Hey, I was looking for
» Are we all Are we good? >> What are you thankful for?
» Being hot. >> You're thankful for being hot.
» Better than being too cold.
I'm going to go ahead and call to order the city council business meeting of
Tuesday, August 11th. If you would start by joining me in a pledge of allegiance,
I would appreciate it.
» I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. Thank you,
» Lonnie. Can I get a roll call, please? >> Here.
» Here. >> Daniel here.
» Yes. >> Yes.
» Rude >> here. Cuben,
» yes. >> All right. Thank you. Um, just a
reminder if if everybody has not had an opportunity to put their phones on mute
um or silence, if you would please do that. Um
we will go ahead and commence with the meeting. Jeremy, just a heads up, I um
have the script for qualifying a board that we use um for
planning board. Um and I am not seeing it right here on top. So if you have
that readily accessible just where we qualify the board and state that it's a
quasi judicial matter, um it'd be helpful if you can find that. Otherwise,
we'll wing it and do it best as we can. Um, I will entertain a motion to adopt
the agenda as presented. >> I move to adopt the agenda as presented.
» Second. >> Motion from council member Ronnie,
second from council member Daniels. Discussion at the table.
Hearing none. Can I go ahead and get a roll call, please?
» Yes. >> Daniel, yes. Steven,
» yes. >> Yes.
» Yes. >> Yes.
All right, 6. The motion carries. I'll entertain a motion to approve the
minutes of July 28th. >> I move to approve the minutes of July
28th, 2026. >> Second.
» Motion from council member Ronnie, second from council member Battles, I
believe. That's where I heard that from. Uh, discussion at the table.
Hearing none. Can I get a roll call? >> Battles?
» Yes. >> Daniel?
» Yes. >> David? Yes. Ronnie?
» Yes. >> Ruth?
Um, yes. Shining. Yes. 6. Motion passes.
» Entertain a motion for warrants payable. >> I move to approve warrants payable in
the amount of 1,726,740.93.
» I'll second. >> Have a motion from council member
Ronnie, a second from council member Tupin.
» Discussion at the table, please. Um it is so high because there were um
$755,120.92
cents was paid out of water and that was for uh cops construction. Most of that
was >> yes for the water
» for the water project. Um and then we had the EDA grant. They paid out
$57,510.98.
And then we also paid for the comprehensive insurance um $146,630.50
and um we also, you know, then the rest were just normal um payments. Um so but
that that made up the majority of it. Solid waste we paid with public services
50,000 as usual. So that's that's most of it.
Other comments at the table
hearing? None. Can I get a roll call, please?
» Yes. >> Yes.
» Yes. >> All right. 60. Motion carries.
Um, mayor's business. Um, I have a few notes to get through. Um, the first one
we'll start is with Bears. I'm sure as everyone knows, this has been a bad
year. Um it's been bad all over the state, but you throw into that that Red
Lodge is built in a riparian zone um right along a creek where bears love to
walk. Um and we have grizzlies and black bears both in there. Um Daniel with uh
FWP was able to be here tonight. Um he will also be at the bear meeting
tomorrow. Um I'll I'll mention that again later, but that's at 2 o'clock at
the library. um the the guidance that we have thus
far and again I think it's important to note that bears are not put down just
because of trash. They're they're put down um when they become a public safety
issue. So when they're breaking into homes, breaking into cars, um chasing
people, those are all behaviors that ends up putting a bear down. And I'd
like to think that none of us like to see that. Um and so it's kind of uh the
protect yourself, protect the bear. Um some ideas that they had to put out is
they have asked to the extent possible if you have the ability to keep your can
inside please do so. Um and then just put it out the morning that it's there.
I know that's really difficult because sometimes Republic is a little
unpredictable and comes really really early um earlier than normal. Um I will
say uh and then actually before I go there also consider bringing bird
feeders in. I know in town there's a lot of people who say, "I have bird feeders
out and they just bring them in every night." Um, this year we are seeing
bears every part of town walking down the street in the middle of the day. Um,
so so consider bringing um the bird feeders in for the remainder of the
season. Um, and then the other thing just from a public safety standpoint,
um, if you're walking around town, anywhere in town really, uh, please
consider carrying bear spray, especially if you're at night. Um, I I I don't
think it's safe for people to be walking around um out at night, you know,
walking dogs or or various things. And again, if you're a worker in Red Lodge
and and um you don't have bear spray, um the bear group got a grant and working
with uh YWS, the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary, they actually have some bear
spray training and they have vouchers for those city workers who are working
in our businesses and may not have bear spray. They can go down and get a
voucher and get a can of bear spray, too. We still um the the latest count is
still seven in Red Lodge, but we still have three or four bears um actively
walking down the streets every night in in in town and and quite frankly during
the day. Um if you see a bear, if it is a grizzly or
if it is a human safety issue, please call dispatch. Um that's 4064461234.
Hopefully everybody in town already has that number. saved in their phone. Um, I
did see a hand. >> Council member Tupin,
» just a question on bird feeders. I didn't think that those were permitted
in city limits. I thought that was not allowed. They are.
» No, they they they are permitted. What is not permitted is feeding of game
animals. So, turkey, deer, anything that can be hunted. Yeah.
» Um is not um the the public health and safety has taking under adisement and is
looking at wondering about making bird feeders not legal within city limits,
but it's it's a slippery slope, but at this point in time, they are legal, but
they're just asking people not. >> So, you can make them not legal from May
to like October. >> Your council, you can do whatever you'd
like. >> No, I know. But in other cities, that's
that's what other cities have done. So, let's let's let's not dive down that,
but that'll be that's one of those things that is under consideration and
discussion. Um, so call dispatch if you see a grizzly or if you have something
that's a a human concern. Um, you can call them on general sightings. They
they just probably won't get a response. Um, dispatch is really good at weeding
through those calls. um and and has the hotlines for all of our um law
enforcement and and they're still working like like the police and FWP
will go down at night and run the bears off out of the alleys. And I will say
from a community standpoint, if there's if there's things we can do um to make
the bears uncomfortable, I know we all like cute pictures. Um but I was really
quite pleased. I had some neighbors the other day that said, you know, they they
ran at it and hollered and screamed and waved their arms and and the bear ran
off. And as long as the bears are doing that, they will live to see another day.
If they start to be unfased by humans, get to the point that they're breaking
into garages or breaking into vehicles or chasing people, um then it doesn't
end well for the bear. And sadly, that's where they go if they start getting too
comfortable around people with trash and bird feeders and that sort of thing. Um
tomorrow, for those who are interested, at 2:00 at the library is our bear
meeting. Um we generally have 20 people or so. Um, the county is planning on
attending tomorrow and I've extended an invitation to Ryan. Um, so I don't I
haven't heard back from him. I don't know if he'll be able to make that or
not. Um, but for anybody who's interested in being part of the
solution, uh, we welcome you to those meetings and that'll be at 2:00 uh,
tomorrow. And then hot off the presses on August 24th, which is the Monday
before our next city council meeting at the senior center, um FWP is going to
have their they generally do a couple of bear meetings a year. Um and generally
they kind of wait until after the season. Um as active as it has been this
year and with many things going on, um they have reached to have that. So
that'll be August 24th, 6:30 at the senior center.
um we may want to consider um for the Monday meeting that we have at staff
meeting at 5:30 um whether we want to shorten that or maybe consider having
that earlier um to help make sure otherwise they set it at 6:30 so we can
leave right from here and go directly to that. Any questions about bears before
we move on from the board from the table?
All right. Um in the packet next time and and our our
chief is on vacation. Um so council, you all have the complete um CFS report for
the month with those numbers. Um with that, I kind of want to throw out an
apology. Um we threw out uh we had a oneweek period of of numbers um that we
threw in the packet because we didn't have the other yet. Um I failed to catch
that that was identified or that had the title of an event on it. um and and
apologies and and that was again it's a it's a time period so it's not
everything even tight to that event per se. Um but the complete numbers are out
in front of you and we'll make sure those are in the packet for everybody
next time. Um the ice rink kickoff meeting is going
to be this Thursday here um in city hall at 1:00. Um reminder that that is in
essence a staff meeting. Um due to the high-profile nature of the conversation,
uh it was determined that that will be open to the public uh to observe.
However, I want to make sure that people understand that is not the public
meeting um where public input will be sought. That will be a follow-up meeting
and it's not an opportunity to add or change uh the requirements that council
laid out by resolution. So, it's basically um the opportunity for staff
and and representatives from council to be there to make sure that they
understand what the ask is and just to clarify. So, that'll be a kickoff
meeting here. >> What's the date and time?
» That is Thursday, August 13th at 100 p.m.
» They must know that's when I play bridge.
» They planned the whole thing around.
» Will they be? here
» and it will be here. >> Will that be hosted online as well?
» Um, not >> I don't I don't know that there's a plan
to host it online. Um, and I for the record may not be there. I have I have
plans that may have me out of town. I'm I'm presuming that you will be there not
heard contrary >> um to that.
» Um yeah, day after tomorrow. >> Okay.
» Um so anyway, so there >> council member Davis. So that's just the
ice rink meeting or is it the grant committee meeting?
» No, no, this is this is just the kickoff meeting. This is hi, you're doing this
report for us. We just want to answer any questions. If you read what the
report is, if you have any questions about what our requests are and there
was a meeting where they sat down and went through the resolution and spelled
out exactly the the the goal of this report is for council to have the
information they need to make a decision. We we literally gave them the
resolution with the ask in the resolution that council wanted and those
are you know if they're not going to be in the engineering report they have to
be presented some you know before we make a decision those in that resolution
had >> and my understanding is that that's
pretty much what the engineering report is
» that's what the it's supposed to be included within that engineering report
the P >> and we don't have anything preliminary
now everything's presented to that meeting because this meeting is strictly
for to run through that resolution and to make sure that they know ahead of
time all of the items that need to be presented within that report and that
the the citizens have the ability to understand that we are requesting that
information >> and if they have a question what do you
mean by number three so this isn't the resolution that's passed then they can
ask and get that clarification at that meeting.
» Okay, great. Thank you. >> Okay.
Um All right. um the water >> pool operations. We are nearing the end.
In fact, we're getting to the point where it starts to become very very
difficult to staff the pool. Um with with kids going off to college and
getting in. Um August 23rd is going to be the final full day of operations,
meaning open swim and lap swim. Um they are going to extend that for another
week um from 24th to 28th, weather permitting. They are going to have um
the lap swims and the aerobics from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00. They're also doing some
additional work with the high school and the and the PE classes to get in there.
Um the on the August 29th and 30th, they are going to open up on the weekend and
have recreational swim. So, that'll be kind of the normal hours. Um right now,
the plan is that um and then from the 31st to September 3rd, they're basically
keeping it open until Labor Day weekend, weather permitting. Um, and then
aerobics will be up until the 3. On the 3 will be the dog swim evening. That was
really fun. Last year there was probably I I want to say 25 to 30 dogs. I
actually took pictures and counted. >> Did you go?
» Um, bait your dogs before they come. >> Um, and then on the fourth they'll be
shutting down the pool and going from there.
» So, and and I'll just give a public shout out. um the the folks who have
worked down the pool this year um have done a really good job of just stepping
up and doing what it took to keep it running and and the feedback has been
really good. Um approved events. Uh we had one new
request on Lion's Park on August 16th. So that's this coming Sunday. There's an
event called Church in the Park. It's actually multiple churches that have
just reserved the park um for a few hours that day that will be in the park.
Thank you. Um, from a public works standpoint,
um, if all goes according to plan, and we're halfway through one of two very
breatholding days, >> um, a lot of surprises showed up today,
but they were able to deal with them real time, but by the end of day
tomorrow, they should be done with all of the water tie-ins for the water
portion of the project that's done. >> I'll have water
» after Yeah. So, we've got one more day to go through that. After that, it'll be
clean up and then and then working toward um pavement. Um so, uh that's
going to start on the week of the 24th and and and the way it works is they
come in and they lay the concrete in the curbs and this kind of pertains to the
EDA stuff as well. Um most of the concrete, there's some of it they do for
the ADA corners that they do after the paving. So, there's concrete, get it
ready, then they pave, and then they'll come back in and clean that up. Um but
that should be done um by the end of this month and actually even be a little
sooner than that. Sewer is going to start Tuesday.
Um there is going to be some impact. Um they're trying to get to the school done
before school starts so that they're not impacting sewers on the first day of
school. Um,
» how nice that blue. >> And then I said the north end of town is
ADA on and and it's folks down on Hower, you'll see them come in and doing the
sidewalk and the curb and then they'll come back in and do the pavement and
then come back and and do the finalization on the sidewalks after
that. >> So for Hower when
» that so Hower taking advant um that's something else there. Uh I want to say
the end of this month check online for the latest dates. We do keep it posted
and that's up there. But we are on on the closing and and that my my favorite
feedback and it's feedback we've heard several times um is someone will come in
and say it's absolutely wonderful. They're doing great. They're fantastic.
Yes, period. And we're so looking forward to them being done and gone. So
that that's a that's part of a statement as well.
» They last um on the street project they will start paving on the west side next
Monday if >> so that's that's kind of your question
there. >> Yeah.
» Okay. Thank you. >> Soon. Very soon.
» Um and and there have been a couple of questions or comments that have come up.
I think there was one contractor that did not understand that that the city
and aka the contractors are respons are responsible for restoration when they
work on those projects and that includes in the boulevard and grass and
sprinklers and all that sort of stuff. Rest assured that the city is aware and
the contractors are aware. Um but I am aware of of one or two um workers that
may not have been aware that that that is part of the project. So that is being
addressed.
um
Rocky Bank Fort Construction. I'll just throw out um we are working very hard to
make sure that is done by the 30th. Um there's two problems with that. Um the
the the FEMA would have to extend it beyond
that, but more importantly, we're not sure we can get fish wildlife parks on
board. There was a question about how to do it with willows and they found that
what they can do is get the willows and they don't have to wait for the dormant.
They just have to transplant them within 48 hours when they get them in. So, we
are still working to have that done. I will throw out that we are going to have
FEMA is coming to town next Wednesday. Um if you see folks around or down
looking at the site, um they are coming to basically collect success stories and
and look at the Rocky Fork. Um, but the secondary motive is we're going to make
sure they get a really thorough tour of Eagle's Nest. This is the people that
So, we're continuing to work our way up the line to make sure that the people
who are approving that project are on board and and happy with that.
I think that did Can you think of anything else from the public works that
I needed to address? >> No, I think that's about it.
» Council member Davis, you had something? >> No, not from public works. Okay. It's
about the um 50/50 sidewalk that there's been lots of applications and a lot of
So it's great people are taking >> I understand there's one block down
there from 5th to six that pretty much the whole block is taking advantage of
it. >> Half the block
» half of one side of the block half
» and and then um council member RDE uh I have a note that there's a
sustainability fair September 10th at the Roosevelt from 2 to 7. Do you want
to give us some more information on that?
» Uh, I'm not sustainability board anymore, but it's from 2:00 to 7:00 and
Stephanie Nofall is arranging it and there'll be vendors and such from 2 to 7
on the grounds at Roosevelt. That's a Thursday.
» The parks board is also up. >> Oh, parks board.
» They're Yeah, >> they haven't asked me anything, but um
» yeah, >> but Stephanie's in charge. Yeah. So, but
anyway, I think there's going to be music and vendors and
» the bear guy maybe and >> inside.
» No, just I think just in a yard. >> In a nice new yard.
» All right. >> Thank you, Jody, for adding to that for
me. >> That's what I have for any other
homework assignments to address during this stage of the meeting.
» All hearing none. And I did your yours something for later.
» I'm good. Thank you. >> All right. Having do that, um, what
we're going to do is we're going to move on to public comment. So, this is the
first of a couple of different options for public comment. We always start the
meeting with public comment, which is the opportunity for the council to hear
any comments within the council's purview. Um, and then when we have
action items, there's always an opportunity uh for public comment on
those. Uh, during the public comment, you'll have three minutes. um you uh
direct your comments to me, please. Um and again, it's it's it's comments. It's
not a it's not a back and forth conversation or dialogue. Um but we will
go ahead and open the meeting for public comment.
» Go ahead. So, come come on up to the >> Y come up to the
» That way they can hear it. I I realize you're just stalling while I get to my
three minutes, so I appreciate that. >> Um, actually, I just wanted to
compliment COP construction. I happen to be on a block that they've torn up and
put back together 106 times. It seems like they haven't, but um,
» can I get your name for the record? I forgot to say state your name for the
record. >> I'm Sheri McCully.
» Okay. And uh anyway, they dug a hole to put in a fire hydrant
and then they of course to connect the my water line and then it rained and
those holes just sunk, sunk, sunk and they came back and filled them up and
put top soil over them. They marked my underground sprinklers. They were
wonderful to work with. That's just my public comment.
» Thank you, Sherry. All right. Any other public comment?
Looking to the room. Seeing none in the room, let me look
online and see if there's any public comment. I'm looking for cameras turned
on or I'm looking for mics off, not on mute. Anna, I see an unmuted mic. Did
you wish to make a public comment?
All right. I'm not hearing anything. So, I'm assuming that was not intentional.
And she's there and now it's not muted. All right.
Public comment going once. Public comment going twice.
» Hey, this is Jeff Wise. Hang on a second.
» Go ahead, Jeff. You have the floor for three minutes.
» I don't need that much. Uh, this goes to the Rocky Fork Bank uh project. Um, a
while back I took some pictures of big chunks of concrete and um, you know,
luck from the flood and asphalt over there by the historical uh, information
signs. Uh, are they going to be addressing any of that stuff that's
still in the creek? That's my question. Okay. Thanks.
» All right. Thank Thank you for your comment, Jeff.
Any other public comment?
All right, third time we'll go ahead and close public comment. Um I I will take
uh my my option to just respond briefly. Um the bank stabilization does not
address the stuff in the creek. That's a whole bunch of additional permits and
flooding and they and and the the county is aware of that which is actually their
jurisdiction. And so we will continue to look for opportunities to clean up some
of the junk that's been in there for years and years and certainly not
improved by the flood. Um but to my understanding that is not part of this
project. All right, with that we will um bring it
back to the table. Um Jeremy, were you able to find the script that I'm looking
for for for parks board where we qualify the board and clarify that this is a
this n this is quasi judicial in nature or am I going to have to do it from
memory? Uh, I don't Jeff had that list. So, uh,
he uses that the planning board meetings for the public hearings. I don't have
that, but >> Okay. Thank you. And I and I I have
that, too. Um, but I just don't know where I said I'm looking down one more
time and and we have another one next week and I'll I'll find it and bring it
to that. Um but at this point what we will do um our our our loan action item
is actually a variance request which is for the board of adjustments which is
clarified as our city council. >> So there are certain things um that come
directly to the board of adjustments and bypass planning. This is one of those
and I'll let um let um Jeremy speak to that in just a moment. Um and then there
are sometimes when things go to planning board and if they wish to appeal a
decision from planning board then that also comes to the board of adjustments
aka city council. So there will be uh an appeal request that comes in two weeks
just FYI so that you know. Um and with that what I'm going to do is I'm going
to turn the time over to uh Jeremy. We've got that pen. So he's he's the
little head up on top there. Um Jeremy, do you want to go through the the
process and describe um the boundaries and what we're here to do tonight?
» Sure. Thanks, Dave. Uh thanks, council members. Um appreciate your time
tonight. Um this uh application is for 524 Grant Avenue South. Uh it's a
sideyard setback variance request uh made by Cheryl McCully um who you just
heard from earlier. Um I did prepare a staff report for this. Um I will say
that variance requests have to be or or any quasi judicial matter in front of
either the planning board or the city council has to be reviewed based on the
merits of the application submitted. Um and that's based on the criteria that's
outlined in the zoning regulations or whatever regulation that you're
reviewing under. uh whether it be zoning or subdivision or whatever. Um so in
this case the staff report was prepared based on uh the application submitted
information provided by the applicant and the specific impacts or
circumstances of this particular request.
uh we do not review uh for potential impacts uh on future applications that
may come in to the city for variance requests. Um that that that future
variance request is based on that application at that time, right? And
that specific those specific circumstances and those specific
impacts. Um so based on uh hopefully all of you have had a chance to review the
staff report that was prepared for this uh this variance application. Um I'm
just going to briefly go through it since um hopefully you've all had a
chance to review it. I don't want to read the entire thing uh because I do
want to get to the applicants uh presentation or comments on on on their
application and then to public comment and your discussion and questions.
Uh so as I stated um the uh variance is for 524 Grant Avenue South which is uh
legally described as lots 15 and 16 of block 39 of the BLheimimer edition. Um I
will make a mention that throughout the staff report I did notice tonight um as
I was reviewing going back through the staff report preparing for the meeting
that it does incorrectly reference it that it borders 15th Street. It should
that is incorrect. It borders 17th Street. So, I do want to make that
clarification and I apologize for that. Um, that was my fault for just
getting that through the entire staff report. But, um, where 15th Street right
away is, it should be 17th Street. Just just I want to It doesn't change the
staff report. It doesn't change the findings. Um, it's just a reference to
the adjacent street and right ofway. Uh >> Jeremy, when we when there's a motion to
accept the staff report, do we want there to be a motion just to amend all
references of 15th to 17th just to include that in the record?
» Yes. >> Yep. You you took the words right out of
my mouth. So um but yeah uh so this uh uh the this
public hearing was noticed uh in the paper uh uh 15 calendar days or minimum
of 15 calendar days prior to the meeting and we sent uh joining landowner letters
um to all adjacent land owners uh around the property on July 16th
um or sorry uh the week of July 20th and the applicant was notified on July 16th
of this hearing. Um the app the request is for a reduction in the east side
required 6-foot uh sideyard setback. Um the zoning regulations require a 6ft
sideyard setback for structures uh within the R2 zoning district. Um the
request is to reduce that down to.7 ft um instead of the 6 ft on the east
property boundary adjacent to 17th Street. Um in this area currently there
is a deck um that deck would be removed uh and replaced with the addition. Um
there is uh approximately 10 ft uh uh or so of
um you know pavement area and and from the proposed addition to the edge of
pavement.
See so the the addition does not uh is not going right up against the uh the
existing road surfacing. It is just close to the existing right-of-way line
or property boundary for the prop for the property.
Um let's see.
So our our overall the the applicant's proposal meets uh the sub the zoning
regulations for Rad Lodge for the R2 district as far as purpose uh
residential parents and um surrounding uh context. The dimensional standard for
the sixoot sideyard setback is the only request within this uh application.
staff recommendation um is approval with conditions. Um we
are proposing 11 conditions um essentially that the
approval is limited to the requested variance. So it's only limited to that
sideyard setback. So no other variance is requested. So there's no height
variance requested. No other no other variances are requested at this time. So
the variance is restricted to that. um must be in compliance with the plans.
The property owner must verify the property line before construction. Uh
they cannot encroach any of the project within the uh street ride ofway
including eaves or any other uh any other portions of the structure. Um
drainage and snow management shall be uh consistent with current drainage
patterns uh that are on the property and cannot substantially be altered. Um need
to get a building uh building permit for the uh for the structure. Um
any utility easements or or utilities or easements should be protected. So those
will need to be marked and protected uh during construction.
Any other permits that are required will be required. Uh the
addition has to maintain the residential appearance which according to the plans
will um no expansion other than what's approved in the variance can be done um
without a future uh application and additional approvals. And then this
expires within one year if they do not uh pursue the uh building permit pro
building permits or construction.
So the review criteria we have seven review criteria within the zoning
regulations that we have to review for. We have special conditions uh not result
of the applicant's uh anything that the applicant has done uh strict application
uh of the uh regulations is unreasonable necessary to provide reasonable use of
the property minimum variance required and not injuries
um inconsistent with the regulations. Well, based on uh the analysis that we
have done, I'm not going to read through every single one of these. Um but staff
has staff has determined that um this request does meet all of these
requirements. Um and again, I I will just reiterate
staff does recommend approval of the variance um to reduce that required six
foot south uh sideyard setback to approximately 7 feet. Um, and then I
will just finish up by saying if the board of adjustment uh chooses to go a
different direction as in denial of the variance then you need to make a
specific finding as to why you are denying the variance in conjunction with
those seven criteria. So it it has to be that you you do not consider that they
have a special condition and why or you you you do not feel that um it's it's or
you feel it is injurious to the neighborhood or detrit to public welfare
and why right so you need to make findings as to why you are denying the
the the variance application when you make your uh um when you make your
motion. With that, I will turn it back over to
you, Dave.
» All right. So, at this point, what we'll do is we will open up to questions to
Jeremy on the stack report from the table. So, if you have any questions
about anything in here and what it means or if you want to dig or pry into some
of the findings, this is your opportunity for the table to directly
ask questions and have Jeremy answer those questions. After that, by the way,
what we will then do is we will then go to the applicant who will who will be
able to address comments and that's part of the reason we're doing kind of the
questions first. That gives them a feel for where things are going. Um, and then
we'll bring it back and and do a public hearing before we make our final action.
So, at this time, um, um, Council Member Davis, go ahead.
» Um, I was just thinking earlier, and I may have missed it in the paperwork, but
so no neighbors need to be involved in any of this because it's just our two
zones. Jeremy, do you want to speak to that please?
» The question was, do the neighbors need to be involved in this discussion? Is
that what you said? >> Notification notified.
» Whatification is required? What was done? Thank you.
» We we sent uh notification of this public hearing to all adjoin adjacent
land owners, even the land owners across the street rights of way so they could
participate in this public hearing and or provide written public comment to the
board of adjustment. >> Okay, great. Thank you.
» And did you receive any feedback in written?
» I did not. >> Other questions from the table looking
for hands? That was my question is if there had been any other feedback
negative or positive from neighbors.
» I have only one question. Is there any concern of this building like the
extension of it creating any sort of hazard with view uh on an intersection?
That would be the only thing that I have on it.
» Jim Ray, would you like to speak to that please?
» Yep. I did look at that and the addition is well back from the uh from the
intersection and I don't have any concerns with site vision triangle.
» Perfect. Thank you. >> I I will share that um the information
was also relayed on to the building inspector and fire and that was a
specific uh issue that was looked at and considered.
» Yep. >> Any other further questions from the um
council member Davis? Um, just a note on page seven of seven under public
comment, it just says no public comment has be received. So,
» I don't know if it's official document, but
» it it is. I just want to validate. We haven't heard anything since then as
well. >> Been received is what she was trying to
say. >> Yeah.
» Okay. Typo on seven. >> Seven months ago.
» Okay. We can we can do that without we can do that without an edit.
» Yeah. >> He received.
» All right. Sorry, I'm slow. >> No. No.
» All right. Any other questions from staff before we give the applicant an
opportunity to speak to council? Seeing none, if you would like to come
speak to council, this is not a timed activity. Um, so so I'll I'll cut you
off if you get carried away, but but please point for keeping it short. No,
» my name is Sheri McCully. I live at 524 Grant Avenue South. I have lived there
for 38 years. My husband and I are in our seven days.
My husband is handicapped. He has a walker.
And uh I went through every every hoop. I had my land surveyed. I'm on a corner
lot. I had my land surveyed. And of course, the home was built in 1925. So,
as you can imagine, my neighbor lives in my yard on on my
north side, which of course created the six-foot setback on the south side. Um,
when I started my remodel project, all I'm trying to do is move my laundry and
a handicap bathroom accessible so we can remain there the rest of our lives. Um,
it doesn't affect I mean, if you look up and down the street, my project is not
going to stick out any further than my neighbor's garage. My garage,
you know, it's just the timing of the beast.
» If I had have known that I was going to stay here for all these years, I'd
probably I couldn't afford it before. Anyway, the goal is to to make my home
habitable so my husband and I can remain there until we can't.
» Perfect. >> May I ask this question? Can I have you
speak to one of the requirements they give us
» is is an an undue hardship. Can you speak
about some other alternatives or plans you kind of looked out on the layout in
the land and and why you selected this one?
» Just the way that my home is laid out. The only economically
feasible approach is to go south. If I were to go um I would definitely have to
admit if I were to go to the the west that would increase my dining room and
give me but it's not going to do me any good. I
don't need a bigger dining room. I need a bathroom. If I were to go to the east,
um, that would connect to my bedroom, but I would have to change the entire
roof line. Um, it's not economically feasible.
» Um, can I ask does where you're putting the bathroom, does it share a wall with
other water and sewer right there, too? So, it's
» Yes. So because that's I know that is a huge expense if you have to create a
whole new water plumbing another section of the house.
» Mark checker here my >> my contractor and moral support. I mean
we've looked at it from every angle we possibly can.
And um yeah if I had a bazillion dollars first off I wouldn't need a variance.
I'd buy a new house. So you know we tried to look at it from the shortest
distance between two points >> that we could afford.
And that's what it is. >> Any other questions from the table for
the applicant? >> I just want to say that Sherry, I drove
by the other day and I think it's great and I salute you. We're going to hear
from a lot of people who want to live in their homes for a long time and and
you're doing the right thing. So, >> talk to people at the Roosevelt Center
and I mean they're always trying to look for ways to find senior living. You
know, I have it. Just help me. Help me make I I'll tell you how desperate we
were. I switched We've been married 40 years. I switched sides of bed with him
so he could get Yeah, that's been exactly.
» Yeah. So, there you have it. Don't tell me I didn't try.
I didn't sleep for a month. >> Any any other questions for the
applicant from the table? >> All right. Hearing none, thank you. We
reserve the right to call you back, but go ahead and have a seat.
» Thank you. >> Um
Jeremy, please correct me if I'm wrong on the procedure here, but I believe we
do go to public comment at this point. >> Yes, you would open up to public
comment. >> All right. So, I'm going to go ahead and
open this at public comment. The same rules apply. If you will direct your
comments to me, you will be limited to three minutes. Please start your
comments by identifying yourself for the record and we'll go from there. Open
public comment. And I'll start by looking to the room.
Seeing none, I'm looking online. Public comment going once.
Public comment going twice. Public Oh, go ahead. Uh Jeff, I see
you're unmuted mic. You have the floor for three minutes.
» Yeah. Yeah. I just I guess I just kind of wanted to raise this Jeff.
» Identify yourself. Yeah, >> Jeff Debenadetto, 317, uh, South Hagen.
Um, also chair of the Red Lodge Planning Board. And I just kind of wanted to just
raise the issue about setting precedent. Um, and and two two things that kind of
struck out to me. One was was whether whether this was really meeting the
conditions for strict act application um is is unreasonable. a strict
application of the of the zoning is unreasonable and and I think um it's
hard to see where where this would be the situation would be any different
than than any other residence within town within town. It's basically
adhering to the existing uh layout of of the plat and lot layout of of the city
throughout. And I my concern is that if you follow kind of the logic in the
staff report, um anybody any resident in town could apply for a variance to
setbacks and and it doesn't seem didn't seem like that really met this criteria.
The the la the other comment I'd like to make is the 7 leaving 10.7
ft of space between the proposed addition and the city rightway. And I
guess it has to do with the future um construction of of gutter and sidewalk
and curb. Um, this block doesn't have existing
sidewalks, but the block to the west and the block to the east does. And I'm kind
of just I just kind of wonder with it being so tight, what sort of constraints
are going to entail when the city does come through and install curb and
sutter, gutter, and sidewalk. um with only 7/10 of a of a foot of space
between uh the rideway and the proposed addition. Um those are just basically
the two comments I had. Thank you, Jeff. Any other public
comment? We'd already done a public comment going
twice, so I'll make this public comment going three times.
See, no additional public comment. I will go ahead and bring it back to the
table. Um Jeremy, could I get you to speak just to for a moment to the
comments we've heard uh during public comment?
» Sure. Um I yeah I mean as to precedent uh again I
I every application has to be reviewed on
the merits of that application not what the effects of that will be on other
properties within the city because every piece of property in the city is
developed differently and has different circumstances. And so I would caution
against uh precedent. Um again we we review for for these seven criteria on
every application. Technically any lot in the city can apply for a variance of
any development standard in the zoning regulations at any time. So, we as a
city or staff cannot prevent somebody from requesting a variance if they
choose to go through that process and come before the board of adjustment um
and make their case. Um they can do that. Um, there are situations where
I've had in the past in other jurisdictions where I have recommended
denial of variances because they had uh clear other alternatives to their
project or the impact was too great on an adjacent property that I felt it
didn't warrant granting a variance. And so in this case, I don't have those
concerns. I I will say if they had proposed this addition to the north uh
towards the adjacent property uh uh owner um and they were proposed to be.7
ft from the adjacent property to the north, I would have recommended denial
because they their impact on that property owner would have been uh would
have been something that could not be mitigated. Okay. But because this is
going towards the street rightway um and it's outside the site vision triangle
and all of the proposal is within the limits of the property um and the other
reasons outlined in the staff I felt that this uh my recommendation for
approval was warranted. Um as for development within the city rideway uh
again this this is within the property boundaries. So typically sidewalk is 1
ft off of the property boundary. It's not right on the property boundary. So
this addition would in theory be a foot and a half well just shy of 2 feet from
any edge of sidewalk uh if a future sidewalk went through here. Um and then
I the other thing I would point out is that in other in other zoning districts
we have zero lot line setbacks and sidewalks are right up next to those
those buildings as well. So, I guess I did don't find that a concern in in in
in my analysis, but um and I'll just leave it at that.
» Right. Thank you, Jeremy. Is there any other questions from the table before we
proceed? >> Um I do have one question in terms of
the uh qualifiers because I don't remember them all off the top of my
head, but >> they're in staff report. No, I mean the
the qualifications of the board of >> ad. Yep. And I'm going to do that in
just a second. Okay. >> So, do you have that?
» I I I don't, but I do remember it somewhat. So, we're to test my memory.
» Okay. >> So, that is our next step.
» Okay. Perfect. And I will wait for that because if I recall, there is something
about correspondence. >> Yep. So, that's the first question. All
right. Hearing no other Oh, go ahead. Uh, council member Daniels question.
just to ensure that I'm actually like I pulled up an image of Google Maps just
to verify that I'm actually looking at the right section. So it's it's the
going old school here. If you're facing the old dead like it's that that
» old school >> I like I remember
» back in the summer of hawk six. >> Okay. Hey plunge.
» The old plunge. The old plunge. I got to >> Yep. All right.
» I've been I've lived here since the old son because that's how long I've been.
» Okay. I also remember when you and Dennis were getting married, so that
can't be that long ago. I don't agree to that. Um, and then there's I I am
noticing that there is a sidewalk on the adjacent side of the road. So,
» that one's already Okay. Sorry. >> Are we done? Just thinking out loud.
That's okay. You're at the table. That's allowed.
» Thank you. >> All right.
» Oh, glory. So now we're now we're going to test my four years of my memory from
four years on the planning board. So the nature before us is quasi judicial in
nature which basically means that you are not acting in a legislative
capacity. You are acting in a quasi judicial capacity.
As such uh what we do is we start by qualifying the board. Is there anyone at
the table who has any exparte communications they wish slash need to
disclose at this point of time? That would be any conversations with the
applicants or anybody that's involved that the board would need to be aware of
that you have those communications. Council member Tupin,
» I have had a conversation with Sher I think like two years ago about this
» and just >> she must have been on a board that I
thought I at this for two years.
» Yeah, she's been at it for a minute. So again, she did bring up that this was
something that she was looking at doing. She wasn't like bribing me or making any
any threats or anything. Just more so letting me know of the nature of it. And
I think just knowing that I'm involved in real estate and have education in
this is kind of looking for direction. So I just want to make that clear
» and and that's that's exactly what that opportunity is for is to make sure that
if there's any exparte communication, it's out in the open and everybody's on
board with it. >> Any other exparte communication anyone
wishes to share? All right. Is there any reason that any board member feels that
they have a conflict of interest or need to recuse themselves from this
situation? >> No.
» All right. Hearing none, let the record show that the board has been qualified.
The matter before us is quasi duditionial in nature. And at this
point, what I'm looking at is a series of motions that are on page three,
halfway down the staff report. Um there's a move to adopt the staff
report. Uh we've heard with amendments and then there's separately a move to
approve or deny the variance. I will entertain motion at this time.
» Uh I move to adopt the staff report VAR-2026-01
as the board of adjustment findings of facts and conclusions.
Do you wish that to include any amendments like
» uh as amended to or to amend with the amendment uh to change any instance of
15th Street to 17th Street? >> I have a second.
» I have a motion from council member Tupin, a second from council member
Ronnie. Any discussion at the table?
» All right, hearing none and fully expecting Jeremy to jump in or Ronnie to
jump in if I misstep at all. Um, I will go ahead and have a roll call on the
motion to adopt. >> Yes.
» Daniel, >> yes.
» David, >> yes.
» Ronnie, >> yes.
» Rude, >> yes.
» Tupin, >> yes.
» All right. 6. Motion to adopt carries. I'll entertain a motion on the variance.
I move to approve variance BR202601
to reduce the required southside yard setback from 6 ft to approximately 0.7
ft for the residential addition at 524 Grant Avenue South bordering 17th Street
subject to the conditions stated in this staff report.
» I will second. I have a motion from council member RDE, a second from
council member Ronnie. Discussion at the table.
Hearing none. Can I get a roll call, please?
» Madd, >> yes.
» Daniel, >> yes.
» David, >> yes. Ronnie,
» yes. >> Rude,
» yes. >> Yes.
» 6. The motion passes. Thank you for your time and good luck on
your project. >> Good luck you guys.
» Thank you everyone. Thank you, Jeremy.
» All right. Uh, thank you, Jeremy. If if you wish to go at this point, uh, thank
you. Your time is is very much appreciated. And go have a lovely
evening, and we'll look forward to non-billable evening from here on out.
» All right. >> You always got to throw that in there,
don't you, Dave? >> I just want to make sure you stop the
clock on the way out. >> All right.
» Thank you for being here. >> Thanks, everyone. Bye.
All right, with that we will go ahead and close the action portion of our
meeting and uh we will bring it back to the table. For those who have not had
the opportunity to um join council meetings in the past, the second half of
our council meetings are basically a work session. This is where we talk
about the stuff that is coming up and give cha council a chance to talk
amongst themselves outside of just the standing committees and to um make sure
that we're ready for action in future meetings. We will start with the admin
and finance standing committee and for that I will look to committee chair
Ronning to lead us through that discussion.
» Okay. Well, up first is our budget review and that takes up the majority of
our packet today. Um, first up in the packet was the draft resolution um that
we we will be passing will be at our next meeting um for to adopt the 2627
budget. And um it's broken down into our different categories. Um general, comp
insurance, health insurance, PERS, police, retire, all the way down
including solid waste, water, sewer, operating. And as you can see um our
property tax revenue is $919,168.
Our um non-t tax resources are 27,543,922.
and our total requirement for that budget is 28,463,090.
And then after that, it gets into the weeds of what's behind all of those
numbers. Um, first up is our revenue side. Um, the spreadsheet in there. Um,
the value of the mill, as we figured, went up considerably. Um so what we will
actually be assessing or allowed to access um is 63.02 mills. Um 49
of that will be part of our general fund. The other goes towards the comp
insurance health you know all all of that police retirement and that's broken
down in that resolution how that's that is. So 686,339
is what's going into our general fund. So that that is our
revenue side. Um if you go to the second page, it breaks down our non-levied
funds. So that's not property taxes. That's where we get our water, our sewer
fees, our solid waste, our recycling. Um it also includes um our resort tax. Um
and if you look at that um it has what we currently have um cash available plus
what we're estimating to collect um which begin you know then we have our
total resources. So that's what we are estimating we can spend um if we need
to. Um does anybody have any questions on those revenue sides?
Please speak up. I want everyone to understand this when you vote on it and
Um, >> Council Member Davis, go ahead.
» Um, thank you for letting me ask questions. Um, how does this compare
from last year? What went into the general fund from the mill?
» A lot less. >> Not a lot less. So, so we only get a
certain amount of like money and then the money is determined on the mill.
» So, so yeah. And and and we'll and I'll I'll address again I'll I'll bring the
the kind of the special presentation. So there's almost a twostep process is how
we get to this. So people always think about oh my prop my property got
evaluated and the property went up this much in value therefore my taxes are
going to go up. And if you read actually as those and I interestingly enough I
just read minded um that that came out this week and one of the things it calls
out is your property taxes are not going to go up by the same amount necessarily.
So what happens is the amount that the city is allowed to collect in property
taxes is set by the legislature. Last year they modified it for the 25
years prior to that. It was allowed to go up 1/2 the average rate of inflation
over the last 3 years. So take last year's amount, figure out what the
average rate of inflation was, and that's how much we get to go up. So
that's step one and and it has still done that other than they now said we
can use the actual rate of inflation and Lonnie I apologize I looked at the form
you sent and I couldn't see the number on there
» it's like 2 it's like the second line in that formula
» so so it's like it's like 2x% so whatever we got last year we get that
plus new development plus 2x% so then the second part of that equation
is how many mills does it take to get to that amount of
money. >> Okay?
» And so that's where your property taxes come in because a mill by definition is
1 1,000th of 1% of the entire value of the city.
So what happens is if property values go up, the value of the city goes up.
Therefore, the value of 1/ 10,000 goes up.
And therefore, it takes less of those to get to the dollar amount that we
established in step one. >> The value of the mill went up to
$14,615. >> And so last the biggest difference
you'll see if you compare these to last year is last year rather than 63 meals,
we had 90 Jeremy, do you remember off the top of
your head? 92 point something. >> Yeah. So we went from 92 or 93 ms down
to 63 m. So you think, oh no, we only got we got a third less. No, we got 2.x%
more, but how many frog skins did we have to collect to get there? 63 versus
93.
» So the previous year was 2.11% for the current year inflation adjustment. This
year it's 2.97%. >> So So we got 2.97 over last year.
» Okay. Thank you. And and if anybody is listening and has any questions, you are
welcome to to call the city. Um you can you can call and speak to the clerk. You
can call and speak to me and I will do my very best. Um hopefully you should be
able to call and speak to to um your council members and they will pull any
of us in to help if if they need it. But I appreciate the fact that people are
asking questions. That's that the the most the more we can do to help people
apply that the better it is. Now, one of the things that is worth noting um and
this will we'll hopefully we'll have uh this all finalized um by the time we
adopt the budget. We have some obligations.
Most specifically um our obligation, we outsource our fire
protection services >> to the Red Lodge Fire District. That's
not actually a city service. And our current contract is that we pay them 28
mills. 28 ms is a lot bigger share of 63 mills
than it is of 93 mills. And in the past when we've broken that out, we we saw it
go from 20% of our property tax general budget to 30%. This
year we're pushing up close to 50. The good news is that we have been and are
in the process of finalizing uh negotiations with the fire district to
change away from that millsbased contract in the negotiations. So we we
saw this coming and we've been working at it for a couple of years quite
frankly um in anticipation of what we saw in our crystal balls foggy as they
may be. Um, and so, uh, I I I feel very happy and comfortable with that and glad
we were able to get that addressed. Um, so that's the most significant. With
that, I'll shut up and turn things back over to Council President Ronnie, who
happens to be the the committee chair, too.
» Um, so I guess, you know, the revenue side, um, if you just go down through
those funds, it includes, you know, number one, the urban renewal tip
district. Um we have not spent any money out of that yet. Um any requests for
that money will go to council for approval. Um the resort tax um we have
currently 1.5 million in cash available and we pick
we put 2 million 2 million in for collections and that's the 3% and we do
put that high. We don't budget all of that because we have to collect it to
spend it. Um, so that's why there's a cash reserve of $691,000.
Um, because we did not budget the whole $2 million.
» May I add just one little thing to that? >> Yes, please.
» We The flip side of that is we cannot spend it if we did not budget for it.
So, for the past several years, ever since when I was on council and we got
bit one year, um we collected more resort tax than anticipated and the city
was not able to utilize that. So, as you look at the resort tax budget, um since
that point in time, you will generally see a pretty large budget line item uh
along the lines of pay off the pool early, for instance.
um you don't have to pay off the pool early, but if for some reason we have a
stellar year in resort tax, it gives us the ability to utilize it for that,
» but we have to have we have to have accommodated it within the budget in
order for us to have that benefit. >> Yes.
» Um next is library. Um, and the majority of the library budget is actually paid
through the county. It's a separate line item on your property taxes, but the
city >> that's not the that's their special
account. >> Oh, okay. I'm sorry.
» In the general fund. >> Oh, okay.
» So, that the library has their own their own.
» You're thinking the other that one right there is all of your
funds that are not >> right. So, it's a library levy. This is
just the city stuff though, >> correct? The library falls under general
fund. >> This is general I mean this
» where's the general fund on here then? >> It's not because there's two separate
sheets. So you have your non- ley funds which is like the funds that are only
sustained by what is that the big one. >> Okay.
» The other one is the nonederal funds.
» Oh so yeah they are the income then >> yes. So like the library what they get
from the county is in the non- tax revenue. Okay. So I apologize then.
Okay. So so we don't have that itemized out.
» Okay. Perfect. Okay. Thank you. >> It is it does show on the revenues on
the other sheets the all the >> right. Yeah because we do have expenses
and revenues here itemized. So yeah. So
» you were just assuming what this was summarizing.
» I apologize. Yes. Okay. So yes, so these are non-levied funds. I apologize. So um
and this is revenue coming in. Um and you'll also notice building code
enforcement. They all of those are the building code fees. Um those most of
these are what we call enterprise funds. Their income can only be used for that
department. Um specifically um you know that would be building codes, water,
sewer, solid waste, recycling. Um, you know, we don't co-mingle those at all.
» We're we're allowed to put money into them, but money does not come out,
» right? >> And we don't put money in because we
don't have money to put in. >> You can do transfers from fund like
inter inner fund transfers and stuff, but they have to be budgeted just like
we did with >> storm water. Um,
» right. >> I think they we transferred money from
storm water last year into the EDA to help with that project.
» Okay. So that's kind of >> Okay.
» But that was that was within the scopes of what that was could be used for
specifically, >> right? Okay.
» But but but but your your water bill money cannot be used to help pay for
fire or anything else, >> right? So anyway, so those are all kind
of um laid out there. If anybody has any questions, let us know. Um go ahead.
» Um the disaster emergency fund and the non-money fund. Okay. Where does that
come from? >> That's FEMA money. So that will be the
bank stabilization. Okay. So that that's coming from like dees and the money that
comes in for there. So that's your tag for for that. It's just called a
disaster fund. >> Yeah.
» Okay. I didn't know if it was able to be used for anything else like the
» No, no, it has to be the the expenses for that stuff is paid out of there and
then when we get reimbursement, we have to file for reimbursement. Okay.
» It goes back. >> Yeah. Do we have
» Go ahead. No. Oh, do do we have what's our other disaster emergency fund for
community use? Do we have anything? >> No, that was created when the flood
happened. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you.
» So, so the part of the the budget that we get a lot of say in, which is why
that's where a lot of the conversation in the budget meetings have to do have
to do with that those those tax revenues come from the department because that's
the money that we can use for >> other things at at our as we direct.
» Okay. Thank you. And and you'll notice that a lot of the a couple of these
funds don't have any income going into them because they're we're just saying,
you know, we have this fund set aside, but we there's no more money going into
it. So, >> so you just cash
which I'll mention to you the cash. So these the spreadsheets will change
before the final budget in two weeks because the cash available because some
of those claims you guys approved came out of June last year. So that will
affect that cash available because you have to take it
» out of and I am still continuing to to work with department heads and review
budget. So, like I said, this is this is where we are now, but I anticipate I I
will I will bet a whole dollar and those of you don't I don't go over it. I will
bet a dollar this will absolutely be different in two weeks, but we'll also
be able to explain it. >> Not a huge change.
» No, it's not going to be significant. We're not going to pull any surprises.
» We're we're we're we're trying to seep out what's what's available to the
public. Yes. >> Um but but we continue to monitor and
edit it. So on the next part of the budget, the first um is the revenue and
we did not have this at our last meeting and this because we do now know
» expenditures before revenue just so you know in the packet. So you might have
rearranged yours. >> I might have
but there's two sections expenditures and revenues.
» Yes. So the expenditures and we'll do expenditures first. That's fine. Um I
don't think much has changed since our last budget. So, um it since the last
time it was in the packet, um the only thing that may is the fire department
correct taking it once that is settled. >> We we we we've got that pretty close to
what set. There's still a discussion about whether um it's 240 or whether
it's 240 plus 2.9%. That discussion. So, yeah, I I I hear you.
Um and then um the other would be the the 10% out of the resort tax,
» which I did look at that after meeting yesterday. So it would be 149,000
um instead of 147. So that's >> that like there's going to be some small
changes here. There there's there's and again that's just because we are we are
making sure that the numbers are all and and and it's worth mentioning that
sometimes in fact every year there is some post-budget activity that's needing
that is a that is a a a budget what's the word I'm looking for
» adjustment >> audit
» a budget amendment that also comes to council
» to to to shift things from around so >> and and like we said last time um the
first thing I always look for is if there's any changes over last year that
that percent in that last column, you know, it's if it's 100% of last time,
then it's the same. There's no increase in it.
» So, it's always worth noting, you know, if all of a sudden it's 500% higher,
it's like why what are we doing? You know, then we ask questions. But you are
welcome to please review it line by line. Each page um is a different fund.
Um not each page, but each section there. The first one is the general fund
and it lists everything um that's paid out of the general fund and that takes
up it looks like four five six seven pages of general fund. So there's a lot
of money that that comes out of that general fund. Um and um but there's a
lot more um money that goes into the general fund rather than just our
property taxes that we collect. >> Fortunately.
» Fortunately. Yes, unfortunately. So, um you know that please review that so you
understand it. If you have any questions, um be sure to let me know or
anyone on admin and finance. Next is urban renewal tiff district. Um as I
said, there's been no money spent out of that, but it does show their um you know
that they're budgeting I guess the full amount that's in there in case someone
is that right? >> The only thing we're studying out of
there is the software that the county uses.
» Okay. That's what we have to pay for. >> And and I think there was actually some
trip they paid some expenses I think for for the the conference that they had out
there. Okay. I remember there being a discussion about doing that and and
getting a determination that it could be but if they haven't turned in receipts
then it didn't get done for the software.
» Yeah. >> So um but we are this is the expense
side of it. Our preliminary budget is the entire budget in case we need to in
case a project comes up. >> Yes. It doesn't mean that we're going to
spend 614,000. It just means that
» that's how much is in the savings account.
» Yeah. But we do budget for I mean this is saying it's budgeted in case we want
to use it. >> Okay. Um resort tax. Um this is very
similar to what was um presented by the resort tax
committee. Did you make any changes to it compared to that? So that that's all
there. Um and then we have the insurance
comprehensive insurance liability insurance
» which includes um our property insurance and our liability insurance. So that's
the combination >> that's what we pay pretty much.
though. >> I'm sorry. That's county.
» Sorry, wrong one. >> Okay. So, okay. And then, um, we have
the library. Here is their expenses that we, um, it looks like
» that's their separate fund. >> Okay.
And so, that's not what we give the library. Is this
» No, that's a whole separate fund that it's a um they created a long time ago,
but it's strictly for >> Okay.
» certain library services. >> Okay. So, and then we have disaster,
it says. Um and that's where the repair and maintenance bank stabilization is
at. >> Yep.
» Okay. Sorry, I'll try to hurry up. group health insurance.
» And and by the way, this this budget is available just inside the door. Um as
well as being online electronically in the packet, there's a hard copy here. Um
and the public is welcome to stop by the chat and go through line by line.
» Yes, please. So, it's it's all here. If you have any questions, I don't really
want to read through it line by line, but we will if we need to.
» I have an idea. >> This is what I do because I don't
understand this. I go to YouTube and they're wonderful people making
vid videos to explain every one of because every municipality in this world
is doing what we're doing and they are very helpful to me because
» sometimes they even make me laugh. But I'm just saying there if you have if
you're get hung up on something go to YouTube and AI is very patient with me.
» Yes. Uh I just wanted to make a note that one
thing that's worth noting is some things are paid out of multiple funds.
» So you may see additional line items where
» 80% >> Yeah. And that I just think is very
valuable to note that you know there's some things that are being paid out
additional places. >> AB absolutely and and that's especially
true with um salaries. >> Yeah. Yep. So not the police department,
police is the police, but definitely >> caps the caps.
» I tried to note pretty much all of the like the things that are separated the
percentage of >> and and just to just to reiterate um a
point that that uh committee chair Ronnie made earlier. If you go through
this line by line um and have something you have a question about or a change or
a recommendation or some something you just want to understand, please identify
that within the next week so that we have a time to do it. that that when
when when we're passing it at this time, it's not not a time to be reinventing.
» Um, so, >> right. And then the next section is the
revenue. And once again, it just goes by section by section. So, if it's easier
for you to take and, you know, put put the general fund by the general fund.
You can see the revenue coming in versus what we're spending to spend. But that's
also where the spreadsheet comes in, you know, the summary of it,
» the summary. So, and then our resolution will be a summary of that. So, that
that's how it's broken down. Um, but is there any other questions, guys? I don't
really want to go all through the revenue side, please.
» Unless you want to be here till 10:00. >> No. All right.
» All right. Thank you. >> And and by the way, I would I love I by
all indications, sound is working, video is working. So, if you have anybody who
reaches out and have questions about the budget, I think this has been a fairly
good discussion on it. And so folks are welcome to review that.
» Yes. >> All right. Your next item.
» Oh, my next item. Okay. City administrator position update on that
please. >> Oh, that so so we have signed the
agreement with Proffman. Um they will be coming to the they will be attending via
Zoom um the uh admin meeting in a couple of weeks. Um, prior to that point in
time, they are actually reaching out and conducting interviews um with with some
council members, with some staff, um with some community members as we refine
um that job description. Uh when we're done, basically council's going to sign
off and define what that job position looks like and what its rules and
parameters are. Um which is why they'll be coming back in in a couple of weeks.
Um so that process has started and they have a map. I don't have it but it it's
like November. Um but by the time that process is complete and and if we don't
find a suitable candidate we will start over. We will we will revisit that's
part of our contract uh to go through and you know you don't plan for failure
but um if you hire the wrong person that's planning for failure. So we won't
do that. Anything else you wanted on that?
» Quite um what was the timeline that we had set for initial review
um to hire somebody or this whole process the interview with staff and
» I I don't have that that whole timeline with me. I'm happy to give it to you but
but we will the the initial is in two weeks they're going to come back with a
draft of the job description >> and so that's that's that's that's what
the admin they they'll bring it back at that point in time.
» Okay. Is the goal like to have a city administrator within a year or
» Oh, by the end of the year. By the end of the year to have a city
administrator. Yeah, that that's the November I was talking about.
» Okay. By the end of this calendar year. By Novemberish.
» Thank you. >> I have a friend behind you.
» All right. Any other questions on that? >> Committee chair.
» Okay. Um and then next we had um rural fire department contract. Um, for the
mayor, it is still being worked on. >> That's that's the attorneys working
together on that basically. >> Okay. And and just for clarification on
the budget, is it budgeted at the 28 mills currently and then No,
» it is it is budgeted on 240 and and 10%. Okay. Perfect. Okay. So,
» and that that's what Lonnie was referring to earlier. One of those
numbers changed slightly from that. >> Council member Tupin. So, if this
contract isn't finalized by the time we have to approve this, we
» we can still approve the budget and and but hopefully we don't end up having to
go through a massive budget amendment, but it is my goal that we will have it
next time. Okay? >> And it's worth me I mean, we've talked
about it and we've viewed it, but my goal is it'll actually be on the agenda
next time with a funky little X on it. And if we do that, we'll do that before
the budget just so we all sleep better. Is there a way that we can have the
preliminary contract out that we're not getting it with the asterisks?
» You you Well, >> well, it's going to be you you have the
preliminary. It's been multiple times. >> We changed much.
» It it has not changed much, but but what what is so there's two things that we
need in order to be done. One is >> a legal opinion that says yes, we can
use this for emergency services. And then what does the contract need to say
for that legal opinion to exist? >> So that that's that's what the attorneys
are working through. >> I'm sorry. It's it's the existing
contract. We're amending the contract. >> All we're doing is changing it from 28
mills to 240,000 out of general fund and 10% of last year's resort.
» My big concern is we don't have a draft budget for if this doesn't go through.
And even though we did request that several weeks ago, we I remember
specifically asking for two different versions.
» We had the version last week up until this is the first one that includes the
240. Yeah, the last one is based on the 28 ms. This is the first version of the
budget that doesn't have the 28 ms. So if you go back one time, that's based on
28. >> I did not know what the value of the
mill would be. >> Right? That's my big concern is I just
don't want to be getting a last minute >> and I can plug in different numbers.
Yeah. I mean it I can >> general fund based on the 28 mill.
» Okay. >> And all the numbers I it's
» okay. So it's it is doable and that again that's my big concern because I
know it's just a lot and it's a big difference in price. But I guess it's
not that big of a difference. We would >> it's a difference of where it comes from
more so than anything. It's about a $30,000 difference I think is what we
figured out. >> Was it or 23
» where we so it as far as the current 240 to the 28 mil.
» Well, so in the in No, no, no. Not in the general fund, it's higher, but but
in the overall budget, it's within >> it's $22,000 difference
» and I think it's now 20. >> So So So if they were to get 28 million
409,000. So the way that it's currently budgeted is 240 out of general and then
149 out of the tax. So it would be a total of three.
» So we'd be taking other things out of resort tax.
» So it'd be 240 >> to cover the general fund.
» No, >> no, no, no. We would adjust the general
fund >> by the limits of what we had in the
general fund to do. >> Okay.
» So it's 24049.
» So that's 389,000 and is what we would be paying them with
the new content. Yeah. >> 20,000 less.
than the 28 mill. >> Council member Rude,
» I am curious. >> Okay.
» Who is representing the fire department? >> Um, their attorney is Ray Huns,
» of course. >> And their fire chief is And actually, so
they have a board that they're going to as well.
» A board of lawyers. >> No, no, they have a board.
» No, they have. >> So, the Rayco is representing his
brother. That is a true Ray Coons represents the fire department. He is
who they have hired as their attorney. >> Another something for me to look up next
week this week. Okay. >> Oh, good. I was hope I was afraid you
were not going to have anything to look up.
» Oh, I got stuff to look up. I've got more about that later.
» And and I know that every time we we've tal when Tom has come to these meetings,
he's he said this is what I personally would like, but he's like I haven't
board to answer to. So So >> that's that was my understanding.
Everything has to be approved by their board.
» Your your your point that we live in assault to you and everybody knows
everybody or is related to everybody is well taken.
» So, >> okay. All right. All I have
» council council member Davis. >> Um will someone besides myself be at the
rural fire district to talk about this agreement or we just waiting for the
lawyers to come to the table? >> At at this point it's minor edits and
we're waiting for the attorneys to to finish it. you you don't have to talk
you don't have to talk about it >> and and and my so my understanding is
their board has actually already approved their budget okay
» based on the agreement okay so the amounts what's what's changing in the
agreement is not the amounts or anything like that what's changing in the
agreement is the paper tracking system that works for both the city and for the
fire district okay >> that's what's currently under discussion
» is how do they track capital assets I just want to be prepared if they have
questions and I do not feel comfortable >> Oh no You you you you you won't you
won't need to answer those questions. >> Okay. Thank you.
» You'll get to witness them answering. >> Okay. We need to keep going cuz we got
to get out of here. Well, we got a meeting to do here because we put it all
off last year. So, >> um like and it's kind of important stuff
because we didn't talk about it last year.
» A lot of superficial stuff going on. >> Okay.
» Okay. Um so, are we are we good with the are we done with the fire?
» Yeah. I think I said that when when we get that done, we'll bring it back and
as quickly as I get it, I will send it out so that council has a chance to look
at it. But but again, the it may be that there's zero edits to that contract or
maybe that there are edits added to the contract for the tracking purposes.
» Okay. All right. So, lo and behold, we have the airport interlocal agreement on
um on the agenda. Um, we have met, um,
Jeremy and I met with, uh, Mike Naples and the county commissioner, Bill
Bullock. Um, we had some suggestions. Some of them didn't really work. Um, I
went to the airport board meeting um, with, um, the council president from
Bridger was there, Mark Duter, um, trying to get find out what Bridger's
concerns were with approving it. Um, I think we've got that um, ironed out and
settled. I will say that when you're reading through this document, there is
an error on this one that got put in the packet. That's not the one that we've
been using. Um, the main error is that the city will not be putting in um, an
additional 10,000 that has been stricken. Um, it will just be our one
mill that we it's one mill from the US, one mill from the county, and one mill
from the jerk. >> And just to clarify, it's equal share.
So if the county pulls a half a mill, then we put in half. Correct. So So we
we match an equal share >> and and that's why we have not been
paying a mill over the last couple years because the county has not been
contributing a whole mill. So that's why if you ever look at that question it
like I did. Um, so with this, um, back in when I was on council with, um, Jen
Battles and Terry Durban, we worked out the majority of this interlocal
agreement and it had been approved by that council. It had never been signed
off on by the county commissioners. So, we've been working under the old
agreement this entire time. Um, so I am very hopefully thankful that um
hopefully they will sign this um the it does have what council wanted um
the equal representation on the board of 33 and three. Um it has that we will get
a copy of the budget. Um and the county's best date to have that is uh is
in September because they're like us. They don't get their budget done until
then. Um, it also has that the dissolution of the board must go to um
that body like county commissioners, they would have to vote on it and say
they want out. Um, if Red Lodge wants out, it would have to go to the city
council. If Bridger wants out, it would have to go to their city council. So,
um, you know, not just one single person can say, "We're done." Um, it has to go
to those governing bodies. Um and um what oh and the other thing that we kind
of hashed out at that meeting was um we will have a list of those assets that
are jointly held um so that if there is a ter and it'll be updated every year so
that if there is a termination each entity will know exactly what they
have to pay to get out of the agreement. So we don't get a bill for you know $5
million. Um and it's so and it has to be um you know actual you know what they
what they paid or what they have into it not some blown up number. I don't know
how else to explain that. >> So um Jeremy do you have any more
comments on that because you worked on it with me as well.
» Um the only modification was didn't Bridger ask if they could send a proxy
as >> and that's actually added in the that's
in the line four. >> Yeah. And I forgot about that. And
that's mainly becau and and also because we said up to three. They were kind of
worried that they might not get three people able to go all the time to the
meeting. So they would have three appointed, but if one of them could, you
know, they could do a proxy vote if necessary. So
» and a quorum does have to consist of at least one person from each.
» Correct. Yeah. So that's good. So you always get that equal representation
type of thing. So, we are hopeful that um we will have this up for a vote soon.
Um county, it's next week. I mean, next meeting.
» It could be the next meeting with the with that correction in there.
» Yeah. If everyone's okay to vote on this, anybody have any questions on
this? Um it's been a long time coming. Really, you know, I'm very hopeful that
hope fingers crossed that I >> I'm a little concerned that Mr. Bullock
said at least we'll have a visual proof that we're working on this. didn't seem
very sincere. I mean, it looks makes it look like we're doing something. I mean,
I I thought it was a little uh set aside.
Flip it. Let's flip it to me. >> Well, it's been going on for years.
Four, five, >> five, three.
» I think we want to move on. >> Well, that's what I'm saying.
» I will I will say that that that So, there was there was a couple of things
and and I apologize that that last line. So what happened is there was a version
of this document we went I I went through and fixed the numbering on
because we had like three number ones and skip number two and blah blah blah
and there was a version this this version that had the city of lodge will
contribute an additional $10,000 there was a change that had happened after
that basically that had come to me and I was like I'm not saying you can't pass
that but you're going to have to pass it twice that to me is was problematic um
and so we got rid of that but the biggest the biggest dispute is still
over that representation I think the county still wants um 32 and two. Um the
other municipality, as near as I can tell, is on board with with with the 3,
three, and three. And I think all three all three municipalities are trying to
get this passed in the near future, but I said this we we always bring things
for a discussion before they're up for action. So,
» and in a 322 situation, who would break the tie?
» Well, it's a board of ex members. So in the 322 there were three county
commissioners and two from each municipality.
» So that's seven. So there would be no tie break.
» 322. >> Yeah.
» Is seven. >> Oh god. Add up to eight. Okay. Got it.
» I'm tired. Just go. I'm sorry. >> So what we're going to we'll be voting
on it then at our next city council meeting if everyone's okay with that.
And um if we pass it, Bridger passes it, you know, maybe that'll be enough for
the county to say we're okay and pass it. Fingers crossed.
And that's all I have unless uh Jeremy or Chelsea have anything.
» Cause for celebration. >> I think it's a good agreement.
» Thank you. >> Good luck.
» All right. Anything else from admin and finance?
» No. >> Anything for admin and finance?
» All right. Hearing none. Um let's go next to land use and planning. And with
that, we will go to committee chair Tupin.
» Hi everybody. Um, sorry I figured that just an
introduction. Um, so this first off the U tennis or not the tennis, we'll get to
that next. Uh, the O'Neal Trail. Um, right now Mike Maples is in the process
of getting all of the additional reporting done and engineering,
sustainability. There's three specific reports.
» Engineering, >> um, environmental
» Thank you. Um, so getting those done. Uh, been having some issues with the
flags, but been putting those in. the bench has gone in and then once there is
um all those reports back we will be
getting a staff report for review here at council for the final approval to
make sure and then also just making sure that all the conditions are met in
thatou um that is currently what is going on there then let's see next on
the list can I say can I ask a question about O'Neal uh I went up there today
and the uh despite uh uh a neighbor's um request to have
this postponed. It has been installed >> and I am not an artist. I am very
rational, but um someone tell me this what didn't fall off the back of the
truck. Um there is a crack right through here. Um but and it's sharp edges on the
this end, but it's there. It's been in place and I think the parks board
thought they would have a say in this. But um go up there and sit at it and uh
but someone tell me if we didn't get a dud from uh that fell off the back of a
truck. >> Who picked that? Who
» arts? >> I don't know.
» I guess there's art, but I'm not an artist. I'm just saying it's worth going
up to look at. >> And there was there was a copy of that
uh letter was actually handed out to >> tonight.
» Yeah, I I don't believe it was in the packet. um it was wasn't requested in
there, but but like I said, we can we can put that in there. Uh
» and to address the concerns of our neighbor as well as um kind of the
process of why the bench was put in place before advisory board reviews and
council approvals and all of those types of pieces is as we have been looking
through and we'll get into this next uh the change of use of city-owned land. Uh
we do feel that city staff is competent enough to make decisions for benches, uh
smaller placements, specifically things that can be reversed. That's the biggest
piece. And we know that it's a big bench, but when we asked Mike Maples his
comfort level for being able to move it, he's like, "If I need to move it, I can
move it." >> So, yep. So, specifically, we want to
give him some benefit of the doubt and his placement. Um, if the parks board
wants to come through and say, "We hate this. This is the worst. Mike Maples,
please move it." I imagine he would be pretty amendable to that. Um, but again,
with how we have our current process in place, um, one, I know that they were
aware of the fact that there would be a bench put in, so if they had feedback,
they probably could have provided it. Um, and also I know that they were aware
of the trail system. Again, I'm not saying that maybe they were taken aback
by the timing of it because I also did not know when it was going in. I don't
think many did, but again, it's not something that we really have up on the
high scale radar of this needs full approval.
» And I will add that the process that said benches down in that lower category
approved actually did go through the parks board and they signed off on that
as well. So they they said these are the things that don't need to come to us,
» right? And and it does have that in the application. Type a minor and
administrative temporary or reversible projects.
» Be that as may look at it and see if we got a bum bench that fell off the back
of a truck. >> Well, hopefully it's bum enough that
it'll deteriorate in five years and we'll never have to worry.
» My bum again. End of the day, if we feel that
it's an atrocity to the city, then I'm sure that we could file some complaints
with public works. But I I really truly don't feel that this isn't something
that public works is capable of handling.
» Um at a certain point we do have to trust our adviserss and our our staff uh
to do a good job and if we don't then that's a bigger conversation. Um okay
onwards the next thing to piss people off
so specifically tennis courts. Uh I don't think we're actually I think we're
just upsetting people with taking too much time. The reverse problems. Um so
we have received an application for the use of city-owned land from the tennis
courts. We are still awaiting a um a staff report from Jeremy and um most all
of the advisory work has been done. All the leg work has been done. All of that
part of the process is completed. So, we're just waiting for that report,
which then can come to council and a 30-day hearing period can take place.
Um, I was expecting that report for this week, but I I think Jeremy was also out
of town. >> So, there's likely that was a big part
of that issue. I know that it is on his radar now. So, hopefully we will have
this and be able to move forward in >> and just to clarify, my understanding
was that if we get the staff report, we can go ahead and run the ad in the
paper. Y >> even prior to council reviewing the
stack report to start that 30-day countdown.
» Yeah, send also your flowchart. >> I have requested uh Lonnie print several
copies that we can hand to the room at the end of the meeting.
» I sent you an email like during this >> we will we will we will we will we will
forward it on to council. So, specifically, um, one thing that we
had been working on and I was having a hell of a time finding yesterday was
our, uh, process and kind of a flowchart to help understand because we've been
working on not just the application, but the process and procedure of what these
are going to look like. Um, I had tried after our previous land use and planning
meeting to put together a flowchart that kind of breaks it down and makes it a
little bit easier to understand when the timelines will be, what the expectations
should be for city staff as well as for the applicants. Um, so I think it does
break it down nicely and I did find that. So, I will um again hopefully I'll
get a copy printed for you guys if you want to wait till the end of the meeting
and then we'll get that in next week's packet uh preferably. Um but it it still
has some highlighted pieces that are action items that we'll have to work on,
specifically some templates, um some motions to carry, and just some overall
review that we'll have as a as a steering committee. So, that kind of
ties in together. Again, hopefully we will have yours up for review at our
next meeting and then we can make an action at our following meeting. That is
the goal. Um, and I imagine that we should be pretty close.
» I don't think the action would be at the next meeting because 30 days it can't be
because 30 days hasn't started yet, >> right? And that's what I'm saying is it
won't be at the next meeting. It'll be the one after.
» And I'm saying no because that would only be 28 days.
» Oh, well, just kidding. >> Add two weeks to that. Yeah. 30 days is
is a number. >> Yep, that is a number. And one thing to
clarify too, part of the reason that we are very and we understand that Barb has
been very patient as well as tennis um in terms of this process because it's
something that we're working through and we're trying to do it in concert with
some moving pieces. One of the real reasons we're being very adamant about
the 30-day review is though this has been a public discussion for the past
year and there's been drawings shown, there's been uh plans discussed and all
of those items until you can really see the full picture in these packets and
get a chance to review it. I think it's only fair that the public has that
opportunity uh and then that way they can speak to it and also hopefully
understand it better. So my hope is that when we get these applications and these
staff reports, it will provide clarification and truly
some buyin across the board with the community. So set the precedent for all
of our >> Yeah, it really does. And so we're
really trying hard to do things the right way. We're trying very hard to
trust our staffs and create procedures for them to review so that they can make
educated decisions without holding our hands and without ever having subjective
decision making taking place. That's really crucial for the whole process. Uh
so again, we always appreciate everyone's patience um as we work
through it. And again, there's a good example now in our applica like of an
application in the packet that people can kind of review. And again, it's not
done yet. So like if there's anything that people feel like this is kind of
lacking, we'd rather see this that or the other. Please by all means bring
that feedback because I'm we're already finding things that have gaps. like we
already are seeing like oh man we really do want to have theseus ahead of time
and we really do want to see this before uh having you know
» reemphasized the point you made and that is that this is going to work at the
speed of government um by by design is supposed to and and while I appreciate
the the need to say if we can get done now and it could be done for next year's
season um from from from my position we're right on schedule with what we've
been projecting we would from the so the get we're not we're not behind of what
we said this would take. >> Yeah. And end of the day again we're
trying to do our due diligence because it's not one person's piece of land. It
is all of our land and it probably be faster to buy a lot and build a tennis
court. >> It would be this is a city.
» Yeah. And that's exactly the the case. So again I I appreciate everyone's
patience as we work through this. Uh again, Lonnie and Dave, I will I've sent
you the copy of that flowchart today. Um so if anyone if we could get that in the
packet, that'd be great. I know there's some typos, so again, don't don't
slaughter me like we're working on it. And again, would like to have some
» anything else from land use and planning.
» Uh hold.
» Any questions for land use and planning?
» All right. um public works. >> Um well, we pretty much hit on
everything except um we do have on the agenda the water rights and um
» I will yeah I will just give a really high level overview. We talked to dees
and the biggest thing we got was that this is not an emergency. This is not
emergent something that has to be addressed. Um th this was some water
rights from that were given to the city. Um and there was a proposal about
selling those. Um and and but but um the short answer is we've we've we've had
we've talked to the state. Um the state is going to be our attorney's going to
be following up with the state and coming back to us with recommendation.
But all we've clarified right now is this is not an emerging issue that we
have to take care of yesterday.
» I think that's all I have on that. >> Okay, I'm good.
» All right. Anything else? >> Public health.
» I guess we should ask or Patty, do you have anything else you want to add for
public works? >> Do you have anything you want to add
» to public works? >> No. Okay, good. All right.
» Don't want to leave you out. >> Don't worry.
» Public public health and safety.
» Public health and safety. I think you pretty much touched on everything in
your mayor's comments um concerning the bears issue. That's most of our
discussion. Um we did have Dan the Bear Man come in and
kind of explain the severity of the situation um and really wants the public
to be aware of how serious this matter is. Um again, they are doing something
on the 24th. >> Yep. we
» at 6:30 and the bear meeting is tomorrow at 2.
» And then the bear meeting tomorrow too. Um yeah, that took up most of your time.
And then um on our agenda for public health and safety that I have kept a
safe zone and signage um and that is something that has just been on there
for what I feel like forever now. But we feel that until we see signs or some
sort of change, it will remain. >> Keep it up.
So, um, because Dan came and spoke at public health and safety, do you think
it is 100% worthwhile for people to listen or watch that meeting?
» 110. Okay. >> It was alarming.
» It will be on you uh it aail up on YouTube soon, probably tomorrow. So,
please watch the public health and safety meeting at your
» We have a very unique situation that bears like that's not really replicated
anywhere in the state. Huckleberry. >> No,
» it's a creek and no no no timber. So I I found it very interesting and we all
need to hear the story. >> I will watch it.
» All right. Anything else from public health and safety? Any questions for
public health and safety? >> All right. Correspondence.
» No. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I skipped I opportunity
to do anything before we get to correspondence.
» Okay. Um, I've got 10 minutes, so I'm I'm just going to be brief and say that
maybe all this what I want to talk about will come in the future because I don't
I don't think I can wrap it up in 10 minutes. But I'm um um first of all, I
think it's maybe the meeting on Thursday will answer all the questions, but I
will not be there um about the ice rink. I think we need an update on what's
going on with the ice rink um at both locations. Um, I I don't know if
anything's been going on there, but I think if it doesn't happen Thursday, I'd
like it to be on the I like the ice rink people to come and update us. I think
I've had a lot of questions about what's going on. And um so I that's one thing
I'd like to see on a future agenda. Okay. Hey, if y'all remember two weeks
ago, um
I the mayor mentioned censuring him and I said I'd take care of that and I wrote
a resolution and I gave it to the attorney, Mr. Steel, who said he would
share it with Scott and I'm assuming he will share it with you and MMIA. But um
I did what you uh suggested and um I wrote a resolution um about that. And
then what I'm also concerned about is that I
sometimes I get home and I get smart too late and I got home last night last week
and I realized that what we talked about should have been recorded.
There's very little of what we talked about was HR. It was about you and you
explaining what happened prior to you terminating Dennis. None of it was
recorded and I don't know what to do about that. I really don't know if we
should um put it on the agenda and we talk about it again. But that that was
not a private conversation. very little of it which was uh you know
you fired Jennison on the 15th and this was August um I don't know when it was
five weeks after he was terminated and um so it's
it's not like um we're all surprised. We weren't surprised and I think it's um
the fact that you did not talk to us is a breach of our contract, our charter
and I I want um I I want to put that resolution on the agenda in a few weeks.
» So I if you'd like to right now you can make a motion. I said council can put
anything on the agenda. Steel, I talked to Skyler.
» I haven't seen it yet, but you can still put it on the agenda if you want.
» Skyler had to talk to Scott and then they then Skyler mentioned MMIA and
maybe I'll talk to um uh Skyler, but um I u also I think even more importantly
is what we talked about was not recorded and I don't know I have no idea what how
to handle that. Anybody got any ideas? Well, I just have
a it was a closed meeting because it was an HR sensitive
meeting, part of the meeting, and I saw the email where Dennis did not wave his
right to privacy. So, we had to have it be a closed meeting because we didn't
know exactly what was going to come up in that meeting. So, I mean that I'm not
arguing that. I'm arguing that at some point it should have been reopened when
the mayor started telling us what happened on June 9th when he um and I
would argue that's exactly the part that was a closed meeting. But
» I mean >> but you you you told us what you should
have done. There were five things I wish I'd done this. I wish I'd done that. And
why isn't the public um um should hear this? But be because Dennison did not
wave his right to privacy and we never know what's going to come up when it's
an HR situation and as an employee he had that right to privacy and we gave
that to him. >> Let me let me
» it moved on. It moved on past >> and and it may have but no one moved to
I mean I guess shortly that's a terrible tab
» but the whole but the whole part of that meeting needed to be closed because we
didn't know what we were all going to ask. We couldn't say, "Oh, wait. We need
to close the meeting again." It doesn't work that way.
» Let let me help a little bit or I'll try because I'll restate what I believe is
referring as given a time machine. What that letter would have said that I
written a letter is not that we are terminating services. It would have said
we are I'm exercising the right from our contract to provide 30 days notice and
your service will end on which is which in essence what it is. But the word
» I read it today. You wrote it on June 15th and I wrote you on June 16th asking
at the meeting to have a charter for everybody to read and the Montana law
that you don't you can't you can't um terminate people
requires council approval >> and it's so cool because Montana is the
only state that has that and but but I have not I requested it on June 16th for
the next meeting. Haven't seen anything anything I request I don't get.
Everybody, >> that's why I
» Is there a motion you would like to make at this point, Council Member Root, to
put something on the agenda because I'm giving you the opportunity.
» Well, I've got 10 days, right? >> You have as many days
» I'll talk to Skyler, see what they're doing.
» You can do it two weeks from now or a month from now where I want.
» I want to do it now because this time is of the essence and you mentioned it. I
said, "Okay, I'll I'll look into that." And I wrote a resolution. Any any other
business that anybody else on council would like to bring up at this point in
time?
All right. Hearing none, let's go to Oh, wait. Was that a
» No. >> No. Okay. Correspondence. Any
correspondence that council would like to share?
» Uh, I do have a couple. Um, two specifically based off of the
construction projects >> that are going on. Um, one is just some
concerns with citizens of where they've taken up part of the road and it hasn't
been fully like cleaned up on the on the edges. Um, that's been a big concern
with a few folks. And again, some of it I'm really excited about cuz it's going
to be the whole bit, but there's others pieces that it's like, oh, this just
keeps getting worse. >> And it will be done. That did come up.
So, this the the restoration will be done. Okay. But the project is meant
we're we're not we're not sweeping up the sawdust while somebody's still
drilling off. >> And that's totally fine. I just wanted
to make sure that it was voiced. Yes. >> Um and then the next one was damages to
somebody's vehicle. >> Um specifically just based off of the
height of the the ladder truck that was going on with one of the construction
workers and the hole in their windshield. Well, it seems pretty
apparent that that's what the cause was. They apparently tried to ask the
contractor about it who then blew them off and then they tried to ask the the
GM about it who also blew them off. >> So that is a concern that I have that
you know I just want to make sure that that's addressed for them.
» Well, what what they need to do is come to the city and file a complaint. And
Lonnie, do you have the anything to share on what process they would do if
somebody wants to file a complaint with the city?
» If it was the contract, not the city, do they need to file a complaint? they
would file a complaint against the contractor.
» Well, they can let Mike be aware of it. But the process is it's if it's if the
contractor did the damage then >> Yeah. And that contract though
» and Well, no, but if they did it insurance
» Yeah. If they did it with their vehicle >> Yeah.
» and it was something on their vehicle, that's an insurance claim against that
vehicle. >> And that was what I
» It has nothing to do with the city. That's someone
» more. So, I was hoping that the city would provide an avenue or some sort of
enforcement measure of this is someone that we hired. We want to hold them
accountable. >> What they need to do is they need to
file a police report. >> Okay. And they did.
» Okay. Okay. >> Then they should have the insurance
information on that police report and then they called that insurance company
directly and filed. >> Oh, the the people bailed. They did not
get the insurance information for these folks. Is it was the cop the
construction that's going on currently? >> So, is it KC or
» Cop? >> And I I guess I would also ask were they
parked in a a construction area because >> they were parked by their property which
is near a construction area but not like in the zone
» because I'll tell you I do not park in front of my house when those guys are in
front of it. >> Period. I'm just saying like if someone
damages my car, no matter where I'm at, I would like to make sure
» what I heard is is that the recommendation is they need to make sure
they hire a fire report. >> That has been done
» and at that point what'll happen is their insurance company will chase down
» the the vendor. Okay. Because that's who they have a complaint against.
» Okay. >> Did I gather all of that correctly?
» Yeah. It just I think it'd be beneficial that I think it's worth it to make sure
that Mike knows about it. Yeah. But but at the same time if it's Yeah. So so
there's there's >> the moral of the story is do not parking
in front of your house if they have you know
» again in front of the guy who's driving to and
fro. >> Okay.
» And >> that's different. Yeah.
» Have you seen them back? >> And and and to be fair if somebody wants
to if somebody wants to file this against the city they can. But it'll
probably get dismissed because it's not us. I'm just thinking that the city
should because it is our contractors potentially assist. That's all I'm
saying. I'm not saying we should sue or do any of that. I'm just saying like,
hey, there was a bad move here. How can we help make a resolution as a good
loving city? >> We probably resolution for you,
» Chelsea. Chelsea, we we probably have a certificate of insurance from them that
lists their insurance company. >> See, and that's what I'm just bringing
it to people who might have a certificate.
» All right. Thank you. >> All right. All right, I'm going to go
ahead and uh bring it back to the table here. Um I would like to open it up for
public comment. This is just the last chance for the public to address the
council and be heard on anything within council's curfew. Go ahead and open
public comment. I'm looking to the room. I'm looking to online for cameras,
unmuted mics, raised hands. Public comment going once. Public comment going
twice. public comment going three times. We'll
go ahead and close the public comment. With that, we have completed our uh
agenda. Go ahead and >> Sorry, I Sorry. was