The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners met for a regular session on July 10, in the Lincoln County Courthouse. Commissioner Peck opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
USFS
Supervisors
Office:
Acting Kootenai National Forest Supervisor, Cheryl Probert gave a brief overview of current and future forest service projects as follows:
- Rationale around the environmental impact statement being officially closed on Young Growth
- Snowshoe Road non-motorized vehicle use update
- City Council easement on Flower Creek Dam update
- Review of current timber sales on the Three Rivers District
Probert also told Commissioners that she would like to see the forest service work with the county on a stewardship agreement for the Skidale area.
The commissioners shared their appreciation for what Probert has done during her time in Lincoln County and for her communication and engagement with the county.
She said, “I just want to say thank you for the welcome I received, and your support for the forest. We were able to get a few things off the list.”
Probert was acting as interim Forest Supervisor on the Kootenai National Forest until the position was filled. The new Supervisor will begin this month.
Health
Department
update
After 12 days of employment, the County’s newest Health Inspector has resigned.
Kathi Hooper, Director of the County Health Department said that she is advertising for the Environmental Health Specialist position and they have also contracted out some inspections to help get caught up.
Hooper said they would like to place signage in local areas regarding air quality and permitting requirements. Six signs will show Lincoln County’s Air Quality Districts. The signs will be paid for by money in a current air quality grant.
Hooper also informed the commission that the database for septic information and permits is not working. They are trying to convert septic information and permits into laserfiche.
Hooper also discussed that a Master of Public Health student is reviewing refuse assessments and they are expecting to have a report by October. For now, the Fortine green box site will be relocated next to the Trego/Fortine Fire Department. There is signage in place to inform residents.
Jennifer McCully introduced Dorey Rowland as the 0-5 Initiative, Local Collaboration Coordinator.
Rowland will be working on building health and resilience to young children in our community and is engaging parents and family.
Rowland said, “I am excited to work with local and county-wide to assist in growing happy and healthy little guys.”
Rowland plans on being very inclusive and helpful during the begging stages of our local children’s lives through-out the next year.
McCully had two grant contracts as follows:
Renewable Immunization Action Program (IAP) Grant between Lincoln County Health Department and DPHHS. Purpose of the grant is to reduce the burden of vaccine preventable disease within Lincoln County by ensuring the oversight and provision of immunization services for children, adolescents, and adults. Grant award $10,050/00.
CDPHP Program Grant between Lincoln County Health Department and Flathead City/County Health Department to assist in providing Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program service to the residents of Lincoln County. This multi-county area consists of Flathead and Lincoln Counties. Grant award $34,560.00
The Commissioners approved both grants.
McCully also discussed available training for recognizing drug overdoses. County Nurse Trista Gilmore may be able to teach it along with her CPR/First Aid training classes.
Local Law Enforcement is also now trained in recognizing drug overdoses and how to help.
Peck talked about a property in the Chain of Lakes area. Hooper commented she has received complaints and the owner has been cited but lives out-of-town and does not accept certified mail from the county. Hooper said she will review the Community Decay Ordinance to determine what else can be done and will visit with the county attorney.
Administrative Issues:
Robin Benson, Clerk and Recorder informed the commissioners that a position is vacant on the Upper Yaak FSA Board. Robin presented an application from Clinton Oster and a letter from the board requesting the commission to appoint. The commissioners unanimously appointed Clinton Oster to fill the vacant position on the Upper Yaak FSA Board.
The minutes for June 25 finance meeting and June 26, 2019 regular meeting were approved.
Benson discussed about a project she showed interested in doing for Lincoln Count. Benson read about another county that conducted a “50 in 50 Project”, visiting 50 businesses in 50 weeks. The goal would be to learn about the business climate in Lincoln County from the business owner perspective.
Benson expressed that there could potentially be much to learn such as why choose Libby, positives and challenges, what types of businesses are growing, what types of business struggle, what can the county do to participate in and/or help economic development.
Commissioner Jerry Bennett said, “It would be a good collective source to hear from businesses across the county.”
Mark Peck expressed it would be very beneficial from a knowledge and relationship standpoint and feels business owners may appreciate the county interest.
Darren Coldwell suggested a visit with the county chambers, to provide their input and/or participation.
Commissioner Josh Letcher presented a lease agreement between Lincoln County and the Eureka School District.
The agreement is for use of a 20-acre parcel and is in effect for 20 years at $500.00 per year. The county will pay the Eureka School District for premises to be used as a community sports complex by erecting and/or maintain appropriate and adequate facilities.
The commissioners approved the agreement unanimously.
Letcher presented a lease agreement between Lincoln County and the Eureka Sports League. The lease agreement is for use of a 20-acre parcel and is in effect for 20 years at $250.00 per year. The commissioners approved the lease agreement as submitted.
Letcher presented a lease agreement between Lincoln County and North 93 Services LLC. North 93 Services LLC will use the premises for use as parking only. No decision was made and will be addressed in next meeting.
There are two Lincoln County positions on the Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging. Commissioner Letcher is one county representative, and said JoAnn Cuffe is interested in serving as the other county representative. Commissioners Bennett and Peck said JoAnn would be a good member and appreciates her willingness to serve on the board.
The Commissioners signed a letter of support for the USFS’s Forest Legacy Program and its use in Lincoln County to conserve privately managed forestland and to increase access for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities, specifically the second phase of the Kootenai Forestlands Conservation Project.
Coldwell requested commissioner approval for the Montana Disaster and Emergency Services grant in the amount of $59,548. The grant is a 50/50 match grant, so Lincoln County is required to contribute a cost match in the amount of $59,548 or 50% of the total approved project cost of $119,096. The grant was approved.
Coldwell submitted the Service Provider Designation for Commissioner approval, designating state approved Chemical Dependency Service Providers to receive earmarked alcohol tax monies and/or state approval for the provision of chemical dependency treatment and prevention services in the county in accordance with 53-24-206 MCA. The motion was unmissably carried.
Bennett commented that he was questioned by a person recently about forest service roads, Schedule A roads and where the county is regarding maintenance. In August there will be information sent out and a public hearing will be held. The budget still needs to be finalized and consideration given that Lincoln County did receive SRS monies.
Rodeo Grounds
Update:
Mike Cole came into discuss the Rodeo Grounds project in Eureka. Cole offered the commissioners on a walk-thru to view the progress. Cole is predicts the hillside section to be completed by rodeo time.
Discussion of Troy Area
Dispatch:
Hank LaSala, a concerned citizen and property owner in Troy, introduced himself and gave a brief history of the county boards he has served on and his years of engagement with the county.
LaSala discussed the Troy Dispatch services, how its paid and by whom, and the delay time in critical emergencies by transfer from Troy Dispatch to the Lincoln County Sheriff Department Dispatch. LaSala provided the statutes on Dissolution of Special District 7-11-1029 MCA, stating the commission can pass a resolution of intent to dissolve the Troy Dispatch District. LaSala believes this to be in the best interest of the locals.
Peck commented about the former county attorney’s ruling, and explained the sticky point is the cooperative agreement. Coldwell commented that in the cooperative agreement the commission does not have authority to dissolve the district, maybe if the city is in agreement. Coldwell expressed the importance of the vote for the district was previously 70% in favor when it was implemented.
Peck said, “In this day and age, it is completely unacceptable to have to wait for help….. But it is not as cut and dried as being presented”
Peck stated that we need to fix the problem and wait time for the residents out side of the dispatch district in Troy. He would also like to look at consolidation; taxpayers are paying for 3 separate systems in Lincoln County. With the point of not providing the best service at the best cost to the citizens. But, the biggest issue at this time is the emergency call transfer.
LaSala clarified that we are talking about the dissolution of Troy dispatch district, not the office, or their services.
Kimberly Mole, present at the meeting, and Troy local said, “The Troy dispatch does not benefit the people who live in the Troy/County District. We should not have to pay for it. Troy city residents can fund it, it does not benefit us.”
Kim also expressed that there is a major liability because of the timed delay of service when a emergency is at hand.
Peck talked about the dispatch system and 911 technology.
Peck said, “It is time to sit down and look at the options to provide the best service…. I think we can make it cheaper and better.”
Peck suggested putting together a committee including the City of Troy.
“We have any opportunity to fix this, to put together a group of people from city, county and emergency services to figure this out, but we do need to fix right away the call transfer problem.”
LaSala pushed for a vote move forward with a resolution of intent as per the statute allowing for the public comment process.
Bill Boss, yet another Troy local suggested an agreement with Commissioner Peck to take 6 months and put together a group of intelligent people and figure out a way to all work on this to get the best service and cost for everyone in Lincoln County.
Bennett said, “We are willing to do this but it will take time.”
The commission agreed and committed to diligently work on this over the current fiscal year.
Peck agreed to give 6 to 8 months to figure this out and reassess; in 30 days to have a group of about 7 or 8 people that do not come in with an agenda. If in 6 to 8 months there is no progress, he is willing to look at the statutes.
Peck commented that he understands LaSala’s frustration; LaSala has been working on this for several years and shared all his efforts and research he has put into this.
LaSala thanked the commissioner’s for their time, and the meeting was complete.