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Lewistown approves three East Fork pasture leases with conditions on fencing and weed control
Summary
The Lewistown City Commission approved leases for three East Fork parcels, awarding short-term and conditional leases tied to fence repairs and weed-abatement requirements; one vote included a recorded dissent. Lease terms and bid amounts were discussed in detail during deliberations.
The Lewistown City Commission on a vote approved leases for three parcels known as East Fork North, East Fork Southeast and East Fork East, directing staff to finalize short-term agreements with conditions for fencing and weed abatement.
City staff told the commission they received multiple proposals for the East Fork properties and outlined minimum bid amounts and stewardship expectations. For East Fork North, the commission accepted the bid presented by staff; Commissioner Hewitt presented the motion and a roll-call vote recorded unanimous "Aye" responses from commissioners listed on the roll call.
For East Fork Southeast, staff said the Williams Family Farms bid proposed a longer stewardship commitment (a six-year lease with investment in weed control) at about $1,425 per year, while Levi King proposed $1,500 per year for three years and offered to repair fences. A motion to accept the Williams Family Farms conditional proposal died for lack of a second. Commissioners then approved a conditional award to Levi King requiring fence repairs and specified weed-abatement responsibilities.
On the East Fork East parcel, staff reported the minimum bid was $600 per year and two offers were received; the commission voted to extend or award the lease to Gary Varda at $650 per year, with standard provisions for fencing, animal-equivalents and weed control. The roll-call vote on that item passed with one commissioner recorded as "Nay."
Commissioners and the public pressed staff on details such as whether the city must retain ownership because of dam and water-regulation constraints and on enforcement provisions if lessees fail to comply. Staff said leases include time to cure deficiencies and revocation provisions if obligations are not met.
The commission also approved the consent agenda earlier in the meeting, including claims, before taking up the East Fork leases. Staff said bid documents and lease terms will be finalized by city administration before execution.
The commission instructed staff to proceed with lease agreements incorporating the stipulated repairs and stewardship conditions; staff will return with finalized documents as needed.
