Gallatin County Weed District
Regular Monthly Meeting
September 6, 2007
Board members present were Jeff Littlefield (Chair), Bob Hofman, Fred Bell, Bob Urich, and Commissioner Joe Skinner. Others present were Dennis Hengel (Coordinator), John Ansley (Education/Enforcement Coordinator), Denise Wiedenheft (NRCS).
Introductions. Bob Urich was introduced as the new Board member and is the new small acreage representative. Denise Wiedenheft (NRCS) introduced herself and stated that she was looking forward to working with the Weed District on weed issues. The Board introduced themselves.
Minutes. The Minutes of the August meeting had been mailed to the Board and were approved as written.
Claims. The Claims were reviewed. There was discussion regarding the increase in the City of Bozeman Water & Sewer bill. Water usage increases significantly in the summer months as the spray trucks fill up and the Fairgrounds fill their water trucks, however, up till now the District has paid winter rates year round. Commissioner Skinner asked if there were any wells on the Fairgrounds as in the long run this might be a more efficient option for both Departments. The Claims were approved as presented.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Subdivision Requirements (Improvements Agreements) Hengel reported that he had a meeting with Tom Rogers (County Planning) and Andy Kerr (City of Bozeman Engineering Department) to discuss options regarding improvements agreements as the City has many of the same issues with developers that the County has. Hengel and Ansley have met with Chris Gray (Deputy County Attorney) to discuss the Improvements Agreement issue.
2. Resolution for Addition of Weeds to County Noxious Weed List. Hengel reported that part of the meeting with Gray included discussion on the procedure for the addition of weeds to the County Declared List. Gray had asked Hengel if there was documentation that the three (3) weeds currently on the county list had been added through the correct channels. The Weed District does not have documentation so Gray recommended including them with the request that had been voted on by the Board at the August meeting. A new draft resolution has been drawn up in the office and put before the Board. Jeff Littlefield brought up discussion regarding Plumeless thistle but it was felt that the infestations were not significant enough at this time to address adding the weed to the list. Bob Hofman
moved to approve the resolution requesting the addition of Scotch thistle, Field scabious, Scentless chamomile, Meadow knapweed, Poison hemlock and Musk thistle to the Gallatin County noxious weed list. Fred Bell seconded and the motion carried. The Board signed the Resolution and it will be submitted to the County Attorneys office for approval and presentation at a Public meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Public Comment/Other. None.
2. MWCA Membership. There was discussion among those present regarding the benefits of membership. Two (2) Board members are already members. The others declined at this time.
3. Commissioner Report. Commissioner Skinner announced that the budget had been finalized. He felt pleased with the progress the Commissioners had made in the last couple of years in support of the Weed District. Skinner suggested that the Weed District should show the Commission what they have been able to achieve with the extra funds allocated so far.
4. Chairperson Report. Littlefield stated that he had two topics. The discussion regarding Plumeless thistle was one of them and the other is addressed in the enforcement item of the Agenda.
5. Annual Weed Banquet. Hengel stated that some other Weed Districts held fundraising banquets as part of their program and felt that maybe the time had come to start something in Gallatin County. There was discussion of when to do this, such as a luncheon at the Weed Summit or holding a public field day when plants are blooming and easily identifiable. Littlefield asked about getting sponsors and it was suggested that the herbicide companies be approached.
6. Coordinator Report.
o Hengel brought up discussion regarding two (2) subdivisions that had submitted MOU’s for Final Plat. Upon inspection, he discovered that the sites were infested with noxious weeds and no control work had been initiated. Hengel rejected the MOU’s and asked for documentation of intent. Both developers have entered into contracts with a commercial applicator with payment up front in order to get their MOU’s approved.
o The seasonal crews have finished for the year with the exception of two (2) who are working part time to winterize equipment.
o Keith Blewett has finished with the Big Sky project for the summer. On August 31st, the Big Sky Owners Association held their annual meeting and Hengel had an educational booth there.
o Fred Bell stated that he had seen people spraying in the gravel pit area by Rocky Canyon. Hengel informed him that was part of the coordinated effort with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust Grant, MDT, Harry Piper and Hugo Schmidt and the Weed District. Because of the fire danger the District was unable to spray the internal roads of the Frog Rock area.
o The Weed District also coordinated with the MDT to get spraying done in the Gallatin Canyon. There was discussion regarding getting some publicity during these cooperative efforts. Commissioner Skinner suggested that Hengel contact him next year when we get ready to work in the canyon again and he will try to get a reporter from the Chronicle to cover the story.
7. Enforcement.
o Harrington Pepsi - There is a heavy infestation of Common tansy on this property. MRK weed control has been contacted regarding control.
o Despain - property in Grandview Heights II has a heavy infestation of Leafy spurge. Despain does not want to use herbicides, however he will need to do perimeter control.
o Marburger - has a spotted knapweed infestation on property in Three Forks. There has been correspondence between the Weed District, Marburger and the Commission office. Hengel and Ansley investigated and found that Three Forks has a city ordinance that states a property owner is responsible for weed control to the center of the road or alley adjoining their property.
o Oma - has discussed some concerns regarding the Weed Management Plan for her property with Littlefield. It is unlikely that she will be able to eradicate the spotted knapweed from her property but he informed her that she needs to reduce the plant population.
Hengel informed the Board that he and Ansley would be conducting an Herbicide Safety class in conjunction with Jennifer Mohler here at the Fairgrounds tonight.
The meeting was adjourned at 2.45pm. The next Board meeting will be October 4, 2007.
Respectfully submitted,
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