January 2020 Winnett ACES Meeting Minutes
January 28, 2020 Winnett ACES Minutes
5:00 p.m., Methodist Church
Those present: Trish/Brent Smith, Levi/Laura Nowlin, Casey Coulter, Chris/Gari King, Paul/Sue McKenna, Skip/Diane Ahlgren, Reba/Charlie Ahlgren, Laura Kiehl, Sig Pugrud, Craig/Leslie Iverson, Butch/Phyllis Arthur, Kevin/Lindsay Flint, Jeff/Tammie Starkjohann, Barb Solf, Diana Brady, Jay King, Carie Hess, Daniel Iverson, Brenda Brady, Kelly Beevers – One MT, Andrew Sanders, Brian Hauschild, Ilona Wilde – BSWC, Claire Hood – WWF/SRI, Stacey Barta – DNRC/RRC, Kelsey Molloy – RSA/TNC, Scott and Mitsi Mickelsen – Dawson College/Strategic planning Facilitator.
1. Chairman Craig Iverson called the meeting to order at 5:00 and introductions were made.
2. No public comment.
3. Committee updates:
a. Beef in the School continues to go well with tax deductible donations of beef and/or funds for processing, freezer space, etc. Charlie Ahlgren and Hayley Stahl did a very good interview for an Ag show that had 11,000 views on Facebook and was “shared” numerous times.
b. Craig reported that the Land Committee’s 2019 grassbank project went well and
the group continues to move forward on the possible purchase of a property northeast
of Roundup, just south of the Pet. Co. line. The owners are looking at a possible Conservation Easement which would put the purchase price more in reach for grazing purposes. A group of young area producers are also looking at the possibility of forming a Grazing Association for part of the property. Many questions still to be answered. The owners continue to be patient and willing to work with the Group, which has been very beneficial.
An additional property closer to the Winnett area is also being discussed, so the Land Committee continues to be active.
c. The Elk/Wildlife Committee continues communications with the area biologist on elk
management. The Wildlife Commission members were interested in 410 change proposals and will make decisions at their Feb 13th meeting. Brent stated that Group members have sent in comments to encourage rule changes and will hope to get someone to the meeting or at least to a regional office that has conferencing abilities, in order to participate in the Feb. 13th meeting.
d. The Historic Building Committee – Laura reported that ACES will coordinate a grant to be used for condition assessment of the Courthouse. This is the first step needed before any rehabilitation funds can be requested.
The Flatwillow hall historic designation is moving forward.
And the subject of moving the old city hall continues to be discussed.
e. PCCC Committee – Almost everyone present was already aware of the donation of 5 Million dollars made by Larry Carrell to the Community Center fund! This will enable the building of the Center and the ability to have an endowment fund for long term maintenance. The Committee is still working on 501(c)3 status and the final building plans. Brenda reported that they have a purchase agreement on additional property to the west of the Center and continue to meet the 1st Tuesday evening of each month.
Great success story and congratulations to the hardworking committee.
f. Education Committee – Reba reported that Tris Munsick recently had a follow up Ranch Profitability meeting with participants from last year’s meeting.
The committee is discussing having an informational meeting about soil carbon health/sequestration. This would probably occur within the next month and more details will follow.
g. Conservation Committee Chairwoman, Laura Kiehl, reported that their next meeting will be on Jan 29th to discuss 8 applications for funds that would be granted as a 50% cost share towards grazing projects such as water and fencing infrastructure.
h. Other – The ACES board has voted to have a membership fee of $25 for voting members. Because this is a new rule, the annual meeting will be in April (for this year only) to allow more time for membership dues to be paid. One 3-year board position will be open for voting on at that time. Tax deductible fees can be given to Brent or membership signup is available on the www.winnettaces.org site.
4. After a great potluck dinner, Dr. Scott Mickelsen gave a brief history on his road to becoming president of Dawson Community College in Glendive. He also informed the group that all agreements have been signed to allow DCC to provide various classes in a satellite classroom setting in Lewistown. Classes will be held in the old BLM building and he is excited to offer this benefit to this region.
Scott then led the group through a scoping process to hear community opinions and suggestions on projects and goals that could be accomplished by Winnett ACES. Participants were urged to dream big and think in both short- and long-term goals for the strategic planning process.
Discussion included:
One word that describes the longevity of Petroleum Co.
What are county problems/issues, what are the strengths.
What projects could benefit the county.
Then used these thoughts to come up with goals.
The goals were prioritized and summarized into 4 overall goals. Surveys that participants had worked on were collected and Delight will summarize these for future use. The ACES board and any interested public will meet with Scott again to organize the information for the strategic plan, meeting date to be determined.
5. Next meeting will be April 28th. Meeting adjourned at 7:50p.m.
By Diane Ahlgren
ACES Sec.