Bill Jarocki

The board addressed several operational and administrative matters, including support for grant applications for new equipment and a search and rescue boat. Discussions covered station reports, financial updates, and progress on virtual training and fire service coordination. Key unfinished business included revisions to the mutual aid agreement with the City of Townsend, building and equipment repairs, and the potential acquisition of a grain rescue system. New business items involved accepting insurance quotes from the Montana State Fund, managing donations and contributions to the Montana State Firefighter Memorial, reviewing department funding opportunities from the Department of the Interior, and updates on recruit class training.

The meeting included a discussion on introducing AI technology for transcribing meeting minutes, requiring members to state their names for accuracy. Construction and maintenance updates addressed the pending installation of a beacon baffle, potential furniture replacement for the pilot lounge, and issues concerning vehicle batteries and pilot transportation amenities. The board accepted a hangar lease request for hangar #4, clarifying that residential use is prohibited upon lease transfer, with only one grandfathered hangar home remaining. The financial report detailed current cash and Capital Improvement Plan fund balances, and claims for vehicle oil changes were reviewed and approved. A letter of interest from Darrel Folkvord was considered, and the board unanimously voted to recommend his appointment to the vacant board member position effective January 1. Operational updates included vehicle battery replacements, slowing fuel sales, and discussion about a proposed auto racing event requiring formal presentation. Further discussion covered coordination with Broadwater County regarding electrical, water, and septic infrastructure for lease areas, management of the onsite millings pile, and recognition of a board member's 14 years of service.

Key discussions for this meeting included the approval of minutes and the financial report/claims. Specific action items involved a discussion and decision regarding the AARP Grant for handicap parking at the north end of the 4H Building, hangar lease requests from Eric Stahl and Parker Chadwick, and planning for the Townsend Airport Fly-In. The board also addressed the use of the Townsend Airport by the Southwest MT Car Club, reviewed a quote from Northwestern Energy for electrical work related to future hangars, and reviewed a quote for snow removal from Zeadow. Updates were expected from Robert Peccia and Associates concerning the Townsend Airport Project, including a discussion/decision on an FAA Grant Amendment Request. Other topics included discussion/decision on FAA PAPI Testing, a grant for a Sprinkler System, an update from the Airport Manager, and a discussion/decision on fuel pricing.

This project plan details NorthWestern Energy's investment in the Helena to Three Forks Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Project. The primary objective is to enhance natural gas service reliability and system resilience, particularly during high-demand periods. Key elements include the construction of a 74-mile underground pipeline, adherence to rigorous safety standards, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship through detailed reviews and community engagement.

The meeting involved reviewing the December financial report, which noted the successful deposit of State Entitlement Funds and completion of the roof repair fund transfer, although questions regarding the Annual Report remained. Station reports indicated all facilities were in good standing. The Chief reported on the replacement of one smoke alarm and one CO2 detector, and the distribution of one fire extinguisher via a grant. Key decisions included the acceptance of the final 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget. Discussions covered the ongoing virtual training for firefighters and the finalization of the VFC Grant by submitting bills for two newly ordered jump suits. The board approved the fire plan regulations for subdivisions, subject to commissioner approval, after noting a potential misspelling in the Speicher Subdivision plan review status. Equipment updates included purchasing suction hose and fixing a light bar. In new business, a motion to send a letter of support for the Winston North Highway Project failed due to a lack of second. The board noted that two members up for re-election needed to file paperwork by February 9th. Finally, the bills for the period were approved for payment.