Diane Brien

The board addressed several agenda items across two recorded meeting dates. Key actions included the election of officers for chair (David Deffinbaugh remaining) and vice chair (John Harding elected). The 2026 Zoning Board of Adjustments schedule was approved. Significant discussion centered on proposed Zoning Amendments for 2025, which entail substantial updates to Zoning and Floodplain Regulations, with a shift toward quarterly statistical reporting. Furthermore, the board considered and conditionally approved Special Use Permit Applications 002-2026 and 005-2026 for MV Investments to allow duplexes, subject to conditions including height restrictions related to Malmstrom Air Force Base. There was also detailed discussion regarding the applicability of new state law (Senate Bill 532) concerning Accessory Dwelling Units in relation to duplex construction.

The key discussion focused on the recommendation to approve Contract 26-25, which entails submitting the Stuckey Road Project for member-specific project funding (Community Project Funding or Congressionally Directed Spending) for Fiscal Year 2027. The project involves the conversion of 3.25 miles of gravel road (Stuckey Road, Vineyard Road, and 6th Street NW) to asphalt, estimated at $3.5MM. The justification cited high traffic volume, access to growing subdivisions and tribal facilities, and long-term maintenance savings compared to gravel roads. The staff also noted that a similar request would be submitted to Senator Sheehy, along with a separate request for Morony Dam Road.

The key discussion items included the approval of the previous month's minutes (from February 4, 2026). The Finance Division presented its monthly financial report for January, noting year-over-year decreases in revenue and expenditures, and discussing the impact of the MFPE labor union negotiations and cash reserve positions, including a beneficial payment from the City of Great Falls. Reports were provided by the Environmental Health, Prevention Services, Family Health Services, and Administrative Divisions. A significant agenda item was the update on the Public Health Officer Hiring Process. The Environmental Health Division reported on septic permits, lower-than-expected inspection completion rates due to staffing and system issues, and an investigation into a Botulism case. The Prevention Services Division reported an increase in pertussis and varicella cases and discussed potential extensions for the pediatric RSV immunization season. The Family Health Services Division provided its quarterly data, covering oral health screenings, home visiting caseloads (PAT and Safecare), Buckle Up MT car seat distribution, and WIC participation numbers. Policy updates included federal legislation supporting core human service programs like Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood home visiting and Title IV-B funding.

The key discussion topics for this commission meeting included the reading of the weekly calendar and reports on approved purchase orders and accounts payable warrants, as well as the report of the approved Treasurer's Monthly Report. The consent agenda involved action on Contract 26-17 for pest control services at the Montana ExpoPark, and Contract 26-18, a Collective Bargaining Agreement between Cascade County and the Federation of the Cascade City-County Health Department Local #7772, effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. Additionally, Resolution 26-09 addressed a budget appropriation within the City-County Health Department WIC Fund. The agenda also included public comment, board member comments, and procedures for conducting a public hearing.

The meeting agenda included several public hearings covering the Bunny Run Major Subdivision and Subdivision Variance Applications, a Resolution of Intention to Amend Cascade County Zoning Regulations, and the A. Birky Subsequent Minor Preliminary Subdivision Plat Application. The consent agenda addressed routine items such as approving a Resolution to cancel candidate filings for several county offices due to acclamation, and approving various contracts. Contract items included a Memorandum of Understanding with the Montana Association of Area Agencies on Aging, an agreement with Modus Technology Inc. for data conversion services, consent to assign natural gas assets to Jefferson Energy Trading LLC, and requests for Congressionally Directed Spending for the Radio Interoperability Project and the Stuckey Road Project. Also approved for submission was the Morony Dam Road Project funding request. Finally, the agenda included an agreement for the purchase of real property for a transfer site and general public comment periods for both public matters not on the agenda and Board Member Comments.