Past Minutes

Includes meetings in 2005

 In Attendance: Edgar Lewis, chairman; Diane Ahlgren, Larry Lekse, Edward Arnott, Chris King, Dan Stilson, Ken Ronish, Dick Ellestad, Richard Moe, Ron Ahlgren, John Wright, Ken Minnie, Carl Jensen; Monty Sealey, Central Montana RC&D Coordinator; Carrie Mantooth, Central Montana RC&D Assistant Coordinator; and Jim Dullenty, Lewistown News-Argus.

Call to Order: Chairman Edgar Lewis called the meeting to order and introductions were made.

Minutes & Treasurer Report: Ken Ronish made a motion, seconded by Dick Ellestad and unanimously approved to accept the minutes of the Feb. 22, 2006, meeting as mailed. Treasurer Diane Ahlgren reported a balance of $3,323.84 in checking and $11,085.03 in savings.  The checking balance doesn’t include a DNRC reimbursement for Carrie’s time and expense. Ken made a motion, seconded by Larry Lekse to accept the treasurer’s report. Monty presented bills from Montana West Printing for $55 for the newsletter; Beehive Insurance for $750 for directors and officers liability insurance annual premium; $15 to the Montana Secretary of State for on-line registration as a corporation; and $200 to the Western RC&D Association for 2006 dues. Diane said that there was an April 10 check to Beehive Insurance already paid, so the balance is actually $100. Ron Ahlgren made a motion, seconded by Dick and unanimously approved to pay the bills.

Announcements:

-                          Montana RC&D Association: Dick Ellestad reported on the February Montana RC&D Association meeting held in Lewistown. He said they outlined the responsibilities of the state association and hired Greg Larson, retired Northwest Area RC&D Coordinator, as the executive secretary. The Montana RC&D funds will be funneled through the Central Montana RC&D, so our accountant can do withholdings, etc. for the executive secretary. Dick Ellestad was elected secretary/treasurer. Dick said they discussed proposed cuts to the federal budget which would cut RC&D funding in half. A bill from Greg Larson for $745 was presented. This will be reimbursed to Central Montana RC&D by Montana RC&D Association. Dick made a motion to run Montana RC&D Association financials through Central Montana RC&D, seconded by Ken and unanimously approved.

Canada Lynx: Monty told the group about the Canada Lynx Critical Habitat Proposal which includes 18,000 square miles of private and public land including parts of Washington , Idaho , Montana , Minnesota and Maine . This proposal by US Fish and Wildlife Service follows a Ninth Circuit judicial opinion issued due to an environmentalist led lawsuit and is open for public comment only through April 28. Monty explained that the lynx is already on the endangered list, but this proposal could in effect be putting in a roadless initiative under another name.

Mercury Emission: Monty announced that mercury emission standards are the topic of a public hearing in May in front of the Montana Board of Environmental Review. The Board is proposing to amend the air quality rules set forth by EPA which would require 70 percent removal of mercury. Montana Environmental Information Center (MEIC) and other individuals and organizations petitioned the Montana Board of Environmental Review to adopt a rule requiring coal-fired power plants to control 90 percent of their mercury emissions. Montana ’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) presented a proposed mercury rule at the Board of Environmental Review’s February meeting, which said that all plants in Montana must have a DEQ-approved plan for limited emissions to 0.9 pound of mercury per trillion British thermal units (lbs./TBtu) in the coal being burned by 2010. Monty said those who support Montana ’s plants argue that the proposal goes too far, and such strict standards would shut down production in Montana . There is a petition circulating that originated in Circle asking that DEQ adopt the federal EPA standards. Board members took the petition back to their communities and will return comments by May 18. Dick suggested Central Montana RC&D also send a letter asking that the federal standards be adopted in Montana . Discussion followed, with members noting that the last Montana refinery was built in 1975.

Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREB): Monty discussed the Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREB) program. The CREB program, which is part of the new Energy Policy Act of 2005, provides government entities with the ability to obtain interest-free financing for wind projects by providing investors with a federal tax credit in lieu of interest payments. The CREB program has been authorized for $800 million, with $500 million allocated for government entities. Monty said he has been helping gather information for county governments in the area for inclusion in a grant application being prepared by Matney-Frantz Engineering. The Bozeman firm is preparing CREB applications by the April 26, 2006 deadline for a number of wind energy projects designed to provide power for Montana ’s cities, counties and schools. Ken said 35 counties and cities had signed on to the project. Lewistown and Fergus County both signed on and split the $500 fee to Matney-Frantz. Discussion followed about the possible need for legislation (especially if Northwestern Energy is sold), and helping counties understand and disseminate information if they proceed.

Project Reports:

-                          Homebuyer Education: Carrie reported on the homebuyer education and said the last class was two weeks ago and had seven attendees. The next class is May 22-23.

-                          Judith Basin Hazardous Fuels Reduction:  Carrie said Judith Basin Conservation District has advertised a hazardous fuels reduction project and have had some interested landowners. The Judith Basin Conservation District hopes to begin hazardous fuel reduction projects on private lands this year through a grant with Central Montana Resource Conservation and Development. Central Montana RC&D received funds through Bitterroot RC&D as part of the Wildland Urban Interface grant program, and has earmarked the funds for use in Judith Basin County .

-                          Roundup Mutual Self-Help Housing Project: Ken Minnie said the Roundup Self Help Housing program is in the initial planning stage. Human Resources Development Council District 6 is spearheading the project. Ken said they are trying to get the word out in Roundup and gauging interest and are looking for a  building site for five homes. Lower income families are eligible and help build the homes, committing 30 hours each week in “sweat equity.”

-                          Canadian Ready To Move (RTM) Homes: Monty said this project will either proceed or die out by June in Roundup. The company is now doing a private offering for shares.

-                          Bull Mountain Coal Mine: Larry reported that mining has shut down for awhile because they have too much coal on the ground and need to truck more out before continuing production. Three shifts are processing coal. He said Roundup has a chance of getting a coal gasification plant. They are also hoping to hear an announcement about the railroad spur soon. Rights of way have been purchased and they are waiting for construction to begin. Monty said the rail spur project was held up because there was a wetlands site that they’ll have to build around.

-                          Petrolia Irrigation District: Monty went to a public meeting regarding the Petrolia Irrigation District project that Central Montana RC&D is assisting with. There is a problem with saline seep and leakage on a portion of the Petrolia Irrigation Ditch. They are asking for a $100,000 DNRC Renewable Resources grant for repairs and Central Montana RC&D will assist as needed. The grant deadline is May 15.

-                          Central Montana Regional Water Project: The water right application is in, and Monty said they were told by DNRC that they will notice it for comments soon. DNRC said they need an environmental assessment (EA) for the entire proposed project (not just the well site). The group is questioning this, since it has not been a requirement imposed upon other regional water projects. Monty said the EA will need to be in place, along with water rights, etc., before they request a federal appropriation. He said things are going well, but 2011 would be the soonest the project could be on the ground. CMRWA is seeking funds to drill a second production well. Grant applications will be made for a DNRC Resource Development grant and to the Montana Coal Board Trust Fund. CMRWA is also waiting for its second year of funding from a DNRC Appropriation for the design of the regional water project. A request for a $1 million federal appropriation was also submitted. The water authority is working on providing water samples at a series of public meetings later this year, and will have to take a generator to the test well site to pump the samples.

Other Project Requests:

-                          Carter Ponds: A group of agency people are trying to get funding to repair the upper and lower Carter Ponds north of Lewistown. They already have a chunk of funding in place and are looking for a sponsor for a grant to DNRC’s renewable resource program. Dan Stilson, chairman of the Fergus Conservation District, said they are in favor of the project, and Fergus County Commissioner Ken Ronish said they also support it. The ponds are privately owned, but there has been public access for many years.  They already have some financial and in-kind commitments, and would need $156,000 to repair the Upper Carter Pond and another $169,200 for the lower pond. If Central Montana RC&D acts as sponsor, they would not take administration fees. Dick made a motion that Central Montana RC&D sponsor the bill and help with the grant application, seconded by Dan and unanimously approved.

-                          Plastic/Fiber Composite – Willie Weeks: Monty said Willie Weeks went to the Musselshell County Commissioners and is interested in doing a feasibility study on plastic/fiber composite used for posts, etc. Monty said he is just looking for information about it at this stage. Ken Minnie said strawmut is used as a building material and is made in panels. Diane said she remembers Central Montana RC&D looked into this years ago. Monty said that EDA commissioned a feasibility study back then, but the $3-4 million needed for the project was cost prohibitive.

-                          Area Plan/Website: Monty will send out the area plan outline to board members. The RC&D area plan format has been revised, and won’t follow the CEDS format. Carrie is working on updating the CEDS for SMDC and will also work on the Central Montana RC&D Area Plan. The website is also under revision and will have a new address. Carl Schulz was working on the website.

Other Business:

-                          Roadless Initiative: Diane Ahlgren said there was an article in the last issue of Agri-News about the Roadless and Wilderness Study areas, which said there is a limit on how long these areas would be “studied.” Ed, Edgar, Diane and Dick will meet to write another letter to Governor Schweitzer asking that he recommend to President Bush that the roadless designations in Montana be removed.

Adjournment & Next Meeting Date: With no other business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be Wed., June 21 at 10 a.m. in the SMDC Conference Room, 613 NE Main St . , Lewistown.  

Minutes prepared and respectfully submitted by

Carrie Mantooth, Central Montana RC&D Assistant Coordinator 

In Attendance: Edgar Lewis, chairman; Diane Ahlgren, Gary Thomas, Carol Ann Schaeffer, Ken Ronish, Ron Ahlgren, Dick Ellestad; Monty Sealey, Central Montana RC&D Coordinator; and Carrie Mantooth, Central Montana RC&D Assistant Coordinator. 

Call to Order: Chairman Edgar Lewis called the meeting to order and introductions were made.

 Minutes & Treasurer Report: Ken Ronish made a motion, seconded by Dick Ellestad and unanimously approved to accept the minutes of the June 21, 2006, meeting as mailed. Diane Ahlgren, treasurer, reported a balance of $3,646.62 in the checking account through July. This includes a transfer of $3,000 that Diane made the previous week. She said Basin State Bank gave a courtesy call saying the account would be overdrawn if money wasn’t transferred. The savings account balance as of the end of June was $3,116.10. Diane distributed a check register from June 30, 2005 to July 1, 2006. She purchased a flash drive to back up the financials and submitted a bill for $24.99, along with a request for mileage reimbursement. A $30,000 CD has a balance of $30,414.19, with a new roll-over date of Dec. 2, 2006. The $15,000 CD has a balance of $15,286.24, and the roll-over date was Aug. 17. Ken made a motion, seconded by Gary Thomas and unanimously approved to accept the treasurer’s report.  

Monty said the checking account balance wouldn’t be enough to cash flow Carrie’s time and expenses (reimbursed fully by DNRC) and another month of expenses for RTM Homes. He said he also hired a part-time office employee in Roundup, whose time will be reimbursed out of the Roundup housing grant. Central Montana RC&D also received $2,415 for homebuyer education training and is due for another reimbursement from MHN/NHS. We will also bill NRCS in September for $11,300. He suggested taking $4,000 out of the $15,000 CD for upcoming expenses due before the other funds come in. Gary made a motion, seconded by Ron Ahlgren and unanimously approved,  to take $4,000 out of the $15,000 CD and roll-over $11,000.

Ken made a motion, seconded by Carol Ann Schaeffer and unanimously approved to pay the bills presented by Diane for travel and the flash drive.  

Announcements:

-          Biomass Fact Sheet: Monty distributed a fact sheet on biomass out of the last USDA Farm Bill.

-          Mercury Emissions ruling: Montana Board of Environmental Review is set to make its ruling on mercury emissions Sept. 15 and is expected to adopt the Montana DEQ recommendations, if not even stricter standards. The DEQ recommendations are stricter than the federal standards. There has been no response regarding the letter from Central Montana RC&D urging Montana Board of Environmental Review to adopt the federal standards. The board discussed how adopting stricter standards will effectively shut down coal development in Montana .

-          Northwest Water Policy and Law Symposium Conference: This conference is set for Sept. 18-20 in Bozeman and the biggest issue may be the push to tie groundwater and surface water together. Monty said that groundwater is a largely unexplored area.

-          National Environmental Policy Act: This act will be updated and is important because anything with federal money involved has to comply. Water, roads, wildlife, etc. are all addressed.

-          Montana Hydrology Conference: The conference is being held Aug. 22-24 in Helena , and will discuss prediction methods regarding drought, snow pack, etc.

-          Montana Healthcare Providers Show: This is Sept. 20-22 in Billings and is the annual trade show and convention.

-          State of the Arts Newsletter: The recent newsletter was distributed. The paper discusses art events, funding, etc., and is published by the Montana Arts Council.

-          Montana HomeOwnership Network Conference: The annual event is Sept. 18-20 in Polson. Carrie said she won’t be going, as she has a homebuyer class scheduled.

-          Senator Baucus Response on Roadless Letter: Edgar distributed a letter from Sen. Max Baucus regarding the letter from Central Montana RC&D asking for the end of roadless designations in our area. Edgar said he wasn’t sure Baucus understood what we were asking, as his letter talks about not wanting new roads – while the board’s concern is that we can’t even access the ones we have! (For example, no fire trucks can go into the areas to fight fire.)

 Audit: Monty reported that the annual audit would be conducted Aug. 24 in Roundup by Loren Randall, CPA of Missoula. A report will be given at the next meeting and the executive committee will review the report.

Area Plan/CEDS: Carrie is working on the Central Montana RC&D Five-Year Area Plan and the SMDC Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). She said much of the information is the same, but the format requirements are different. The different areas that the two organizations work on are differentiated in the work plans in these documents. Carrie will mail out the Memorandum of Understanding between RC&D and SMDC, along with the goals and objectives and asked the board to contact her or Monty for items they want to see addressed.

 An invitation for oral or written comment on the area plan was published in a news article in the Lewistown News-Argus, but no one was present to comment. A time for public comment will also be scheduled for the Oct. 18 meetings of Central Montana RC&D and SMDC, or written comments can be sent to either Monty in Roundup or Carrie at 613 NE Main St., Lewistown.  

Big Sky EDA/SBD monthly: Monty reminded the group that a representative from the Small Business Development Center is in Roundup and Harlowton once a month. There hasn’t been much of a demand for her services, so she has been visiting the chambers and banks. An SBDC rep from Great Falls also schedules monthly visits to communities in other areas of the RC&D.

Project Status Reports:

-          Clean Air Renewable Energy Bond application: No one has heard anything back on the application submitted by a Bozeman engineering firm. Ken said it’s on the agenda for the Montana Association of Counties meeting.

-          Hazardous Fuels Reduction in Judith Basin County : Carrie said Bitter Root RC&D’s forester Byron Bonney will meet with the Judith Basin Conservation District’s staff and forester Dan Hull, who will work on the project. That meeting is Sept. 6 in Stanford. There has been interest and one application is in from an area landowner who wants to do a hazardous fuels reduction project. An extension was given on this grant until June 30, 2008.

-          Homebuyer Education and Counseling: The August class was cancelled and the next class is Sept. 18-29 in Lewistown, 5-9 p.m. Carrie said she already has people signed up for that class and participation has been steady.

-          Housing Needs Assessment/Roundup: The HRDC received a housing grant to do a housing needs assessment in Roundup. Monty has his clerical helper working on this. HRDC also wants to do an assessment in Harlowton. HRDC was also looking to do a Mutual Self-Help Housing Project in Roundup, but there wasn’t enough interest. Monty said he’d like to see a regional housing grant, and said there was talk of a regional approach several years ago when Central Montana RC&D held public hearings to gather information for a housing grant with Neighborhood Housing Services.

-          Canadian RTM Homes: Monty told the group that ATechBuilders Corporation is targeting Roundup and Malta for production facilities. PhillCo Economic Growth Council is looking at investing $50,000 from its Community Fund to purchase stock in ATechBuilders. Monty said the company has the go-ahead from the state to sell stock. Monty had the prospectus for the company and said he is licensed if anyone wants more information. The company must raise $300,000 in its stock sales before it can spend any of the proceeds.

-          Central Montana Regional Water Project: The notice on the water rights is out and there is a 30 day comment period. Any objections will set the tone of where CMRWA goes from here, Monty said. Before DNRC would notice the application, they required plotting the potential route. Monty said he plotted the “worst case scenario” using just county road right-aways, with a mile on each side of the pipeline. This put the route at 247 miles, including line to Shawmut and Musselshell . A grant request for $300,000 was submitted to DNRC’s Resource Development Program for help in drilling a second well. The Montana Bureau of Reclamation also has drought assistance funds, and contacted CMRWA about applying. It’s estimated that the second well will cost $750,000. If the Bureau of Reclamation grants funds, they will arrange the drilling.

-          Musselshell County Tax Increment Industrial Financing District (TIFID): A group in Roundup has met twice and is talking with other communities that set up a TIFID. Monty said it’s a complicated issue, but in a nutshell, it would take the extra tax dollars generated by the Bull Mountain Coal Mine and put them back into community development projects.

-          Bull Mountain Coal Mine: The mine is still producing coal and working on the rail spur. Ames Construction is working on the design. The project was slowed because it had to be rerouted around state ground and the project couldn’t be permitted or designed until the route was pinpointed. The Corp of Engineers has signed off on the route and construction should begin in October.

 Other Project Requests:

-          Grass Range Irrigation Ditch: Monty said he will check with DNRC for funding sources for work on the ditch that runs through Grass Range . Ron Ahlgren had asked at the last meeting about the possibility of finding funding to run a pipe in the ditch.

-          Lewistown Boys and Girls Club: Dick had talked with a staff member who said they need help with operating expenses. Carrie said she would look into it.

 Other Business:

Musselshell Watershed Group: Diane is the coordinator of the Lower Musselshell Watershed Group and told the group about a weeds and off-stream storage project they’ve been working on. They used EQUIP and HB-223 funding to address the salt cedar problem and are about half done with the spraying. The cedar was 1-2 years old, and they were told if they had waited, it would’ve quickly spread and consumed much more acreage. They also are looking at potential sites for off-stream water storage and are working with an engineer to pick the best site. They are focusing on a site north of Melstone and preliminary indications are that they could store up to 5,000 acre feet of water in March/April to get them through the dry months of July and August. The need of the irrigators is 3,500 acre feet. Diane said they did a survey and 16 irrigators expressed interest in the project. Diane said this is in the early stages, but they are hopeful that they can build something eventually, as it is desperately needed. They are looking at using a turbine pump, which would also supply its own electricity for pumping needs. There is an Irrigation Summit in Billings on Oct. 24 and Diane said she hopes that it will encourage the government to help with water development and conservation.

 National Carbon Offset Coalition: Dick said this group is going forward and he has enjoyed serving on its board. He has purchased another business with his son, however, and said he needs to step down and a replacement should be found. The NCOC meets twice each year in Butte and there are several telephone conference calls. Anyone who is interested in taking this position should contact Dick.

 Next Meeting and Adjournment: The next meeting is set for Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. With no further business, the meeting adjourned following a motion by Gary , seconded by Ken and unanimously approved.

Minutes prepared and respectfully submitted by:

Carrie Mantooth, Central Montana RC&D Assistant Coordinator

   *****************************************************

 In Attendance: Edgar Lewis, chairman; Diane Ahlgren, Larry Lekse, Edward Arnott, Chris King, Dan Stilson, Ken Ronish, Dick Ellestad, Richard Moe, Ron Ahlgren, John Wright, Ken Minnie, Carl Jensen; Monty Sealey, Central Montana RC&D Coordinator; Carrie Mantooth, Central Montana RC&D Assistant Coordinator; and Jim Dullenty, Lewistown News-Argus.

Call to Order: Chairman Edgar Lewis called the meeting to order and introductions were made.

Minutes & Treasurer Report: Ken Ronish made a motion, seconded by Dick Ellestad and unanimously approved to accept the minutes of the Feb. 22, 2006, meeting as mailed. Treasurer Diane Ahlgren reported a balance of $3,323.84 in checking and $11,085.03 in savings.  The checking balance doesn’t include a DNRC reimbursement for Carrie’s time and expense. Ken made a motion, seconded by Larry Lekse to accept the treasurer’s report. Monty presented bills from Montana West Printing for $55 for the newsletter; Beehive Insurance for $750 for directors and officers liability insurance annual premium; $15 to the Montana Secretary of State for on-line registration as a corporation; and $200 to the Western RC&D Association for 2006 dues. Diane said that there was an April 10 check to Beehive Insurance already paid, so the balance is actually $100. Ron Ahlgren made a motion, seconded by Dick and unanimously approved to pay the bills.

-                          Montana RC&D Association: Dick Ellestad reported on the February Montana RC&D Association meeting held in Lewistown. He said they outlined the responsibilities of the state association and hired Greg Larson, retired Northwest Area RC&D Coordinator, as the executive secretary. The Montana RC&D funds will be funneled through the Central Montana RC&D, so our accountant can do withholdings, etc. for the executive secretary. Dick Ellestad was elected secretary/treasurer. Dick said they discussed proposed cuts to the federal budget which would cut RC&D funding in half. A bill from Greg Larson for $745 was presented. This will be reimbursed to Central Montana RC&D by Montana RC&D Association. Dick made a motion to run Montana RC&D Association financials through Central Montana RC&D, seconded by Ken and unanimously approved.

Canada Lynx: Monty told the group about the Canada Lynx Critical Habitat Proposal which includes 18,000 square miles of private and public land including parts of Washington , Idaho , Montana , Minnesota and Maine . This proposal by US Fish and Wildlife Service follows a Ninth Circuit judicial opinion issued due to an environmentalist led lawsuit and is open for public comment only through April 28. Monty explained that the lynx is already on the endangered list, but this proposal could in effect be putting in a roadless initiative under another name.

Mercury Emission: Monty announced that mercury emission standards are the topic of a public hearing in May in front of the Montana Board of Environmental Review. The Board is proposing to amend the air quality rules set forth by EPA which would require 70 percent removal of mercury. Montana Environmental Information Center (MEIC) and other individuals and organizations petitioned the Montana Board of Environmental Review to adopt a rule requiring coal-fired power plants to control 90 percent of their mercury emissions. Montana ’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) presented a proposed mercury rule at the Board of Environmental Review’s February meeting, which said that all plants in Montana must have a DEQ-approved plan for limited emissions to 0.9 pound of mercury per trillion British thermal units (lbs./TBtu) in the coal being burned by 2010. Monty said those who support Montana ’s plants argue that the proposal goes too far, and such strict standards would shut down production in Montana . There is a petition circulating that originated in Circle asking that DEQ adopt the federal EPA standards. Board members took the petition back to their communities and will return comments by May 18. Dick suggested Central Montana RC&D also send a letter asking that the federal standards be adopted in Montana . Discussion followed, with members noting that the last Montana refinery was built in 1975.

Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREB): Monty discussed the Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREB) program. The CREB program, which is part of the new Energy Policy Act of 2005, provides government entities with the ability to obtain interest-free financing for wind projects by providing investors with a federal tax credit in lieu of interest payments. The CREB program has been authorized for $800 million, with $500 million allocated for government entities. Monty said he has been helping gather information for county governments in the area for inclusion in a grant application being prepared by Matney-Frantz Engineering. The Bozeman firm is preparing CREB applications by the April 26, 2006 deadline for a number of wind energy projects designed to provide power for Montana ’s cities, counties and schools. Ken said 35 counties and cities had signed on to the project. Lewistown and Fergus County both signed on and split the $500 fee to Matney-Frantz. Discussion followed about the possible need for legislation (especially if Northwestern Energy is sold), and helping counties understand and disseminate information if they proceed.

-                          Homebuyer Education: Carrie reported on the homebuyer education and said the last class was two weeks ago and had seven attendees. The next class is May 22-23.

-                          Judith Basin Hazardous Fuels Reduction:  Carrie said Judith Basin Conservation District has advertised a hazardous fuels reduction project and have had some interested landowners. The Judith Basin Conservation District hopes to begin hazardous fuel reduction projects on private lands this year through a grant with Central Montana Resource Conservation and Development. Central Montana RC&D received funds through Bitterroot RC&D as part of the Wildland Urban Interface grant program, and has earmarked the funds for use in Judith Basin County .

-                          Roundup Mutual Self-Help Housing Project: Ken Minnie said the Roundup Self Help Housing program is in the initial planning stage. Human Resources Development Council District 6 is spearheading the project. Ken said they are trying to get the word out in Roundup and gauging interest and are looking for a  building site for five homes. Lower income families are eligible and help build the homes, committing 30 hours each week in “sweat equity.”

-                          Canadian Ready To Move (RTM) Homes: Monty said this project will either proceed or die out by June in Roundup. The company is now doing a private offering for shares.

-                          Bull Mountain Coal Mine: Larry reported that mining has shut down for awhile because they have too much coal on the ground and need to truck more out before continuing production. Three shifts are processing coal. He said Roundup has a chance of getting a coal gasification plant. They are also hoping to hear an announcement about the railroad spur soon. Rights of way have been purchased and they are waiting for construction to begin. Monty said the rail spur project was held up because there was a wetlands site that they’ll have to build around.

-                          Petrolia Irrigation District: Monty went to a public meeting regarding the Petrolia Irrigation District project that Central Montana RC&D is assisting with. There is a problem with saline seep and leakage on a portion of the Petrolia Irrigation Ditch. They are asking for a $100,000 DNRC Renewable Resources grant for repairs and Central Montana RC&D will assist as needed. The grant deadline is May 15.

-                          Central Montana Regional Water Project: The water right application is in, and Monty said they were told by DNRC that they will notice it for comments soon. DNRC said they need an environmental assessment (EA) for the entire proposed project (not just the well site). The group is questioning this, since it has not been a requirement imposed upon other regional water projects. Monty said the EA will need to be in place, along with water rights, etc., before they request a federal appropriation. He said things are going well, but 2011 would be the soonest the project could be on the ground. CMRWA is seeking funds to drill a second production well. Grant applications will be made for a DNRC Resource Development grant and to the Montana Coal Board Trust Fund. CMRWA is also waiting for its second year of funding from a DNRC Appropriation for the design of the regional water project. A request for a $1 million federal appropriation was also submitted. The water authority is working on providing water samples at a series of public meetings later this year, and will have to take a generator to the test well site to pump the samples.

-                          Carter Ponds: A group of agency people are trying to get funding to repair the upper and lower Carter Ponds north of Lewistown. They already have a chunk of funding in place and are looking for a sponsor for a grant to DNRC’s renewable resource program. Dan Stilson, chairman of the Fergus Conservation District, said they are in favor of the project, and Fergus County Commissioner Ken Ronish said they also support it. The ponds are privately owned, but there has been public access for many years.  They already have some financial and in-kind commitments, and would need $156,000 to repair the Upper Carter Pond and another $169,200 for the lower pond. If Central Montana RC&D acts as sponsor, they would not take administration fees. Dick made a motion that Central Montana RC&D sponsor the bill and help with the grant application, seconded by Dan and unanimously approved.

-                          Plastic/Fiber Composite – Willie Weeks: Monty said Willie Weeks went to the Musselshell County Commissioners and is interested in doing a feasibility study on plastic/fiber composite used for posts, etc. Monty said he is just looking for information about it at this stage. Ken Minnie said strawmut is used as a building material and is made in panels. Diane said she remembers Central Montana RC&D looked into this years ago. Monty said that EDA commissioned a feasibility study back then, but the $3-4 million needed for the project was cost prohibitive.

-                          Area Plan/Website: Monty will send out the area plan outline to board members. The RC&D area plan format has been revised, and won’t follow the CEDS format. Carrie is working on updating the CEDS for SMDC and will also work on the Central Montana RC&D Area Plan. The website is also under revision and will have a new address. Carl Schulz was working on the website.

-                          Roadless Initiative: Diane Ahlgren said there was an article in the last issue of Agri-News about the Roadless and Wilderness Study areas, which said there is a limit on how long these areas would be “studied.” Ed, Edgar, Diane and Dick will meet to write another letter to Governor Schweitzer asking that he recommend to President Bush that the roadless designations in Montana be removed.

Adjournment & Next Meeting Date: With no other business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be Wed., June 21 at 10 a.m. in the SMDC Conference Room, 613 NE Main St., Lewistown.  

Minutes prepared and respectfully submitted by

Carrie Mantooth, Central Montana RC&D Assistant Coordinator   

In Attendance: Edgar Lewis, chairman; Diane Ahlgren, Larry Lekse, Edward Arnott, Chris King, Dan Stilson, Ken Ronish, Dick Ellestad, Richard Moe, Ron Ahlgren, John Wright, Ken Minnie, Carl Jensen; Monty Sealey, Central Montana RC&D Coordinator; Carrie Mantooth, Central Montana RC&D Assistant Coordinator; and Jim Dullenty, Lewistown News-Argus.

Call to Order: Chairman Edgar Lewis called the meeting to order and introductions were made.

Minutes & Treasurer Report: Ken Ronish made a motion, seconded by Dick Ellestad and unanimously approved to accept the minutes of the Feb. 22, 2006, meeting as mailed. Treasurer Diane Ahlgren reported a balance of $3,323.84 in checking and $11,085.03 in savings.  The checking balance doesn’t include a DNRC reimbursement for Carrie’s time and expense. Ken made a motion, seconded by Larry Lekse to accept the treasurer’s report. Monty presented bills from Montana West Printing for $55 for the newsletter; Beehive Insurance for $750 for directors and officers liability insurance annual premium; $15 to the Montana Secretary of State for on-line registration as a corporation; and $200 to the Western RC&D Association for 2006 dues. Diane said that there was an April 10 check to Beehive Insurance already paid, so the balance is actually $100. Ron Ahlgren made a motion, seconded by Dick and unanimously approved to pay the bills.  

-                          Montana RC&D Association: Dick Ellestad reported on the February Montana RC&D Association meeting held in Lewistown. He said they outlined the responsibilities of the state association and hired Greg Larson, retired Northwest Area RC&D Coordinator, as the executive secretary. The Montana RC&D funds will be funneled through the Central Montana RC&D, so our accountant can do withholdings, etc. for the executive secretary. Dick Ellestad was elected secretary/treasurer. Dick said they discussed proposed cuts to the federal budget which would cut RC&D funding in half. A bill from Greg Larson for $745 was presented. This will be reimbursed to Central Montana RC&D by Montana RC&D Association. Dick made a motion to run Montana RC&D Association financials through Central Montana RC&D, seconded by Ken and unanimously approved.

Canada Lynx: Monty told the group about the Canada Lynx Critical Habitat Proposal which includes 18,000 square miles of private and public land including parts of Washington , Idaho , Montana , Minnesota and Maine . This proposal by US Fish and Wildlife Service follows a Ninth Circuit judicial opinion issued due to an environmentalist led lawsuit and is open for public comment only through April 28. Monty explained that the lynx is already on the endangered list, but this proposal could in effect be putting in a roadless initiative under another name.

 Mercury Emission: Monty announced that mercury emission standards are the topic of a public hearing in May in front of the Montana Board of Environmental Review. The Board is proposing to amend the air quality rules set forth by EPA which would require 70 percent removal of mercury. Montana Environmental Information Center (MEIC) and other individuals and organizations petitioned the Montana Board of Environmental Review to adopt a rule requiring coal-fired power plants to control 90 percent of their mercury emissions. Montana ’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) presented a proposed mercury rule at the Board of Environmental Review’s February meeting, which said that all plants in Montana must have a DEQ-approved plan for limited emissions to 0.9 pound of mercury per trillion British thermal units (lbs./TBtu) in the coal being burned by 2010. Monty said those who support Montana ’s plants argue that the proposal goes too far, and such strict standards would shut down production in Montana . There is a petition circulating that originated in Circle asking that DEQ adopt the federal EPA standards. Board members took the petition back to their communities and will return comments by May 18. Dick suggested Central Montana RC&D also send a letter asking that the federal standards be adopted in Montana . Discussion followed, with members noting that the last Montana refinery was built in 1975. 

 Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREB): Monty discussed the Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREB) program. The CREB program, which is part of the new Energy Policy Act of 2005, provides government entities with the ability to obtain interest-free financing for wind projects by providing investors with a federal tax credit in lieu of interest payments. The CREB program has been authorized for $800 million, with $500 million allocated for government entities. Monty said he has been helping gather information for county governments in the area for inclusion in a grant application being prepared by Matney-Frantz Engineering. The Bozeman firm is preparing CREB applications by the April 26, 2006 deadline for a number of wind energy projects designed to provide power for Montana ’s cities, counties and schools. Ken said 35 counties and cities had signed on to the project. Lewistown and Fergus County both signed on and split the $500 fee to Matney-Frantz. Discussion followed about the possible need for legislation (especially if Northwestern Energy is sold), and helping counties understand and disseminate information if they proceed.

-                          Homebuyer Education: Carrie reported on the homebuyer education and said the last class was two weeks ago and had seven attendees. The next class is May 22-23. Carrie reported on the homebuyer education and said the last class was two weeks ago and had seven attendees. The next class is May 22-23.

-                          Judith Basin Hazardous Fuels Reduction:  Carrie said Judith Basin Conservation District has advertised a hazardous fuels reduction project and have had some interested landowners. The Judith Basin Conservation District hopes to begin hazardous fuel reduction projects on private lands this year through a grant with Central Montana Resource Conservation and Development. Central Montana RC&D received funds through Bitterroot RC&D as part of the Wildland Urban Interface grant program, and has earmarked the funds for use in Judith Basin County .

-                          Roundup Mutual Self-Help Housing Project: Ken Minnie said the Roundup Self Help Housing program is in the initial planning stage. Human Resources Development Council District 6 is spearheading the project. Ken said they are trying to get the word out in Roundup and gauging interest and are looking for a  building site for five homes. Lower income families are eligible and help build the homes, committing 30 hours each week in “sweat equity.”

-                          Canadian Ready To Move (RTM) Homes: Monty said this project will either proceed or die out by June in Roundup. The company is now doing a private offering for shares.

-                          Bull Mountain Coal Mine: Larry reported that mining has shut down for awhile because they have too much coal on the ground and need to truck more out before continuing production. Three shifts are processing coal. He said Roundup has a chance of getting a coal gasification plant. They are also hoping to hear an announcement about the railroad spur soon. Rights of way have been purchased and they are waiting for construction to begin. Monty said the rail spur project was held up because there was a wetlands site that they’ll have to build around.

-                          Petrolia Irrigation District: Monty went to a public meeting regarding the Petrolia Irrigation District project that Central Montana RC&D is assisting with. There is a problem with saline seep and leakage on a portion of the Petrolia Irrigation Ditch. They are asking for a $100,000 DNRC Renewable Resources grant for repairs and Central Montana RC&D will assist as needed. The grant deadline is May 15.

-                          Central Montana Regional Water Project: The water right application is in, and Monty said they were told by DNRC that they will notice it for comments soon. DNRC said they need an environmental assessment (EA) for the entire proposed project (not just the well site). The group is questioning this, since it has not been a requirement imposed upon other regional water projects. Monty said the EA will need to be in place, along with water rights, etc., before they request a federal appropriation. He said things are going well, but 2011 would be the soonest the project could be on the ground. CMRWA is seeking funds to drill a second production well. Grant applications will be made for a DNRC Resource Development grant and to the Montana Coal Board Trust Fund. CMRWA is also waiting for its second year of funding from a DNRC Appropriation for the design of the regional water project. A request for a $1 million federal appropriation was also submitted. The water authority is working on providing water samples at a series of public meetings later this year, and will have to take a generator to the test well site to pump the samples.

-                          Carter Ponds: A group of agency people are trying to get funding to repair the upper and lower Carter Ponds north of Lewistown. They already have a chunk of funding in place and are looking for a sponsor for a grant to DNRC’s renewable resource program. Dan Stilson, chairman of the Fergus Conservation District, said they are in favor of the project, and Fergus County Commissioner Ken Ronish said they also support it. The ponds are privately owned, but there has been public access for many years.  They already have some financial and in-kind commitments, and would need $156,000 to repair the Upper Carter Pond and another $169,200 for the lower pond. If Central Montana RC&D acts as sponsor, they would not take administration fees. Dick made a motion that Central Montana RC&D sponsor the bill and help with the grant application, seconded by Dan and unanimously approved.

-                          Plastic/Fiber Composite – Willie Weeks: Monty said Willie Weeks went to the Musselshell County Commissioners and is interested in doing a feasibility study on plastic/fiber composite used for posts, etc. Monty said he is just looking for information about it at this stage. Ken Minnie said strawmut is used as a building material and is made in panels. Diane said she remembers Central Montana RC&D looked into this years ago. Monty said that EDA commissioned a feasibility study back then, but the $3-4 million needed for the project was cost prohibitive.

-                          Area Plan/Website: Monty will send out the area plan outline to board members. The RC&D area plan format has been revised, and won’t follow the CEDS format. Carrie is working on updating the CEDS for SMDC and will also work on the Central Montana RC&D Area Plan. The website is also under revision and will have a new address. Carl Schulz was working on the website.

-                          Roadless Initiative: Diane Ahlgren said there was an article in the last issue of Agri-News about the Roadless and Wilderness Study areas, which said there is a limit on how long these areas would be “studied.” Ed, Edgar, Diane and Dick will meet to write another letter to Governor Schweitzer asking that he recommend to President Bush that the roadless designations in Montana be removed.

 Adjournment & Next Meeting Date: With no other business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be Wed., June 21 at 10 a.m. in the SMDC Conference Room, 613 NE Main St . , Lewistown.

 Minutes prepared and respectfully submitted by

Carrie Mantooth, Central Montana RC&D Assistant Coordinator  

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Central Montana Resource Conservation & Development

Board of Directors meeting

Wednesday, December 21, 2005, 10 a.m.

SMDC Conference Room

In Attendance: Edgar Lewis, chairman, Diane Ahlgren, Carol Ann Schaeffer, Dick Ellestad, Ken Ronish, Ron Ahlgren, Gary Thomas, John Wright; Monty Sealey, Central Montana RC&D Coordinator, Carrie Mantooth, Central Montana RC&D Assistant Coordinator; Kathie Bailey, SMDC Executive Director; and Jim Dullenty, Lewistown News-Argus.

Call to Order: Edgar called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. and introductions were made. Edgar welcomed two new board member, John Wright of Judith Gap, replacing Alice Bair as the Judith Gap Town Council representative, and Ron Ahlgren as Grass Range’s representative.

Minutes & Treasurer’s Report: Minutes were mailed to board members prior to the meeting. Ken Ronish made a motion to accept the minutes of the Oct. 19, 2006 meeting, seconded by Gary Thomas and unanimously approved. Diane distributed a financial report from July through Dec. 12 and reported $703.92 in the checking account as of Dec. 14 and $17,010.81 in savings as of Dec. 20. One six-month CD of $15,000 is at 3.75 percent interest and will mature on Feb. 17, 2006; and another six-month CD of $30,000 is at 2.75 interest and will mature June 2, 2006. All these funds total $62,010.81. Ken made a motion, seconded by Dick Ellestad and unanimously approved to accept the treasurer’s report. Monty reminded the board that the $30,000 put into a CD was the NRCS payment for two years. These funds are unrestricted. He said funds will need to be transferred from savings to checking in order to pay the following bills: Loren Randall, CPA, for the audit of