Anaconda-Deer Lodge County commissioners approve subdivision ordinance, multi-county crisis MOU, bridge signature and multiple permits

The Anaconda‑Deer Lodge County Commission met in regular session and unanimously approved a slate of routine and policy items, including an amendment to subdivision rules for the Georgetown Lake fire service area, a multi‑county memorandum of understanding for a crisis intervention center, authorization for a state-funded bridge replacement and several local grants, leases and event permits.

The most consequential action was adoption of Ordinance No. 280, amending Chapter 16 (Subdivisions) of the Anaconda‑Deer Lodge County Code to incorporate fire protection standards for the Georgetown Lake fire service area. The motion to adopt the ordinance was moved and seconded and passed 5–0. County counsel had no comment during deliberations.

Commissioners also approved a memorandum of understanding that will join Anaconda‑Deer Lodge County with neighboring counties and the City‑County of Butte‑Silver Bow in a regional Crisis Intervention Center partnership. County counsel described the MOU as a procedural follow-through tied to prior public‑health involvement; the motion carried 5–0.

On infrastructure, staff reported that the Montana Department of Transportation will cover the replacement cost for the Perkins Road bridge. The commission approved the SB536 bridge signature for UPN 10642000 without dissent.

The meeting included routine fiscal and program approvals. Commissioners approved claims numbered 146974–147080 after a finance correction: a commissioner noted the clerk’s first total omitted non‑electronic claims and said, “The total should be $257,788.07.” The body then approved payment on a 5–0 vote. Commissioners also approved a $1,000 Keep Kids Reading grant for the local library’s summer program and accepted a State of Montana agreement (MT25‑0100) awarding up to $6,000 to support the county historic preservation officer and the Historic Resources Board; the match is provided in‑kind through staff time.

The board approved a lease agreement by and between the county and AM Sites LLC for a property the company recently acquired. Tom Dunn, representing AM Sites through Dunn Dunn Communications, told the commission he sought to “formalize the land lease, with the county as the property owner so that he’s covered with, you know, the proper documentation” and described five‑year renewals and a clause voiding the lease if the company were acquired or dissolved. County staff and counsel said they had reviewed the agreement; the lease was approved 5–0.

A procurement and process question drew public comment: Adam Mari, a local resident, said, “This was in last Friday’s paper, so the CEO’s office didn’t wait for approval prior to advertising this bid,” referring to a notice to solicit bids for the concession contract at the Charlotte Yeoman Softball Complex. County staff explained the CEO preemptively posted the advertisement to meet timing concerns; the commission retroactively approved advertising the concession contract (minimum bid $1,200) and asked that bid‑opening dates be communicated to interested parties.

The commission set the county right‑of‑way construction season by adopting Resolution 25‑10 for 2025. The resolution sets the construction season from April 15, 2025, through Oct. 15, 2025, requires written permission from the road foreman for exceptions and requires notification to the road and planning departments within 24 hours for emergency work. Staff emphasized a provision encouraging boring under paved streets rather than trenching where possible to protect pavement and existing infrastructure.

Several special‑event permits were approved, contingent where noted on certificates of insurance: an Easter egg hunt at Yeoman Field Complex (Knights of Columbus Council 882), Anaconda High School and Anaconda Little League seasons, and seasonal field use by the Condor Hurricanes (April 1–Aug. 30, 2025).

The meeting closed with a reminder of upcoming meetings (Planning Board March 24; Housing Authority and Commission work session March 25) and adjournment.

What’s next: Most items were approved without further study; the commission will oversee implementation steps such as notifying bidders for concession openings and coordinating the historic preservation grant work with the Historic Resources Board.