REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Tuesday November 7, 2023

 

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

          PLEDGE:  MOMENT OF SILENCE, Held.

          MINUTES – October 31, 2023.  Commissioner Morse made a MOTION to approve the Minutes, Commissioner Jones seconded.  Passed Unanimous. 

          9:30 a.m. PRESENTATION – Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Boundary Map Amendment.  Ms. Lora Mattox, Transportation Planner stated that the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is tasked with coordinating transportation planning within the Billings metropolitan area. Its responsibilities encompass long-term transportation planning, allocation of funding, and ensuring that transportation projects align with regional goals and objectives. The MPO's planning boundary defines the specific geographic area over which it exercises planning authority.  In response to the recently released 2020 Census data, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) mandates that the MPO, in collaboration with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and local government agencies, adjust the planning boundary accordingly. These adjustments are based on the 2020 Census urban area boundaries, which are determined by housing density. The population within these adjusted urban areas determines their respective share of urban program funds. Final approval of the proposed boundaries is granted by the FHWA.  To define the MPO boundary, certain criteria were employed:

Reasonable Distance: Areas within the urban boundary must be reachable within a 0.5-mile drive.

Large Traffic Generator: This category includes industrial, commercial, or retail areas that do not encompass residential zones. Large traffic generators must primarily serve the urban area's population and have a significant impact, such as major hospitals, for example.  Minimizing Impacts to the Highway Systems: The overarching goal is to avoid any adverse effects on the state highway system.  Additionally, when adjusting the urban boundaries, it is essential to consider the most recent city limit boundary, create a single contiguous area, adhere to political boundaries, census blocks, or physical features/intersections.  The first attached map illustrates the 2010 Urban Boundary, City Limits, 2020 Census Urban Area Boundary, and the proposed 2020 Urban Area Boundary. After discussions involving MDT Helena, MDT Billings District, City and County Public Works, and the Billings MPO, all proposed changes were accepted, with the exception of a section of King Avenue West. MDT Helena recommended converting a portion of this route from an Urban to a Secondary route. However, MDT Billings District and staff opposed this change due to the area's complex and rapidly changing land use. Ultimately, MDT Helena reviewed and concurred with the local recommendation.  The second map illustrates the ultimate proposed version, and MDT Helena is seeking a review and endorsement of this map from the municipal and county authorities. On October 18, 2023, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) conducted a review of the map amendment. TAC is now suggesting that the local governing authorities grant approval for the map amendment to the PCC, which would then enable the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners to officially sign the map.  Commissioner Morse made a MOTION to approve the Boundary Map Amendment and forward a recommendation of approval to PCC, Commissioner Jones seconded.  Passed Unanimous. 

          PUBLIC COMMENTS ON REGULAR, CONSENT AND FILED AGENDA ITEMS – Mr. Mike Mayott, MetraPark Advisory Board President stated that he supports the Board Appointments on the Consent Agenda and supports the Recommendation of Award for Entertainment Consultant to Romeo Entertainment Group.

          CLAIMS – Batches 24-060, 24-061, 24-062 and 24-063.  Commissioner Morse made a MOTION to approve the Claims, Commissioner Jones seconded.  Passed Unanimous.

          CONSENT AGENDA – 1.  COMMISSIONERS – A.)  Board Appointment – Joy Culver to MetraPark Advisory Board.  B.)  Board Openings – Updated List.  C.)  Board Reappointments – Steven Hurd & Dana Bishop to MetraPark Advisory Board.  2.  FINANCE – MetraPark Recommendation of Award for Entertainment Consultant to Romeo Entertainment Group.  3.  PLANNING DEPARTMENT – A.)  Final Resolution 23-120 for Zone Change 720 – 2424 S. 48th Street.  B.)  Final Resolution 23-121 for Zone Change 721 – Text Amendments to Adopt Resolution for Marijuana Businesses.  4.  PUBLIC WORKS – Recommendation of Award for the 56th & Danford Bridge Project Construction and Culvert Purchase.  5.  PERSONNEL ACTION REPORTS – Detention Facility – 1 Appointment; Sheriff’s Office – 2 Appointments, 1 Termination; Justice Court – 1 Salary & Other.

          FILE ITEMS – 1.  COMMISSIONERS – A.)  Board Minutes – Park Board October 2023.  B.)  Board Minutes – DUI Task Force October 2023.  C.)  Public Comment – ASR Repository.  Commissioner Morse made a MOTION to approve the Consent Agenda and place the File Items to file, Commissioner Jones seconded.  Passed Unanimous. 

          PUBLIC COMMENTS ON COUNTY BUSINESS – One person spoke about the housing issues in Billings, Montana.  Two people spoke regarding all the violence that is happening in our city and the need for a bigger jail.  Hearing no other comments Commissioner Ostlund adjourned the meeting at 9:48 a.m.

APPROVE                                             ATTEST                                                       

DATE