Commission approves leases and intergovernmental contracts, including community center lease and railroad and dispatch agreements

The Lewistown City Commission approved several routine but consequential agreements on its agenda, including a five‑year lease with the Fergus County Council on Aging for use of the Central Montana Community Center, a railroad lease allowing Mid State Company to use a portion of the former railroad corridor at 420 Truck Bypass, and a five‑year emergency services dispatch contract with Petroleum County.

City manager Holly Phelps outlined the council‑on‑aging lease as a five‑year agreement with the same parking and contribution structure used previously; the agreement includes an annual payment into an expenditure fund and routine shared parking arrangements. Commissioner Roos moved to approve the lease; the motion passed on a roll call vote with all commissioners voting aye.

The railroad lease would allow Mid State Company a defined parcel for outdoor fenced yard use and construction of cabins; the lease includes base rent, annual increases and clauses allowing the city or railroad to reclaim the property for future projects. City staff said the terms are similar to a previous lease the council approved for other rail‑corridor tenants, and the commission approved the item by roll call.

Staff also presented a five‑year dispatch agreement with Petroleum County that uses cost‑sharing recommendations from the 911 board and continues services the city already provides; commissioners approved it by roll call as the final of three similar agreements with area counties.

Clerk roll calls recorded unanimous votes on these items. City staff said standard contract protections (insurance, vacate clauses for future city or railroad projects, and annual cost‑sharing adjustments) are included and that the council would continue to work with lessees as city projects require.