The Yellowstone County Commissioner Meeting held on May 23, 2023, focused primarily on the preliminary major plat for the Pala Subdivision, which proposes the development of 41 lots on an 86.31-acre site located south of Yeoman Road and 12 Mile Road. Monica, representing the planning department in place of Dave Green, provided an overview of the subdivision's details, including its infrastructure and access points.

The proposed development will utilize individual cisterns and septic tanks for each lot. Access to the subdivision will be primarily from 12 Mile Road, with a secondary access point proposed via Molly Drive, which is currently designated as a private street. A key condition for approval is ensuring that Molly Drive can adequately serve as a second access point, which may require negotiations regarding its designation.

The planning board has recommended conditional approval for the subdivision, although there were dissenting votes and significant public participation during the planning board's discussions. Residents raised concerns about the safety of the intersection at 12 Mile and Yeoman Roads. In response, the county has conducted a safety study and implemented minor mitigation measures, such as reducing vegetation and lowering speed limits.

Monica outlined nine conditions of approval that must be met before final plat approval, including obtaining Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approval, creating a Rural Special Improvement District (RSID) for new public roads, and addressing traffic impacts identified in a traffic impact study provided by the developer. Additionally, the subdivision will include a 30,000-gallon fire hydrant, necessitating another RSID for its maintenance.

After the presentation, Commissioner Morse made a motion to conditionally approve the Pala Subdivision, which was seconded and unanimously approved by the commissioners. The meeting concluded with appreciation for the efforts of the planning department and the developer's representation.