All Commissioners David Davidson, John Prinkki and Doug Tucker were present.  Clerk and Recorder Linda Ladvala was also present.

          During the public comment period the Commissioners met with Barb Beck of Beck Consulting and Disaster and Emergency Services Director, Darrel Krum for a discussion on the Emergency Operations Plan.  The Commissioners stated that they will approve the Emergency Operations Plan but it is important that all of the emergency responders and the governing bodies of each of the incorporated towns within the county be required to review and approve the plan so that each entity will be aware of their responsibilities in an emergency situation.  The Continuity of Government Plan for the County’s elected officials and staff in the event of the need for sudden relocation or succession of duties of elected officials due to an emergency was also presented for review by the County Commissioners.

The Commissioners met with representatives from the Bridger area working to create a Bridger Area Park and Recreation District. Those present for the meeting included Kelly Heiken, Staci Pospisil, Christy Pospisil, Tracy Pospisil and Town of Bridger Mayor, Bill Kroll.  The group has been working with Carbon County Election Administrator, Sally Rodibaugh and Deputy County Attorney, Rennie Wittman carrying out the petition process necessary to initiate the creation of the Park and Recreation District.  In Montana, there are currently three existing Park and Recreation Districts.  The proposed Bridger district will follow the existing Bridger School District boundary, and has been modeled after the Parks and Recreation District in Colstrip.  Petitions have already been circulated, signed and have met signature requirements.  The Bridger group is requesting the Commissioners proceed with the process necessary to place the matter before the voters within the district as a special mail ballot election.  The district is proposing 9 mils for voter approval, to assist with long term goals of helping the town of Bridger maintain the swimming pool and parks within the town.  The Commissioners will schedule a public hearing in Bridger for Thursday, February 18 at 11:00 A.M. at City/Town Hall.  Commissioner Tucker moved to advertise the public hearing in Bridger in the Carbon County News, February 4 and February 12 with the public hearing to follow in Bridger at the Town Hall, Thursday February 18, 2010 at 11:00 A.M.  Commissioner Davidson seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

            The Commissioners met with Bill Lloyd of Great West Engineering.  Bill presented the Commissioners with a Preliminary Engineering Report Bridge study which included information on the bridges in need of replacement in the near future.  Bill stated he will contract Wayne Noem with Montana Department of Transportation regarding the off-system bridge system program for additional funding for large bridge replacement.  The Commissioners worked together to prioritize the bridge replacement list:

1)   Cooney Dam Bridge over Red Lodge Creek

2)   19^th Street Bridge in Red Lodge over Rock Creek

3)   Poverty Flat Bridger over Elbow Creek

4)   Homestead Road Bridge over Five Mile Creek

5)   Red Lodge Creek Road Bridge over Volney Creek

            The Commissioners reviewed and approved the monthly reports submitted by Carbon County Treasurer, Jane Swanson-Webb and Clerk of District Court Rochelle Loyning for the month of January 2010.

            The Commissioners spent the remainder of the day reviewing and approving claims against the county for the month of January 2010.

            Meeting adjourned.