are Bob Clark, Ed Hollenbach, Staff: Kevin Chamberlain, Sharon Patterson Loan Committee Members: Jim DeBree, Shaun Donovan, B. J. McComb, Judy Stang, James Warnken. The commissioners, public, staff and Loan Committee received copies of the draft of the letter to the Bailey’s written by Shaun Donovan. The letter and possible solutions were discussed. Shaun requested the names and addresses of the persons on the contract. The applicant is in default. Shaun Donovan will revise the letter and submit it to the commissioners.

• 501C3 ADVICE MEETING-ST. REGIS VISITOR INFORMATION BOARD. In attendance was, Jim Arney – Resort Board, John Chessman, George Gupton, Glenn Koepke, Sharon Patterson and the three commissioners. Jim Arney stated that Monday night the Resort Board met and wants a copy of the Visitor center bylaws and structure. The VIC members said they did not want to provide proof. Members of the Resort Board & Community Counsel met with the commissioners to discuss the 501C3 status of the VIC Board in St. Regis. The resort board has issues with the VIC members not wanting to provide proof. The commissioners suggested talking to Shawn Donavan, Mineral county Attorney for advise.
• Contract for the Construction of West End Fire District Station

Dave Kulawinski, Tom Anderson came in to get the Contract for the Construction of West End Fire District signed. The Fire District had copies of all the required insurance. They changed the start date to Feb 14^th. The commissioners reviewed the contract and James Warnken, chairman, signed the contract. The $53,000 includes erecting building, sewer, & drain field. Will be completed by June 17, 2005. Previously there was only one bid from Liberty Builders in Plains. The contract was awarded to Liberty Builders.

· EBMS INSURANCE (COUNTY HEALTH INSURANCE); Kale Hablutzel and Gary Hablutzel, EBMS, Mineral County Health Insurance provider. Kale and Gary were in to update the commissioners on their Health Insurance. Gary said they are now going into Wyoming and will be adding counties in that state. This will increase the numbers of our pool and hopefully will lower our rates. Gary and Kale also went over a new program they will be offering. It is called Health Savings Accounts.

• LEDFORD MINOR SUBDIVISION: Present Debbie and John Ledford, Developers, Tim Read, Planner, and Noel Williams. The commissioners signed the final plat for the Ledford Minor Subdivision. The commissioners accepted a letter of guarantee for the approach permits that were not finished. The weather conditions made it impossible to finish. Tim has noted that he will be able to control the guarantee by not giving sewer permits.
• NOEL WILLIAMS/PROPOSAL TO COMMISSIONERS ON FOREST ITEMS: Present Noel Williams, Dennis Hildebrand, Jim DeBree, and Kevin Chamberlain, Extension Office, and Dave Brink. Noel presented a proposal to contract with Mineral County to assist on issues affecting the county relating to USFS issues. The commissioners tabled the decision until they can check their budget.

The Commissioners adjourned.

January 19, 2005

Commissioners Judy A. Stang, James S. Warnken, and B. J. McComb met in a regularly scheduled session. The commissioners conducted the following business:

· BUDGET AUTHORITY RESOLUTION NO: 01-19-05

The commissioners approved the appropriation of excess fund in the Justice Court account to increase the general fund in the amount of Thirteen Thousand Four Hundred Thirty Seven Dollars ($13,437.00).

· KEVIN CHAMBERLAIN – GRANT 11:00 A.M.

Mineral County received a grant to for an Office of Economic Development in Mineral County. The commissioners signed the Rural Community Development Initiative budget for $20,000.The County contracted with the MCEDC (Mineral County Economic Development Corporation) and approved the budget.

· 911 OPTION IN PHONE FEATURES

Present: Nina Duncan from Blackfoot, Roni Phillips, Mineral County Dispatch, Hugh Hopwood Mineral County Sheriff. Nina Duncan was in to present to the county a report of the grant moneys into the State for enhanced 911 services. Century Tele is the named entity of the consortium. Blackfoot has joined with Century Tele and has the fiber optics in place to serve the county. Blackfoot is looking for the commissioners to sign a letter of intent that is due to the State on February 1^st. The new equipment is paid for with the grant. The commissioners have agreed to support the project and write and letter of intent.

· MONTANA DEPT. OF LABOR & INDUSTRY

Present: Shaunda Hildebrand, Montana Department of labor, was in to present to the county the services and information that her department has to offer. Also present are Kevin Chamberlain, Jim DeBree, and Sharon Patterson. The Research & Analysis Bureau is basically new because the bureau lost half of its employees. The R & A Bureau is talking to the counties to reanalyze the labor force system. The R & A Bureau researches and publishes wages. The scope of information that the Bureau can disclose has been narrowed. There are grants available for apprentices of trades. The Bureau of labor & statistics gathers information. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is also known as BLS. The BLS is a division of the U.S. Dept. of Labor. The BLS is the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the field of labor economics and statistics. BLS directly collects, processes, analyzes and disseminates data relating to employment, unemployment, the labor force, productivity, prices, family expenditures, wages, industrial relations, and occupational safety and health.

BLS has two broad divisions for data collection:

1. "Directly collected" programs such as the CPI (Consumers Price Index) and PPI (Producers Price Index) which BLS collects without assistance from states and,

2. They operate what is known as the Federal/State Cooperative Programs

Shaunda explained what the Bureau does and said she is here to find how and how much the information the Bureau provides will affect the county and what the county needs from the Bureau specifically. Kevin requested information that enables the county to compare itself to other counties and project impacts on the county. She stated that if the BLS cannot help with the information the county needs they may be able to tell the county where and how to gather that information. The county found the presentation very helpful and will be asking for information, especially for economic needs.

· BUDGET AUTHORITY RESOLUTION NO: 01-19-05A

The commissioners signed a resolution for the appropriation of funds received by Mineral County from the Rural Community Development Initiative to increase the CDBG Economic Development Budget of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00).

The commissioners adjourned.

January 26, 2005

Commissioners James S. Warnken, Judy Stang, and B. J. McComb met in a regularly scheduled session. The commissioners conducted the following business:

· MACO MID-POLICY

Present: Greg Jackson, JPIA Trust MACO.

JPIA Board has changed. Burns is not on the board any more. Felstat is being appointed. The procedures for County Facility use were discussed in relation to Liability. Greg suggested that when the County facilities are being used that the user should provide proof of Liability Insurance. He also recommended a user agreement. If alcohol is going to be present a function the alcohol service should be catered. A meeting with all board chairmen and MACO will be set up for spring 2005. He also suggested that when multiple groups are involved that agreements be drawn up regarding Liability. County volunteers are covered for Liability but not Workers Comp. Fire Districts are not covered. They should have their own Liability Insurance.

· LEGAL ASSISTANT/SECRETARY POSITION – COUNTY ATTORNEY

Shaun said Shirley is leaving in early March. There will be an opening in the County Attorney’s office for a part-time position to replace Shirley. The commissioners approved the pay to be $8.00 per hour for the right person. If the pay needs to be negotiated he will bring it to the Commissioners for approval.

· MCRAG – Mineral County Resource Advisory Group

Present: Dennis Hildabrand, Alan Amborn, Jim DeBree, Mike Byrnes, and Kevin Chamberlain amd the three commissioners.

The advisory group came in with concerns about the scoping process for the proposed ATV trails. NITRO will present their plans to MCRAG. Judy recommended getting County wide input by using various methods such as county meetings and newspapers.

· JUDGE WANDA JAMES – QUERY & REVIEW

Judge James gave the Commissioners the 6-month evaluation for Cindy Grimm. Jennifer Armour is now working as an intern and the Judge is requesting that Jennifer be able to fill in for Lorna while Lorna is in Italy for the Navy in the month of April 2005. Jennifer will also be working in the Justice Court for college credit at no pay during the next semester.

· LOAN COMMITTEE MEETING

Present: Committee members, Judy Stang, B.J. McCombs, James Warken, Billye Ann Bricker, and Shaun Donovan. Staff, Kevin Chamberlain, Jim DeBree and Sharon Patterson.

The principles of American Adventure RV Resort, Inc. Are seeking a commitment from Mineral County for $65,000, contingent upon finance approval from the SBA and a Conventional Lender.

Because of the nature of our finance package, we would need a letter of commitment from Mineral County for $65,000, should Mineral County agree to our request. This proof of commitment would be provided to the SBA and the conventional lender as proof that the borrower’s non-federal commitment will be met. After loan approval has been granted from the SBA and the Conventional lender, American Adventure RV Resort, Inc., would request the funds from the Mineral County RLF. The purpose of this loan is to augment the required Non-Federal funds (Owner’s Cash Buy-in) required by the Small business Administration’s 504-loan program. This loan will be secured by the real property located at 5 Westfall Rd., Superior, MT 59872. Shaun requested a copy of the letter from the bank. The $65,000 would be used at the time of close. The Counties collateral would be a portion of the collateral property or equipment. The payments to Mineral County would be approximately $1000.00. The County Loan would be for 10 years. Shaun asked what experience Mr. Lightle has related to the RV Park business. He has none. His background is in marketing. Mr. Lightle stated that they would try to donate land for the Fire Dept. and put it in writing. The property is commercial property. Shaun recommended that Mr. Lightle acquire the required variances before the County would consider the loan. Mr. Lightle stated that that is not possible because the County loan is the key. Shaun requested a proposal clarifying the collateral issue. Mr. Lightle will send everything to Kevin and Kevin will get it to the Loan Committee. Shaun also wants Credit reports on all of the borrowers and a copy of the commitment letter from the Bitterroot Valley Bank. When the reports are received a follow-up meeting will be scheduled.

· MINERAL COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER

The commissioners granted Kathy Jasper’s request to leave the state for more than 14 days.

The commissioners adjourned.

January 31, 2005

Commissioners present: B.J. McComb, James Warnken, and Judy Stang met in regularly scheduled session. The commissioners conducted the following business:

· MINERAL COUNTY PROJECTS

Present: Jim DeBree, Kevin Chamberlain

Jim and Kevin presented a letter of intention to propose county projects to Senator Burns for grant consideration. Jim and Kevin intend to submit one package of projects varied from basic community infrastructure to improve services and start-up funds for new economic ventures. They propose to gather all the needs in Mineral County and submit the package for consideration. They requested the commissioner’s input of projects to include. The proposal would be reviewed by the Senator’s staff to determine if grant dollars are available to satisfy the request.

· NON-PROFIT DAY CARE IN ST. REGIS

Present: Jody Bird

The day care has been approved for 12 kids. She is having a very difficult time getting information from Tim Read (Sanitarian). Mr. Read said they do not have enough drain field. They are requesting help from the commissioners.

· ROAD DEPARTMENT

Jason McLees stopped by to notify the commissioners that he gave verbal warning on January 26, 2005 to Shawn Heyer. Shawn was not meeting his job description standards.

· HUGH HOPWOOD

Present: Hugh Hopwood

Hugh said there might be a verbal agreement with Anita Parkin, former Mineral County Sheriff and Gary Bullock for the jail food service. Hugh is going to verify the verbal agreement. Hugh is applying for a grant for an automated fingerprint system for the jail. The commissioners signed the grant application. If the county receives the grant the fiscal cost the county will be $1900.00.

· RESIGNATION LETTER

The commissioners received a letter of resignation from Shirley Hancock effective February 28, 2005. Shirley and her husband are moving to Spokane, WA.

· DEPT. OF REVENUE

Present: Deb Reesman, Lois Sherd, Anthony Francesconi, Tim Read, Kelann McLees, Billye Ann Bricker, and Shaun Donovan.

Deb has reviewed Lois and Anthony’s work plans and review and prioritize duties. The Dept. of Revenue is researching things that should have already been done. The Dept. of Revenue’s goal is to minimize the researching of things not related to valuation information. Taxes and/or ownership information should go thru the Clerk & Recorders Office. The Clerk & Recorders office can only access information by name, not legal description. The Dept. of Revenue makes sure the RTC matches the deed. Inaccurate deeds should be resolved thru the Clerk & Recorders office. Deb suggested a checklist to complete before a deed can be recorded (Deb supplied copies of the checklist that Ravalli County uses.). Public access computer is being installed in the Clerk & Recorders office. The Dept. of Revenue could request maps for the Clerk & Recorders office. The Dept. of Revenue does not want to be the source of resolution when there is a title or deed discrepancy. They would like to see a procedure for handling discrepancies. Shaun suggested fabricating a form to give to the public when there is a problem that identifies the problem and gives the public some guidance or options to solve the problem. Deb said that would not be the responsibility of the Dept. of Revenue, the Clerk & Recorders office should address that. The question of where to direct calls relating to increases in property taxes. Shaun stated that Mineral County does not have a financial officer to direct those types of calls to. Deb suggested that there the public is confused about which office does what. Shaun suggested listing the roles of the offices on the Mineral County Web site. Deb supplied everyone with the Montana Dept. of Revenue, Property Assessment Division Duties and Responsibilities. The Dept. of Revenue asks that when new covenants are filed, the Clerk & Recorders office make a copy for the Dept. of Revenue and notify Anthony.

Claims and Payroll issued for the month of January were:

Claims Payroll

$81,434.11 $136,750.12

A complete list of the claims and payroll can be seen in the clerk and recorders office.

The commissioners adjourned

MINERAL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

James S. Warnken, Chairperson

Judy A. Stang, Member

B.J. McComb, Member

ATTEST:

Katherine Jasper, Clerk & Recorder