Flathead County Weed/Parks/Recreation & Building Maintenance

Flathead County Weed/Parks/Recreation & Building Maintenance

Conference Room – 311 FFA Drive, Kalispell MT 59901

Board Meeting Minutes

January 4th, 2010

Call to order at approximately 8:10a.m.

Elise Robocker was welcomed to the Board as replacement for Pete Woll. James Buechle made a motion that the existing Chair and Vice-Chair stay the same (Ray Sanders and Clyde Fisher respectively). Jim Watson seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.

Before the meeting began, Jed noted that there had been complaints about the time of the meetings and he asked the members whether they had concerns. All agreed that the time of the meeting has been set for several years, and did not feel it necessary to change the time, while they feel that they would consider having a workshop in the evening, if needed.

Approval of Previous Minutes

Jim Watson motioned to approve December’s Minutes as corrected and mailed, James Buechle seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carried.

Public Comment

Richard Siderius was present to update the Board on Rails to Trails (toward Kila). He said that they applied for $27,000 for maintenance dollars, but were only awarded$17,000. Tammy & Jeff Hutton would like to do an overlook over the old tie mill in the flat area.

Lakeside Park – Bruce Ennis

Maggie Davis, Bruce Boody and Jenna Ponti all were present to demonstrate the current objectives for the Lakeside Park. The removal of buildings has given residents new views of the lake and the area is pretty much down to bare ground. They’re currently working on securing a lakeshore permit, and are primarilyseeking to restore the natural slope and create accessibility for ADA capabilities. Their plans are to reduce the number of docks from three to two and address some necessary repairs to the neighboring county property. The Board was pleased with the information that was shared and at Margaret Davis’s request, Jim Watson motioned to support and applaud the efforts of the proposed improvements on both the new proposed park land and at the existing county site on Adams Street in Lakeside, Clyde Fisher seconded, all in favor – motion carried.(This includes supporting the Lakeshore permit application being submitted for the development of a new public park located on the north side of Adams St., which includes repairs and alterations at the county’s Adams Street boat ramp and public dock). The Board agreed to convey their approval to both the Planning Department and to the County Commission.

Bruce Boody and Jenna Ponti presented a new updated map, which is about 90% completed. They reported that this park will be restricted to non-motorized use. There is an old storm water culvert/drain that exists from the county that will need to be covered and they will be using some rip rap in the area to discourage boat users from landing in the area, which should protect the neighbors on the north. They would like to move the crosswalk from the south to the north end. Again the Board was pleased with the plans and wanted to share the county’s commitment in caring for this amenity.

A question about allowing volunteers arose and Jed reported that he felt he made a breakthrough on the ability to use them in the county. He mentioned that he contacted the office of Representative Blasdel and the discussion was favorable towards his supporting efforts of volunteers being used by the county with a “hold harmless” clause on it’s insurance.

Jed said that there hasn’t been any training sessions set up yet that would help volunteers on the ways of lifting and bending.

Consideration of Public Hearing (Revegetation)

Jed briefed the Board about the issue discussed in December that needed a consideration of a Public Hearing to adopt a policy as follows:

Flathead County Weed Control District Revegetation Policy

In an effort to control noxious weed spread and propagation (7-22-2116), and to control the invasion of new invasive weed species (MCA 7-22-2109), and to promote and enforce noxious weed free lands on both public and private properties, and according to MCA 7-22-2152, the Flathead County Weed Control District adopts the following revegetation policy.

Any COUNTY road right-of-way that is disturbed in any manner must be reseeded by the contractor or the utility company responsible to the satisfaction of the Flathead County Weed Control District.

Certified weed seed free blend of specific grasses that is absent of legumes and broadleaves, (so as not to attract deer), that contains a mixture of 34% Potomac Orchard Grass, 33% Smooth Brome Grass, and 33% Fawn Tall Fescue must be used. Any other type of grass may not be used unless approved by the Flathead County Weed Control District.

Standard rotary seed spreaders, drills or hydroseeders are acceptable means of seed distribution. The rate of reseeding shall be NO LESS than 25 pounds per acre. Seeded areas should then be covered by raking or harrowing in, or covered with certified weed free hydroseed mulch, or certified weed seed free straw.

A 16-16-16 fertilizer must be applied at the rate of 100 pounds per acre during the revegetation process.

Upon request, the Flathead County Weed Control District may require proof of seed application.

Reseeding shall occur after completion of project, either between April 15 and June 15, or between October 1 and November 15.

Failure to comply with this policy would result in the Flathead County Weed Control District conducting the revegetation and the responsible party charged supplies, equipment, and labor and penalty following current Department standard charges for such services.

The MCA shows we are the ones who can enforce this and it appears that the county is the biggest offender.

Workshop Discussion: Vendors, Training for Volunteers

Jed reported that no workshops have been done to date and asked if the training for volunteers be done once we officially hear back from Representative Blasdel. The training would involve how to pick up garbage, bending and lifting properly. The need to address fees for parks and whether to have vendors, considering all the loopholes, etc. will also be addressed in a workshop. The Board agreed to set aside the first and second Monday of February. Jed and the Board asked that all Advisory Committee Members be made aware so they can join in.

Paths Update

Alex Hogle, Flathead County Planning & Zoning, is working on assisting the PATHS committee in rewording the Trails Master Plan to fit in with other county documents.

Lakeside Advisory

There was nothing to report.

Foys/Herron Advisory

Not much to report since there had been no meeting last month. On their list though was the sledding hill, fishing on the lake perhaps and grooming details.

Foys To Blacktail Trails

Jim Watson reported for the group that the Foys to Blacktail Trails Plan has been completed and that there is a public scoping meeting to be held on January 13th at the Lone Pine Center. This should satisfy the grant.

He also noted that the group had asked that Kate McMahon help with the survey they would like conducted. She will initiate the survey through survey monkey. Clyde Fisher made the motion to ask that Applied Communications bill the Flathead County Parks department $300 to help share in the cost for the survey. James Buechle seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carried.

Other Business

Jim Watson brought up the Flathead National Forest’s Plan for the Island Unit. At issue is that it provides atv pods on Wild Bill as well as providing one directly above Lakeside, placing it in the path of the Foys to Blacktail Trail. Jim asked if the Board wanted to convey any message to the Forest Service on their plans. James Buechle made a motion to have Jim Watson work in conjunction with the Paths Committee to create a cover letter to the Forest Service asking that they work in conjunction with this department and have Chairman sign it. Elise Robocker seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.

Lazy Bay property on Whitefish Lake consists of an unusable area where ice fisherman, or small row boats could use. The Board suggested that this property get 3 CMAs done on this site and Blue Grouse on Bitterroot.

Church Slough; there was some discussion on the matter of horsepower restriction enforcement and the need to add wording to the Parks Master Plan. The Board continued to recommend to keep with enforcing the less than 10 hp limit.

James Buechle made a motion to adjourn, Jim Watson seconded, all in favor – meeting adjourned.

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January 4th, 2010

Weed/Parks/Recreation Board Meeting Minutes