Commission adopts Road & Bridge operations manual and signs master services agreement for damaged 2‑mile bridge

The Flathead County Commission approved an updated operations manual for the Road & Bridge Department and authorized a master services agreement to advance repairs on a recently damaged bridge known in staff materials as the 2‑mile bridge.

Dave Frunstein, Road & Bridge administrator, said the updated manual incorporated prior commissioner comments and functions as an operational 'day in the life' guide for year‑round operations. Commissioners discussed the manual's scope—maintenance, repair and replacement responsibilities—and approved it.

On the bridge matter, staff presented a standard master services contract that will formalize engineering engagement (Morse, Meridian and other firms) and enable staff to issue task orders for design and repair work. Staff also reported the bridge owner's insurer had retained its own engineer; the county's master services agreement will allow parallel work and task orders that the county administrator expects to sign under the approved master agreement.

Commissioners authorized the master services agreement and discussed whether to have the board approve individual task orders; staff said they can administratively handle task orders under the authorized master agreement. The commission carried the motion to authorize the contract and directed staff to proceed with task orders.