Brad Bichler

The County Commission meeting addressed several action items, including postponing the bid opening for repairs to the Old Yellowstone Trail due to pending FEMA documentation. Key decisions involved the approval of submitting two grant applications for Windrider Transit for FY26/27: one for operations funding and one for capital funding to acquire a new bus. The Commission also approved signing a contract for snow plowing services in Cooke City for Winter 2026 and signed a letter of support for the Main Boulder Trail Stewardship Grant, noting commitments from external organizations. Furthermore, approval was granted to sign a resolution transferring West End Road to the City of Livingston. The Commission designated the County Superintendent of Schools as the Park County representative to the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) Board and directed Planning Staff to develop alternatives to the CIZD zoning classification. Finally, the Commission approved submitting an application for Public Health System Improvement Grants and accepted an anonymous donation of $7,200 to support the Health Department's Hope Squad program. Department updates were provided covering Planning, Public Works, Health, District Court, County Superintendent of Schools, Fairgrounds & Parks (postponed), and MSU Extension budgets.

The meeting addressed several action items. The Board decided to schedule training sessions for January or February 2026, ultimately planning for February 23, 2026. The recommendation to reappoint Paul Lyman to the County seat on the Airport Board was approved. The Board approved a 3% adjustment for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation increase to be applied to leases and billing starting January 1, 2026. Discussions on Capital Improvement Program (CIP) prioritization included pavement maintenance, an apron expansion, and fencing, with a motion passed to actively search for a tractor up to a ceiling amount of $79,999. A proposal for a future hanger on Lot 4 at Mission Field submitted by Joe McDonough was approved. The discussion regarding the Airport Administrator/Secretary position resulted in a motion to advertise the opening, specifying Pay Grade 11, up to 18 hours per week. The Board approved the use of the county Dodge Durango for airport maintenance, covering associated insurance, maintenance, and gas costs.

Discussion items focused on the Colter Pass Cooke City Silver Gate Resort Tax applications and the meeting schedule for 2026, including potential travel to Cooke City for application review in March. Upcoming agenda items included a board recommendation for a cemetery board appointment, the second reading of the no camping ordinance, and a letter of support for the health department's CHIPP grant application, which the commission previously approved for $10,000 to fund community health initiatives. Additionally, a request was made to add the approval of the Stafford Animal Contract and the hiring of an attorney for arbitration to the agenda.

The meeting featured a decision to approve an ordinance prohibiting camping on Park County lands after public comment was heard both in support and opposition, with Commissioners citing concerns over public health, waste management, and consistency with neighboring counties' regulations. Further discussions included the signing of a Letter of Support for the Health Department's DPHHS CHIP Grant Funding, the decision to sign the Stafford Animal Contract for FY26, and the hiring of an attorney for arbitration following months of negotiation. Additionally, David Tuan was appointed to the Cemetery Board. Department updates covered museum activities, budget overages for the Fairgrounds & Parks department, and discussions regarding fiber optic broadband implementation.

The special meeting addressed several action and discussion items related to Montana Aeronautics (MT) funding requests. Key discussions involved the approval of funding for Gardiner pavement maintenance, which required clarification on scheduling and potential use of landing fees. The board also debated the allocation of funds for the Mission Field Runway 4 PAPI installation, focusing on safety benefits versus the substantial cost and impact on other priority projects. A motion was passed to request matching funds for the PAPI project. Finally, the board approved funding for the Mission Field Instrument Approach Data Gathering, despite noting that the data might be outdated and that funds might need to be borrowed to cover the state's share.