[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6084770,"mediaKeyId","2907816-0ada8113fa91cc8c526a17b16b007d6a","parentId",2907816,"title","Commissioners discuss broken fairgrounds water pump, irrigation and Hamilton Heights culvert; explore Zoom-room wiring options","audioSeconds",657,"startMs",722000,"endMs",1379000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2907816-0ada8113fa91cc8c526a17b16b007d6a&start=722&end=1379","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2907816-0ada8113fa91cc8c526a17b16b007d6a/thumbnail_722000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6084770/Ravalli-County/Montana/Commissioners-discuss-broken-fairgrounds-water-pump-irrigation-and-Hamilton-Heights-culvert-explore-Zoom-room-wiring-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084770-5e34a025c312bce89be3db06acf577cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204064&Signature=nnE9qRmAwMa3YHW-NdFBEe8gd1J2JYBQwMXvK3u~x8YhTbYgKztC9BPNtr5z9ZfFemKVMXhClE~Tm0JhAhm0rh7hL0squ~MdJr~dv1gkbA-qOxm6xGQF-GPdVq36QRSlYJ0y7wHqZzN5~LTi~nWXFy9z60SVMpOZFpwtD4soJ~TjD7UOTpYGqobQhFf8I7BZvLo0LLVsHTnPxNVD47rrqyF-F33Pn3BrQPAs0mEW8Yf~kSWiCahJdy5IHtumW1Ds~ONrPkHeFq6Z15KE0EIfP2wMiNHaFW818M8O1jxSFgbsGtRiGPdB0~r2KCilJ6InzEqxuoTScCFumF9qup20JQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MT / Ravalli County ","date","2025-04-08T00:00:00Z","article","Commissioners spent part of the April 8 meeting on operational issues at the county fairgrounds, including a cracked water pump, possible upgrades to arena watering systems and a separate public-service issue involving a recently installed culvert on Hamilton Heights.

County staff reported the fairgrounds’ water truck pump has a significant crack, likely caused by freezing. Staff described the crack as pushing out the pump case and said they will remove the pump case on site and assess whether it can be welded or whether internal components (the impeller) have been damaged. The board directed staff to remove and inspect the pump casing and attempt in-place repairs before deciding on replacement.

Commissioners also discussed options to reduce manual watering needs at the arena. Staff suggested exploring solar-powered reel systems that could automate pulling hoses and delivering water, and the possibility of installing larger, above-frost irrigation lines off the pump house to support a water cannon or automated sprinklers. Staff noted current temporary hoses have operational limits and are vulnerable to vehicle traffic and frost.

Separately, a county official reported receiving a complaint about a new culvert installed at an approach in Hamilton Heights. The official said the new approach culvert was installed lower than the existing culvert that runs under the road, causing irrigation flows to divide improperly and potentially route water across the roadway and a driveway. The board noted the installation appeared to be part of a private approach permit and said it would check whether the road department had signed off and whether the applicant had completed construction to permit standards. Staff described the issue as likely to require corrective construction by the permit holder; commissioners described it as a potential civil matter among landowners but said they would review permit records.

On technology and facility upgrades, staff described bids for CAT‑6 cabling and installation for a Clerk of Court Zoom room. One electrical bid from PCI Electrical for pulling and terminating cable was $4,600 for labor; the overall room cost including hardware and previously budgeted items was presented by staff as a total of $29,005.32, exceeding a previously authorized $25,000 not-to-exceed amount. The board approved the additional expenditure and staff said the Clerk would use identified internal funds from a district-court-related source to cover the higher cost.

The board asked staff to follow up on pump repairs, obtain contractor pricing if welding proves infeasible, verify culvert permitting and ensure bids for cabling and long-term irrigation options are evaluated for frost protection and durability.

The meeting record shows these were matters of county operations and infrastructure; no ordinance or new policy was adopted during discussion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ravalli County Commission Session 04-08-2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the April 8 meeting commissioners reviewed a cracked water pump at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds, discussed automating arena watering, considered cabling options for a new Clerk of Court Zoom room and heard a resident concern about a culvert installed on Hamilton Heights that may disrupt irrigation.","taxTitle","Ravalli County, Montana","taxId",64641,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6084774,"Ravalli County commissioners approve fair contracts, Clerk of Court Zoom-room upgrade and two federal airport grant applications",1956,124000,2080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2907816-0ada8113fa91cc8c526a17b16b007d6a&start=124&end=2080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2907816-0ada8113fa91cc8c526a17b16b007d6a/thumbnail_124000.jpg","/articles/6084774/Ravalli-County/Montana/Ravalli-County-commissioners-approve-fair-contracts-Clerk-of-Court-Zoom-room-upgrade-and-two-federal-airport-grant-applications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6084774-77ceccccb0fff908d8d53f5da89eb4cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204064&Signature=RvCGuc7rwGHZCZ7QUVBsTywrp4nxRkpvRcxKFa2kh0-hz87Z4wEuRD8h3AGcdm4D2GIkctEUqG-cUeJT4NRU12fc9kteNBOqtrJDukyPHFPiNX-mtbj4WskLEFa6bqztyzQW5YKTHH4cYIrZ355kUsofxUTuuVZMGYreVgGfP-jYPOGjzi~tL3OLbGAhgSJa4TVvyCvCU~jzD-55-OxfchhYlb9tgS6lKQ8TCHOz2aZxIOva1yrQcx4oNtZ1fm7--6N2~JicUU1vNQSQyfI21bGIKAujKGQu3UO0wwwW~jzfs6niG19vKKLB1zlPb-QN9uldvaAJ1rRULNqztqHJag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners on April 8 approved a package of fair contracts and sponsorships, an electrical and computer upgrade for the Clerk of Court’s Zoom room, an appointment to a county advisory board and two federal airport grant applications.

The board unanimously approved a letter of support for the Play Like Robert Foundation’s Transportation Alternatives grant application and also approved 42 sponsor agreements tied to the county fair. The board approved a separate contract for rodeo music with Kaylee Ruff for $1,500 and voted to accept the list of fair vendors and regular event contracts for the coming years as presented.

The board approved an additional electrical and computer purchase for the Clerk of Court’s Zoom room, accepting a total cost of $29,005.32 for cabling, installation and one computer. Commissioners said the Clerk of Court would use identified district-court-related funds to cover the expense.

The board appointed Daryl Sperry to a three-year term on the Wright Farm & Ranch board and voted to approve two Federal Aviation Administration airport grant applications: AIP24-2025 for $1,101,504 and AIP25-2025 for $615,790. County staff described one application as AIP24-2025 and the other as AIP25-2025; the board moved and seconded the combined motion and recorded aye votes for each item.

Votes at a glance
- Letter of support for Play Like Robert Foundation (Transportation Alternatives): approved, unanimous.
- 42 fair sponsor agreements: approved, unanimous.
- Contract with Kaylee Ruff for rodeo music, $1,500: approved, unanimous.
- Fair vendors list: approved, unanimous.
- Regular event contracts (multiple organizations/dates): approved, unanimous.
- Additional cabling/computer for Clerk of Court Zoom room, $29,005.32: approved, unanimous. County staff indicated the Clerk will use identified internal funds to cover costs.
- Appointment of Daryl Sperry to Wright Farm & Ranch board (3-year term): approved, unanimous.
- Airport federal grant applications AIP24-2025 ($1,101,504) and AIP25-2025 ($615,790): approved, unanimous.

Context and next steps
The approvals keep the county’s fair calendar, sponsorship funding and regular event bookings in place and provide the Clerk of Court with upgraded remote-hearing capabilities. County staff said they will follow up on usual contract closeout steps, insurance and W-9 documentation as needed for vendors and contractors. For the airport grants, staff will submit the SF-424 forms so the county can pursue federal assistance for planned projects.

The board ended the meeting after opening a period for public comment and taking the actions above.","The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners on April 8 approved multiple fair-related contracts and vendor agreements, a $29,005.32 Zoom-room cabling and computer purchase for the Clerk of Court, an appointment to the Wright Farm & Ranch board and two FAA airport grant applications totaling about $1.72 million.","actionData","errors"]

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Commissioners discuss broken fairgrounds water pump, irrigation and Hamilton Heights culvert; explore Zoom-room wiring options

Ravalli County commissioners approve fair contracts, Clerk of Court Zoom-room upgrade and two federal airport grant applications