Gallatin County Weed Board
Regular Monthly Meeting
January 5, 2006
Board members present were Fred Bell, Chairman, Bob Hofman, Linda Vrooman, Jeff Littlefield and John Vincent (Commissioner). Craig Morgan was excused. Others present were Dennis Hengel (Coordinator), Sam Rogers, Fred Tubb (Farm Bureau), Mickey Williams, Wendy Weaver and Dale Ainsbrey (Representatives of Riverside County Club).
Board Appointments – Chair Selection. Vincent announced that the Commissioners would appoint Weed Board members for the two (2) vacancies at the January 10th Public meeting. The Chair selection for 2006 was deferred until the February Weed Board meeting. Vincent also informed the Board that Commissioner Skinner has been appointed to the Weed Board and will be at the February meeting.
Minutes. The Minutes of the December meeting had been mailed to the Board and were approved as written.
Claims. There were no Claims presented.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business to discuss.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Public Comment/Other. Fred Tubb reported that the State Farm Bureau reviews policies at their annual convention. There has been an addition to the Farm Bureau Weed Policy and Tubb passed out copies of the Noxious Weed policies for the Board to review.
2. Subdivision Reviews.
a) Riverside Minor WMP. As the Weed District had received a complaint about weeds on the property last summer Hengel asked that the developers attend the Board meeting to clarify some weed control issues along the irrigation canal that flows through the property. Aisenbrey stated that weeds would be controlled by mowing and spot spraying where possible. The Common tansy located by the irrigation canal were mowed last summer. Following the discussion Hengel recommended that the Board approve the Weed Management Plan. Vincent so moved, Hofman seconded and the WMP was approved.
b) Graf's 1st Subdivision Rearrangement WMP. This 5-lot subdivision is off Highland Blvd. and was formerly a park. Hengel recommended approval with the condition that the developer submit a weed inventory to the Board by May 15th, 2006.
c) Legends at Bridger Creek II WMP. This is a major subdivision in the Story Mill Road area. The Weed Management Plan is satisfactory for the property.
d) Oak Meadows Park WMP. This is a major commercial and residential development off Oak Street. The developer has kept the property mowed and it will be developed to meet Bozeman City landscaping standards.
e) Newman Seavey Minor MOU. This is a small minor subdivision with a contract for weed control in place.
f) Flanders Creek Major MOU. Hengel has asked the developer for documentation of weed control work that has been completed as there is a bad Canada thistle problem on part of the development. This has not been done. Hengel recommended to the Board that they do not approve the MOU until the developer submits a contract with a commercial applicator to address the problem.
Bob Hofman moved to approve the above subdivisions with the exception of Flanders Creek, John Vincent seconded and the motion carried.
3. MT Outdoor Show. Those present signed up to assist Hengel with the booth at the show. The attendance at the show is huge and it is a great outreach opportunity. Linda Vrooman stated that BACCII is reorganizing and she is to call the organizers in February as they may move the event to the Fall.
4. MWCA Annual Meeting. The SW Area meeting starts at 5.00pm on Tuesday 10th January. The general meeting starts on Wednesday 11th.
5. Meetings/Seminars.
§ Conservation District: Hengel attended a Conservation District meeting and brought up the topic of coordinating with the Agency to hire a small acreage education person. No decisions have been made at this time.
§ Fiscal: Ed Blackman (Finance Officer) requested that all county Departments provide his office with an overview of the department showing budget figures, workload indicators, and public requests dating from 1996 to 2006. Hengel passed out copies of the documentation to the Board.
§ Weed Law: Hengel is on an MWCA committee to review the Montana Weed Law. Hengel brought attention to what he feels are the three (3) most important areas:
1) Civil Penalties 2) Municipalities 3) State Agency Compliance
Hengel has sent a Memo to Dave Schulz (Madison County Commissioner and MWCA MACo Rep.) noting his thoughts on the Law and possible changes.
There being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 2.50PM. The next meeting will be on February 2nd.
Respectfully submitted,
Dennis Hengel, Coordinator
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