Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Broadwater County trust board approves Lions Club grant to replace corn-dog cooking system
Summary
The Broadwater County Trust Board approved a grant request for the Broadwater County Lions Club to purchase a self‑contained fryer with an approved fire‑suppression system, after members discussed costs, alternatives and an abstention by a Lions member on the board.
The Broadwater County Trust Board approved a grant request from the Broadwater County Lions Club to help replace the corn‑dog wagon cooking system so it meets the Montana State Fire Code.
Don Hanson of the Lions Club presented the request and told the board the club had spoken with the state fire marshal, Bert Johnson, who told them they could continue selling last year but would need a suppression system by 2025. Hanson said the club had considered retrofitting the trailer with ventilation and a suppression system — a retrofit the club estimated at roughly $22,000 to $25,000 — but questioned whether the old trailer could structurally support that work. Hanson said the club instead sought a mobile, self‑contained “auto fry” unit that includes a built‑in suppression system and can be moved and plugged into 50‑amp service.
The Lions sought county grant support for the purchase. Hanson and a board member noted a total project estimate of $16,500 and said the Lions were requesting $11,550 from the trust. A board member asked whether the club could make up part of the cost; Hanson replied the club could immediately cover roughly 30 percent. Gary Olson, a Lions member who spoke during public comment, described the club’s long record of supporting recreation in the county — identifying Little League, school baseball and the annual Easter egg hunt as examples — and urged approval.
Board members discussed whether the request fit the trust’s criteria, noting the Lions’ nonprofit status and the organization’s community contributions. Kim Condolek, who the board noted is a Lions Club member, announced she would abstain from the vote. A motion to approve the grant request passed; the board recorded the approval and the abstention.
The county treasurer provided an account update earlier in the meeting noting a deposit to the rodeo and fair grounds project and the trust’s local account balance; the board recorded no other claims at the meeting.
The Lions Club representatives said they would proceed with purchase options consistent with the approved request and regulatory timeline.
