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Local broadcaster seeks special-use workaround to continue free high-school sports streams
Summary
Blake Hempstead asked the commission why his trailer-mounted broadcast shed requires a special-use permit when he operates under a county business license; staff suggested options including adding him to the school's existing permit or a single special-event permit covering multiple dates.
Blake Hempstead, a resident who broadcasts local high-school sports, asked the commission why a special-use permit was required to operate a trailer-mounted broadcast shed on county property when he already holds a county business license.
"If I have to have a special use permit to use my own property already registered to the business, what then happens with Goose Town or Art in the Park when you have a special use permit granted to one sole user?" Hempstead asked, saying his broadcasts are free and generally last about three hours.
Commissioners and staff discussed whether the executive branch (parks and recreation and the CEO) should resolve the permitting question administratively. One commissioner suggested Hempstead could be added to Anaconda High School’s special-event permit or obtain a single permit listing his multiple dates for the summer to avoid filing separate permits for every event.
County attorney Smith and county staff offered to meet with Hempstead and the insurance carrier (MMIA) to check coverage details and determine whether a waiver or a single, season-long special-event permit would be appropriate. Hempstead said he would follow whatever process the county requires but asked for an equitable, predictable solution.
No formal action was taken; staff and Hempstead agreed to meet to explore options and return with a recommended path that satisfies insurance and liability requirements.
