REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Tuesday February 16, 2021

 

          ALL PRESENT:  Commissioner Jones, Chair, Commissioners Ostlund and Pitman; Board Clerk Teri Reitz; Clerk and Recorder Jeff Martin.

          PLEDGE.

          MINUTES – February 9, 2021.  Commissioner Ostlund made a MOTION to approve the Minutes, Commissioner Pitman seconded.  Passed Unanimous.

          PUBLIC COMMENTS ON REGUALR AGENDA ITEMS – Hearing no comments Commissioner Jones continued the Board Meeting.

          COMMISSIONERS – Miller Building.  Commissioner Ostlund stated that the Commissioners and the Finance Director toured the Miller Building which is for sale just like the Stillwater Building.  Commissioner Ostlund stated that there have been a lot of upgrades to the Miller building and it is in great shape and would accommodate all our needs.  Commissioner Ostlund made a MOTION to have Finance make an offer to purchase the Miller Building for $4.5 million or appraised value, whichever is lower and put down non-refundable earnest money of $33,750 to be applied to the purchase price at closing and this would get the seller to remove the property from the market and allow only the County to purchase the property up to and including 7/1/21, upon acceptance of the offer and earnest money by the seller, the County will secure an independent appraiser and the purchase is subject to a successful appraisal, and property inspection which will include an asbestos inspection, Commissioner Jones seconded.  Commissioner Pitman stated he didn’t second the motion and he is going to vote no on this because none of this information was provided before the meeting.  Commissioner Pitman stated he didn’t think a decision could be made on the Miller Building without notifying the public.  Commissioner Pitman suggested that this item should be brought to a discussion and then to a Board Meeting for a vote.  Commissioner Jones stated that this is something that the County has been looking at and appreciated the fact that the County was able to tour the Miller building.  Commissioner Jones noted that he didn’t really see a path of how things have gone with the Stillwater building.  I am going to vote for this going forward and I think we should put this on a discussion.  Commissioner Jones noted that he would like to get this process moving.  Commissioner Ostlund stated that this will allow us to make an offer on the building subject to an appraisal and inspection.  This gives us the option to buy the building through July.  Motion passed 2-1.  Commissioner voted against the motion. 

          PLANNING DEPARTMENT – Eagle Cliff Estates Subdivision – Preliminary Major Plat.  Mr. Dave Green, Planner stated the property is generally located north of Ford Road.  It will connect to the current dead-end of Eagle Cliff Meadows Road and will also connect to Navarro Drive to the west.  This subdivision would create 24 lots from a 45.75-acre parcel of land.  Mr. Green went through the proposed conditions.  Commissioner Ostlund made a MOTION to conditionally approve the Eagle Cliff Estates Subdivision – Preliminary Major Plat with the SIA and the Findings of Fact, Commissioner Pitman seconded.  Passed Unanimous. 

          CLAIMS – Batches 21-150, 21-151 and 21-152.  Commissioner Pitman made a MOTION to approve the Claims, Commissioner Ostlund seconded.  Passed Unanimous.

          CONSENT AGENDA1.  CLERK AND RECORDER – Agricultural Covenant for Tract 1-A-2 of the Amended Tract 1A of Certificate of Survey 2573.  2.  COMMISSIONERS – Notice to Guardian Security of Termination of Contract.  3.  FINANCE – Formal Approval of FTE Change – Motor Vehicle Office.  4.  SHERIFF – A.)  Contract between YVAS ad YCSO for Dog Boarding.  B.)  Revised Yellowstone County Detention Facility/Mental Health Center Proposal for Interim Services through 6/31/21.  5.  HUMAN RESOURCES – PERSONNEL ACTION REPORT – Commissioners – 1 Appointment.

          FILE ITEMS1.  CLERK AND RECORDER – Board Minutes – County Water District of Billings Heights.  2.  COMMISSIONERS – A.)  Letter from Montana Department of Environmental Quality Regarding Tax Certification of Air Pollution Control Equipment Application.  B.)  Letter from Montana Department of Revenue Regarding Blackfoot Communications, Inc. Centrally Assessed Protested Property Tax Refund for Property Tax Year 2020.  3.  FINANCE – Detailed Cash Investment Report January, 2021.  4.  PUBLIC WORKS – Contract with William Oakey Structural Engineers for Pryor Creek Riprap Engineering Bridge 30-01.  Commissioner Ostlund made a MOTION to approve the Consent Agenda and place the File Items to file, Commissioner Pitman seconded.  Passed Unanimous. 

          PUBLIC COMMENTS ON COUNTY BUSINESS – Hearing no comments Commissioner Jones adjourned the meeting at 9:43 a.m.

APPROVED                                           ATTEST                                                        

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