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MEETING NOTICE TUESDAY February 18th, 2025 5:00 PM   AGENDA:   I.                   Call to order II.                Approval of Minutes from 1-21-2024 meeting         Public Comment III.              Approval of Warrants         Public Comment IV.             Old Business                      Public Comment V.                New Business          Public Comment VI.             Chiefs Report                      Public Comment VII.          Public comment on subjects under the jurisdiction of Beaverhead Fire District #2 that is not on the agenda. VIII.       Adjournment

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana City Council Chambers 6:45 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING ON TITLE 17 CHAPTER 60 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS  February 19th, 2025 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE   A.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA   B.        MINUTES 1.         Approve Minutes of February 5, 2025 Regular Meeting 2.         Approve Minutes of the February 5, 2025 Public Hearing – Transportation Coordination Plan   C.        PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS   1.         Update from the Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce   D.        MAYOR’S REPORT 1.         Dillon Municipality Study Commission                         a.         Approve Preliminary Budget   E.        REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS OF THE CITY 1.         Planning Board - Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham                         a.         Accept January 7, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes                         b.         Update on Growth Policy 2.         Zoning Commission - Russ Schwandt, Anneliese Ripley 3.         Board of Adjustments          - Diane Armstrong, Joleen Schultz                         a.         Accept January 9, 2025 Meeting Minutes 4.         Director of Operations – Kristina Abbey 5.         Police Department – Police Chief Jeremy Alvarez 6.         Fire Department -- Fire Chief BJ Klose 7.         City Court – Judge Bill Knox 8.         Treasurer – Karen Kipp 9.         Library Board - Diane Armstrong, Council Member; (Vacant), Library Director                         a.         Accept January 28, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes 10.       Tree Board – Mary Jo O’Rourke, Council Member                         a.         Accept January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes             F.        REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1.         Ordinances & Facilities – Bill Shafer, Chair; Joleen Schultz, Mary Jo O’Rourke                         a.         Second Reading of Ordinance  #483 – Title 9 Fireworks         2.         Finance Committee – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Diane Armstrong, Mary Jo O’Rourke 3.         Public Services – Diane Armstrong, Chair; Bill Shafer, Don Deem 4.         Open Spaces – Raymond Graham, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Joleen Schultz 5.         Public Works – Russ Schwandt, Chair; Anneliese Ripley, Raymond Graham                         a.         Approve February 12, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes                G.        PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC INTEREST NOT ON THE  AGENDA AND WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY   H.        ADJOURNMENT   PLEASE NOTE: The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open to the public as normal. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for microphone and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245. Please mute your microphone until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245.

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana  59725 OPEN SPACES COMMITTEE MEETING February 19th, 2025 4:00 P.M. AGENDA     1.                  Call To Order 2.                  Review/Recommend Cemetery RFP’s 3.                  Discuss/Recommend Cemetery Fees 4.                  Discuss Kevin Morse’s Request to Place Headstone 5.                  Discuss/Recommend Dedication Request Regarding Ray Lynch Park 6.                  Discuss/Recommend Ice Skating Rink Future Use 5.         Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 6.         Adjournment   Committee Members: Raymond Graham, Chairperson Anneliese Ripley Joleen Schultz

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana ORDINANCES & FACILITIES COMMITTEE MEETING ~ Agenda ~ February 20th, 2025 4:00 PM   1.            Call Meeting to Order 2.            Discuss/Recommend Little Shooters Using Auditorium 3.            Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 4.            Adjourn   Committee Members: Bill Shafer, Chair Joleen Schultz Mary Jo O’Rourke

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana Thursday February 18th, 2025 12:30 p.m. City Council Chambers Planning Board Meeting AGENDA   1.  Call Meeting to Order 2.  Review and Approval of Minutes from the February 6, 2025 Regular Meeting   Minutes 3.  Growth Policy Update       a.         Community Meeting March 6th, 2025 6:00 p.m. Andrus Hotel 4.  Review/Recommend Brundage Garage Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plat       (Expedited)  406 W Reeder St 5.  Public Comment on items of significant public interest not on the agenda and  within the jurisdiction of the Planning Board. 6.  Adjournment               Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528,          allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to       https://zoom.us/j/7703166528 ) and use Passcode 4245 .   Planning Board Members:       Don Hand, Bill Shafer, Raymond Graham, Dan Nye, Ed Mooney, Michael Saunders, Maria Emmer-Aanes

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that five Montana communities will share $3.4 million of grant funding to help fund the construction or rehabilitation of vital infrastructure and community facility projects. The funding is through Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant Public and Community Facilities Program. “Commerce’s CDBG programs empower local governments and communities across the state by building the capacity, resiliency and resource base necessary to develop strong communities,” said Mandy Rambo, acting director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “CDBG PF/CF funding will help promote and strengthen these communities, while supporting residents with good-paying jobs.” The CDBG PF/CF program is designed to help local governments fund the construction or rehabilitation of infrastructure and community facilities that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income Montanans or individuals earning less than 80% of the area median income. The following communities will receive CDBG PF/CF funding: Lincoln County will receive $600,000 for the renovation and expansion of the Trego, Fortine, Stryker Community Hall. Madison County will receive $700,000 for wastewater system updates. The City of Shelby will receive $700,000 for wastewater system updates. The Town of Superior will receive $700,000 for the new construction of the Community Food Bank of Mineral County. The City of Wolf Point will receive $700,000 for wastewater system improvements. In 2022, the City of Helena received $750,000 of CDBG PF/CF funding to construct a new Helena Food Share facility. Jordan Evertz, Helena Food Share executive director, said, “Within two months of Helena Food Share opening its new location, there was a 30% average increase in new households seeking support. More than a food market, the Community Food Resource Center can receive more donated food, produce healthy grab-and-go meals and offer nutrition education using its newly expanded warehouse, cold storage space and commercial kitchen.” Eligible projects for CDBG PF/CF include the new construction, rehabilitation or improvement of a community’s water and/or wastewater system and non-rental shelters. This encompasses domestic violence shelters, youth homes and the new construction or rehabilitation of public facilities such as food banks, head start centers, nursing homes, mental health centers and senior centers. Eligible applicants for CDBG PF/CF grants include counties, incorporated cities and towns, and consolidated city-county governments, excluding Billings, Great Falls, Bozeman and Missoula. A local government may apply for a CDBG grant on behalf of an organization that is ineligible to apply, such as a water or sewer district or a nonprofit organization. For more information, visit commerce.mt.gov .

Trout Unlimited and the University of Montana Western are proud to host the 19th Annual Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) on Friday, February 28, at 6:00 p.m. in UMW’s Beier Auditorium. Join us for an evening of world-class fly fishing films, community engagement, and conservation support. F3T is an annual traveling roadshow showcasing some of the best fly fishing films from around the world. Through a selective submission process, each season’s lineup features breathtaking cinematography, compelling storytelling, and inspiring adventures on the water. More than just a film screening, the event fosters a sense of community among anglers while promoting conservation efforts to protect the waters we love. Trout Unlimited (Chuck Robbins Chapter) and the newly formed UMW Fly Fishing Club have partnered to bring the event to campus. Club members have helped promote the screening and will assist with setup on the day of the event. “Our club is super excited to have the film on campus. It’s a great way to get people engaged and excited,” said Cooper Weiland, president of the UMW Fly Fishing Club. Weiland, who helped start the club this year, is eager to see it grow. “Students on campus have taken an interest, and I hope the club can provide a way for new fly fishermen to get involved in the industry. I also want it to be a way for students to grow their knowledge of fly fishing and make connections.” Attendees can look forward to a live emcee, raffle prizes from premium sponsors and local fly shops, and an atmosphere that celebrates the passion for fly fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or simply curious about the sport, F3T offers an unforgettable experience. Since its founding in 2006, F3T has grown into the world’s largest community fly fishing event, now spanning more than 14 countries with over 300 screenings annually. In 2023, the tour merged with the Rise Fly Fishing Film Festival, expanding its reach beyond North America to audiences in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and South America. This event is open to all. Tickets are $20, and UMW students receive free admission with a Bulldog Card. For more information on the film festival, featured films, dates, and locations, visit  https://flyfilmtour.com .

HELENA – Landowners have until March 15 to apply for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Unlocking Public Lands (UPL) Program or the Public Access Land Agreement (PALA) Program.   These programs are designed to provide recreational public access to state (Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation) or federal (Bureau of Land Management or United States Forest Service) land where no or limited legal public access currently exists.  “We continue to look for ways to help landowners manage hunting access and to provide more access for the public,” said Jason Kool, FWP hunting access program manager. “Offering a tax credit or payment in exchange for public access to inaccessible public land is a unique and innovative way to respect private property rights and increase public access.”   For enrollment in UPL, landowners will receive an income tax credit in the amount of $750 per agreement and up to a maximum of $3,000 in tax credits in exchange for allowing access across the private lands, roads or trails to reach inaccessible public land. Landowners must hold the public land lease and decide how the public may cross their private property for all recreations.   For enrollment in PALA, landowners will be paid, including money for possible infrastructure reimbursements (e.g., gravel, culverts, cattle guards) to facilitate public access to inaccessible public lands. Landowners must hold the public land lease. Payment amounts vary based on a variety of factors, with one landowner possibly holding multiple agreements. The governor-appointed Private Land/Public Wildlife (PL/PW) Advisory Committee will review complete applications and make a recommendation to the FWP director.  While Montana contains millions of acres of public land, much of this land is inaccessible to the public and requires landowner permission for access.  More information about these two programs, including enrollment criteria, application forms, and fact sheets describing these FWP public access programs, can be found at: fwp.mt.gov/landowner .

Beaverhead County High School is pleased to announce the selection of Josh Patterson as the next Superintendent/Principal. Dr. Patterson was unanimously chosen by the BCHS School Board from a pool of qualified candidates interviewed on January 28, 2025. Currently serving as Superintendent of Brockton Public Schools in Brockton, MT, Dr. Patterson brings 12 years of experience in the Montana education system. His leadership skills and vision for the future make him an excellent choice to guide the school. Dr. Patterson is expected to assume his new role on July 1, 2025, and the district looks forward to collaborating with him to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students in Beaverhead County.

HELENA – The new license year opens March 1, which means that is the day you can buy your 2025 hunting, fishing and conservation licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses. The deadline to apply for deer and elk permits is April 1.   Applications for most species – deer, elk, antelope, deer B licenses, elk B licenses, antelope B licenses, moose, sheep, goat and bison – can be made beginning March 1.  Applicants have the option to reapply for the same offerings as last year with just a simple click, eliminating the need to search through previous applications. Hunters and anglers can buy licenses and apply for permits on the FWP website beginning at 5 a.m. on March 1; click on “Buy and Apply.” Most FWP offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.   Click here to watch a video tutorial for Montana residents on how to buy and apply for licenses and permits online. Click here to watch a video tutorial for nonresidents on how to buy and apply for licenses and permits online.    The licensing call center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March 1 through April 1; after April 1, the hours will return to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The call center can be reached at 406-444-2950.  Hunters and anglers can also take advantage of the MyFWP mobile app. The app holds and displays licenses, permits and E-Tags, which can be downloaded and used in the field without cell service. To create a My FWP account, visit the MyFWP login page .   Tips and reminders   Don’t wait until the last day to apply. If you’re applying for a special license or permit, you will need to have a valid email address. Make sure to doublecheck the regulations before applying. Some permit/licenses have changed. The Online Licensing Service is available from 5 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Everyone 12 and older needs a Conservation License to access most state lands, including fishing access sites, wildlife management areas and wildlife habitat protection areas (WHPA). Montana State Parks do not require a Conservation License.  A separate and rotating moose, bighorn sheep or mountain goat SuperTag lottery for resident hunters will be conducted annually. Montana residents will receive one free chance in the lottery for every General Elk or General Deer License purchased. Application deadlines    Smith River Super Permit – April 1 Paddlefish (white tag) – April 1  Deer and Elk  Permits – April 1   B Licenses – June 1   Bighorn Sheep – May 1  Bison – May 1  Moose – May 1  Mountain Goat – May 1  Antelope – June 1  Sandhill Crane – June 1 Swan – June 1 SuperTags  Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Bison, Deer, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goat and Mountain Lion – June 30 Mountain Lion Special Licenses – 1 NR Winter Hound Licenses – Sept. 1 For more information on Montana hunting licenses and permits, go to fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/hunting-licenses .

125 N. Idaho St. City of Dillon, Montana PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING ~ AGENDA ~ February 12, 2025 4:00 PM   1.           Call to Order 2.           Discuss/Recommend Updated Bid for Pavement  Preservation 3.           Discuss/Recommend Street Sweeper 4.           Discuss/Recommend Virginia Street Parking between Montana and Idaho 5.           Discuss/Recommend Street Abandonment - Timmons and Franklin Streets 6.           Discuss/Recommend Street Acceptance - Franklin and North Streets 7.           Discuss/Recommend Street Abandonment – South Washington 8.           Public Comment on Items Not on Agenda but Within The Jurisdiction of The City 9.           Adjournment   Committee Members Russ Schwandt, Chair Anneliese Ripley Raymond Graham

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western women's basketball team (7-16) lost a close Frontier Conference battle against No. 20 Carroll College (17-7), 65-58 this afternoon. Isabella Lund would lead the Bulldogs in scoring for the second game in a row, scoring 17. How It Happened: Led by Keke Davis , the Bulldogs started the game shooting 58%, with Lund adding five points. Western held the Saints to just 30% shooting, taking a two-point lead at the end of the first quarter. Carroll heated up in the second quarter, knocking down four three-pointers, while Lund continued her strong performance, scoring nine of her 17 points. A three-pointer from Trinidie Nichols as time expired gave the Bulldogs a two-point lead heading into halftime. The third quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with the game tied at 35-35 midway through. The Bulldogs' defense held the Saints scoreless for nearly four minutes, but Carroll won the rebounding battle, helping them take a slim one-point lead into the fourth. Behind Davis, the Bulldogs kept pace with the Saints and held a one-point lead with just over three minutes to play. However, Carroll locked down defensively, holding Western scoreless for the final stretch and closing the game on a 16-5 run to secure the victory. Notables: Davis would finish with 16 points and grab a team high nine rebounds. Maddy Moy would grab eight rebounds. The Bulldogs were able to get to the basket, scoring 32 points in the paint. Carroll would score 13 points off of 10 Bulldog turnovers. Up Next The Bulldogs will hit the road to take on Montana State University-Northern this Thursday, February 13, with tip-off set for 5 p.m.

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (13-11) got back in the win column defeating Carroll College (10-14), 92-82, this evening. The Bulldogs were led by Jalyn Stepney , who posted a game-high and season-best 28 points. How it Happened: Stepney knocked down three three-pointers, while Abi Adedo added six points to help the Bulldogs build a 20-11 lead midway through the first half. Carroll responded by attacking the paint, scoring 20 points inside as part of a 14-3 run that put them ahead 29-23. The Bulldogs stepped up defensively, with Colter Merritt and Kyle Gruhler each forcing turnovers as part of a stretch that held the Saints scoreless over the final two minutes of the half. Western closed on a 5-0 run to take a six-point lead into the break. Coming out of halftime, the Saints hit a pair of three-pointers, but Gruhler answered with one of his own to maintain a 62-59 advantage with 13 minutes remaining. Billy Carleson provided a spark off the bench, contributing four points, three rebounds, and two assists while Western held onto a 69-67 lead. Alan Kane then scored nine points as part of a Bulldog run that extended the lead to 80-74. Gruhler and Stepney followed with key baskets to push the lead even further and secure the victory. Notables: Stepney finished the game shooting 8-of-19 from the field, including 6-of-14 from beyond the arc. Adedo contributed 18 points, going 6-of-7 from the free-throw line, while adding four rebounds and a team-high four assists. Kane tallied 15 points and grabbed five rebounds. The Bulldogs outrebounded the Saints 33-26. Up Next The Bulldogs will hit the road to take on Montana State University-Northen this Thursday, February 13, with tip-off set for 7 p.m.

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western women's basketball team (7-15) dropped their game to (RV) Rocky Mountain College (15-8) 67-48. Isabella Lund led the scoring for the Bulldogs with 16 points. How It Happened: Kenzi Pedersen opened the scoring for the Bulldogs with four early points, but the Bears' hot shooting (57%) gave them the lead by the end of the first quarter. Rocky controlled the boards, out rebounding the Bulldogs and converting their advantage into 12 points in the paint and six second-chance points. Western struggled offensively late in the half, going scoreless in the final three minutes as the Bears extended their lead to 36-23 at halftime. Maddy Moy provided a spark in the third quarter, grabbing three rebounds and tallying three steals to help the Bulldogs fight back. Keke Davis added seven points, but the Bears responded with four three-pointers to maintain their lead. Isabella Lund scored 10 of her 16 points in the final stretch, but Western's struggles from beyond the arc (0-for-5) allowed Rocky to secure a 67-48 victory. Notables: Davis and Moy each finished with 10 rebounds and four steals. Lund recorded three rebounds and four assists. Western shot 4-of-16 from three-point range, while Rocky went 8-of-23. The Bulldogs at the free-throw line, went 6-of-14. Up Next The Bulldogs will take on No. 20 Carroll College this Saturday, February 8, with tip-off set for 2 p.m.

University of Montana Western Press Release DILLON, Mont. – The Montana Western men's basketball team (12-11) fell in a back-and-forth home game to (RV) Rocky Mountain College (16-7), 98-93, this evening. Jalyn Stepney led the Bulldogs effort and finished with 21 points. How it Happened: Stepney provided an early spark for the Bulldogs, knocking down three first-half three-pointers, while Abi Adedo contributed six points and five rebounds in the first half. Despite shooting 42.1% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range, Montana Western struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 6 of 10 attempts. Rocky capitalized on their opportunities, making 11 of 13 free throws. The Bulldogs managed to stay within striking distance in large part to their ability to score in the paint and force turnovers, converting 17 points off Rocky's first half turnovers. Rocky Mountain started the second half strong, extending their lead to eight early. However, the Bulldogs battled back, with Adedo scoring 14 of his 20 points after halftime. Kyle Gruhler added 10 second-half points, including a key three-pointer late in the game. Despite Montana Western shooting 52.8% from the field in the second half, Rocky's advantage at the free-throw line proved to be the difference. The Battlin' Bears finished 30-of-39 from the stripe, while the Bulldogs finished 10-of-24, which ultimately was the difference in the game. Notables: Stepney would finish the game shooting 6-11 from the field and 4-7 from beyond the arc. Adedo and Gruhler would each finish the game with nine rebounds. The Bulldogs would score 48 points in the paint compared to the Bear's 32 points. Western would turn Rocky over 13 times leading to 17 points off turnovers. UMW would be whistled for 27 fouls compared to Rocky's 15 fouls. Up Next The Bulldogs will stay at home to take on Carroll College this Saturday, February 8, with tip-off set for 4 p.m.

GREAT FALLS - A poaching investigation that began with the killing of fish in the display pond of Giant Springs Fish Hatchery in Great Falls ended with two men being sentenced on multiple fish and wildlife charges in the 8th Judicial Court of Cascade County. Richard Van Meter, 22, and Ty Robert Lewis, 21, were convicted of unlawful possession of a game animal, unlawful possession of a game fish, waste of a game animal, waste of a game fish, and hunting without a valid license. Lewis paid $16,000 in fines and restitution, and Van Meter paid $8,000 in fines and restitution. Both men will also lose their hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for 20 years. The investigation began on Aug. 23, 2021, when Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (FWP) game wardens discovered that several large fish at the Giant Springs fish hatchery display pond had been speared with a sharp object. Some of the dead fish were left at the scene, while others that survived had to later be euthanized. On Sept. 19, 2021, wardens received a report that someone had shot and abandoned a bull elk on a ranch near Cascade. The head and antlers had been removed, as well as the lower jaw. The body had been left to waste. During the course of the investigation wardens also determined that three bull elk and one black bear had also been taken illegally. Tips from the public led wardens to Van Meter and Lewis, who later confessed to the crimes. Van Meter then left the state but returned recently. “This case took a few years, but thanks to the hard work of our game wardens, we are glad to finally wrap this case up,” said FWP Region 4 Warden Captain Dave Holland. “The sentences imposed by the court reflect the value of the resources taken by these two individuals, and especially the importance that the community places on the Giant Springs Hatchery.” Holland also thanked the other agencies who cooperated in the case. “Game wardens from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife facilitated the return of Van Meter to Montana from California, and the hard work of the Cascade County Sherriff’s Office along with the Cascade County Attorney’s Office was critical to our success,” he added. Anyone with possible information about a fish and wildlife violation is encouraged to visit tipmont.mt.gov   or contact their local game warden to provide information. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Twin Bridges, MT  – A flood advisory due to an ice jam remains in effect until 8:45 AM MST  on Friday. What to Expect: Flooding caused by the ice jam is ongoing, with minor flooding reported in low-lying and poorly draining areas. Where: The affected locations are primarily along the Jefferson River , specifically between Twin Bridges  and Silver Star . When: This advisory will remain in effect until 8:45 AM MST  on Friday. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and monitor local conditions, as minor flooding may impact surrounding areas. Those in low-lying regions should take precautions to protect property from potential flooding associated with the ice jam.