Cut Bank council discusses union negotiation roles, tree advisory board, FEMA plan and airport funding

Council members raised procedural and policy items ranging from internal labor negotiations to community advisory boards and regional planning documents.

One issue arose after a report suggested council had been part of recent union negotiations. A council member asked why broader council participation had not occurred for what was described as “a major budget expense.” The presiding official responded that she had worked with department heads and intended to determine the appropriate point to involve council: “As soon as I have the proper guidance, I’ll be looping and see if we’d like to be involved in that,” she said. No formal change to negotiation procedures was adopted during the meeting.

Members also discussed forming a tree advisory board by resolution to advise on boulevard and downtown tree planting and to increase eligibility for certain grants. Staff noted sample ordinances and bylaws from other communities and referenced a locally compiled tree book that documents species and locations in Cut Bank.

Council reviewed a regional FEMA hazard-mitigation plan (Central Region) and staff urged council to review the long document before approving it because approval affects FEMA grant eligibility. Staff offered to invite the plan contact (Judd/Jed) to the next meeting or to accept emailed questions to expedite review.

In public comment, a citizen identified as Richard reported airport developments: matching requirements for a terminal rebuild are expected to drop from 10% to 5% next year; the airport has letters of intent toward a possible $1,000,000 match and is considering a countywide five-mill levy that would replace current local mill levies. The commenter also said he is organizing a fundraiser to support a runway grant application.

The meeting closed after brief committee updates and the mayor declared the session adjourned.