Mark Morse

The council received a Treasurer's report regarding the status of the checking account. The main agenda item involved a presentation on potential new structures for rural fire departments and county grass fire contracts, outlining various options including creating a county-wide fire department, creating a specialized county fire department for wildland fires, and establishing county contracts for fire response. The participating fire departments agreed to review two specific options before the next council meeting. Additionally, there was a brief discussion concerning the possible disbanding of the Haley Bench Volunteer Fire Department and the redistribution of their service area.

The Commissioner meeting focused on several department-level agenda items, including dust suppression contracts for road and bridge maintenance, additional paving projects in collaboration with the Worden Ballantine Water Sewer District, and agreements for the utilization of salvaged milled materials. The Board also reviewed the abatement of delinquent property taxes exceeding five years and received updates regarding the BBWA grant sponsorship, the New Day program, and the Billings Urban Indian Health & Wellness Center. Additionally, the Board addressed personnel matters in a closed session.

The board discussed several items including the name, signage, and alternative setup for the Elections Center at the Montana Fair. Other key discussions involved the use of Zimmerman Park for a city water storage tank and two zone change requests: one from Rural Residential 3 to Rural Residential 1 for Rustic Avenue, and another from Agriculture to Heavy Industrial for Johnson Lane. Additionally, the board received updates on Nextera Energy, Bridgemont, Chickadee Wisdom, and a discussion regarding the museum levy. The meeting concluded with a closed session regarding a personnel matter.

The board discussed member terms and received a staff overview regarding upcoming events including a Junior Angus Show and concerts. Progress on fundraising was noted, with the Little Fair Goers Fund at 32% of its goal and Montana Fair Sponsorships at 104% of its goal. Additionally, the board explored potential strategies to increase park revenue and attendance, and identified a need for future discussion regarding ex officio members.

The committee meeting covered a presentation from NorthWestern Energy regarding their Wildfire Mitigation and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) plans, detailing strategies for grid hardening, situational awareness, and the specific phases of a PSPS event. Committee reports were provided for various subcommittees, including updates on grant funding, upcoming training opportunities, and exercise planning for the airport. Additionally, the committee discussed updates to the Yellowstone County HAZMAT plan, reviewed a report on hazardous releases, and received an announcement regarding upcoming storm spotter training from the National Weather Service.