REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Tuesday March 12, 2024

 

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

          PLEDGE:  MOMENT OF SILENCE, Held.

          9:30 a.m. PRESENTATION – 2024-2028 Billings MPO Transportation Improvement Program.  Ms. Lora Mattox stated that the TIP is a comprehensive document outlining the prioritized list of transportation projects and initiatives that the Billings Metropolitan Organization (MPO) intends to undertake over the upcoming TIP period of 2024-2028. The purpose of the TIP is to provide the mechanism for scheduling federal funds for surface transportation projects, indicate regional priorities, and demonstrate a short-range transportation vision for the area. A secondary purpose of the TIP is to provide information about other transportation projects in the urbanized area that are exempt from the TIP approval process, such as projects that do not utilize federal funds. This program plays a crucial role in addressing current and future transportation needs, promoting safety, and fostering economic development.
Key Components of the TIP:

1.    Project List: The TIP includes a detailed list of proposed projects, along with their descriptions, scopes, budgets, and anticipated timelines. These projects are aligned with our strategic goals and aim to address identified transportation challenges in the region.

2.    Funding Allocation: Clear and transparent allocation of funds is outlined in the TIP, demonstrating our commitment to efficient resource utilization. Funding sources, including federal, state, and local contributions, are clearly specified for each project.

3.    Public Involvement: Prior to finalizing many of the projects in the TIP, we conduct public consultations to gather input from stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and community organizations. This occurs in several areas of our planning process, including most recently the update to the Billings Urban Area Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) in 2023. The feedback from the LRTP process and other opportunities has been incorporated into the TIP to ensure that it reflects the diverse needs of our community.

4.    Performance Measures: To gauge the success of our initiatives, the TIP includes performance measures aligned with our organizational objectives. Regular reporting on these measures will enable us to track progress and make data-driven decisions.

Stakeholders - The review of the TIP will include the MPO’s Transportation Planning Process that includes numerous opportunities for public input. The Planning Board, the designated MPO, conducted a public hearing to collect public testimony at its February 13th meeting, there was no public comment. There is also opportunity for public comment during the Billings City Council, Board of County Commissioners, and the Policy Coordinating Committee public meetings. Commissioner Morse made a MOTION to approve the 2024-2028 Billings MPO Transportation Improvement Program and forward a recommendation of approval to PCC, Commissioner Jones seconded.  Passed Unanimous. 

          PUBLIC COMMENTS ON REGULAR, CONSENT AND FILED AGENDA ITEMS – Hearing no comments Commissioner Ostlund continued the Board Meeting.

          COMMISSIONERS – Resolution 24-34 of Intent to Grant Tax Abatement to Phillips 66 on Class Eight Property and Setting the Public Hearing for Monday, March 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 3108.  Commissioner Jones made a MOTION to approve Resolution 24-34, Commissioner Morse seconded.  Passed Unanimous.

          CLAIMS – Batches 24-126, 24-127.  Commissioner Jones made a MOTION to approve the Claims, Commissioner Morse seconded.  Passed Unanimous. 

          CONSENT AGENDA – 1.  CLERK AND RECORDER – Plat of Bull Sessions Subdivision.  2.  COMMISSIONERS – A.)  Board Openings – Updated List.  B.)  Board Reappointments – John Ostlund & Tim Miller to Lockwood TEDD Advisory Board.  C.)  Metra Reorganization Review.  D.)  Board Reappointment – James Matteson to Park Board.  3.  COUNTY ATTORNEY – Resolution 24-35 Regarding De Minimis Tax Bills.  4.  ELECTIONS – A.)  Cancelation of Special District Elections Due to Number of Candidates Being Less Than or Equal to the Positions for Election and Certificates of Acclamation.  5.  FINANCE – A.)  MT-MCEP-CG-25-042 Designation of Depository Form.  B.)  Bond for Lost Warrants.  C.)  Finance – Request for Qualifications for Yellowstone County Detention Facility Needs Assessment.  6.  METRAPARK – Metra Trust Log for February 2024.  7.  HUMAN RESOURCES – A.)  Administrative Service Agreement with BCBS.  B.)  PERSONNEL ACTION REPORTS – Detention Facility – 3 Salary & Other; Justice Court – 1 Salary & Other; Youth Services Center; Sheriff’s Office – 1 Termination.

          FILE ITEMS – 1.  AUDITOR – Payroll Audit February 16 – February 29, 2024.  2.  CLERK OF DISTRICT COURT – Checks and Disbursements for February.  3.  COMMISSIONERS – Public Comment – Green Bee Zoning Request.  4.  FINANCE – Semi-Annual Bond Review with Travelers Insurance.  5.  HUMAN RESOURCES – February 16 – February 29 Payroll Audit.  Commissioner Morse made a MOTION to approve the Consent Agenda and place the File Items to file, Commissioner Jones seconded.  Passed Unanimous. 

          PUBLIC COMMENT ON COUNTY BUSINESS – Hearing no comments Commissioner Ostlund adjourned the meeting at 9:37 a.m.

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