Lewistown commission approves permits, annexation, dispatch pact and fire contract; consent agenda includes $599,380.48 in claims

At its regular meeting the Lewistown City Commission approved multiple routine and substantive items, conducting public hearings and taking votes on land use, intergovernmental services and labor agreements.

Key actions (votes):

- Conditional use permit — First Christian Church: Approved. The commission granted a conditional use permit allowing the church to use a nearby house as a junior/Sunday-school building (staff said the proposal would serve about 25 youths). The county planning board had recommended approval; conditions include fire and building inspections and completion of safety improvements prior to occupancy.

- Railroad lease — Lewistown Livestock Inc.: Approved. Commissioners approved a five-year exclusive lease for livestock loading with a six-month notice/termination clause and automatic-renewal terms; staff and the lessee committed to coordinate with the trails group about routing if needed.

- Annexation petition and resolution (HAPS Properties LLC / K&T Properties Subdivision): Approved. The commission approved petition-based annexation of the described property; resolution 4193 formally annexed the property and applied C-1 (general commercial) zoning consistent with subdivision plans.

- Emergency services dispatch agreement (Judith Basin County): Approved. The commission approved renewal of a 911 dispatch agreement; commissioners noted the contract references amounts set annually by the 911 board rather than a fixed flat fee.

- Fire department 2025–2027 bargaining agreement: Approved. The three-year agreement includes wage adjustments (transcript references an initial set-dollar increase and subsequent step increases) and changes such as caps on training compensation and call-duty pay adjustments; commissioners clarified longevity/step language and fitness-for-duty standards.

Consent agenda: Commissioners approved claims paid June 13–30, 2025 totaling $599,380.48.

Public comment and follow-ups: Extended public comment focused on animal-shelter capacity and parade safety (candy-throwing), prompting staff follow-up on the pound’s status and a commitment to pursue ordinance clarifications; staff also will coordinate with the trails group on the railroad lease’s trail impacts.

Why this matters: The bundle of approvals affects land use, public safety services and labor costs, and the animal-shelter discussion highlighted operational service gaps that may require further action.

Next steps: Staff to follow up with police on pound usage, work with the city attorney on ordinance language for dog-at-large and vicious-dog rules, and coordinate with the trails coordinator and trails group regarding potential reroute options tied to the railroad lease.