Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ...... i
PART ONE CONDITIONS AND TRENDS PLANNING AREA ...... 1 POPULATION ...... 5 ECONOMICS...... 11 Employment...... 11 Income...... 20 HOUSING ...... 27 General...... 27 Number of Housing Units...... 27 LAND USE...... 34 Ownership and Land Use Data...... 34 Residential Development...... 37 Commercial Development Pattern...... 38 Industrial Use...... 39 Public or Government Use...... 39 PUBLIC FACILITIES ...... 45 Water Systems ...... 45 Sewer Systems...... 51 Stormwater Drainage...... 57 Solid Waste Collection and Disposal ...... 58 Recreation Facilities and Sites ...... 60 LOCAL SERVICES ...... 68 Schools...... 68 School Bus Routes ...... 69 Dawson Community College ...... 70 Law Enforcement...... 71 Fire Protection ...... 72 Health Care ...... 77 Dawson County Health and Social Services...... 78 Glendive Administration Facilities...... 79 TRANSPORTATION ...... 81 Road System ...... 81 Glendive Streets ...... 84 Urban Transportation...... 86 Railroad ...... 87 Airports ...... 87
Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 89 General...... 89 Soils...... 90 Surface Water...... 90 Groundwater...... 91 Vegetation ...... 92 Fish and Wildlife ...... 93
PART TWO GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES COMMUNITY DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT...... 95 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT...... 97 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC ...... 99 NATURAL RESOURCES...... 101 PUBLIC FACILITIES ...... 103
PART THREE ISSUES AND NEEDS ISSUES AND CONCERNS ...... 104 General...... 104 Housing ...... 104 Business ...... 106 Industry...... 107 Public Services ...... 108 Community Facilities...... 109 Community Issues and Concerns...... 109 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS...... 114 General...... 114 Groundwater...... 114 Floodplains ...... 115 Agricultural land...... 121 Conservation Easements...... 122 Public Land...... 122
PART FOUR LAND USE PLAN THE PLANNING PROCESS ...... 126 LAND USE PLAN...... 127 General...... 127 Dawson County Rural Area ...... 127
Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Land Use Classifications – Dawson County Rural Area ...... 128 Glendive Urban Area ...... 129 Land Use Classifications Glendive Urban Area ...... 131 Public Uses...... 134 Alternative Growth Scenarios ...... 138
PART FIVE IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES ...... 139 General...... 139 Regulatory Methods...... 140 Zoning Ordinance ...... 142 County Development Regulations ...... 144 Subdivision Regulations ...... 145 Subdivision Regulations Evasion Criteria ...... 147 Floodplain Regulations ...... 148 Conservation Easements...... 148 Capital Improvements Plan...... 149 Implementation Strategy...... 152 Implementation Schedule ...... 153 Implementation Action Plan ...... 153 PLANNING COORDINATION ...... 156 SUBDIVISION REVIEW ...... 157 PUBLIC HEARINGS PROCEDURES ...... 160 REVIEW AND AMENDMENT...... 161 Review...... 161 Amendments ...... 161
List of Figures
Figure 1 - Planning Area ...... 2 Figure 2 - City of Glendive ...... 3 Figure 3 - Town of Richey...... 4 Figure 4 - Dawson County Population ...... 10 Figure 5 - Existing Land Use and Public Ownership...... 41 Figure 6a - Glendive Area Existing Land Use (North Part) ...... 42 Figure 6b - Glendive Area Existing Land Use (South Part) ...... 43 Figure 7 - Town of Richey Existing Land Use ...... 44 Figure 8 - City of Glendive & West Glendive Area Central Water Systems...... 65 Figure 9 - City of Glendive & West Glendive Area Sanitary Sewer Systems...... 66 Figure 10 - Park and Recreation Sites...... 67 Figure 11 - Dawson County Road Network ...... 82 Figure 12 - Glendive Area Street System ...... 85 Figure 13 - Yellowstone River Flood Plain...... 117 Figure 14 - Yellowstone River Flood Plain With Selected Alternative...... 120
Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Figure 15 - Prime & Important Farmland Soils...... 124 Figure 16 - Dawson County Land Use Plan (Draft) ...... 135 Figure 17a - Glendive Area Land Use Plan (North Part) ...... 136 Figure 17b - Glendive Area Land Use Plan (South Part)...... 137
Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
INTRODUCTION
In 1980 Dawson County adopted a Comprehensive Plan covering the jurisdictional area of county. The plan included a public input process for identification of goals, objectives and policies that were used to help develop a land use plan for Dawson County as well as the incorporated areas of Glendive and Richey. The county document included a substantial amount of background data as well as a series of reference maps showing physical resources of the county and future development recommendations. Glendive had been involved in previous planning efforts aimed at assessment of needs in the city and surrounding urban area. The original “Glendive City Plan” was prepared in 1952 and the “Glendive Urban Area Comprehensive Plan” was adopted in 1971. Since the adoption of the 1980 county wide plan, there has been a steady decline in population in both the urban and rural areas resulting in very little activity in the community planning arena. Dawson County and Glendive addressed plan implementation needs by developing and enforcing local subdivision regulations. Glendive and parts of West Glendive have also adopted local zoning ordinances to administer the daily planning needs of the corresponding jurisdictional areas.
Since the passage of the Growth Policy Statute (76-1-601, MCA) by the 1999 Legislature, local governments in Montana with adopted plans have been concerned about the legality of enforcing regulations that were based on a plan prepared before enactment of the new law. Municipalities were also concerned about annexation of property in accordance with the law. One crucial element included in the legislation was the requirement that Master Plans (Growth Policies) address all elements listed by October 1, 1999. A transition clause allowed for enforcement of zoning regulations based on a plan adopted prior to October 1, 2001. Some changes to the original statute were made by the 2001, 2003 and 2005 legislative bodies, but the main content of the original bill was left substantially intact. The major changes included a change in the definition of a Growth Policy to include Comprehensive Plans adopted prior to October 1, 1999, and an extension of the deadline for compliance to October 1, 2006. The extension of time for compliance puts Dawson County well within the limit of statutory requirements for adoption of a Growth Policy that meets all of the requirements of state law. Any subsequent changes to existing zoning regulations will therefore be based on a compliant plan and will be legally enforceable.
Introduction - i Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
It is the intent of the Glendive-Dawson City County Planning Board that the document included herein be considered as the official update to the Comprehensive Plan that was prepared by the Planning Board and adopted by Dawson County in 1980. The 2006 Dawson County / Glendive Growth Policy was developed by the planning board over the past 18 months to address the items required by the Growth Policy Statute and to re-assess the needs and preferences of the citizens in the planning area. Information contained in the 1980 plan contains additional background information that should be used in conjunction with this document and therefore it continues to be a valuable reference for planning in the county. It was an important resource in development of this plan update and should be consulted as needed for background information on planning issues.
The Dawson County / Glendive Growth Policy is intended to serve as a planning guide for local officials and citizens throughout the planning period from its adoption in 2006 up to the year 2025. It is a long range statement of local public policy providing guidance for accommodating development within the county. The plan is designed to be used by local government officials as they make decisions which have direct or indirect land use implications. Further, it is designed to be used by officials of other government agencies (federal, state and adjacent local entities) as a framework for coordinating their land use planning efforts in and adjacent to the county. The document will be reviewed and, if necessary, updated at least every 5 years during the planning period.
The new plan includes an analysis of existing conditions, trends and resources in Part One. Population and economic conditions as well as other demographic indicators are summarized in the front section of the document. Population projections and trends in land use, housing, economic conditions, local services and natural resources are discussed in Part One.
The public input process was initiated by the Glendive-Dawson City County Planning Board in the early stage of the plan in order to provide ample opportunity for all voices to be heard prior to the formulation of goals, objectives and policies that provide guidance in the shaping of the Land Use Plan and implementation measures. The board solicited public opinion on a variety of issues primarily through a Needs Assessment Survey that was mailed to 2,891 households in February 2000, and through information made available by the planning board and City and County agencies. Part Two of the report contains a listing of goals, objectives and policies developed by the planning board and adopted for use in implementing the Growth Policy. Part
Introduction - ii Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Three includes a discussion of important planning issues, development constraints and opportunities. Part Four includes a discussion of the intent of the plan and shows preferred development areas by selected classifications within the county and in the Glendive urban area. Part Five contains the Implementation Strategy.
The Comprehensive Plan that was prepared by the county in 1980 incorporated ideas and attitudes of the people that were considered important for guiding the future of the county at that time. In addition to a set of goals and objectives, the plan provided general guidance on land use location and density. The Growth Policy statute now requires that the plan address a more specific list of descriptive information for the planning area as well as projected trends for the life of the plan. These items are included in this document along with sections addressing other required plan elements. The new document incorporates many of the same elements that were part of the 1980 Comprehensive Plan with added emphasis on infrastructure planning, implementation strategy and ties to subdivision review criteria. An important part of the process was the development of a data base and mapping system that can be readily referenced and updated in the future. The maps contained in the report are based on a GIS system that is compatible with the Montana State Library data that is currently available. Mapping information on the Glendive water and sewer systems was supplied by the City of Glendive in AutoCAD format.
As stated above, the Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy is structured according to State of Montana planning legislation providing the county with a technically sound method for dealing with future change, and giving local leaders a reference document establishing policies which will help guide them to the county’s future vision. Realizing the importance of providing workable regulations and maintaining flexibility in the planning process, the law also requires that an implementation strategy be developed which includes a timetable for reviewing the plan at least once every 5 years and revising it if necessary.
The planning process is a systematic approach to problem solving at the local and regional level, and provides an opportunity to identify and promote policies that will allow the community to achieve the goals and objectives of a vision for the future. The process follows a logical path that begins with a review of existing conditions, and continues by attempting to forecast anticipated changes and the need for services and facilities. Understanding changes and their impacts allows the county to establish a framework that will result in development that is in the
Introduction - iii Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
best interest of its citizens. The framework provided in the Growth Policy provides the necessary principles, criteria and policies to make logical, carefully considered decisions on matters that have a broad and lasting effect on the county and city.
The information contained in this report was developed using the latest available information prior to the date of publication. Maps include both public and private road sections and are current through the 2005 road inventory completed by the Montana Department of Transportation. They do not reflect changes that may have occurred since that time, and are not intended to represent county road jurisdiction. Other mapping data based on parcel ownership records is current through the March 2005 update published by the State of Montana, Department of Revenue. Tables for demographic data shown in the report are derived from sources noted in each section of the document, and must be updated periodically in conjunction with the review.
Introduction - iv Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
PART ONE CONDITIONS AND TRENDS
PLANNING AREA
The jurisdictional planning area includes the area within the established Dawson County boundary. The boundary is shown in Figure 1 and encompasses the entire rural area including unincorporated towns. The incorporated areas of the City of Glendive and the Town of Richey are also included within the jurisdictional area of the Growth Policy. The Glendive and Richey incorporated boundaries are shown on the map. Larger scale, more detailed maps of the incorporated areas are shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 for reference.
The Dawson County map was produced using a GIS mapping system and currently available electronic records for roads, streams, section lines and parcel boundaries. The City of Glendive mapping information was developed using an AutoCAD base supplied by the City Public Works Department. Separate maps have been included in subsequent sections of the document to illustrate features and conditions in the county area and in each of the incorporated communities.
Part One - 1 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 1
Part One - 2 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 2
Part One - 3 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 3
Part One - 4 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
POPULATION
The existing population of Dawson County and the distribution and characteristics of population centers are key indicators of the type and extent of services that are needed to serve the population today, and when compared to recent and past trends, land development demands of the future can be more accurately anticipated. An awareness of recent population trends provides a valuable guide for planning, budgeting, and financing decisions.
Population forecasts are used to determine future needs for infrastructure improvements, land development, housing and community facilities. As changes in population occur, the impact of these changes must be evaluated and provisions made to accommodate the needs of the community.
The following discussion includes a reference to population data and trends for Dawson County indicated by U.S. Census historical data. The data includes a reference to corresponding figures for Glendive and Richey to facilitate a general comparison of trends in the rural vs. incorporated areas of the county. Population tables are also included in the Appendix showing more detailed data for Glendive, West Glendive CDP and Dawson County. Information developed by the Sonoran Institute showing population and economic trends is also included in the Appendix document. Graphs from the Sonoran document showing information pertinent to the following discussion have been inserted for convenient reference.
The population trends table following this discussion shows that Dawson County and Glendive have experienced a decrease in population over the past decade according to census data. The only increase experienced in the past four decades occurred from 1970 to 1980 when Dawson County population increased by 536 overall while Glendive lost over 300 persons. During the 80’s the entire county had a net loss in population as the trend in Glendive continued downward. In the 90’s the urban population leveled off, declining slightly, and the total number of persons in the county followed a similar trend decreasing from 9,595 persons to 9,059 at the time of the 2000 census. As shown in Figure 4, the overall trend for Dawson County since 1970 has been for a steady decrease highlighted by the significant loss from 1980 to 1990. The Town of Richey generally followed the same pattern as the county. The City of Glendive lost over 1,570 persons since 1970 which is over 70% of the total decrease for the county during
Part One - 5 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
that time. The County lost 4.7 % of its population while the State of Montana grew by 13% during the last decade.
POPULATION BY CENSUS YEAR
1970 1980 1990 2000
MONTANA 694,409 787,690 799,065 902,195
DAWSON COUNTY 11,269 11,805 9,505 9,059
GLENDIVE 6,305 5,978 4,802 4,729
RICHEY 389 417 259 189
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Population trends comparing Dawson County to Montana and the Nation are shown in the following graph for 1970 through 2002. Information since 2000 is based on census estimates.
Population Growth Compared to the State and the Nation
Population Comparison Over the last 32 years • 160 population grow th in Daw son County, 140 Montana has been
slow er than the state 100) 120 and slow er than the nation. 100 1970= 80 ndex I Population grow th is • on ( 60
not generally impacted ati by national 40 opul
recessions. P 20
-
1970 1973 1976 1979 1982 1985 1988 1991 1994 1997 2000 Recession Bars Daw son County, Montana Montana United States
Source: BEA REIS 2002 Table CA30
Part One - 6 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Changes in population can occur in only three ways: (1) by birth, (2) by death, and (3) by movement in or out of the area of study. The factors that influence birth or deaths have become more predicable as we achieve better living conditions and health care. However, the factors that influence migration have become more unpredictable as our population becomes more mobile. As population changes occur in Dawson County and Glendive, the nature of the population, both in size and structure will be altered according to migration patterns.
The following table shows the population change for Dawson County from 1990 to 2000, which was primarily due to a net out-migration of 483 persons according to the Census Bureau and Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services data. In spite of a slight natural increase over the period, the county population declined by 446 persons between census years.
BIRTHS, DEATHS AND ESTIMATED NET MIGRATION DAWSON COUNTY 1990-2000
POPULATION
1990 2000 Births Deaths Natural Increase Net Migration
9,505 9,059 937 900 +37 -483 Source: Population Estimates Program, US Census Bureau; Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Information in the tables and charts that follow shows the population distribution by age and sex in Dawson County and Glendive in 2000. The under 5-age group includes 5.1% of the total population in the county and 5.0% for Glendive. These numbers show that the youngest segment of the population is about 1% lower than the state average. The school age groups from age 5 through 19 account for approximately 21.5% of the population in Glendive and Dawson County which is at the same level as the state average. The age groups comprising most of the available work force (age 20 through 65) include over 53% of the population in Glendive and 56% for Dawson County. The State of Montana average for the work force population was 58% for the year 2000. The population sector 65 and over for the City was 20.7%. This is a relatively high number when compared to 17.7% for Dawson County. The average for the 65 and over category for Montana was 13.4% in 2000.
Part One - 7 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Dawson County, Montana Age and Gender (From EPSC) • The population has Population by Age and Sex gotten older since 1990. The median age Density in 2000 is 41.0 years, 40 - 54 (Baby 65 years and Median (Pop. up from 35.5 years in Total Under 20 years Boom in 2000) over Age per sq. 1990. Number Number Share Number Share Number Share mi.) Total Population 2000 9, 059 2,420 27% 2,173 24% 1 ,603 18% 41. 0 4 • The largest age 1990 9, 505 2,905 31% 1,655 17% 1 ,433 15% 35. 5 4 category is 40 to 44 10 Yr. Change (446) ( 485) -4% 5 18 7% 1 70 3% 5 .5 (0) years old (783 people 10 Yr. % Change -5% -17% 31% 12% 15% -5% or 8.6% of the total). 2000 Sex Breakout Male 4, 490 1,184 26% 1,112 25% 7 15 16% 4 0.5 • Total Population in Female 4, 569 1,236 27% 1,061 23% 8 88 19% 4 1.6 2000 was 9,059 Male/Female Split 50% / 50% 49% / 51% 51% / 49% 45% / 55% people, down -5% from 2000 Table SF1 - P12 & 1990 SF1 Table P05 & P12 9,505 in 1990. • The age group that has In the graphs below, changes in population by age are shown two ways. The "Change in Population" graph grown the fastest, as a illustrates how each age bracket has changed in the last 10 years. The "Change in Share" graph illustrates share of total, is 45 to how each category has changed as a share of total. Note that an age bracket can have an increase in 49 years , up 210 population while declining as a share of total. The "Change in Share" graph usually demonstrates how the people. Their share of baby boom has caused a demographic shift in the population (growth in the 40-60 age brackets). total rose by 2.6%
2000 Breakout Change in Population Change in Share of Total (90-2000) (90-2000)
85 years and over 137 92 70 0.9%
80 to 84 years 136 88 34 0.5%
75 to 79 years 172 163 39 0.6%
70 to 74 years 209 192 23 0.4%
65 and 69 years 234 180 4 0.3%
60 and 64 years 216 202 74 -0.6%
55 to 59 years 244 251 36 0.6%
50 to 54 years 296 335 183 2.3%
45 to 49 years 376 383 210 2.6%
40 to 44 years 389 394 125 1.7%
35 to 39 years 295 286 218 -2.0%
30 to 34 years 208 214 363 -3.6%
25 to 29 years 201 273 88 -0.7%
20 to 24 years 220 253 58 0.9%
15 to 19 years 372 386 52 0.9%
10 to 14 years 326 322 129 -1.0%
5 to 9 years 302 249 235 -2.2%
Under 5 years 236 227 173 -1.6%
600.0 400.0 200.0 0.0 200.0 400.0 600.0 -500.0 0.0 500.0 -5.0% 0.0% 5.0% People People People Male Female Change 1990-2000 Change in Share
Source: Census 2000 and Census 1990
Part One - 8 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Census estimates for Dawson County and Glendive are shown in the following section. The County estimates show that a decline is estimated between 2000 and 2015 followed by a period of growth through 2025.
DAWSON COUNTY AND GLENDIVE POPULATION 1990-2025
CENSUS CENSUS (2002) (2003) (2004) (2005) (2010) (2015) (2020) (2025) 1990 2000
DAWSON 9505 9059 8738 8,745 8,635 (8744) (8640) (8636) (8777) (9012) COUNTY
GLENDIVE 4802 4729 4701 4,717 ------
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, NPA Data Services Inc. Note: All estimates and projections are shown in parentheses.
The population projection for Dawson County is shown in Figure 4 and summarized in the table above. The table shows the census projection based on future economic indicators which anticipate very little change since the year 2000 with an overall decline of 47 persons in Dawson County for the 25 year period. A slight decrease in population is anticipated over the first fifteen year period since the census, followed by a gradual upward trend resulting in an overall 0.5% decrease from 2000 to 2025. As shown in Figure 4, the rate of change expected is less than the straight line projection of the trend during the last decade and much more positive than the trend from 1970 to 2000. A continuation of agriculture as the cornerstone of the economy, stability from the government sector, and no sudden impact from natural resource development in the area is assumed throughout the planning period for this projection.
Business and economic conditions over the period from 1990 to 2000 resulted in a lower recent rate of population decline in Dawson County. Figure 4 shows the population numbers, estimates and projections for the county as well as available figures for Glendive. As previously mentioned, the trend shown assumes a continuation of existing conditions for the planning area with a decline out to the year 2015 before population begins to increase. Conditions resulting in a more dramatic increase are possible within the planning period, but are not included in this projection.
Part One - 9 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 4
Part One - 10 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
ECONOMICS
Employment
The economy of Dawson County is dependent on agriculture, the service industries, and retail trade as the anchor for income. The basic industries of local, state and federal government have increased overall since 1970 and there has been a downward trend in mining, manufacturing and construction employment. The service industry has increased steadily as shown in the following analysis, the total employment in the county for 2002 increased only slightly compared to the 1970 level with the highest employment level occurring in 1982. The number of farm proprietors (excludes wage earners) has decreased overall since 1970 but has increased since the level recorded in 1992. Wage and salary employees continue to represent nearly 75% of the total and 25% are in the proprietor classification. Job growth has been slow in the county but the unemployment rate is much less than the state and the nation. The following tables summarize the employment trends for Dawson County.
Part One - 11 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Total Employment 8.0
7.0 From 1970 to 2002, 94 new jobs • 6.0
were created. bs 5,411 o
J 5.0
4.0 From 1970 to 2002, the majority • 3.0 of job growth, 64% of new jobs,
has been in wage and salary Thousands of 2.0 employment (people who work for someone else). 1.0 0.0
2 4 8 70 7 74 76 78 80 82 8 86 88 90 92 94 96 9 00 02 9 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 1 19 19 20 20
• Employment of proprietors 6.0 contributed to 36% of new employment from 1970 to 2002, 5.0 bs
and 55% of new employment o
J 4,051
4.0 since 1992. of 3.0 nds a 2.0 ous
h 1,360 T • In 1970, proprietors represented 1.0 24.9% of total employment; by 0.0 2002, they represented 25.1%. 4 6 8 70 72 7 76 78 80 82 84 8 88 90 92 94 96 9 00 02 9 9 1 19 19 19 19 19 1 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 20 20
Wage and salary jobs Number of proprietors
Employment by Industry Changes from 1970 to 2002 New % of New % of Employm New Employm New % of % of ent (70- Employm ent (92- Employm 1970 Total 1992 2002 Total 02) ent 02) ent Total full-time and part-time employment 5 ,317 4, 962 5 ,411 94 449 100.0% Wage and salary jobs 3, 991 75.1% 3, 850 4 ,051 74.9% 60 63.8% 201 44.8%
Number of proprietors 1, 326 24.9% 1, 112 1 ,360 25.1% 34 36.2% 248 55.2% Number of nonfarm proprietors 5/ 680 12.8% 701 8 88 16.4% 208 221.3% 187 41.6% Number of farm proprietors 646 12.1% 411 4 72 8.7% -174 NA 61 13.6%
Proprietors include sole proprietorships, partnerships, and tax-exempt cooperatives. A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business owned by a person. A partnership is an unincorporated business association of two or more partners. A tax-exempt cooperative is a nonprofit business organization that is collectively owned by its members. Wage and salary employment refers to employees. Source: BEA REIS 2002 Table CA30
Part One - 12 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Job Growth Compared to the State and the Nation
• Over the last 32 years job Jobs Compared to the State and Nation growth in Dawson County, 250 Montana has been slower than the state and slower than the nation. 200 191 183 Some areas can
• 0=100) experience employment 150 gains even during the 197 recessions. If so, check x
to see how much is due to nde 100 102 (I
migration and population s b
changes. o J 50
0
0 2 4 6 8 0 2 4 6 8 0 2 4 6 8 0 2 -7 -8 -8 -9 -0 n-7 n-7 n-7 n n-7 n-8 n-8 n-8 n n n-9 n-9 n-9 n-9 n n-0 Ju Ju Ju Ju Ju Ju Ju Ju Ju Ju Ju Ju Ju Ju Ju Jun Ju Recession Bars Dawson County, Montana Montana United States
Source: BEA REIS 2002 Table CA30
Part One - 13 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Dawson County, Montana Firms by Industry (SIC)
The advantage of this data source is that it never has disclosure restrictions. This source also releases data for hundreds of sectors (available on demand). The data on this page are from the US Census County Business Patterns, which unlike the REIS data, does NOT include proprietors, government, household services or railroad workers. If available, we encourage you to look at employment and income data from BEA REIS starting on page 26 as well.
Growth County Business Patterns Number of Establishments • The employment category whose share 120.0 of total gained the most Services was services, which went from 24.0% in 100.0 Retail Trade 1977 to 34.9% in 1997. Construction 80.0 Wholesale Trade Decline
The category whose s
m Trans., Comm., &
• r 60.0 share of total shrank
Fi Util. the most was Finance, Ins., & R. manufacturing, which Estate went from 3.7% in 1977 40.0 Mining to 1.0% in 1997.
Manufacturing 20.0 Nonclassifiable
0.0 Agricultural 7 9 1 3 7 9 1 5 7 Services 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 98 985 99 993 19 19 19 1 1 19 19 1 1 19 19 Firms by Industry New Firms Change in Share 1977 Shr of Tot 1987 Shr of Tot 1997 Shr of Tot 77-97 Shr of Tot of Total Total 321 336 312 -9 Agricultural Services 3 0.9% 2 0.6% 2 0.6% -1 11.1% Mining 13 4.0% 12 3.6% 5 1.6% -8 88.9% Construction 42 13.1% 35 10.4% 33 10.6% -9 100.0% Manufacturing 12 3.7% 9 2.7% 3 1.0% -9 100.0% Trans., Comm., & Util. 18 10.6% 25 7.7% 27 9.3% -5 55.6% Wholesale Trade 34 10.6% 26 7.7% 29 9.3% -5 55.6% Retail Trade 92 28.7% 89 26.5% 81 26.0% -11 122.2% Finance, Ins., & R. Estate 29 9.0% 29 8.6% 21 6.7% -8 88.9% Services 77 24.0% 107 31.8% 109 34.9% 32 NA Nonclassifiable 1 0.3% 2 0.6% 2 0.6% 1 NA
-10 0% 10% 20% %
Data ends in 1997 because the CBP switched to a different classification system (NAICS) in 1997.
Source: Census County Business Patterns
Part One - 14 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Dawson County, Montana Firms by Industry in 2001 (NAICS)
Firms by Industry in 2001
Forestry, fishing, hunting, and agriculture support Management of companies & enterprises Educational services Unclassified establishments Utilities Auxiliaries (exc corp., subsid. & reg. mgt) Manufacturing Real estate & rental & leasing Mining Arts, entertainment & recreation Transportation & warehousing Professional, scientific & technical services Admin, support, waste mgt, remed. Serv. Information Finance & insurance Wholesale trade Construction Accommodation & food services Health care and social assistance Other services (except public administration) Retail trade 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 Firms
Firms by size and industry in 2001 Number of Employees per Firm 1000 100- 250- 500- or Total 1-4 5-9 10-19 20-49 50-99 249 499 999 more
Forestry, fishing, hunting, and agriculture su Mining 9 4 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 Utilities 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Construction 26 25 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Manufacturing 6 4 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Wholesale trade 21 1 4 0 5 1 1 0 0 0 0 Retail trade 56 24 20 7 3 2 0 0 0 0 Transportation & warehousing 11 8 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Information 14 7 4 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 Finance & insurance 18 1 2 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 Real estate & rental & leasing 6 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Professional, scientific & technical services 12 9 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Management of companies & enterprises Admin, support, waste mgt, remed. Serv. 13 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Educational services 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Health care and social assistance 30 1 3 10 3 1 1 1 1 0 0 Arts, entertainment & recreation 9 2 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 Accommodation & food services 27 8 7 5 7 0 0 0 0 0 Other services (except public administration 40 27 12 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Auxiliaries (exc corp., subsid. & reg. mgt) 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Unclassified establishments 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 304 176 69 34 18 5 1 1 0 0 Source: Census County Business Patterns
Part One - 15 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Dawson County, Montana Firms by Size
Firms by Size County Business Patterns Number of Establishments Share of total The size category that • 1000 or more grew the most was 5-9 100% employees. employees 500-999 employees
80% 250-499 employees • As a share of total, the size category that 100-249 employees gained the most was 5-9 tal 60% employees. o T f 50-99 employees are o
h 40%
S 20-49 employees • In 2001, 92% of the firms had fewer than 20 10-19 employees employees. 20% 5-9 employees
0% 1-4 employees
5 9 77 79 81 83 8 87 89 91 93 95 97 9 01 9 9 19 1 19 19 19 19 19 19 1 19 19 19 20
Change in Share Change in Firms Share of Total (1991-2001) (1991-2001)
1000 or more 1981 500-999 1991 2001 250-499 m
100-249 s per Fir oyee l 50-99 p m E
of 20-49 er b m u
N 10-19
5-9
1-4
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% -4% -2% 0% 2% 4% -10 -5 0 5 10 15
Source: Census County Business Patterns
Part One - 16 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Dawson County, Montana Employment (SIC)
Data ends in 2000 because the BEA switched to a different classification system (NAICS) in 2001.
Employment History (by SIC) Growth 4.5 Services and • Missing data prevents this Professional ranking 4.0
3.5 Government and government 3.0 enterprises obs J Mining
of 2.5 s
and 2.0 s Decline Manufacturing Missing data prevents this 1.5 • Thou ranking 1.0 Farm and 0.5 Agricultural Services
0.0 Construction 0 2 4 6 8 0 2 4 6 0 2 4 6 8 0 7 7 7 8 88 9 9 0 97 97 98 98 98 9 99 99 99 19 1 19 1 19 1 19 1 1 1 1 19 1 19 1 20
Employment by Industry Changes from 1970 to 2000
% of New % of % of Employm Change in 1970 Total 2000 Total New Employment ent Share Total Employment 5,317 5 ,660 343 Wage and Salary Employment 3,991 75.1% 4,300 76.0% 309 90.1% Proprietors' Employment 1,326 24.9% 1,360 24.0% 34 9.9% Farm and Agricultural Services 879 16.5% #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Farm 813 15.3% 605 10.7% -208 NA Ag. Services 66 1.2% #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Mining 280 5.3% 150 2.7% -130 NA Manufacturing (incl. forest products) 116 2.2% 66 1.2% -50 NA Services and Professional 3,087 58.1% 3,640 64.3% 553 161.2% Transportation & Public Utilities 855 16.1% 596 10.5% -259 NA Wholesale Trade 142 2.7% 185 3.3% 43 12.5% Retail Trade 867 16.3% 947 16.7% 80 23.3% Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 284 5.3% 284 5.0% 0 0.0% Services (Health, Legal, Business, Others) 939 17.7% 1,628 28.8% 689 200.9% Construction 316 5.9% #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Government 639 12.0% 955 16.9% 316 92.1%
-300.0 700.0 -6% 20%
Agricultural Services include soil preparation services, crop services, etc. It also includes forestry services, such as reforestation services, and fishing, hunting and trapping. Manufacturing includes paper, lumber and wood products manufacturing. Source: BEA REIS 2002 CD Table CA25
Part One - 17 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Dawson County, Montana Employment (NAICS) Growth Decline • Missing data prevents this ranking • Missing data prevents this ranking.
Employment by Industry (Naics) Changes from 2001 to 2002 Share of Total
Change in Share of Total (2002 - Category 2001 2002 2002 Share of Total New Jobs 2001)
Total employment 5, 419.0 5,411.0 100% (8.0) Wage and salary employment 4,105.0 4,051.0 75% (54.0) Proprietors employment 1, 314.0 1,360.0 25% 46.0 Farm proprietors employment 463.0 472.0 9% 9.0 Nonfarm proprietors employment 851.0 888.0 16% 37.0 Farm employment 589.0 602.0 11% 13.0 Nonfarm employment 4,830.0 4,809.0 89% (21.0) Private employment 3,866.0 3,906.0 72% 40.0
9% 100% -60.0 50.0 -0.9% 0.9%
Forestry, fishing, related activities, and oth. #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Mining #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Utilities #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Construction 164.0 191.0 4% 27.0 Manufacturing 54.0 56.0 1% 2.0 Wholesale trade 182.0 212.0 4% 30.0 Retail Trade 675.0 639.0 12% (36.0) Transportation and warehousing #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Information 138.0 121.0 2% (17.0) Finance and insurance 197.0 198.0 4% 1.0 Real estate and rental and leasing 94.0 110.0 2% 16.0 Professional and technical services #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Management of companies and enterprises #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Administrative and waste services 138.0 146.0 3% 8.0 Educational services 5.0 5.0 0% - Health care and social assistance 619.0 627.0 12% 8.0 Arts, entertainment, and recreation #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Accommodation and food services 418.0 424.0 8% 6.0 Other services, except public administration 297.0 303.0 6% 6.0 Government and government enterprises 964.0 903.0 17% (61.0) Federal, civilian 39.0 40.0 1% 1.0 Military 47.0 43.0 1% (4.0) State and local 878.0 820.0 15% (58.0) State government 258.0 230.0 4% (28.0) Local government 620.0 590.0 11% (30.0)
0% 20% -70.0 30.0 -2.0% 0.6%
Source: BEA REIS 2002 CD Table CA25N
Part One - 18 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Dawson County, Montana Unemployment Trends
Annual Average Unemployment Rate Compared to the State and the Nation
Unemployment Rate 8
7
6
5 • In 2003, the unemployment rate was 2.4%, compared to 4
4.7% in the state and Percent 6.0% in the nation. 3
2
1
0
88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20
Dawson County, MT Montana United States
A substantial part of county employment is centered in the only incorporated city in the county. Glendive, as the county seat, is the government and education hub, as well as the primary provider of social and retail services. Although detailed economic data for the labor force and employment is not available at the city level for current years, the census provides employment estimates based on a sample survey. The tables below show the Glendive labor force employment characteristics in 2000. About 26% of the workers are employed in education, health, and social services, and retail trade and other services account for 22%. The service industries support over 14% of the workers.
Part One - 19 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Glendive city, Montana Employment by Industry (NAICS*) - SF3
Top 10 (of the Top Level Categories) Both Sexes M/F Number % Split 1) Educational, health and social services: 591 26% 23%/77% 2) Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services: 300 13% 52%/48% 3) Transportation and warehousing, and utilities: 281 12% 89%/11% 4) Retail trade 244 11% 47%/53% 5) Other services (except public administration) 164 7% 43%/57% 6) Public administration 141 6% 28%/72% 7) Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining: 134 6% 89%/11% 8) Profess., scientific, management, admin., and waste management services: 104 5% 62%/38% 9) Construction 93 4% 100%/0% 10) Finance, insurance, real estate and rental and leasing: 83 4% 45%/55% Total of Top 10 2,135 95% Universe: Employed civilian population 16 years and over
Glendive city, Montana Employment by Occupation (SOC*) - SF3
Top 10 (of the Second Tier Categories) Both Sexes M/F Number % Split 1) Professional and related occupations: 445 20% 40%/60% 2) Office and administrative support occupations 287 13% 25%/75% 3) Management, business, and financial operations occupations: 250 11% 55%/45% 4) Sales and related occupations 244 11% 50%/50% 5) Food preparation and serving related occupations 179 8% 53%/47% 6) Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations 169 8% 91%/9% 7) Transportation and material moving occupations: 164 7% 89%/11% 8) Construction and extraction occupations: 133 6% 100%/0% 9) Personal care and service occupations 101 4% 5%/95% 10) Healthcare support occupations 98 4% 6%/94% Total of Top 10 2,070 92% Universe: Employed civilian population 16 years and over
Income
Typical of rural agricultural areas, per capita income for Dawson County is less than the statewide average. For the period from 1998 through 2003, per capita income ranged from $1,130 less for Dawson County in 1999 to $2,816 lower in 2003 compared to the State of Montana. This is a continuation of a long established trend and will probably not change in the foreseeable future since higher income jobs typically associated with urban and suburban lifestyles are not likely to increase in Dawson County or Glendive. The County and Glendive have both increased in per capita income, but have not closed the gap significantly compared to
Part One - 20 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
the State average in recent years. The recent trend is shown in the following table and the long term trend in total personal income is shown in a chart which also shows the relative importance of proprietors’ income versus wage and salary disbursements.
PER CAPITA PERSONAL INCOME 1998-2003 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Montana $21,225 $21,621 $22,961 $24,672 $24,557 $25,406
Dawson County $19,923 $20,491 $20,513 $21,823 $21,814 $22,590 Source: Regional Economic Information System, Bureau of Economic Analysis, May 2003
Dawson County, Montana Personal Income
Long term trend From 1970 to 2002, personal Total Personal Income • 350.0
income added $11 million in real $) terms. 300.0 2002 250.0
The annualized growth rate was of
• s 0.2%. 200.0 150.0 100.0
me (Million 50.0 o c n
I 0.0
0 4 6 0 2 6 8 0 2 4 6 8 0 2 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 0 972 978 984 99 99 00 19 1 19 19 1 19 19 1 19 19 1 19 19 1 19 20 2 Importance of Proprietors
200.0 In the last 32 years, wage and 180.0 • 2 $) salary disbursements grew at an 160.0
annual rate of -0.1%, outpacing 200
f 140.0
proprietors' income which shrank o 120.0 at a 3.9% rate. ns 100.0
illio 80.0 M 60.0
me ( 40.0 o 20.0 Inc 0.0
0 2 4 6 8 0 2 4 6 8 0 2 4 6 8 0 2 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 0 97 97 98 99 99 00 19 1 19 19 1 19 19 1 19 19 1 19 19 1 19 20 2
Wage and salary disbursements Proprietors' income
Agricultural income is an important component of the total economy in Dawson County. The following charts show that since 1970, Dawson County farm income has declined steadily. Net
Part One - 21 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
farm income reached its lowest level in 1986 when figures showed a significant net loss for the county. The farming community has maintained an overall net positive farm income since that time.
Part One - 22 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Farm income figures presented on this page reflect income from farming enterprises (income of the business). The term “farm” includes farming and ranching, but not agricultural services such as soil preparation services and veterinary services. In contrast, farm income figure presented in the next section reflect personal income earned by individuals (income of individuals, both proprietors and wage and salary employees) who work in farming and ranching.
Farm income of businesses differs from individual farm income because it also includes government payments, rent, the value of inventory change and production expenses. In some areas, net farm income can be negative when production expenses exceed gross income. Gross Income, Expenses, and Net Income from Farming and Ranching % of % of % of 70-02 Gross Gross Gross Change in All figures in thousands of 2002 dollars 1970 Income 1992 Income 2002 Income Share Gross Income (Cash + Other) 77, 130 5 9,621 4 6,629 Cash Receipts from Marketings 61, 273 79% 4 9,128 82% 34,379 73.7% -6% Livestock & Products 26, 647 35% 1 7,912 30% 16,320 35.0% 0% Crops 3 4,626 45% 3 1,216 52% 18,059 38.7% -6% Other Income 15, 857 21% 1 0,493 18% 12,250 26.3% 6% Government Payments 1 4,183 18% 8,542 14% 6,000 12.9% -6% Imputed Rent & Rent Received 1,674 2% 1,950 3% 6,250 13.4% 11% Production Expenses 51, 503 4 2,222 4 3,101 Realized Net Income (Income - Expenses) 25, 626 1 7,399 3,528 Value of Inventory Change 853 1% (1,899) -3% 172 0.4% -1% Total Net Income (Inc. corporate farms) 2 6,480 1 5,500 3,700
Gross Income vs. Production Expenses Net Farm Income
Gross Income vs. Production Expenses Net Farm Income 140.0 80.0 70.0 120.0 60.0
$ 100.0 50.0 02 $ 002 80.0 40.0 2 20 s s d d 30.0 n n a 60.0 a s s
u 20.0 u o o h h T
40.0 T 10.0 - 20.0 (10.0) - (20.0)
0 7 8 4 7 73 76 79 82 85 88 91 94 9 00 70 73 76 79 82 85 8 91 9 97 00 9 9 9 9 0 19 19 1 19 1 19 1 19 19 19 20 19 19 19 1 19 19 19 19 19 19 2 Gross income Production expenses
Source: BEA REIS 2002 CD Table CA45
The impact of various industries on the local economy is evident in the following charts showing income trends from 1970 to 2002. Sectors that have experienced some increase in income
Part One - 23 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
include the services and professional industries, government and income derived from non- labor sources. Health care and social assistance, wholesale trade and construction experienced the greatest increase from 2001 to 2002. The following charts summarize Dawson County personal income by type of industry.
Part One - 24 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Dawson County, Montana Personal Income (SIC)
Data ends in 2000 because the BEA switched to a different classification system (NAICS) in 2001.
Services and Growth Income (by SIC) Professional • Missing data prevents this 140.0 ranking Non-Labor 120.0 Sources (investments, retirement, etc.) 100.0 Government $ 2
0 80.0
0 Mining 2 of Decline s 60.0 nd
Missing data prevents this a • s Manufacturing ranking ou 40.0 (incl. forest h
T products)
20.0 Farm and Ag. Services 0.0
0 3 6 9 2 5 7 0 Construction 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 0 988 991 994 -20.190 19 19 19 19 19 1 1 1 19 20
New Income by Type
% of % of % of New Change in All figures in millions of 2000 dollars 1970 Total 2000 Total New Income 1970 to 2000 Income Share Total Personal Income* 184 193 9 Farm and Agricultural Services 30 16.3% #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Farm 29 15.8% 6 3.1% -23 NA Ag. Services 1.0 0.5% #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Mining 11.8 6.4% 6.7 3.5% -5 NA Manufacturing (incl. forest products) 3 1.8% 2 0.8% -2 NA Services and Professional 80 43.5% 86 44.7% 6 68% Transportation & Public Utilities 41 22.0% 38 19.4% -3 NA Wholesale Trade 5 2.6% 4 2.3% 0 NA Retail Trade 16 8.5% 13 6.9% -2 NA Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 4 2.2% 6 2.9% 1 16% Services (Health, Legal, Business, Oth.) 15 8.2% 26 13.2% 10 117% Construction 11 6.1% #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Government 17 9.1% 30 15.3% 13 144% Non-Labor Income 42 22.6% 79 41.0% 38 420% Dividends, Interest & Rent 25 13.7% 41 21.1% 16 173% Transfer Payments 16 8.8% 38 19.9% 22 247%
-30.0 40.0 -20% 20%
*The sum of the above categories do not add to total due to adjustments made for place of residence and personal contributions for social insurance made by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Source: BEA REIS 2002 CD Table CA05
Part One - 25 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Income by Industry (Naics) Changes from 2001 to 2002 Share of Total
Change in Share of Total (2002 - Category 2001 2002 2002 Share of Total New Income 2001)
Personal income 195.6 195.1 100% (0.5) Wage and salary disbursements 98.0 99.4 51% 1.4 Proprietors' income 13.9 10.9 6% (3.0) Farm proprietors' income 5.9 2.4 1% (3.5) Nonfarm proprietors' income 8.0 8.4 4% 0.5 Farm earnings 8.6 5.1 3% (3.5) Nonfarm earnings 128.1 130.6 67% 2.5 Private earnings 98.0 100.9 52% 2.9
2% 100% -4.0 3.0 -2.0% 2.0%
Forestry, fishing, related act., and oth. #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Mining #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Utilities #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Construction 2.8 3.3 2% 0.5 Manufacturing 1.7 1.6 1% (0.0) Wholesale trade 4.1 5.1 3% 1.0 Retail Trade 11.7 11.8 6% 0.2 Transportation and warehousing #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Information 4 .4 3.9 2% (0.5) Finance and insurance 4 .8 4.7 2% (0.1) Real estate and rental and leasing 1 .2 1.2 1% 0.0 Professional and technical services #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Management of companies & enterp. #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Administrative and waste services 1.3 1.4 1% 0.1 Educational services 0.1 0.1 0% 0.0 Health care and social assistance 15.1 16.6 9% 1.5 Arts, entertainment, and recreation #N/A #N/A #N/A #N/A Accommodation and food services 3.6 3.8 2% 0.2 Other services, except public admin. 4 .1 4.3 2% 0.2 Government and government enterp. 30.0 29.6 15% (0.4) Federal, civilian 2 .1 2.1 1% 0.1 Military 0 .8 0.7 0% (0.1) State and local 27.2 26.8 14% (0.4) State government 8.8 8.3 4% (0.4) Local government 18.4 18.4 9% 0.0
0% 20% -0.5 2.0 -0.3% 0.8%
Source: BEA REIS 2002 CD Table CA05N
Part One - 26 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
HOUSING
General
Housing data is invaluable in considering programs for present and future community improvements. The information is important not only because it allows us to form a detailed picture of the physical aspects of the existing residential community, but because it permits us to arrive at conclusions regarding housing needs, trends, and infrastructure demands for the future. Although it is true that personal living environments change periodically in response to dynamic social and economic forces, it is a fact that the basic need of man for protection from the environment remains constant. Therefore, the provision of housing facilities for increases or changes in population should be a daily concern for government officials and others working in the public sector. Changes in housing demand, which may occur with respect to housing type, cost and geographic distribution, should be analyzed on a periodic basis, so that housing programs and public utility services which cater to existing and future demand can be designed and effectively administered.
The following section includes a description of housing characteristics and trends in Dawson County and Glendive. Observations are made concerning the type, distribution, cost and quantity of housing units. Results indicative of present demand are also discussed.
Number of Housing Units
The U.S. Census provides recent detailed housing data indicating the number and type of units within Dawson County and Glendive, for the year 2000. The data can be used to compare housing counts performed during the decennial census for previous census years, and can be a good indicator of community stability and economic health for the period. Census tables are included in the following discussion and more detailed information is included in the appendix. Additional historical information on housing and population is contained in planning documents previously adopted by Dawson County and Glendive. Refer to the 1980 Dawson County Comprehensive Plan and the 1971 Glendive Comprehensive Plan to review older census information relating to housing characteristics.
Part One - 27 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
The year 2000 housing count for Dawson County showed a downward trend in the number of housing units since the 1990 Census. The number of housing units decreased from 4,487 in 1990 to 4,168 in 2000, which corresponds to a similar change in population. The total number of housing units in Glendive during the last decade declined by 187 units which accounts for over 58% of the total housing change in the county. The housing summary table shows that the number of occupied housing units in the county was 3,691 in 1990 and 3,625 in 2000, a decrease of 66 occupied units. The number of vacant housing units actually decreased by 253 units over the decade and represented about 13% of the housing stock in 2000. The data shows that, although there was an overall decline in the housing stock in the county and in Glendive between census years, most of the units lost were vacant in 1990. This suggests that the part of the housing community that was removed from the inventory was probably in substandard condition and had either been demolished or considered to be unsuitable for future use. The homeowner and rental vacancy rates in 2000 were very diverse for Glendive, ranging from 2.7% vacant homeowner units to 12.0% vacant rental units. These vacancy rates are near the same level as the overall average for Dawson County which is 3.6% for home owner units and 12.5% for rental units for the 2000 Census. The following table is a summary of the housing counts, occupancy status and tenure for Glendive and Dawson County in 1990 and 2000.
GLENDIVE AND DAWSON COUNTY HOUSING SUMMARY 1990 AND 2000 CENSUS
Dawson County Dawson County Glendive Glendive
1990 2000 1990 2000
TOTAL HOUSING UNITS 4,487 4,168 2,391 2,204 OCCUPIED 3,691 3,625 2,000 1,983 VACANT(1) 796 543 391 221 OWNER OCCUPIED 2,685 (72.7%) 2,684 (74.0%) 1,306 (65.3%) 1,307 (65.9%) HOUSEHOLD SIZE 2.66 2.48 2.53 2.38 RENTER OCCUPIED 1,006(27.3%) 941 (26.0%) 694 (34.7%) 676 (34.1%) HOUSEHOLD SIZE 2.19 2.05 1.96 1.93 (1) Includes seasonal, recreational and occasional use.
Part One - 28 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
The census data for Dawson County, Glendive and Richey further divides the existing housing according to categories shown in the tables below. In addition to occupancy status and tenure as summarized above, housing is identified according to type of structure. The data is tabulated to show single family, multiple family and mobile home units. Multi-family units are separated into several categories by the census, but are grouped together here in the summary table. By census definition, multi-family housing includes apartments, condominiums, or houses with more than one occupied unit (or if vacant and intended for occupancy) that is used for separate living quarters.
The figures shown in the tables that follow illustrate a continued emphasis on single family housing to provide for the population of Dawson County. These tables show Census data from a 100% sample in 1990 and figures developed from a sample of the total population in 2000. The use of sample data has resulted in a slight discrepancy in the total number shown for the 2000 Census in Glendive. The 100% sample shown above has 2,204 total units compared to 2,184 in the table using sample information. The data is only slightly skewed for the year 2000 because of the sample size, and it can be used with confidence to show that the percentage of single family units, multiple family units and mobile homes has experienced some change. There has been a minor shift in housing toward more dependence on single family conventional construction. The information shown also indicates a trend for a continued dependence on all three types of housing to satisfy the needs of the housing market.
DAWSON COUNTY HOUSING TYPE DISTRIBUTION
DAWSON COUNTY
TYPE OF STRUCTURE 1990 CENSUS 2000 CENSUS(1)
SINGLE FAMILY 3,295 (73.4%) 3,214 (77.1%)
MULTI-FAMILY 592 (13.2%) 421 (10.1%)
MOBILE HOME & OTHER 600 (13.4%) 533 (12.8%)
TOTAL 4,487 (100%) 4,168 (100%) (1) Based on a sample
Part One - 29 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
CENSUS DESIGNATED PLACE (CDP) HOUSING TYPE DISTRIBUTION 2000 CENSUS (1)
WEST TYPE OF GLENDIVE RICHEY GLENDIVE STRUCTURE CDP Single Family 1,714 (78.5%) 120 (85.1%) 539 (69.6%) Multi-Family 364 (16.7%) 13 (9.2%) 44 (5.7%) Mobile Home & 106 (4.8%) 8 (5.7%) 191 (24.7%) Other TOTAL 2,184 141 774 (1) Based on a sample
The analysis of housing distribution by type of dwelling indicates several facts that have also been found to be true in other communities in the State in recent surveys. First, it is obvious that single-family dwellings have remained a constant part of the overall market in the county and are still by far the most important form of residential use since over 75% of the total falls into this classification. Second, the mobile home industry is still considered a viable housing alternative since it represents nearly 13% of the market county wide and over 24% in the population center of the West Glendive CDP. Although the prices for mobile homes have increased steadily along with inflation, they have not kept pace with the construction and labor price increases in the housing industry. Consequently, the price gap results in a tendency for serious consideration of mobile homes for affordable housing. Third, multi-family living may not appeal to all those in the market for housing and it is not a typical solution to housing needs in rural areas, but it does nevertheless, represent about 17% of the market in Glendive. There is a high potential for increased demand for this type of housing in the urban environment in an effort to increase the supply of affordable housing units.
Home construction during the past decade continued to decline as shown in the bar graph of census data for Glendive dating back to the beginning of record keeping in 1940. There has been a significant drop off in housing starts in the city since 1990.
Part One - 30 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Glendive city, Montana Housing - SF1
Home Construction by Decade Home Construction
• The largest number of Built 1939 or earlier 575 houses w ere built 1939 or earlier. Built 1940 to 1949 171
Built 1950 to 1959 497
Built 1960 to 1969 205
* Note: This ranking is Built 1970 to 1979 287 based on time periods of different lengths. The Built 1980 to 1989 212 most recent time period spans 10 years and 3 Built 1990 to March 2000 * 19 months. 0100 200 300 400 500 600 700 Occupied Housing Units
Universe: Occupied housing units SF3 - H36
The ability of the average family to afford housing has declined slightly since 1990 according to census figures that show that about 12% of the median income was required to buy a median value house in 2000 compared to 11% in 1990. Rental units in 1999 for Glendive required about 21% of household income. The data shows that the median family is able to afford the median value house in Dawson County and Glendive.
Part One - 31 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Dawson County, Montana Income Distribution & Housing (From EPSC) Housing Affordability - Owner Occupied
• The housing affordability Owner Occupied Housing Affordability 1990 2000 index is 217, which suggests that the median Specified owner-occupied housing units: Median value (Adjusted for $ 49, 539 $ 6 2,700 family can afford the median house. * % of median income necessary to buy the median house 11% 12% Income required to qualify for the median house $ 16, 708 $ 1 7,717 • Housing affordability has Housing Affordability Index: (100 or above means that the median become less affordable in family can afford the median house.)* 22 4 2 17 the last decade, from 224 Universe: Specified owner-occupied housing units SF3 - H76 in 1990 to 217 in 2000.
Income in: 1989 1999 Per capita income $ 15, 368 Median household income (Adj. for Inflation in 2000 $) $ 30, 848 $ 3 1,393 Median family income (Adj.for Inflation in 2000 $) $ 37, 373 $ 3 8,455 Universe: Total population, Households, Families SF3 - P82,P53,P77
* Note: The housing affordability figures assume a 20% down payment and that no more than 25% of a family's income goes to paying the mortgage. It is based on an interest rate of 10.01% in 1990 and 8.03% in 2000. Use this statistic as a comparative, rather than absolute, measure.
Source: Census 2000 and Census 1990
Part One - 32 Glendive Housing Rental Affordability Median gross rent $ 33 5 Dawson County /Glendive Affordability - Growth Policy Median gross rent as a percentage of household income in 1999 21% • 21% of the median Universe: Specified renter-occupied housing units paying cash rent SF3 - H63 household income w as paid in gross rent (incl. utilities). Households by Percent of Household Income Paid to Rent
50 percent or more • 15% of the households that pay 40 to 49 percent rent, spend more than 50% of their 35 to 39 percent
household income in e gross rent (incl. 30 to 34 percent om utilities).
nc 25 to 29 percent I f
o 20 to 24 percent % 15 to 19 percent
10 to 14 percent
Less than 10 percent
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 Households Universe: Specified renter-occupied housing units SF3 - H69 Glendive Housing Owner Occupied Housing 2000 Affordability - Affordability Owner Occupied Specified ow ner-occupied housing units: Median value (Adjusted for Infla $ 61 ,500 • The housing % of median income necessary to buy the median house 11% affordability index is Income required to qualify for the median house $ 17 ,378 232, w hich suggests Housing Affordability Index: (100 or above means that that the median family the median family can afford the median house.)* 23 2 can afford the median house. * Universe: Specified ow ner-occupied housing units SF3 - H76
Income in: 1999 Per capita income $ 15 ,544 Median household income $ 30 ,943 Median f amily inc ome $ 4 0,313 Universe: Total population, Households, Families SF3 - P82,P53,P77
Part One - 33 * Note: The housing affordability figures assume a 20% dow n payment and that no more than 25% of a family's income goes to paying the mortgage. It is based on an interest rate of 10 01% in 1990 and 8 03% in 2000 Use this statistic as a comparative Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
LAND USE
Land use information provides insight into the character of the planning area in terms of predominant types of land use, distribution throughout the county, and density. Evaluation of the relationship of different types of land use to the physical features of the county, both natural and man-made, is an important reference to be used by local planning officials when assessing possible impacts from new development proposals, and when considering plans for preferred policies. The location and extent of existing public land, agricultural land, residential uses, and commercial or industrial areas has a profound effect on how future development will occur. Consideration of existing physical features, environmental constraints and marketing opportunities in conjunction with infrastructure demands helps to determine the suitability of a site for a particular type of development. The future community services and facilities, must in some measure, reflect the continuation and improvements of existing developments. The information presented in this section provides a general overview of the existing status of land development in Dawson County and Glendive as well as important ownerships that will continue to affect future land use decisions.
The mapping system used for the Dawson County – Glendive Growth Policy is based on GIS (Geographic Information System) maps prepared using the Arc view 8.3 format. This format is compatible with the state GIS data base maintained by the Montana State Library for the Montana Natural Resource Information System (NRIS). Data for land use, ownership, agriculture and natural resources was prepared using the NRIS data base and other sources as noted. The public facilities information for the City of Glendive showing sewer, water and public recreation in Part One was developed using AutoCAD format mapping files compiled by the Glendive Public Works Department.
Ownership and Land Use Data
Dawson County Dawson County encompasses approximately 2,381 square miles and includes topography ranging from the grasslands of the agricultural area and river valley of the Yellowstone River, to the badlands characterized by conditions preserved in Makoshika State Park. Much of The rolling hills and benches of the county are developed for dry land crops throughout the central
Part One - 34 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
and northern parts of the county, while the peripheral areas in the vicinity of rugged dry land terrain are primarily managed for grazing and livestock production. Urban-oriented use of the land outside of Glendive and Richey is limited to small pockets of older settlements along the main transportation routes including the communities of Lindsay and Intake.
Public Ownership: The largest public land owner in Dawson County is the State of Montana. State Trust land is spread out fairly uniformly throughout the county and totals over 138 square miles accounting for 5.8% of the county area. Makoshika State Park is managed by the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and adds 17.9 square miles to the state total. Other public land holders include the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation. The distribution of public land is shown in Figure 5 which also shows private land developed for agricultural purposes.
Private land is scattered throughout the planning area and accounts for almost 90% of the land area. Most of this land is in open agricultural parcels. Ownership is summarized in the following tables.
DAWSON COUNTY LAND OWNERSHIP
Owner Acres Sq. Miles % of Total
Private 1,354,266 2,116.0 88.9% State Trust Land 88,463 138.2 5.8% Bureau of Land Management 61,600 96.2 4.0% Other State Land 11,448 17.9 0.8% Water 5,574 8.7 0.4% Other Federal 2,018 3.2 0.1% Local Government 25 0.0 0.0% Grand Total 1,523,394 2,380.3
Agricultural Land: Data for the Dawson County planning area is available from the Montana Cadastral Mapping Project and the State Department of Revenue for parcel ownership and use (CAMA files). It contains information showing the location and size of parcels for several categories of agricultural land. The general distribution of privately owned agricultural land is shown on the Existing Land Use Maps. Agriculture still maintains a prominent position in the economy of the county, and the identification of important farm and
Part One - 35 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
ranch land will aid in the development of future plans that recognize this fact. The agricultural uses illustrated on the existing land use map provide a general reference for agricultural land distribution. As shown in the following table, Grazing land is the largest agricultural land class with well over 900,000 acres or 67.8% of the total on private land. Only 1.3% of the private agricultural parcels have over half of the parcel in irrigation while more than 30% are classified as predominantly crop land managed using dry land methods. More detailed data for individual parcels is available through the Natural Resource Information System (NRIS) including information on average production, soils and land capability. This data can be referenced for background information on specific development proposals in the county as needed.
DAWSON COUNTY PREDOMINANT AGRICULTURAL LAND USE CLASSIFICATION ON PRIVATE LANDS
Agricultural Use Type Acres Percent of Total Area Grazing 938,987 67.8% FallowCrop 422,674 30.5% Irrigated 18,633 1.3% NonQualAg 5,012 0.4% WildHay 329 <0.1%
Glendive and Richey The developed area of Dawson County is centered at the southeast end of the planning area around Glendive which is the county seat, and one of only two incorporated places within the county. The Town of Richey is an incorporated community serving the northern agricultural area. Richey and Glendive were included in the 1981 county wide plan and, as previously mentioned, Glendive planning history also includes a Comprehensive Plan that was prepared in 1971 for the city and the surrounding area. Land use patterns were inventoried and mapped for the developed areas for these plans as part of the overall planning effort. However, because of changes that have occurred over the years, and in order the take advantage of advancements in mapping technology, maps showing current land use information for the Glendive area have been developed using parcel data available from the Montana Department of Revenue. This data allows for development of an updated land use map based on broad classifications used for tax purposes, and provides a reliable format that can be used to update land use information in the future to evaluate trends. A map has also been prepared showing land classifications in the Town of Richey.
Part One - 36 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
In order to effectively display land use information in this report, two separate maps showing the north and south sections of the Glendive area were developed. The north and south sections are displayed independently on maps at a scale suitable for showing land use information, important features and spatial data within the Glendive area. These maps are numbered Figures 6a and 6b and are included with the map series at the end of the land use analysis. The Existing Land Use Maps of the Glendive area show the City Limits, West Glendive and the surrounding area.
Residential Development
Residential land use in the rural area of Dawson County is primarily related to farm and ranch activities and is widely distributed on private land across the county to accommodate the needs of family agricultural operations. Some small concentrations of residential use occur in the unincorporated communities along the main transportation routes that connect to eastern Montana urban centers. Lindsay and Intake are prominent examples of this type of residential community that typically offer little to nothing in the way of supporting retail or public services.
Residential development in the Glendive area follows very close to the same general pattern of residential use that was evident at the time of preparation of the county wide plan in 1980 and still closely resembles conditions recorded in 1971 (Refer to the Dawson County Comprehensive Plan and the Glendive Comprehensive Plan for a description of the residential conditions). Some expansion of residential use has occurred, however the lack of demand because of economic conditions that triggered a loss of population in the 80’s has resulted in minimal changes in the residential community. Some residential lots in the peripheral areas have been developed since then, and there has been some infill on vacant lots in the city as would be expected. As shown in the census statistics for housing, much of the loss in the housing supply occurred within the city with most of the loss apparently relating to removal of vacant units from the housing stock. Glendive has continued to provide for most of the multiple family needs in the central part of the city while maintaining the preference for one and two family units in residential neighborhoods through enforcement of the local zoning ordinance. Mobile homes are somewhat scattered in Glendive and are relatively few in number, while there is proportionately a much higher use of this type of housing in the West Glendive area. The Glendive Existing Land Use Map shows the pattern of residential development based on current
Part One - 37 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Department of Revenue data, and also shows the distribution of parcels considered vacant or open. This shows that there is a potential for a significant amount of residential infill on vacant lots in residential areas covered on the map.
The long term trend of insignificant subdivision activity and low demand for more residential land is not anticipated to change within the planning period unless there is a sudden increase in population as a result of increased mineral or natural gas recovery operations in the area. If a major energy resource project site is located within the county or even in neighboring counties, the need for well planned residential expansion must be addressed through a plan update which would address potential impacts and preferences for new residential developments. Access to the existing transportation system and effect on agricultural operations and production are two important issues that must be carefully considered before approving future development proposals in the county. Ground water, flood plain and land use compatibility issues are also critical considerations for future subdivisions in the planning area as well as effects on existing municipal services within Glendive and Richey for proposed municipal residential expansion.
Commercial Development Pattern
Commercial development within the Dawson County planning area is primarily located in the city of Glendive. There are also some commercial establishments within the Town of Richey that cater to the basic convenience needs of the community. Restaurants, bars, service stations and small specialty and repair shops generally represent the extent of commercial development in the rural communities of the county.
Commercial development in Glendive has historically been concentrated in the business center along Merrill Avenue and northwest up to Douglas Street and River Avenue. The West Glendive area and land in the vicinity of the interstate interchanges have also become important commercial districts and account for a large part of commercial land development within and adjacent to the city limits. The location of support services for the agricultural industry and other land intensive uses such as car lots and shopping malls near the major transportation routes is a reflection of the nation wide trend in progression of these types of commercial services toward the extremities of the community. The business district downtown has experienced a significant decline in the last 20 years as a result of the shift in demand for commercial land and the population losses that have occurred. The vacant store fronts in the downtown area are
Part One - 38 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
testament to the fact that new commercial development is moving outward and that there is an opportunity for improvement and expansion of commercial activities in the downtown area. The commercial areas shown on the Existing Land Use Map illustrate that existing commercial areas are already fairly well situated to efficiently provide for the needs of the community.
To some degree, the business and retail services offered in Glendive must compete favorably with neighboring communities. The trend in Dawson County for dependence on retail services available not only in Glendive, but also in the neighboring cities of Sidney and Miles City is expected to continue.
Industrial Use
Industrial uses are related to agricultural, natural gas and oil processing activities primarily located along the railroad and main highway transportation routes through Glendive. The Burlington Northern Railroad corridor in the Glendive area provides ample space for the location of light industrial uses including grain processing, shipping facilities, and a variety of other uses. See the existing land use map for the Glendive area for the location of industrial activity.
Public or Government Use
This land use category includes Government Buildings and Facilities, Schools, Churches, Hospital, Nursing Homes, Library and Fraternal or similar organizations.
The primary Dawson County and City of Glendive public and government uses are centered in Glendive at the county courthouse and city hall and there are several rural community centers in the county that support local public uses serving the basic fire safety and child education needs. The Town of Richey provides facilities to house its own local government administrative activities and volunteer fire fighting equipment for the rural fire district. A meeting space for community groups is typically either included in the local fire hall or the local school is used for that purpose. The high schools, elementary level schools, parkland, churches and other public or semi-public uses are located on the existing land use maps. Dawson Community College, which is also located on the map, is shown at the south end of Glendive.
Part One - 39 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Public facilities in Dawson County that are located outside of the Glendive area are primarily recreational uses managed by state and federal government agencies and county facilities used by the county road department. The State Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks provides developed fishing access sites for public use on the Yellowstone River and manages Makoshika State Park southeast of the city. Important public uses are identified on the Existing Land Use maps at the end of the land use section.
Part One - 40 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 5 Dawson County existing land use and public ownership
Part One - 41 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 6a Glendive existing land use
Part One - 42 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 6b Glendive existing land use
Part One - 43 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 7 Town of Richey Existing Land Use.
Part One - 44 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Water Systems
Public water systems providing for potable water and fire protection needs have been developed to serve residents in the City of Glendive, West Glendive area and the Town of Richey. Except for small systems that have been constructed to serve campgrounds and trailer courts, water supply in the rural areas of the county and in each of the small unincorporated communities is provided for by individual groundwater wells.
The following summary of major community water systems in Dawson County provides basic descriptive information on the water systems currently in use in the Glendive area and the Town of Richey. Facility plans developed for each area were referenced for a description of existing systems and recommendations for future improvements. The data is based on applicable materials from the 1980 Dawson County Comprehensive Plan, excerpts from water studies prepared by HKM in 1983 and Morrison Maierle Inc. in 1998, and water system mapping compiled by the City of Glendive Public Works Department. A map of the coverage area of the central water systems in the Glendive area is shown in Figure 8 at the end of this section. Scale limitations for presentation in this report prevent showing all available detail. More detail is available at the city office.
City of Glendive Water is taken from the Yellowstone River through the new intake system put on line April, 2000. The new structure consists of four submersible pumps, 1750 GPM each, with a fifth available tube for expansion. This phase of construction provided 7.5 MGD capacity with overall design capacity of 14.4 MGD. The water is pumped to the Pre-sedimentation Basins during the summer high turbidity months, for initial settling of solids prior to entry into the plant. Capacity of the five settling basins is approximately 1 million gallons. During the winter when turbidity ranges are low, the water is pumped directly to the solids contact unit.
Water from the Pre-sedimentation Basins is pumped by the intermediate pumps, of which there are three, with capacities of one @ 1000 GPM and two at 1500 GPM, to the solid contact unit for the addition of polymers, alum, and lime for softening. From the solids contact unit it flows to
Part One - 45 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
the re-carbonation basin for liquid carbon dioxide addition to adjust PH before flowing to the filters.
The three filters were upgraded with new media and surface wash capability to a capacity of 7.4 MGD during the 1991 plant improvements. All three filters are monitored by constant monitoring turbidity meters, and a filter to waste system is incorporated to discharge filtered water in excess of .5 mg/l turbidity. From the filters, water flows to the existing clear well under the filter building and to the new clear well addition adjacent to the existing clear well. Total capacity of both facilities was expanded in 2000 to 283,000 gallons. Chlorine is added for disinfection prior to the filtered water entering the clear well. Chlorination equipment was upgraded in 2001 to provide adequate disinfection and backup capability. From the clear well the high service pumps deliver water to the system or to storage. There are four vertical turbine high service pumps, three with 1400 GPM rating and one at 1000 GPM. One of these 1400 GPM pumps was replaced in 2005 with a new unit. The city has two storage reservoirs, one constructed in 1941 and rehabilitated in 1972 and one constructed in 1969. Each has a storage capacity of one million gallons.
Sludge from the solids contact unit is pumped to the sludge handling basin adjacent to the older portion of the plant. The basin, constructed in 1991, has a storage capacity of 41,000 gallons. This basin also receives solids from the five cell pre-sedimentation basin during the cleaning process. Sludge is automatically discharged to the solid handling facility by alternating 300 GPM pumps through a 6-inch force main, a distance of 6,700 feet from the plant to the storage lagoons, located southeasterly of the plant, below the community college. There it is discharged into one of the three, 2.065 million gallon storage lagoons. Ponds are rotated each year, with on pond drying and the other pond being cleaned and prepared for use. Material from the ponds, approximately 1300 cubic yards, is hauled to the Glendive Landfill where it is mixed with cover material. Water from the process is either directed into the .26 million gallon evaporation cell or discharged to the sanitary sewer where it is mixed with the flow and directed to the sewage treatment lagoon.
Filter backwash is discharged by gravity to the reclaim basin adjacent to the solids handling basin. The clarified backwash water from the reclaim basin can either be returned to the solids contact unit or can be discharged to the solids handling basin to be discharged to the settling basins. The reclaim basin has a capacity of 110,000 gallons and is equipped with two self-
Part One - 46 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
priming pumps rated at 200 GPM. Solids are pumped from the reclaim basin to the solids handling facility to be discharged to the settling ponds.
Additional security was provided by a Homeland Security grant in 2005, which provided funding for fencing of the entire treatment plant site.
The water distribution system serves approximately 2100 service connections within the city limits. The system is comprised of 32.6 miles of 2-inch through 14-inch cast iron, asbestos cement and PVC mains. The majority of the system was installed prior to 1960 and some has been in service since 1907. There are 280 fire hydrants which are maintained by the Public Works Department. The entire system is metered, and is currently be upgraded to touch read or radio read meters. A water master plan was prepared in 1984 and updated in 1998 which addressed deficiencies in the system and prioritized projects for capital improvement projects.
These projects will be incorporated into the CIP plan for the City when it is completed.
The City of Glendive Water Treatment Plant provides water to the residents of the City of Glendive. The water treatment facility was originally constructed in 1916 and renovated in 1959 and again in 1991 to address the need for increased capacity and replacement of worn or outdated equipment. The treatment facility draws water from the Yellowstone River through an intake system installed in 2000 as noted on page 45. The water treatment plant utilizes clarification, softening, filtration and disinfection processes for treatment. In mid 1998, the City awarded a contract to replace the intake facility, among other improvements.
In 1984, HKM Associates completed the Master Plan for Improvements to Municipal Water and Wastewater System for the City of Glendive, Montana. The 1984 Master Plan provided recommendations for upgrades to the water treatment plant as well as improvements to the water distribution system.
Recommended water distribution improvements for the City of Glendive: Hungry Joe Reservoir Supply Line Improvements Bell Street/Meade Avenue Water Main Improvements North Anderson Avenue/Divide Street Improvements North Anderson, Sunset and Divide Loop Closures
Part One - 47 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Taylor Street (Barry to Patt) Water Main Snyder, Sargent and Patt Avenue Water Line Replacement River Avenue and North Merrill Avenue Improvements Taylor Avenue to College Water Main Extension West Glendive Extension/River Crossing – Bridge West Glendive Extension/River Crossing – Drilling
Recommended water treatment plant improvements for the City of Glendive: River Intake (Completed) Pretreatment Facility Solids Contact Unit Recarbonation Basin Clear Well Expansion (Completed) Low Service Pumps (Completed) Lime Slaker (In Progress) Demolition of Old Filters Demolition of Solids Contact Basin Demolition of Presedimentation Basin Yard Piping Instrumentation Electrical
West Glendive Area The following paragraphs are an itemized summary of the findings identified in the 1983 study:
Of the five areas examined (see West Glendive Water System Study – Map 6) only the Community of West Glendive (located in Area 1) and the western 2/3's of Area 4B, northeast of Glendive appear feasible for servicing by a centralized water distribution system. The remaining areas are projected to remain sparsely populated making a centralized water system unfeasible.
Area 4B can best be serviced by connecting to the City of Glendive's existing water distribution system. Reasons include the area's projected population is small, the elevation of the area is such as to be compatible with the City's existing system, and a 10 inch main from the City's northeast storage reservoir cuts through the west corner of Area 4B already.
Part One - 48 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
There are 4 potential methods for serving the West Glendive community (Area 1) with water: Continued use of individual public systems Construction of a water distribution system with a network of wells as the supply Construction of a water distribution system with a new water treatment plant Construction of a water distribution system with connection to the City of Glendive's water system, following the City Of Glendive expanding their water treatment plant and extending a second 12" main across the Yellowstone River
The water use quantities listed previously justify the following system design criteria for the West Glendive area: Supply Source Production 1,800 gpm Peak Hourly Flow W/O Fire 3,000 gpm Max Day Avg. Flow W/ Fire 4,300 gpm Storage Volume (Total) 850,000 gal
In regards to storage for West Glendive, there is presently 350,000 gallons of existing storage. An additional 500,000 gallons is needed. However since the additional capital cost to bring the needed total storage capacity up from 850,000 gallons to 1,000,000 gallons is only $26,000, it is recommended that the larger capacity be designed into the system.
Improvement Recommendations: Efforts should continue towards developing a single centralized water system for the community of West Glendive as a centralized system is a potentially feasible solution to providing the West Glendive area with water. However, prior to making the preliminary decision as to whether to continue examining the idea of constructing a centralized system for the West Glendive area or abandoning it in lieu of allowing continued development in the present manner, more refined information based on exact data and service area conditions required. Included among this additional information is: Costs; capital vs. 0/M Future financing rates Availability of grants or low interest loans Ownership and operational responsibilities Water quality standards Control over future water system expansion
Part One - 49 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Ability of the local groundwater to meet Federal Drinking Water Standards and to accommodate future demands Potential service area limits Willingness of the City of Glendive to supply water
Area 4B, at some point in the future, should hook into the City of Glendive's water distribution system for future and extended water service. Based on information supplied by the City of Glendive's engineering consultant, it appears that if proposed expansion of the City's water treatment plant is completed, there should be no other special requirements necessary in order to service Area 4B.
Areas 2, 3 and 4A should continue to stay with either individual wells or individual public systems. Presently developments are too scattered and costs for a centralized water distribution system are prohibitive.
Town of Richey The Town of Richey is served by a central water system (shown in the 1980 Dawson County Comprehensive Plan). The distribution system is made up of four, six, and eight inch diameter pipe and supplies adequate flows of water to the people. Two wells serve the town. One is located in the northwest section of town and the other in the southeast portion. The wells have a depth around 1,225 feet. The combined capacity of these wells is about 80 gallons per minute (gpm).
Water for domestic use, the most important consideration in municipal supply, should be free from bacteriological or other contamination, clean, odorless, colorless, pleasant to the taste, and contain a moderate amount of soluble mineral substances. Water may or may not require the removal of solids by filtration; of iron, manganese, or calcium by chemical methods and filtration; or objectionable tastes and odors by activated carbon or other methods. Treatment and periodic bacteriological analysis of the water are required by the State Board of Health.
Part One - 50 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Sewer Systems
The only public wastewater treatment systems are those used by the City of Glendive, West Glendive and the Town of Richey. Wastewater treatment in the rural area of the county is by individual septic tanks and drain fields.
The following summary of public sewer systems in Dawson County provides basic descriptive information on the sewer collection and treatment systems currently in use in the City of Glendive, the West Glendive area, and the Town of Richey. The recommendations from the most recent facility plans were referenced to provide a basic insight into the current condition of the facilities and the problems that can be expected related to future demands. The data is based on applicable materials from several different sources and includes excerpts from the 1980 Dawson County Comprehensive Plan, and sewer system studies prepared by Morrison Maierle, Inc. in 1982 and 1998. Sewer system mapping information for Glendive shown in Figure 9 at the end of this section was compiled by the City of Glendive Public Works Department. Scale limitations for presentation in this report prevent showing all available detail. More detail is available at the city office.
City of Glendive The existing wastewater collection system is comprised of a network of 22.49 miles of gravity sewer pipe, and a series of five wastewater lift stations located throughout the city. The gravity system includes pipe diameters ranging in size from 6-inch to 30-inch. Vitrified clay pipe accounts for 72% of the total gravity sewer pipe and the remainder is comprised of PVC, Asbestos Cement, and other types of materials. The system was installed from 1906 to 1997, with the majority of the system installed before 1930. The entire system has had television inspection performed and is now on a five year cleaning program. Most of the areas indicating problems from the television inspection have been repaired and questionable areas are being re-inspected for future repairs.
There are five areas within the city limits where sufficient ground slope does not exist to allow the collection system to flow completely under gravity. In those areas, lift stations have been installed to lift the wastewater up to an area where sufficient ground slope does exist to the collection system can resume flowing under gravity.
Part One - 51 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
The College Lift Station is situated farthest from the treatment facility. It was purchased in 1966 to accommodate construction of the Dawson Community College and continues only to handle the buildings on that site. It is an air ejector type lift station with a capacity of 53 gallons per minute. Sewage is pumped through a 4” force main to the gravity system handled by the Pearson Lift Station. The station has received replacement of components and is in satisfactory condition at this time.
The Pearson Lift Station was originally constructed in 1949 and was completely replaced in 1986. The current lift station is a wet well/dry well type lift station with two self-priming centrifugal pumps, each capable of pumping 320 gallons per minute. This station is capable of being run by a trailer mounted generator during times of electrical outages. This is the only station with backup generator capabilities. Sewage is pumped from this lift station through a 4” PVC pressure line to the gravity system that flows to the Main Lift Station.
The Main lift Station was constructed in 1960 during a major sewer construction project to eliminate discharges of raw sewage to the Yellowstone River. The brick building adjacent to Lloyd Square Park houses three pumps, with a maximum pumping capacity of 4,320 gallons per minute. This station handles approximately 75% of the daily flows of the system. Sewage is pumped from this station approximately 3 miles to the wastewater treatment lagoon through a 16” Asbestos Cement pressure main. Maintenance has been regularly performed on the equipment but none of the major components have been replaced since installation.
The Hillcrest Lift Station is located at the intersection of Merrill Avenue and Allen Street Underpass. This station serves the Hillcrest and Georgetown housing areas. The station was constructed in 1960 and is a wet well/dry well type lift station equipped with two 4” pumps, each capable of pumping 75 gallons per minute. This station pumps directly into the 16” force main to the wastewater lagoon. Pumps and controls have not been replaced since installation but the station is currently under design for pump and control replacement. At this time, backup generation capability will be included in the design.
The final lift station in the system is located in the Sunrise Subdivision and handles all of the gravity system located north of the Interstate within the city limits. It is a package lift station, originally installed in 1971 to service new construction in the area. It was re-located to its current location in 1982 to better serve the entire area. It is a wet well/dry well station with two 4
Part One - 52 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
inch, 200 gallon per minute pumps that discharge to a 4” PVC pressure line that connects to the 16” force main to the wastewater lagoon. The station has had regular maintenance and is in satisfactory condition at this time. Master plan recommendations recommend that these pumps be replaced with 500 gallon per minute pumps and an auxiliary generator be provided.
The wastewater treatment system is a three cell facultative lagoon with recirculation capability. The total area of the three cells is 70.2 acres. The lagoon system was originally constructed in 1959-60 as part of the major sewer construction project by the city. The circulation system was added in 1976, consisting of aeration chutes from cell to cell. The water in cell 3 is re-circulated back to cell 1 via a 6,000 gpm pump. In 1996 all aeration chutes and diversion boxes were replaced, along with a new outfall location and piping, as well as the installation of effluent flow and measuring equipment. The lagoon has an approved discharge permit and meets current compliance standards for wastewater discharge. The facility is satisfactory for current flows and populations but further analysis may be required if flows increase due to growth through annexation.
The City of Glendive Wastewater Master Plan Update prepared by Morrison Maierle Inc in 1998 made wastewater improvement project recommendations and prioritized them with cost estimates for each. The city is working on both main replacement projects and lift station upgrades at this time.
Proposed Improvements Wastewater Collection System: Proposed improvements to the City of Glendive wastewater collection and pumping system include both projects recommended in the 1983 Master Plan, which have not been completed, as well as recommendations developed as a result of the flow monitoring completed in July and August, 1997. Refer to the sewer plan maps for areas referenced in the following list. Replace Meade Avenue sewer Replace Taylor Avenue sewer. Replace Sargent Avenue sewer Replace Dodge Street sewer Replace Barry Street / Railroad sewer Replace Nowlan Avenue sewer Replace sewer in alley between Synder and Grant Main Lift Station Area and Sewer Area IV Northwest
Part One - 53 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
- This area has adequate capacity based on existing flows; however, if Areas 1 and 2 are annexed, future flows would exceed capacity. Review this area depending on future growth. Hillcrest Lift Station Area and Sewer Area V - This area has adequate capacity based on existing flows. However, if Area 4B is annexed, future flows would exceed existing line capacity. Review this area in the future based on population growth.
Wastewater Pumping System: Make recommended improvements to the main lift station, Hillcrest lift station, and Sunrise lift station.
Wastewater Treatment Facility: Convert system from a facultative lagoon to an aerated lagoon system-prior to increased future flows.
West Glendive Area The West Glendive sewer system has been strained in recent years due to the rapid growth in the West Glendive area. The system serves the residents of Glendive who live on the west side of the Yellowstone River and the majority of the county residents in the west Glendive urbanizing area. The major problem area in the system is the lagoon, whose treatment capacity is being exceeded.
The West Glendive lagoon is located on the 100 year floodplain, North of U.S. Highway #10 and east or the interstate. The West Glendive lagoon is a 26 acre, two cell lagoon, with a population capacity of 2,600-3,120 persons, under ideal operating conditions.
The sanitary sewer system serving West Glendive, Montana has been identified as having both infiltration and inflow problems. Infiltration has been found to be more predominant in the Dry Creek area and the area East of Montana Highway #16. Inflow is scattered throughout the system.
It is estimated that up to 130 to 150 gpm, of infiltration may enter the system during high groundwater periods. This drops during the low groundwater months to approximately 60 gpm. The Dry Creek area and the area east of Highway #16 are estimated to contribute 50% of the
Part One - 54 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
flow during peak infiltration periods and approximately 70 to 75 percent during low groundwater periods.
Inflow into the sewage collection system results in large problems for the West Glendive area. During large rainstorms or rapid snowmelt the two main lift stations on the south outfall line operate at capacity for extended periods. As a result the gravity line between lift stations #1 and #2 is often pressurized. Total inflow into the system is estimated to reach 640 gpm. Approximately 250 gpm of this inflow is from manholes recommended in this study to be rehabilitated. Another 100 to 150 gpm is from various manholes scattered throughout the system. Flows from each of these manholes are small which make them not cost-effective to rehabilitate. The remaining inflow is believed to come from yard drains, standpipes, and possibly floor drains.
The recommended rehabilitation program has a total net worth of $76,300. This program involves: The rehabilitation of manholes to remove both infiltration and inflow ($21,965) The rehabilitation of various sewer services to remove infiltration ($13,175) The rehabilitation of sewer lines to remove infiltration ($41.160)
This program is estimated to remove 200 to 250 gpm of inflow and 53 gpm (76,300 gallons/day) of infiltration.
Town of Richey Richey's community sewage system (shown in the 1980 Dawson County Comprehensive plan) consists of a collection network made up of six and eight inch diameter pipe and an outfall line of 10 inch diameter pipe. The outfall line receives the sewer from the entire collection system and carries it to the treatment ponds located one half of a mile west of the community. As with the rest of the system, the outfall line operates by gravity.
The treatment facilities for the lagoon consist of two lagoons comprising 5.6 acres. The rule-of- thumb standard for lagoon size is one acre of treatment pond for every 100 population. Accordingly, the existing facilities are more than adequate. The ponds have had slight erosion along the sides but have been compensated for by riprap. No additions or changes are anticipated with continued proper maintenance.
Part One - 55 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
The sewage system from collection to treatment adequately serves the 392 people currently residing in Richey. The city is not expected to increase over the planning period. The present system will adequately serve the expected year 2000 population.
Sewerage facilities are a primary factor in influencing directions in which a community grows. Ideally Richey should physically grow along its western and northern edge, north of State Highway 200. If new buildings are constructed west of town the sewer lines will have to be extended. A problem will be created, however, if homes are built east of town. The elevation along here is lower than that to the west. In this case pumps would have to be installed for force mains to push the sewage up to the existing sewer lines. If considerable construction occurs in this area, which is not anticipated, a single pump could perform the required pressure and could serve a very large area of development. Also, the extension of the sewer lines would have to go under the highway which could add more difficulties to the construction.
Accordingly, the growth of Richey will probably occur in locations where sewerage facilities can operate by gravity, in other words, in areas higher in elevation than existing community sewer lines. By the enactment of a good subdivision ordinance, the community can insure proper sewerage hookups in its fringe areas and thereby prevent use of individual septic tanks which may cause problems in the future.
The anticipated population of Richey is expected to decrease. The town will not have to do extensive expansion with its sewage lines but maintenance and repairs will have to be done.
Information on groundwater wells and septic tank density is available on the internet for all counties in Montana. Specific data from well records generated from the Groundwater Information System shows data on well location and depth, as well as water quality information at selected sites. Septic system records are also available on-line, but are more general in nature, giving a rough idea of septic system density based on the number recorded per square mile. Design of septic systems proposed for use in proposed new developments must be carefully considered for impacts on adjacent land and on the groundwater resources, particularly near the population centers of Dawson County.
The Montana Subdivision and Platting Act requires review of proposed sewer and water systems prior to approval by the county for all new parcels less than 160 acres. The new
Part One - 56 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
systems must meet or exceed minimum standards of the State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). DEQ is the administrator of the Sanitation in Subdivisions Act (MSIS) which governs sewer and water system requirements. DEQ reviews sanitation facilities for all tracts less than 20 acres and all proposals or improvements connected to public systems. The long term trend for use of individual sewer and water systems will most likely remain as the predominant method of meeting sanitation system requirements in subdivisions outside of the urban area. It is possible that a large development proposal will require the use of community water and/or sewer systems, but the timing and location of such a proposal is not readily apparent. Additional development in the future may also warrant consideration of a community sanitation or water system to address environmental concerns, but the need will probably not arise within the 20 year planning period barring an unforeseen rapid growth scenario. The need for central systems should be assessed on a case by case basis during review of specific development proposals.
Stormwater Drainage
The stormwater collection system, installed in the early 1920’s, was only developed in the downtown business district and immediate adjacent residential areas. The entire area east of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) rail yards is not served by a collection system, but relies on street drainage to flow to limited drainage facilities located adjacent to BNSF property. In 1997 the BNSF installed a storm sewer collection system along a portion of Sargent Avenue adjacent to their roundhouse facilities to prevent flooding on their property. The upper portion of Sargent Avenue received a storm sewer system to handle water generated on a street reconstruction project constructed by the MDT funded by the urban transportation system monies. The four block project replaced an open ditch that tied to existing piping under the BNSF railroad.
In 2004, the city, with the assistance of BNSF and the Treasure State Endowment Program, constructed three stormwater detention ponds designed to reduce flooding on the easterly portion of Glendive immediately below the hills of the badlands. These ponds reduced the heavy runoff generated by severe thunderstorms that flooded residences and the BNSF shops and yards.
Part One - 57 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
The city is also currently under contract to evaluate and make recommendations for improvements to the stormwater runoff problems in a residential area on the easterly edge of Glendive. This report should be completed by fall, 2005.
Solid Waste Collection and Disposal
The Glendive Solid Waste Facility is licensed to operate a solid waste landfill in Dawson County. The service area for the landfill includes the City of Glendive, West Glendive area, and the communities of Richey, Terry, and some from McCone County and Circle. It is located adjacent to the east side of Glendive and is accessed off of Brennan Street. See Figures 6a and 6b.
The landfill has separate areas to accept Class II, Class III, and Class IV waste and also has a compost area, a used oil drop off area, and a designated area for appliances.
Solid Waste Collection The Public Works Department is responsible for the solid waste collection and disposal for the City of Glendive. The City collects all residential and commercial garbage for the City. The City started automated collection garbage trucks in 1978 and has continued that practice to this date. Residential containers are picked up twice per week and commercial containers are picked up according to use and up to six days per week. The City uses two main trucks/packers and a third older truck/packer for cardboard and glass. A roll-off truck was purchased in 1997 and roll-off containers are provided for some commercial sites and also available to the public on request. Two utility workers are assigned to the collection trucks full-time and a third utility worker runs the roll-off truck as needed. All equipment is kept at the city shop and maintenance is done by the city mechanic.
Equipment and Containers 1998 Volvo truck with 2003 Wayne Curbtender packer 2003 Volvo tandem truck with 2003 Wayne Curbtender packer 1991 GMC Topkick with 1997 Ampiroll Roll-off unit 1974 Chevrolet 1 '/Z ton with Heil packer @ 800 90-100 gallon residential containers @ 750 300-350 residential and commercial containers
Part One - 58 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
16 roll-off containers, 6 lidded with 14 cubic yard capacity, 1 lidded with 11.5 cubic yard capacity, 9 open top containers with 13 cubic yard capacity.
Collection Totals for 2004 Total hauled by city vehicles 4,4812.2 tons Average per month 373.43 tons % of waste by all haulers 50%
Assessments and Fees Title 4, Chapter 2 of the City of Glendive Code divides residential rates into six categories and how they are assessed to the Base Rate. Commercial users are assessed according to their user class and their usage level according to the type of business. The Director of Public Works determines the usage level and user class for each business, commercial, educational, and other nonresidential building and institution.
Before the second Monday in August of each year the city council passes a resolution levying and assessing a basic tax upon all lots or portions of lots for the costs of collecting and disposing of garbage in the city. The current base rate for collection is $165.00 per unit.
Solid Waste Disposal The landfill records indicate that approximately 15,000 tons of waste is delivered to the landfill annually of which approximately 9,000 tons are disposed of on the foot printed area. Full time equipment assigned to the landfill include a 953 Cat track loader which is used to consolidate the waste and apply daily and intermediate soil cover, an 816 Cat Compactor, a dump truck and a wheel loader. The city has one full time equipment operator and a full time gate attendant and a third full time employee who splits time operating and attending the gate.
As previously mentioned, the city residents are assessed an annual fee for collection and disposal of garbage. The fees for other materials brought in to the landfill are assessed according to disposal rates as established in July 2004 as follows:
Disposal Rates as of July 1, 2004 Clean clippings, yard trimmings and leaves: No charge Inert brick, dirt and rebar-free concrete: No charge
Part One - 59 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Minimum charge for other material is $4.50 Household Solid waste & Construction Debris: $45.00/ton (2 1/4 cents per pound) Trees and Branches: $10.00/ton (1/2 cent per pound) Asphalt: $3.00/ton Tires: - car & light truck $ 1.50 - medium truck $ 5.00 - off road $15.00 Appliances with CFC's (Freon) $20.00 + the per pound rate Contaminated Soils $13.00/ton with approved analytical sampling.
Recreation Facilities and Sites
Glendive and Dawson County Facilities Glendive offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities that are enjoyed by residents of the city and the population from many miles around. There are 20 sites in the Glendive area that offer recreational activities ranging from parks and open space to facilities developed for specific organized sports. Glendive, as the county seat, hosts a variety of functions scheduled each year at the Dawson County Fairgrounds and also has swimming, golf, baseball, basketball, football, and soccer facilities available in the community. The park and recreation sites are shown in Figure 10 for the Glendive area.
The City of Glendive currently maintains over 37 acres of improved parks, two wading pools and one swimming pool. Whipkey Park has restroom facilities that are shared with the Babe Ruth Baseball program which is located at this park. This restroom has been upgraded and is handicapped accessible. This park also had new playground equipment installed in 2000 and 2001. West Park and Eyer Park, located on the westerly edge of the Yellowstone River were both built in the 1970’s with Bureau of Outdoor Recreation (BOR) funding. Both have restroom facilities that need upgrading to allow handicap accessibility. The tennis courts at West Park are now submitted for grant funding to repair major surface failures.
Lloyd Square Park, the largest of the city parks and most heavily used, also has the most recreational facilities. The swimming pool is located here, as well as tennis courts, picnic shelter, and restroom facilities. The pool, constructed in the mid 1960’s, has several
Part One - 60 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
deficiencies and needs major renovations. The restroom facilities were constructed in 1996 and are handicapped accessible. This facility also serves the Dawson County High School track and football field. Playground equipment was installed in 2000 and generates heavy usage by children from throughout the city. The remaining park acreages are distributed throughout the city in residential neighborhoods, as are the two wading pools.
The city is also under agreement with the MDT to maintain the sprinkler system and grass areas adjacent to the East Interchange of Interstate 94 to Glendive. This is a ten year contract starting in 2004.
The Glendive Recreation Department serves the citizens of Glendive, MT in year round leisure activities. The Department has been in existence since 1970 and maintains the philosophy that leisure activities play a key role in the high quality of life for children, parents and the community. To ensure this ideal there are three main areas targeted. Enhance and encourage healthy lifestyles for residents through quality leisure activities. Provide youth with alternatives that develop their emotional, physical, social and educational well being. Promote economic development through recreation events and activities.
The Department is located in the former Sacred Heart gymnasium on the 300 block of N. River Av. This has been home since 1990 and before 1990 the office was located in City Hall.
Staffing includes a full time director and full time assistant. Many part-time employees are used through out the year to staff the pools, referee games, teach activities and over see programs.
Facilities operated and maintained by the Department are the office/gymnasium, swimming pool and two wading pools. Other facilities used by the Department for programs are Washington Middle School gym, DCHS gym, DCC gym, Lincoln School gym and Jefferson School gym.
Youth programs run by the Department: swim lessons, volleyball, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, tennis, arts and crafts, tee ball, track and field.
Adult programs run by the Department: basketball, volleyball, softball, swimming, and tournaments.
Part One - 61 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Communities served by the Recreation Department beyond Glendive: Richey, Terry, Circle, Lindsay, Bloomfield, Savage, Sidney, Wibaux, Beach, Baker and Fallon. People from these communities travel to Glendive to take advantage of the services the Glendive Recreation Department provides.
3-5 Year Goals: Up-grade the swimming pool infrastructure. Increase program participation Establish a Parks and Recreation District
The Dawson County Fair and Rodeo is managed by a 9 member volunteer board of directors and funded through the county with a budget of approx. $90,000. Use of the grounds is for Rodeo, Livestock Shows, Motor Sports, Concerts, and exhibits of open class and 4-H. Renovation and expansion of the existing facilities at the fairgrounds has been a primary focus of the fair board as has improving attendance at the county fair and use of the grounds. With the help of volunteer groups such as "Fair for All," "The Dawson 100 Club," and the local 4-H committee, improvements to the fairgrounds in excess of $500,000 have been realized over the past 5 years. Primary improvements have been the renovation of the grandstands, addition of a vendor's pavilion, renovation to livestock barns and the installation of perimeter fencing. Improvements at the fairgrounds have truly been a community effort and the support of local service organizations and churches as permanent vendors during fair time continues to build the fairgrounds into a top-notch facility. Attendance at the yearly fair remains below 10,000, however thanks to the volunteer efforts of community minded individuals and organizations, the attendance has grown yearly.
Town of Richey A description of recreation facilities in the Town of Richey is provided in the 1980 Dawson County Comprehensive Plan.
Outdoor Recreation Sites Dawson County outdoor recreation opportunities are centered at the southeast end of the county at Makoshika State Park near Glendive and at a number of fishing access sites along the Yellowstone River. The Yellowstone is an outstanding surface water resource that is used for fishing and rafting during the spring, summer and fall months, and offers some unique fishing
Part One - 62 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
opportunities including paddlefishing at Intake Dam which is a statewide and regional attraction. The bad lands terrain in the southeast part of the county creates an incredible view shed containing important wildlife habitat as well as archaeological and mineral resources. The land in Makoshika State Park preserves a large piece of this resource and also provides recreational facilities that can be used year round.
Makoshika State Park facilities: Campground Camp Host Group Site RV/Trailer Site – 22 Tent Site – 22 Sanitation/Water Drinking Water Toilet (Vault) Water (Press.) Miscellaneous Amphitheater Firewood Visitor Center Trail Hiking Interpretive Trail Activities Camping Picnicking Bicycling Group Use Wildlife Viewing Picnic Site Fire Ring Grill (Pedestal) Grill (Ring)
Part One - 63 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Group Use – Sheltered Sheltered Fees $10.00 – State Park Camping (Off Season, Oct. 1 – Apr. 30) $12.00 – State Park Camping (May 1 – Sep. 30) $5.00 – Day Use (Non-resident Vehicle)
Public access to prime fishing is provided by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks at several locations on the Yellowstone River. The fishing access sites include a variety of facilities ranging from boat launch only to full service sites with boat launch, camp sites, toilets and potable water. The fishing access sites are summarized in the following table.
DAWSON COUNTY – FWP FISHING ACCESS SITES
Fishing Access Site Stream Boat Launch Camping Acres Cabins Toilets Water Hollecker Pond NA No No 24.4 No Yes Yes Intake Dam Yellowstone Yes Yes 52.6 Yes Yes Yes Non-motorized Johnson Reservoir NA No - No No No only
Developed parkland in the rural communities is limited to playgrounds and recreational facilities provided on school property. Gregg Park (BOR funds) and Forest Park are located in the Dawson County rural area.
The trend for use of public outdoor recreational facilities in Dawson County as the primary recreation resource will continue to be of great importance throughout the planning period. Improvements to existing public sites such as those described above will be provided for within the constraints of state and local budget limitations and allocations for each type of facility. With the increased interest in the use of outdoor resources, it is likely that improvements and additional opportunities will take place throughout the county in response to needs documented by current use and demand. Additional park land can be added in the rural centers and developing areas as needed through the application of park land dedication requirements for major subdivisions.
Part One - 64 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
INSERT FIGURE 8
Part One - 65 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
INSERT FIGURE 9
Part One - 66 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Recreation Sites Map (Figure 10)
Part One - 67 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
LOCAL SERVICES
Schools
The school system in Dawson County is centered in Glendive which provides high school level education for most of the students in the county. Richey High School provides facilities for less than 40 students in a typical year. Washington Junior High School is also part of the Glendive system along with Jefferson and Lincoln elementary schools. The remaining schools in the county are rural elementary schools located in Richey and the unincorporated communities of the county. Bloomfield, Lindsay and Deer Creek all have elementary school facilities available locally.
Public School enrollment figures over the past five years indicate that total enrollment in the county elementary school system declined by 104 students. Most of the loss appears to have occurred in the City of Glendive at Lincoln School, where the total number of elementary students decreased by 103, and at Dawson High school which lost 39 students over the five year period. The loss of students in Lincoln School was primarily due to dropping fifth grade as the students were shifted to Washington Middle School. The middle school showed a gain of 64 students from 2003 to 2005.
The rural elementary schools in the county actually remained close to the same since the 2000 – 2001 school year while the elementary school total enrollment for Dawson County dropped significantly. The total number of high school students declined over the past five years by 48 students, but lost only 3 students over the last year. Home school enrollment in the county totaled 54 students for the current school year, which is a drop of 10 students from two years ago. Public school enrollment in Dawson County is summarized in the following table.
Part One - 68 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
DAWSON COUNTY – SCHOOL ENROLLMENT 00 – 01 01 – 02 02 – 03 03 – 04 04 -05 Jefferson 263 240 244 232 211 Lincoln 294 288 270 183 191 Washington Middle School 326 328 310 400 374 Bloomfield 8 9 7 10 11 Lindsay 9 11 8 11 13 Richey 41 37 44 37 37 Richey 7-8 16 15 11 11 13 Deer Creek 15 14 23 20 18 Total Dawson County 972 942 917 904 868 Elementary Dawson County High School 477 462 462 435 438 Richey High School 42 41 37 39 33 Source: Montana Office of Public Instruction
The trend shows a general decline in the school enrollment of Dawson County, primarily due to losses experienced in Glendive. These figures are consistent with census population estimates which show a decline in county population from 2000 to 2005. As shown in the census estimate for the county (Figure 4), population is expected to begin to level off during the first five year period since the census and then gradually increase through 2025 to approximately the same level as the 2000 census. School enrollment can be expected to follow the same general pattern. The short term trend is supported by losses in elementary and high school enrollment over the last couple of years.
Additional information regarding building layout and condition of school facilities in each community in the county is contained in the 1980 Dawson County Comprehensive Plan.
School Bus Routes
Bus transportation for elementary and high school students is an important part of the educational services provided in Dawson County. Buses travel long distances each day of the school year to efficiently transport students to school district facilities located in Glendive and Richey. The school bus system is summarized as follows:
Part One - 69 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Richey bus routes : Maximum round trip distance = 116 miles - Richey High School has 25 student passengers - Richey Elementary has 30 student passengers
Glendive bus routes : Maximum round trip distance = 110 miles - Dawson County High School has 84 student passengers - Glendive Elementary has 520 student passengers
Dawson Community College
Dawson Community College (DCC) was established in 1940 as a public junior college. During the following several decades the junior college underwent several changes, including a separation from the Dawson County High School building, a move to the present location, a name change, and an expansion of its mission to become a full service community college.
Dawson Community College Buildings Main Campus: The main campus building currently houses the administration, faculty and staff offices, classrooms, laboratories, library, learning center, computer classrooms, student center and lounge, bookstore, community room, gymnasium, and weight room.
Ullman Center: The Ullman Center is located west of the main building. It houses additional faculty offices, Cisco computer lab, classrooms, agricultural labs, art room, lecture hall, agricultural power and machinery lab, and interactive TV facilities.
Residence Halls: Located on campus are three apartment-style student residence halls, Gibson, Brueberg and Kettner, which can house a total of 140 students. A commons area, adjoining the on-campus living complex, is a great place for students to gather and socialize.
Dawson Community College has had increasing enrollment since 1997 when the level fell below 400 students. The 2005 level is near 500 and increases are expected over the next couple of years as shown in the following table.
Part One - 70 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
DAWSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE ENROLLMENTS
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Projected Projected Resident 410 350 437 420 384 363 388 363 392 442 515 545 Nonresident 13 19 25 30 23 41 12 11 18 18 WUE 10 11 17 22 10 45 41 41 38 TOTAL 423 379 472 467 429 413 445 415 450 497 Source: Montana Office of Public Instruction
Law Enforcement
The Dawson County Adult Detention/Corrections Facility, or DCADCF, is operated under the direct command of the Dawson County Sheriff. Established in 1998, the facility contains the offices of the Dawson County Sheriff's Office, the Glendive Police Department, the Dawson County Jail, and a 144-bed prison enterprise contracted to the Montana Department of Corrections. With a 32-bed capacity in the jail operation, the total capacity of the facility is currently 176 adult offenders.
Operating with state of the art control systems and a strong emphasis on physical plant maintenance, the facility occupies almost 55,000 square feet of operating space.
With an annual payroll in excess of $1.66 million, DCADCF currently employs forty-nine (49) full-time professional and certified staff. Additionally, DCADCF partners with Dawson Community College to provide various inmate educational services and personnel.
Local purchase agreements, contracts or accounts include medical services, dental services, supplies, equipment, plant services support, repairs and maintenance, utilities, communication systems, and capital equipment purchases.
The facility currently provides contracted custody services to Prairie, Wibaux, McCone, Richland and Fallon counties, as well as numerous other agencies including the Montana Highway Patrol, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Part One - 71 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
DCADCF was recently reviewed by the U.S. Marshals Service as "one of the five best detention facilities in the state of Montana."
Beginning in 2004, DCADCF began offering offender funded programs such as the Alternative Sentencing and Release Program. Based primarily on electronic monitoring, or "house arrest", the ASRP program allows offenders to remain in the community to support their families, while serving sentences outside of the jail, thereby reducing the costs funded by local tax dollars. Also available are sobriety monitoring and satellite tracking of offenders.
Rising offender populations and the potential for further contractual relationships indicate that expansion of the facility may be a consideration in the future. Expansion plans were considered in the original construction, so portions of the cost can be mitigated. Current plans are underway to develop a comprehensive internal video surveillance system. An upgraded radio communication system is also in the planning stages.
Fire Protection
Glendive Fire Department Glendive is a rural community in eastern Montana with a population of 4878 full-time residents. Glendive is home to a large Burlington Northern/Santa Fe rail yard and repair facility with Interstate 94 traversing through town. The Glendive Fire Department consists of four full-time firefighters with 16 paid-per-call volunteers. The County ambulance service is operated by the Department with 14 paid-per-call volunteer EMTs. Our primary response area covers 3.5 square miles. The Glendive Fire Department is housed in one fire station and operates two frontline pumpers, one 55 foot Snorkel, Command vehicle and three ambulances.
Automatic and/or Mutual Aid Agreements Mutual aid assistance is provided to a fire department upon request by one or more fire department outside the jurisdiction under an agreement that establishes general guidelines and procedures for providing and receiving assistance between fire departments.
GFD is a participating agency in a 6-party mutual aid agreement between Miles City, Baker, Glendive, West Glendive, Terry and Forsyth.
Part One - 72 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Physical Resources Fixed Facilities: The original fire station was constructed in 1902. It has been modified and added onto several times throughout its life.
Space allocations are not adequate for GFD functions such as operations, fire prevention, training, support services and administration.
The station does not meet the "Americans with Disabilities Act" access requirements, or current emissions handling for exhaust fumes from fire apparatus.
One issue relating to the city's ISO classification is that "All sections of the city with hydrant water supply protection should be within 1½ miles of a fully equipped engine company." There are areas within the City of Glendive that are more than 1½ miles from a fully equipped engine company, i.e., the MT National Guard Armory - 2.59 miles. Since Glendive is about 4½ miles long, getting a fully equipped engine company within 1½ miles of the built upon area of the city is going to require a second station. This is further compounded by the fact that Dawson Community College is located on one end of the city and the growing business and industrial area is on the other end.
If the existing fire station location meets the long-range plans of the fire department, then it should be modified to bring it up-to-date.
Apparatus and Vehicles: The apparatus types are appropriate for the functions served by GFD, i.e. operations, staff support services, EMS services, specialized services and administration.
There is no replacement schedule for fire apparatus. The existing fire apparatus and ambulances are aging. The newest engine is a 1981 American LaFrance that is 23 years old followed by a 1971 Pierce 55 foot Snorkel and a 1959 American LaFrance engine.
The inspection, testing, preventive maintenance and emergency repair of all apparatus, is well established and meets the needs for service and reliability of GFD emergency apparatus.
Part One - 73 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
There are standard procedures and methods in place for the apparatus maintenance program.
Improvements Develop long range, strategic or master plans for the City of Glendive Fire Department Develop a capital improvements plan, which outlines all the capital needs currently known for the department: - Fire Apparatus - Radios - Facilities - Other high dollar items Develop a safety and health plan, which is consistent with National Fire Protection Association Standard 1500
Programs Suppression - Add some wildland fire capability to the department
Essential Resources Water Supply Test fire hydrants twice a year Change out hydrants so all have "steamer" connections
Automatic and/or Mutual Aid Agreements New state law states an umbrella mutual aid agreement with all departments Establish an automatic aid agreement with West Glendive
Physical Resources Fixed Facilities Based on a Standards of Cover Analysis, deploy fire stations within the City of Glendive to maximize the coverage and ISO credit Make needed improvements in the existing fire station, such as, an exhaust fume removal system.
Part One - 74 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Apparatus and Vehicles Begin planning for apparatus replacement! At some point, parts will become unavailable for the older pieces of equipment Ensure all apparatus are compliant with NFPA 1901
Dawson County/Richey Dawson County has 37 volunteer firefighters, 21 from the Glendive area and 17 more from the Richey area. There are satellite locations with equipment strategically located about the County. Remote locations, low population numbers, and poor communications between firefighters, EMS personnel and other support functions can add more challenges to fighting wildfire.
Each Department Chief was asked to assess their departments with respect to ability to respond to grass and timber fires. Both of the departments in the county are able to respond competently and safely to both types of wildland fires meaning they have had training and experience in suppressing these wildland fires. Most of the activity in Dawson County for wildland fires is in the grass fuel types.
FIRE APPARATUS IN DAWSON COUNTY Department Description Capacities/Features/Comments Richey City of Richey 750 gpm pumper, 1968 Mack…City Use Only Fire Truck 1968 Richey Richey Rural 750 gpm pumper, 400 gal. cap., 1964 Chevy Structure Engine Richey Water Tender 3000 gal. cap., 1974 Ford 8000...Richey's only water source Richey Patrol unit 325 gal. cap., 1979 Ford F250...grass fire unit Richey Patrol unit 200 gal. cap., 1996 Ford F250...grass fire unit Richey Turn out gear Loin-Bravo 2000, 15 each Richey Wildland Bulark-Nomex, 15 each Coveralls Richey SCBA's County MSA, 4 each Richey SCBA's City Scott, 6 each Richey Radios in units Motorola, 5 each Richey Portable Radios Motorola, 5 each W.Glendive/DR* WG-1 Howe 1970 Class A, 1000 gal. cap., …for W. Glendive Pumper fires only
Part One - 75 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
FIRE APPARATUS IN DAWSON COUNTY Department Description Capacities/Features/Comments W.Glendive/DR* WG-2 Tender 2005 Freightliner, 3000 gal. cap., …all fires W.Glendive/DR* WG-4 Foam 1970(?) International, 500 gal. water, 500 gal. Pumper foam W.Glendive/DR* WG-3 Pumper 1984 Ford, Class A, 750 gal. cap., …County and WG fires W.Glendive/DR* WG-9 Tender 1986 Ford, 2000 gal. cap., backup unit...runs when needed W.Glendive/DR* WG-12 Tender 1988 Ford, 2000 gal. cap., …County and WG structure fires W.Glendive/DR* WG-14 Grass 1995 Dodge, 1 Ton, 300 gal. cap., Foam capable Rig/Rescue …County vehicle fires, back up grass rig W.Glendive/DR* WG-15 Grass 1999 Ford, 1 Ton, 350 gal. cap., Foam capable… Rig all grass fires W.Glendive/DR* WG-16 Grass 2001 Ford, 1 Ton, 275 gal. cap., Foam capable… Rig all grass fires W.Glendive/DR* Grass Rigs 9 at satellite positions, 250 gal. cap. All radio equipped...variety of model years W.Glendive/DR* WG-6 Radio in personal vehicle ... Chief W.Glendive/DR* WG-7 Radio in personal vehicle ... Asst. Chief W.Glendive/DR* WG-5 Radio in personal vehicle ... First Officer W.Glendive/DR* WG-10 Base station at fire hall W.Glendive/DR* WG-10 Base station at fire hall W.Glendive/DR* SCBA's Scott (high pressure), 24 each W.Glendive/DR* Hand held Motorola, 15 each radios W.Glendive/DR* Mobile radios Motorola, 14 each W.Glendive/DR* PPE, wildland Overalls, hardhats, gloves, fire shelters for every firefighter W.Glendive/DR* PPE, structure Coats, pants, boots, gloves, helmets, hoods for every firefighter W.Glendive/DR* Foam Foam Pro, 1 each applicator W.Glendive/DR* Drip torches 4 each *DR is Dawson Rural
Part One - 76 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
DAWSON COUNTY FIRE FIGHTING CAPABILITY BY DEPARTMENT ISO Rating for Rating for grass Rating for wildland DEPARTMENT Structure Fires fires ability fire ability Richey 7 2 5 West Glendive 5/9* 1 3 * ISO Ratings are determined by the Insurance Services Organization * ISO Rating of 5 is for areas with hydrants, rating of 9 is areas without hydrants Source of grass and wildland ratings came from the Fire Chiefs of the above departments. Those were based on 1 being very able and 10 being unable.
Health Care
Glendive Medical Center Our commitment is to provide you with exceptional customer service. Glendive Medical Center is committed to caring, healing and a healthier community. 24-Hour Emergency Service Medical Surgical Acute Patient Care Nursery Advantage 65 Nutritional Counseling Anesthesia Services Occupational Therapy Behavioral Health Orthopedics Cardiac Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Chemotherapy Pulmonary Rehabilitation Child Birth Education Radiology/Imaging Community Education - CT Scan Diabetes Education - Mammography Home Care/Lifeline - CAD Home Medical Equipment - MRI Home Oxygen - Nuclear Medicine Hospice - Ultrasound Intensive Care Unit - Densitometry Labor/Delivery Respiratory Therapy Pain Management Retail Pharmacy Post-Partum Suites Major and Same Day Surgery Labor Recovery Speech Therapy Laboratory Telemedicine/Teleradiology Long-Term Care
Part One - 77 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Visiting Specialists Audiology Ophthalmology Cardiology Neurology Dermatology Ear, Nose and Throat Podiatry Orthopedics / Prosthetics Pulmonology Neurosurgery Physiatry Urology Oncology
Extended Care Glendive Medical Center has an attached 75-bed Long Term Care Facility for residents in need of skilled or intermediate nursing care. Our Extended Care facility serves people of all ages who need short-term or long-term care. A transitional stay is available for rehabilitation services.
In addition to a competent and compassionate staff and a high quality of care, we offer a high quality of life for our residents. The Activities Program is individualized for each resident based on their past preferences and interests as well as their present skill level. The daily activities that we offer address the intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social needs of our residents.
We have achieved excellent state survey results for meeting Medicare and Medicaid regulations. For more information contact Bev Hellman, Director of Nursing Services, at 406- 345-3321.
Dawson County Health and Social Services
Dawson County Health Department Programs and services Administration HIV Education and Services Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Screening Breast & Cervical Health Program Family Planning Home Health
Part One - 78 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
School Nurse Environmental Health Immunization Maternal Child Health Partnership to Strengthen Families Tobacco Use Prevention Program Well Child Clinics Women Infant and Children (WIC)
Glendive Senior Citizens Center The Glendive Senior Citizens Center is open to any Dawson County resident and their guests who are 55 years old or older. The Center is open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. There are no membership fees to join the Center.
Besides the daily activities the Center is rented out for events such as receptions, retirement parties, community holiday dinners, reunions, dances, etc. Rental of the Center is intended for non-profit corporations only. No commercial ventures can be held in the Center, unless the proceeds are totally for the benefit of the Senior Center.
Glendive Administration Facilities
The Public Works Department is responsible for the supervision, control and coordination of programs and projects in all Street functions, Storm Water Drainage, Water and Wastewater Collection and Distribution, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Parks, Solid Waste Collection, Solid Waste Disposal and Maintenance of all of the above department’s vehicles. There are 22 full time employees that perform all of the duties of these departments. Total operating budget exceeds $3.06 million.
The administration functions of the City of Glendive are located in City Hall, except for the police department. The building was constructed in 1914 and a garage/storage building was added in 1941. This portion is now used by the ambulance and fire department. Upgrades to the electrical, heating/cooling and windows have been completed and the main floor has been made handicapped accessible. Access is not available to the second floor or to the offices of the fire department. Although the building is structurally sound, efficient use of available space
Part One - 79 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
is not possible due to design of wide hallways on both floors and limited access to the building. Studies to make the building totally accessible have been conducted but work has not been accomplished due to cost constraints.
The Public Works Department maintenance facilities are located on 8.39 acres North of Interstate 94 in Sunrise Subdivision. The operations were relocated from the water treatment plant site when a new shop complex was constructed in 1987. Additional storage buildings were constructed in 1989, 1997, and 2004 to augment operations. The main shop building houses equipment storage and maintenance bays. The site is of sufficient size to accommodate future construction as needed and all buildings are in excellent condition.
Part One - 80 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
TRANSPORTATION
Road System
The Dawson County road system includes Interstate 94 which provides a convenient direct connection from the Glendive area to Miles City and Billings to the west and to Wibaux and North Dakota to the east. This part of the major road network serves the southern part of the county and is show in Figure 11 on the Dawson County road system map. Montana Highway 200 is the main highway route across the north central part of the county and is used as the major arterial from Lewistown to Sidney through the Town of Richey. This route passes through the Town of Circle where it is connected to Montana 13 which heads north to Wolf Point. The south leg of Highway 200 connects Circle to the interstate and Glendive. Highway 200 is part of the primary highway system but traffic volumes are typically very low compared to stretches of Montana 200 in the western part of the state. Montana 16 is also a major highway route in Dawson County and provides a vital connection between Interstate 94 at Glendive and Sidney to the northeast. Figure 11 illustrates the general location of the main highways in the rural part of the county planning area, and an overview of the main road network is also shown on the planning area key map, Figure 1. The following table shows the total length of each major highway route in the county.
DAWSON COUNTY - HIGHWAYS
Highway Name Miles Interstate 94 43.66 MT200 24.22 MT200 S 35.22 MT16 22.16 S 254 43.31
The roads in the county network are divided into jurisdictional categories for maintenance and funding based on their designation as Major or Minor Arterials, Major and Minor Collectors, and local roads. The Interstate, as a Major Arterial is a priority for funding improvements and maintenance programs and is on the National Highway System. Montana 200 and Montana 16 are also considered arterial highways and have been placed on the national system and assigned a national route number (e.g. Montana 16 is national route number N-20 and Montana
Part One - 81 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 11
Part One - 82 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
200 S is national route number N-57). Montana Highway 200, another arterial, is part of the Primary Highway System and is designated P-41 for funding program reference according to the most recent Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) county maps. All of these major roads are maintained by MDT. There are also several sections of secondary roads designated in the county, some of which are on a maintenance agreement with MDT. The secondary route numbers are shown on the map in the rural areas of the county.
The county has an extensive network of local roads that are under the jurisdiction of the Dawson County Road Department. Maintaining the roads is a formidable undertaking, and one that is of primary importance in the minds of farm and ranch residents who are isolated from essential public services. Maintenance is also provided by the county for roads within the unincorporated communities. The total mileage of county roads is over 1100 miles, creating the very difficult task of maintaining or improving the roads to desirable road standards given the budget constraints of a population of only 9,000 people. Routine maintenance of county roads is assigned to three county shops. One is located in Glendive at the southern end of the county, one in Lindsay and the other is in Richey to care for the needs of the north end of the local road system.
Some important information on the county roads in Dawson County was obtained when the Montana Department of Transportation conducted an annual road inventory to update gas tax records for the county. The data base and GIS mapping system was used as a base to produce the county road map. Road names were listed for each segment recorded along with the corresponding length for all roads and highways in the county. The data showed that most of the roads off the main highway system under the jurisdiction of Dawson County are gravel surfaced.
Bridges are also a very important part of the road system and maintenance program. Bridges in Dawson County known as major structures (single clear spans greater than 20 feet in length) are inspected biennially by the Montana Department of Transportation. However, detailed inspections of minor structures (single clear spans less than 20 feet) traditionally are not conducted on a regular basis by MDT or County crews. Existing bridge locations could be recorded during a county road inventory as part of the GIS data base for an addressing system, followed by preparation of a bridge study to identify critical problem areas in the county as well
Part One - 83 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
as priorities and funding sources for improvements. The report would be one of the critical elements of the capital improvements program discussed in Part Five of this document.
The primary focus of this bridge inventory would most likely be on minor structures although a few major structures of interest may also be included. The overall purpose of this inventory is to catalogue and evaluate the condition of the County’s bridges in order to provide guidance for ongoing maintenance as well as future bridge repair/replacement projects.
Glendive Streets
The City of Glendive street system is the result of original platting of the land laid out between the Yellowstone River and the rugged landforms of the adjacent badlands on the south side of the river. The more recent expansion of the urban area to west is joined to the main part of the city by river crossings at Towne Street and Bell Street. The Burlington Northern Railroad has also influenced the street patterns and traffic circulation on both sides of the river.
Interstate 94 Business Loop comprises a major portion of the business district of the city. This loop runs from the East Interchange of Interstate 94 to the West Interchange and encompasses a majority of Merrill Avenue and all of Towne Street within the city limits. This roadway is maintained by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). The remainder of Merrill Avenue is on the secondary road system and is also maintained by the MDT. The road system maintained by the city consists of 44.864 miles of streets and alleys. All of the paved streets were improved by Special Improvement Districts and vary in age and condition. Due to age and changing traffic conditions, many of these streets are becoming deteriorated beyond normal maintenance. The city is currently conducting a street pavement and condition survey to prioritize the street conditions and establish a Capital Improvement Plan for making necessary repairs and improvements. This study is scheduled to be completed by fall, 2006. Current improvements now are funded exclusively by Gas Tax funds received from the MDT.
The Glendive Street System is shown in Figure 12.
Part One - 84 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 12
Part One - 85 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Urban Transportation
The Dawson County Urban Transportation District was established by voters in July of 1993. It was established to operate the transportation services and be available to the general public. The Urban Transportation District provides door to door service with rides scheduled through a dispatcher during regular service hours. After hours, residents can leave a message for a return call on the following day or email the district through their web site.
The district also provides transportation on a contract basis to various agencies within the community. The district will provide service outside district boundaries at full cost to the contracting agency.
The district provides year round service Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The transit service does not currently operate on Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays. Some special event trips are planned after regular hours of operation.
The district requests residents call 24 hours in advance for transit service. However, only about 25% of the trips are scheduled in advance. Residents are picked up within 15 minutes of their calls during the summer, and within 20 to 30 minutes during the winter.
To make a reservation a person calls the Urban Transportation phone number and the call is routed to the driver through the two-way radio with a "phone patch." The resident tells the driver his or her information, and the driver schedules the trip.
The district just contracted to have our "Transportation Development Plan” updated. The new plan is for 2005-2010. Some of the goals for the district are: Provide and maintain an adequate vehicle fleet Maintain an adequate staff of appropriately trained personnel Maintain the existing ridership base, while increasing ridership levels and expanding the types of service offered Provide and maintain an adequate and exclusive communication system Continue to provide for the economic sustainability of the transit system Enlarge the current facility to accommodate the vehicles, storage area, meeting room, and dispatch area
Part One - 86 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Expand the Urban Transportation District boundaries to include more of Dawson County Provide expanded service hours and service areas as needed in order to meet the new demands
Railroad
The east-west mainline of the Burlington Northern railroad crosses the county along the route of the Interstate Highway #94. The Burlington Northern mainline provides rail service to the City of Glendive and to the grain elevators along its route. Besides the mainline, Burlington Northern branch lines in the County include the Sidney, Redwater, and Richey branch lines. Glendive is a division point for the Burlington Northern.
With the discontinuance of Amtrak passenger service through the county Burlington Northern now provides only freight service to the county. Not surprisingly, the principle outbound commodity is grain; while principle inbound commodities include fertilizers, building materials, and farm and other machinery. These are only the major commodities imported and exported form the county, there are, of course, many other commodities imported and exported.
A major commodity that does not presently originate in the county, but is shipped through the county is coal. The number of unit coal trains passing through the county has increased tremendously in the last five years, and is expected to continue increasing for the next few years. The increased coal traffic has affected the traffic patterns and employment in the City of Glendive, so there have been both costs and benefits to the city from the coal rail traffic.
Airports
There are currently two airports in Dawson County. The Dawson Community Airport is located northwest of Glendive and a small airfield is located next to the Town of Richey.
The Dawson Community Airport is a modern up to date commuter airport. The airport has two paved runways that are adequate to meet the demands of the City of Glendive and Dawson County. Runway 12/30 is 5,704 ft long and 100 ft wide, very adequate for the corporate world and runway 20/02 is 3,000 ft. and 60ft. wide. Present nav-aids are the NDB and GPS into runway 12 and the airport is getting a new RNAV-GPS approach procedure to be published in
Part One - 87 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
September 2006. The airport is currently being served by Big Sky Airlines as one of seven airports on the essential air service routes with two flights a day. The airport is technologically up to speed with a website (www.glendiveairport.com) and wireless internet service free to all users in all the buildings. The airport has both 100LL aviation gasoline and Jet-A fuel and is pumped 24/7-365 days a year. Airport management has a 24 hr. phone and can handle user needs.
Currently Richey has a county owned 3,000 foot unpaved airstrip. No commercial planes land and is used by private planes.
There are no immediate plans for major improvements or changes in operational characteristics at this time for the Dawson Community Airport or the Richey airfield.
Part One - 88 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
General
Dawson County lies in an agricultural region of the state and includes a diverse range of topography and climatic conditions characteristic of the northern great plains. The climate of the area is semi-arid and with most of the precipitation coming in the form of rain during late spring and early summer. Precipitation averages 12 to 14 inches annually in Dawson County with an average of about 28” of winter snow fall in the Yellowstone valley and slightly more in the uplands. The variation in precipitation, and change in geology and landforms, has a dramatic effect on the vegetation, soils, water resources and wildlife indigenous to the region from the rugged ravines of the badlands area to the valley.
The topography and climate of the county are favorable for a healthy rural lifestyle that has sustained the local population in the past and promises a continuation of a similar lifestyle into the future. However, the lack of any new large scale basic industries has the effect of limiting the magnitude of growth and its impacts on the environment. Nevertheless, knowledge regarding proper management of the land and water resources in Dawson County will be necessary in order to preserve the life style to which the local population has become accustomed. Historically, the county has been concerned about the possible effects of oil, natural gas and coal development as well as agricultural practices on both economic and environmental conditions. There has been some investigation and development of mineral resources over history, primarily for development of oil and gas wells, but activity in this area has subsided over time due to economic conditions and energy management practices. The possibility of development of the coal resource has also surfaced periodically as energy development companies explore the feasibility of recovering some of the resource within the boundary of Dawson County. The Fort Union Coal Region contains a vast coal resource in Montana and recoverable areas have been identified by the Bureau of Land Management in Dawson County (See the 1980 Dawson County Comprehensive Plan for maps and descriptions of mineral resources in the area). Agricultural resource development continues to be an important consideration in the management of soil and water resources, and will undoubtedly influence land use and water resource decisions in the future.
Part One - 89 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Soils
The Soil Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a report for the Dawson County Soil Survey that covers the planning area. “The soil survey is an inventory and evaluation of the soils in the survey area and can be used to adjust land uses to the limitations and potentials of natural resources and the environment. Also it can help avoid soil- related failures in land uses.” The information is useful in planning for management of soils for crops, pasture and rangeland as well as sites for buildings, sanitary facilities, recreation and wildlife habitat.
The SCS report contains tables showing a list of soils classifications and a corresponding series of tables that give information about the suitability of the soil for specific uses including, pastureland, irrigated and non-irrigated cropland, crop yields, land capability and woodlands. Soils are also rated for their potential to support building foundations, sanitary facilities, as a source of construction materials such as gravel for road building, and water feature embankments. A soil classification map can be obtained from NRCS along with the soils map unit descriptions for the Dawson County area. The information shown on the map is available on the internet at the Montana Natural Resource Information System (NRIS) site, and includes maps and detailed tables for the planning area.
Surface Water
The Dawson County planning area includes streams that are in the Yellowstone River drainage area in the southeast two thirds of the county as well as some minor tributaries of the Missouri River in the northwest area. The Yellowstone River crosses through the county forming the alluvial valleys which are the predominant landforms supporting irrigated agricultural uses and urban oriented development around Glendive. The watershed divide is located about 8 miles northeast of Lindsay and Bloomfield extending diagonally through the county. The main streams are shown on the planning area maps for reference, and most of the smaller drainages are shown as well.
The Yellowstone River provides a year long source of water for irrigation, livestock, and domestic needs. This stream has had at various times gaging stations installed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) where flow measurements are taken and recorded at regular
Part One - 90 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
intervals. Many small reservoirs in Dawson County add significantly to the agricultural and especially the irrigational use of water in the county.
The use of surface water is widespread for agricultural, municipal, and recreational purposes. Agricultural uses of water are very important to the county. As is the case in most counties in Eastern Montana, a potential exists for the irrigation of many additional acres. The town of Glendive utilizes surface water from the Yellowstone River for its municipal water supply. Also important is the use of surface water for recreational purposes. The ponds, reservoirs, and streams in the county are ideal habitat for fish and waterfowl and draw many fishermen, hunters, and campers to the area each year.
Groundwater
Dawson County has numerous wells throughout the lower elevations and foothills that are used for domestic and stock water use. Well data indicates that the average well depth varies from relatively deep levels around 300’ to shallow depths averaging less than 20’ deep over some of the alluvial valleys adjacent to surface water. There does not appear to be a consistent pattern of shallow or deep wells in the records for the rural community centers, but the information indicates that overall the yields are good.
The Richey municipal water supply is the largest community system in the county that is dependent on groundwater as a potable domestic supply. Community systems in the West Glendive area include Forest Park, Highland Park, Rainbow Estates and Highland Mobile Home Park among several others. Water supply for domestic use in the rural unincorporated communities is also obtained from individual wells, and there are no community systems planned at this time. Future development demands in these communities may create conditions that require consideration of establishing a central water system for the area, but there is no immediate indication that it will be necessary in the near future. It appears that the trend for development of individual service wells will continue in all areas of the county outside of the Glendive area.
Data is available on-line through NRIS showing well locations (color maps) and related water quality and depth. This information is summarized in the appendix in the natural resource
Part One - 91 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
section showing the type of mapping available and representative Groundwater Information Center (GWIC) well data for Dawson County.
Vegetation
Dawson County supports a wide variety of types of vegetation due to the diversity of landforms, climate and soils in the area. Only a small percentage of total land area has been developed for urban use but agricultural development occupies a substantial portion of the county with the resultant change to commercially productive crops, a variety of rangeland grasses, and large stands of commercially managed grasslands for soil conservation. The badlands area has been largely maintained in its natural state and the natural vegetation patterns are still evident. The rolling hills, bench lands and fertile parts of the Yellowstone Valley have been converted to support agricultural uses in many areas. The grasses which dominate the lowlands are interspersed with large tracts of private ranch land and some irrigated crop land. Riparian areas at the lower elevations near streams and rivers support natural grasses, shrubs and stands of poplar and aspen.
Characteristics plant communities are those typically associated with rangeland production supported by the area soils units. Bluebunch wheatgrass, need leandthread, and western wheatgrass are among the most common found in the area along with some sites suitable for rough fescue and green needlegrass. Reedgrass, sedge and tufted hairgrass are some of the grasses associated with the sub-irrigated soils in the lower elevations near the river. Other perennial grasses and shrubs, including sagebrush and rabbit brush are found in the area. There is also a variety of riparian and wetland ecosystems plant communities along the rivers and streams in the planning area. The riparian area includes cottonwood, willow, alder, wild roses sedges and forbs. These riparian and wetland ecosystems serve as aquifer recharge areas, help maintain water quality, and reduce the impacts of seasonal flooding. The federal species of concern listed for the area are shown in the table included in the following section.
Data showing the presence of noxious weeds in the area was produced through the statewide Weed Survey and Mapping System Project which focused on the distribution and density of five important noxious weeds. Leafy Spurge, Dalmatian Toadflax, Sulfur Cinquejoil, Russian Knapweed and Spotted Knapweed were surveyed for each county that provided results for section-based maps.
Part One - 92 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
For the 2,525 sections included in the county area, leafy spurge has the highest occurrence and was listed as present on over 19% of the area surveyed. Russian Knapweed and spotted knapweed were found on less than 2% of the sections, while the other weeds surveyed were absent.
Fish and Wildlife
The Dawson County area contains a diverse cross section of land forms and vegetation types that are typical in the semi-arid environment found in the rugged and rolling terrain of eastern Montana. The local geography includes riverside riparian areas, coulees, and dry sloping hills providing habitat for a diverse wildlife population.
Several species of game fish inhabit the Yellowstone River and its tributaries within the planning area. The most common for fishing include Brown Trout, Burbot, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Sauger, Paddlefish, Small Mouth Bass, Walleye, and Yellowstone Cutthroat.
Shoreline areas provide a great variety of wildlife species depends on the riparian zone immediately adjacent to the riverbank. Among the more common species found in the riparian zone are white-tailed deer and pheasant. Bald eagles nest in cottonwood snags. In the valley area, species include the ground squirrel and mule deer. Fur bearing animals including beaver, muskrat and mink are found in suitable habitat, as are the fox, coyotes, and badgers.
The upland area of the county provides habitat for antelope, whitetail and mule deer, and game birds. Pheasant, Sharptail Grouse, and Alga Hungarian Partridge are found in areas outside of the more densely populated areas that provide necessary shelter, cover, and winter-feed. As the landscape is converted from agriculture and open prairie to urban use, the intensity of use of the land by native wildlife is gradually decreasing. This trend is projected to continue.
The Montana Natural Heritage Program data base provides information regarding the current status of plant and animal species of special concern that may occur within the study area. The following table shows that there are four animal species in the Dawson County area, four fish species, two bird species, and five plant species that are on the list. The following table is a summary of the available data.
Part One - 93 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
ALL SPECIES OF CONCERN
US Fish & US Forest US BLM Common Name Species Type Wildlife Service Service Status Status Status
Baird’s Sparrow Bird Sensitive Sensitive Spiny Softshell Animal Sensitive Sensitive Greater Sage-grouse Animal Sensitive Blue Sucker Fish Sensitive Sturgeon Chub Fish C Sensitive Sicklefin Chub Fish Sensitive Paddlefish Fish Sensitive Pallid Sturgeon Fish LE Special Status Preble’s Shrew Animal Interior Least Tern Bird PS:LE Special Status Meadow Jumping Mouse Animal PS Bittersweet Plant Watch Bractless Mentzelia Plant Watch Blue Toadflax Plant Watch Plains Phlox Plant Watch Poison Suckleya Plant Source: Montana Natural Heritage Program
Part One - 94 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
PART TWO GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
COMMUNITY DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
Goal:
Establish land use patterns which accommodate growth, preserve the identity and character of existing communities, and minimize conflicts with agriculture and existing businesses and industries.
Objectives
Facilitate the expansion of existing industrial uses and development of new industries in areas suitable for development.
Encourage round-out and in-fill in existing areas or partially developed subdivisions and encourage new residential subdivisions in preferred development areas adjacent to existing communities.
Support the use of floodplain restrictions in the west Glendive area. Continue to mitigate potential damage from future flooding in West Glendive and limit future development in flood prone areas through enforcement of flood plain regulations.
Promote adequate housing for low income persons and senior citizens in Dawson County. Work to provide better opportunities for choices in housing type and location.
Work to preserve and revitalize the downtown area of Glendive.
Develop park and recreation facilities through the creation of a Recreation District which will meet the needs of all citizens in Glendive and Dawson County. Work to provide better recreational opportunities as an integral part of community improvements.
Part Two - 95 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Promote community improvements that will benefit all citizens of the county through administration of rules adopted in County or City zoning and subdivision regulations. Update and improve these regulations on a regular basis to reflect changing conditions or needs.
Policies
1) Protect land suitable for industrial use by supporting designation of an industrial park and encouraging development along the railroad corridor.
2) Require land divisions to provide adequate transportation (including rights-of-ways), water, drainage and sanitary facilities; so that necessary services and facilities can be provided.
3) Update Zoning and Subdivision regulations to guide future development to areas of greatest community benefit following the intent of the Growth Policy.
4) Consider the need for land use regulations in areas adjacent to currently zoned areas, and portions of Dawson County.
5) Support the use of housing assistance programs to improve housing for low income persons and senior citizens. Participate in periodic needs assessments and inventories to determine immediate and long term housing needs.
6) Work with the City of Glendive to improve commercial opportunities in the existing general commercial zoned area of Downtown Glendive.
7) Work with the Chamber of Commerce on a long range plan to promote and develop tourism opportunities in Dawson County.
8) Develop a plan for Dawson County and Glendive Park and open space improvements.
9) Assure that local governments are staffed to administer land use regulations...
Part Two - 96 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Goal:
Improve the economy of the City of Glendive and Dawson County by encouraging stable and diversified economic development and retention of existing businesses.
Objectives:
Provide planning process and regulatory atmosphere which are conducive to maintaining existing employment and which foster opportunities for new economic development.
Encourage development that has a greater public benefit than it has in increasing the public facility and services costs and/or increasing the tax burden.
Encourage local governments to continue to assist the economic development council and/or work towards joining an economic development corporation.
Acknowledge the economic value of Dawson County’s natural resources and encourage tourism development.
Encourage local governments to assist in the recruitment of “clean industries.”
Policies
1) Encourage cooperation between the local planning board and economic development council or corporation in the consideration of land use issues relating to development opportunities.
2) Work with Dawson County and the City of Glendive to assist eligible entities with funding opportunities from federal, state, or local entities.
Part Two - 97 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
3) Encourage local government to provide economic incentives for improvements and or expansion of existing facilities.
4) Support tourism development and the need for properly planned highway commercial areas along the interstate corridor.
Part Two - 98 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
Goal:
Support Transportation Planning that addresses needed improvements for existing streets and roads and require future developments to meet design standards.
Objectives:
Develop a Plan that utilizes the capacity of the existing road system to serve future development prior to constructing new public roads. Ensure that new public road construction directs development into areas best suited for such development.
Develop design and improvements standards for roads which apply throughout the city and county according to the population and traffic levels served.
Support land use planning that will result in the most efficient expenditure of public funds for road construction and maintenance consistent with public safety and adequate traffic circulation.
Policies:
1) Provide long range capital improvement plans for roads.
2) All roads shall meet minimum standards adopted by the responsible city or county jurisdiction.
3) Encourage the repair and upgrade of streets through maintenance districts.
4) The primary responsibility for development of new roads shall be the users of the properties receiving direct benefit from and/or access to the new road. In cases where the new road system is designed to serve the public, development shall be the obligation of the agency or party initiating the road.
Part Two - 99 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
5) Roads constructed meeting proper design and standards may be offered to the local government (city or county). If accepted and dedicated by the local government, the local government will assume maintenance responsibility for the road.
6) Consider capacity and impact fees for major developments.
7) Continue the curb/sidewalk program in the City of Glendive.
8) Continue ADA improvements in the City and County.
9) Encourage the City of Glendive and Dawson County to jointly use Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP) funds for community wide projects.
10) Encourage Dawson County to verify rights-of-ways and easements for their roads.
11) Encourage the City of Glendive to finish and continually update their Pavement Management Plan.
12) Encourage Dawson County to develop a Road Management Plan.
Part Two - 100 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
NATURAL RESOURCES
Goal:
Protect and conserve the natural resources, clean air and water, and environment by promoting land use patterns which balance economic benefits and environmental stewardship and preserve the quality of life for residents in Dawson County and the City of Glendive.
Objectives:
Maintain and preserve the quality and quantity of surface and ground water for both consumptive and non-consumptive use.
Encourage the protection of agriculture and soil conservation, and continuation of noxious weed control.
Encourage the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat, realizing the economic benefits these valuable resources.
Protect the natural environment of Dawson County.
Use landscaping or natural environmental features to mitigate or buffer areas of incompatible land uses.
Preserve and maintain existing open spaces and parks.
Recognize the value and benefit of Makoshika State Park, the Yellowstone River, and the mineral resources of the area.
Recognize the value of the “Badlands” and the potential of fossils in the area.
Part Two - 101 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
Polices:
1) Limit and discourage development of lands having severe physical limitations, including slope, soils, flood plains, etc. if limitations cannot be overcome with special engineering designs.
2) Encourage better partnerships between Makoshika Park and local governments for access, recreational, and educational opportunities.
3) Work with Federal and State agencies in developing long-term plans which promote the economic benefits derived from publicly owned lands, while protecting the resources on these lands.
4) Encourage the City of Glendive and Dawson County to maintain existing river access and continue to facilitate other recreational sites along the Yellowstone River.
5) Expand pedestrian and bicycle trail facilities to promote appreciation of the natural resources of Dawson County and Glendive.
Part Two - 102 Dawson County /Glendive Growth Policy
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Goal:
Provide adequate and cost-effective public services, facilities, and infrastructure to serve the citizens of Dawson County and Glendive.
Objectives:
Develop and operate long range Capital Improvement programs for new and existing public facilities and services.
Evaluate and continually update public facility master plans for potential growth patterns and expansions.
Ensure high quality, coordinated community services.
Require land divisions to provide adequate streets, drainage, water, sanitary facilities, and necessary public facilities.
Explore the use of capacity and impact fees for major development proposals.
Coordinate the recreational opportunities for Glendive and west Glendive residents.
Policies:
1) Develop park facilities and recreation programs through park and recreation district.
2) Consider and encourage the use of centralized dispatch services.
3) Require adequate storm water facilities be designed, installed, and maintained.
4) Expand pedestrian and bicycle trail facilities.
Part Two - 103 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
PART THREE ISSUES AND NEEDS
ISSUES AND CONCERNS
General
The analysis of data collected during the inventory phase, public meetings, and the Needs Assessment Survey highlighted recent trends and community attitudes, and provides insight into development issues and problems that should be addressed in the plan. The issues are identified in the goals, objectives and policies listed in Part Two of this report, but more specific needs are discussed in the following sections.
Housing
Census data for population and housing in Dawson County indicates that there has been a slight decrease from 1990 to 2000, a trend that is expected to continue throughout this decade and leveling off between 2010 and 2015 before a period of growth. The population is estimated to be just over 9,000 people for the county in the year 2025 which is near the level recorded for the 2000 census. The City of Glendive is expected to accommodate nearly all of the growth for the planning period based on the census projection of normal conditions. This will create a demand for changes in the housing supply in and around the immediate vicinity of the city, but will have minimal effect on housing needs in the rural areas except for replacement of deteriorated structures.
The rural population is widely distributed throughout the agricultural area of Dawson County with local concentrations in the Town of Richey and the unincorporated community of Lindsay. The preferred areas for future growth, as identified through the public input process, are in the immediate vicinity of Glendive and the existing rural communities, with provisions for some expansion in designated areas (see the Part Four – Land Use Plan). With virtually no net increase in total population in the county anticipated over the 25 year period since the 2000 census, the rural areas outside of Glendive, West Glendive and Richey are actually expected to decline slightly from the census number of 1,069 total housing units.
Part Three - 104 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
The urban area of Glendive should have a period of slow growth after 2010 considering the census prediction for an end to the county wide downward trend, the need for additional urban oriented types of housing indicated by changes in population composition, and by responses included in the Needs Assessment Survey. As indicated in the Needs Assessment Survey, expansion of the urban area housing supply should include provisions for adding low income and senior citizen housing, improving rental housing, and providing for better accessibility by focusing on ground level housing units in new and renovated housing construction.
Part of the housing needs for the population forecast during the planning period could conceivably be accommodated on the vacant platted land in the residential areas of the City of Glendive and the surrounding urban area. Recent Department of Revenue data includes a classification for vacant land (see Figure 6) that shows the location of vacant parcels. According to this information, there are approximately 297 vacant residential parcels within the existing city limits. Most of the vacant residential land is in the Georgetown Estates and Hillcrest Additions in the northeast part of the city, and there are some undeveloped parcels on the south side of the city. Vacant platted land in the incorporated area on the west side of the Yellowstone River is within the area zoned for commercial and light industrial use. The West Glendive area outside the city has about 145 vacant platted parcels, including 30 in Highland Park and 10 in Forest Park. It is likely, however, that some growth will occur in new subdivisions in the fringe areas of the existing platted areas around Glendive in addition to infill on existing lots. Renovation of vacant housing units may also account for a small portion of the housing needed during the next 20 years and, as previously noted, there will be limited activity in the agricultural area. Any unexpected growth in response to unforeseen economic factors or special development proposals may result in new residential subdivisions outside of the preferred areas and could require a review and update to the plan recommendations.
Subdivision proposals must be closely scrutinized for impacts on existing uses and public services that would be required. It is likely that any new development proposed through the subdivision process will be on land in the preferred development areas as discussed in the Land Use Plan section. Although it is not the intent of the plan to prohibit all development in other areas, it is preferable that the existing land use in open rural areas be continued, particularly where environmental conditions are unfavorable or a viable agricultural operation will be negatively affected by a change in use.
Part Three - 105 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
It is likely that the relative demand for single-family, multiple-family and mobile home units in Glendive will change slightly from the present and past levels shown in the housing section of this report because of increasing needs for low income and elderly housing and making improvements in the rental housing market. In order to properly plan for the needs of the changing population, future residential development should include space for approximately 75% single-family, 10% mobile home and 15% multiple-family units.
According to information indicating recent trends, there is a need for more senior citizen housing and better quality rental housing. The apparent need for affordable senior housing is supported by census population data showing a high percentage of senior citizens in Glendive and Dawson County, and lower than average per capita personal income. This trend in population composition indicates the need to increase the multiple family housing share of the market by encouraging the use of housing assistance programs, including Board of Housing loan programs with low income assistance incentives. Programs for low and middle income housing should be promoted by local planning officials, and land use regulations should ensure that adequate area is available for multiple-family, mobile home, and modular housing. Habitat for Humanity housing may be a workable method of supplementing production of high-quality housing for fixed and low income households.
Business
The commercial activities in Dawson County in recent history have been very static because of the declining population and the influence of larger retail outlets in Billings, Dickinson and Williston on the local buyers. Miles City and Sidney also have an influence on the retail business climate. Consequently, the need for additional commercial services and land in the planning area is dictated in part by the ability of new enterprises to compete with the established neighboring business communities. The local population, particularly in the southern part of the county, will continue to depend on improvements and expansion of the local business environment in Glendive to maintain a solid core of local retail services in the area. This is supported by one of the objectives of this plan regarding Community Design and Development to “Preserve and revitalize the downtown area of Glendive”. It is also desirable to provide for additional commercial activity in the preferred development areas around the city and to support
Part Three - 106 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy improvements needed to provide for basic retail needs and convenience in the existing rural centers in the county.
The promotion of tourism is also one of the primary concerns of the county and providing support for tourism opportunities is one of the policies embraced by the county and the City of Glendive as a method of improving the local economy. There has been a great deal of interest in expanding commercial development for highway and tourist related facilities along the major road network subject to standards established by Dawson County.
According to the Needs Assessment Survey results, which are generally in support of economic development throughout the county, retail business improvements are a very high priority. The emphasis for improving the business opportunities should be placed on support for the preservation and enhancement of the existing business district in Glendive as well as improvement of commercial activities in Richey and other established rural communities of Dawson County. Development constraints for new commercial development in the area outside of the Glendive business district, as well as in Richey, Lindsay and Intake include consideration of impacts on agricultural land, sewer and water services, and highway access. These factors will weigh heavily in the ultimate determination of development areas suitable for commercial use.
Industry
The goals, objectives and policies indicate that the future vision for Dawson County should include allowances for light industrial development as well as improvement of retail trade opportunities. Because the agricultural and oil and gas industries represent a significant share of county income, there is a need to provide adequate land for a continuation of local services for these enterprises. Preference should be given to preserving the existing operations with good access and that do not produce negative long term Impacts. New or expanded industrial uses are envisioned to be resource and transportation oriented uses with required support facilities. They should be ideally sited for connection to existing public services and future public utility extensions. The type of industrial activity allowed should be addressed in land use regulations adopted in accordance with the guidance established in the Growth Policy.
Part Three - 107 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Public Services
The streets and sewer and water systems are affected by expansion occurring within the service area of each system, and the impacts of development proposals on these systems must be considered before development plans are approved. Specific information and recommendations for improvements to the sewer and water systems of the urbanized areas of the county are discussed in the public facilities section of Part One.
Since there are no community sewer and water systems outside of Glendive, West Glendive and Richey, the primary concern of the county is to work to improve the process of addressing the needs relating to the road and bridge system in order to maintain a high level of service for the population anticipated during the planning period. The road system in Dawson County, as in all Montana counties, is in constant need of maintenance to control the effects of winter weather and poor storm water drainage. Most roads within the county are gravel and there are also some paved sections on arterial routes that fall under the jurisdiction of the county road department. Both paved and gravel roads require constant attention and many are in need of repair. Working within the limitations of the county budget, it is difficult, if not impossible to address all of these needs on an annual basis. The establishment of a County Road and Bridge Capital Improvements Program is the most effective method of prioritizing these needs and anticipating funding levels that must be provided to maintain and upgrade the system. The use of Rural Improvement Districts may be an option for funding localized road improvements projects.
The City of Glendive recently conducted a street condition survey and will use the information to prioritize improvements in a C.I.P for the incorporated area. In addition to working toward identifying methods of increasing revenues and reducing public spending, the completion of a C.I.P. is a primary goal of the city administration. Because of the costs associated with these kinds of projects, it is likely that they will be undertaken in phases, and grant monies will be required to get some of the projects completed. In an effort to minimize additional impacts on the budgets of the city and the county, and in order to ensure a reasonable level of service to residents, all future subdivisions should be required to meet street surfacing and drainage standards adopted by the City of Glendive and Dawson County . Public service needs and infrastructure planning are addressed in more detail in Part Five, Implementation.
Part Three - 108 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Community Facilities
Community services providing fire protection, law enforcement, health care, public administration and schools should be considered in the development of the land use plan since obvious shortages or inadequacies in existing facilities could result in the need for additional public land for future expansion. Typically, we must depend on detailed facility plans developed by the affected public entity (through study committees) to identify facility needs. Although there may be a shortage of some resources required to provide these services in Dawson County, there were no urgent needs identified within the limited scope of the growth plan.
Although it does not appear to be practical to initiate improvements at this time, plans for future improvements to the public facilities should be undertaken to identify needs and potential budgeting shortfalls. Capital improvements for the county’s public buildings should be scheduled and budgeted within a priority system addressing all capital needs anticipated within the planning period. A detailed Capital Improvements Program (CIP) would include priorities for funding and improving these facilities.
Community Issues and Concerns
The primary means of obtaining public input to help identify the local issues and concerns for use in preparation of the growth plan was through the distribution of a Community Needs Assessment Survey. It was mailed out to 2,891 residents throughout Dawson County, including the incorporated areas of Glendive and Richey. The survey included 84 questions and was set up using direction from a local coalition of organizations and agencies. It was coordinated through a consultant in Billings. The surveys were mailed out in February 2005 and had a very high success rate with 1,448 returned or 50.1%.
An important part of the survey design was to allow for identification of needs for individual areas of Dawson County as well as specific neighborhoods within the City of Glendive. The results were summarized in a report to highlight issues that should be addressed for important general areas of the county. Results for Glendive, Forest Park, Highland Park, Richey, and All Others were tabulated in the summary report. More detailed locational data from the survey is available from the City of Glendive showing the results for 14 specific areas within Glendive and for 11areas outside the City.
Part Three - 109 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
The summary from the survey showed the following general highlights:
The majority (over 70%) of respondents are 45 or older and have lived in Glendive or Dawson County for over 20 years; The top four priorities for housing needs are for low income senior housing, ground level (accessible)housing, better quality rentals, and senior apartments; Facilities providing services for sewer, water and streets are the top three public needs in the built up areas; Recreational concerns center on the need for swimming pool improvements, walking trails and city parks; There is support for formation of a county-wide Recreation District; The majority of citizens are satisfied with police, sheriff and emergency response services ; Over 60% of respondents are at least somewhat satisfied with basic care services including the Medical Center, Emergency Room, Medical Clinic Dentists, Pharmacies, Medical Providers, and Ambulance; Retail business is the highest priority for economic development followed by agriculture and coal or oil related enterprise; Almost 60% of respondents believe the City and County should join an Economic Development District with other Eastern Montana Communities. The majority of respondents support the use of public funds for economic development. There is a general consensus that youth activities and opportunities are not provided at an adequate level; Income survey responses indicated that as a whole neither Glendive nor Dawson County have LMI’S (Low to Moderate Income) levels that qualify for the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) program.
Comments more pertinent to local issues within a particular area were primarily centered on differences relating to the need for public services. A complete listing of the comment records is contained in the Needs Assessment Results summary kept in the Dawson County - Glendive Planning office. The following summary covers some of the major concerns for each of the communities in the county:
Part Three - 110 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
City of Glendive − Upgrading the streets is the number one rated priority for public improvements; − Curbs and sidewalks are needed in the city; − Swimming pool improvements is the number one recreational need; − 40% of respondents would be willing to fund street improvements through creation of an S.I.D.; − A high percentage (44%) of respondents would support the use of local funds or resources to expand affordable housing;
Forest Park − Street repair is the primary concern for public improvements; − Most of the respondents (57%) would support an S.I.D. for streets − County parks is the number one recreational need; − 60% of home owners would apply for low interest loans or grants for home improvements if eligible; − Curbs and sidewalks are needed; − Better quality rentals and ground level housing are the highest ranking housing priorities.
Highland Park − Street repair is the primary concern for public improvements; − Most of the respondents (48%) would support an S.I.D. for streets − Hollecker Lake is the number one recreational need; − 52% of home owners would apply for low interest loans or grants for home improvements if eligible; − Curbs and sidewalks are needed; − Senior apartments are the highest ranking housing priority.
Richey − The water system is the primary concern for public improvements; − Most of the respondents (65%) had no opinion on support an S.I.D. for streets and other public improvements; − A swimming pool is the number one recreational need;
Part Three - 111 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
− Ground level housing is the highest ranking housing priority.
Important community issues, needs and available resources in the City of Glendive were the subjects of an assessment completed for the city over a two day period in November 2003. The Resource Team Assessment was completed using a team of qualified members experienced in community and economic development. After gathering comments from a cross section of community groups, the members met in a work session prior to preparing a report summarizing recommendations developed as a result of the process. A multitude of issues was identified and summarized under 6 main headings in the report for: 1) THE COMMUNITY, 2) BUSINESS, 3) TOURISM, 4) INFRASTRUCTURE, 5) FINANCIAL, and 6) EDUCATION. The concerns and issues listed generally agreed with many of those that were highlighted in the Needs Assessment Survey, but focused more on economic development. The following is a partial listing.
COMMUNITY comments included concerns about out migration, beautification, a Teen Center, the need to improve community attitudes, and the need for a community theme.
BUSINESS concerns noted the lack of jobs and the availability of a skilled workforce, the need to shop locally, and to promote value added agricultural production as well as natural resource development.
TOURISM comments related mainly to promotion of Makoshika State Park, increased marketing, and river access and use.
INFRASTRUCTURE needs focused on addressing the flood plain issues, developing better parking facilities, using vacant buildings, and promoting transportation systems.
FINANCIAL concerns dealt with the need to encourage small business, and maximize the use of economic development resources.
EDUCATION comments centered on promotion of a quality education, collaboration with the high school and country schools, and continued use and expansion of Dawson Community College.
Part Three - 112 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
The Resource Team Assessment Report can be reviewed at the City of Glendive Planning Office.
Part Three - 113 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS
General
In addition to land ownership patterns, the physical features of the planning area are greatly responsible for determination of the use of the land. Slope, soils and hydrology are the primary factors (in addition to climate) that dictate an area’s capability to support agricultural, urban- oriented or other types of land use. In Dawson County the rugged landforms, surface water and groundwater characteristics have had a profound influence on the pattern of land use that has developed and will continue to limit the location of growth in the future. The use of the land for agriculture along the Yellowstone River and in the fertile dry land areas across the county also has had a very significant influence in shaping the various communities throughout the county. Information showing the location of large agricultural parcels can be helpful in determination of suitable or likely areas for urban oriented expansion. Lands reserved for open space through the establishment of conservation easements also affect the direction of growth, and the limitations and opportunities created by the agreement can affect future plans for the area under consideration. The following discussion is concerned with limitations or opportunities that exist because of conditions found in general areas throughout Dawson County. The information is suitable for planning purposes and should not be construed as a precise description as would be obtained through on-site evaluations for particular projects. It is possible that detailed information could be submitted that demonstrates suitable development conditions on isolated sites within the broad areas described below.
Groundwater
The Dawson County planning area covers over 2,300 square miles and includes ground water conditions that range from water availability only at deep aquifer depth to shallow aquifer supplies in alluvial areas. Generally, the groundwater depth can present a constraint to urban use of the land because of increased costs associated with constructing septic systems to meet current environmental health standards, and also because of the difficulty in constructing stable foundations to support new structures. Groundwater quality is affected by septic tank density and by runoff from agricultural chemicals and mining activities. Data indicates that all of these groundwater conditions occur in various areas of Dawson County, indicating that evaluation of
Part Three - 114 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy groundwater data is a critical step in reviewing the effect of development proposals on the environment. Some groundwater conditions must be considered through examination of seasonal data to determine the overall effect. Seasonal high groundwater conditions near irrigation ditches severely limits development down gradient from the ditch. The use of irrigation for local hay crops is common within the Yellowstone River corridor, and evidence points to irrigation losses as one of the major sources of recharge to the shallow aquifer. Since groundwater levels vary significantly throughout the county, site specific conditions should be identified prior to authorization of new development proposals. Groundwater Information Center well data provides valuable information that can be used as an indicator of local groundwater conditions, and more detailed information on water quality is available in established environmentally sensitive areas such as high priority wetlands or special study areas for riparian wetland research.
The need for additional planning for construction of foundation systems is evident for areas known to be subject to high groundwater conditions. The influence of water and soils on the foundation and the effect of hydrostatic pressure on slabs and walls must be considered in the design process before building permits are issued in these areas. Since detailed mapping information showing high groundwater locations is not readily available for all of Dawson County, well logs should be reviewed as the primary resource to anticipate approximate groundwater levels. Building codes typically require a minimum footing depth of 42” below the surface, which may be difficult to accomplish as development moves closer to irrigated land, irrigation canals, and drainage courses. These factors could result in substantial cost additives for new construction.
Floodplains
General Floodplains are particularly sensitive areas in planning for development. Floodplains impose limitations on land uses because of physical characteristics that may not be readily apparent because the frequency of the hazard may occur only once in a hundred years.
This condition often lulls the population into a false sense of security on land near flood prone lakes and streams, and development may occur in these areas. When a design flood does occur, the damage is extensive and the health hazard and economic chaos is dramatic. The
Part Three - 115 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy purpose of a floodplain analysis is to regulate the land uses in flood prone areas and restrict the types of activity to minimize adverse effects when and if a design flood occurs.
Flood Hazard Requirements in Subdivision Regulations - The subdivision regulations, as drafted by the Glendive-Dawson City County Planning Board in compliance with the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act, include a section governing floodway provisions. As stated in the document, any land located in the floodway of a flood of one hundred year frequency, or land deemed subject to flooding as determined by the governing body, shall not be subdivided for building or residential purposes, or other uses that may increase or aggravate flood hazards to life, health, or welfare. A permit must be obtained for any development in the floodplain based on information demonstrating that flood hazards can be overcome or eliminated by approved construction techniques. If the proposed subdivision is within a specified distance of a live stream and no official floodway delineation has been made, the subdivider may be required to furnish survey data, and the floodway will then be determined by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
Controlling the subdivision of land in flood prone areas is an effective method of regulating the land use to acceptable uses.
Existing Floodplain Maps The Dawson County planning area is affected by flood incidents due to occasional high volume rain events as well as rapid snow melt in the drainage areas of the county’s major streams. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps are available for some areas based on flood insurance studies for drainage areas along the Yellowstone River. The FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Glendive is based on a Flood Insurance Study completed in 1980. The Flood Boundary Maps showing flood hazard areas for the unincorporated area around Glendive were published in 1978. The approximate 100 year flood boundary for the Glendive vicinity is shown in Figure 13. The official Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and related information are available at the county flood plain administrator’s office in the Dawson County Courthouse and Glendive City Hall.
Yellowstone River Flood Plain at Glendive The history of flooding on the Yellowstone River at Glendive has shown that severe limitations exist that must be addressed before future development plans can be implemented. The flood
Part Three - 116 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 13
Part Three - 117 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy affected area includes a substantial part of West Glendive as well as some of the area along the east bank of the river through the city. The floods usually occur during February, March and April and are primarily caused by ice jams formed during severe cold spells. The 1969, 1986, and 1994 ice jam floods all came within .5 to 1.5 feet of overtopping the West Glendive levee.
Several studies have been completed over the last 8 years to identify flood hazards and possible mitigation measures to reduce impacts in the flood plain. The City was initially accepted into the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1974. However, following completion of a Flood Insurance Study in 1980 that established flood elevations, FEMA revoked the city’s participation in NFIP for failure to adopt a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. From 1980 to 1992, building permits were issued by the City for 13 new structures in the flood plain area, 11 of which were determined to exceed the recommended maximum flood proofing design depth of 3 feet. A study determined that the only technically feasible approach to meet flood standards for the structures was through relocation / buyout or improvement of the levee system. The City has been in the process of obtaining reinstatement into the NFIP program since 1991. The City of Glendive Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan prepared in 1998 addressed on- going mitigation activities in the community and outlined a strategy for implementation of mitigation projects. The City was then reinstated in the NFIP allowing the City and County to approach the Corp of Engineers to complete a new flood plain study for the immediate area of Glendive.
A Section 205 Initial Feasibility Report was prepared by the Corp of Engineers in 2000 followed by a Flood Plain Management Plan that was published in March 2002. The plan was a cooperative effort between the City of Glendive, Dawson County and the State of Montana and resulted in a presentation of the most feasible alternative for mitigation of flood hazards along the Yellowstone River in Glendive. The study considered four alternatives that address the local objectives including removing structures built out of compliance with FEMA regulations, removing West Glendive from the 100 year flood plain, evaluating the Interstate 94 Bridge as a source of flooding problems, and increasing or maintaining environmental and recreational resources. The analysis of alternatives included an estimate of associated costs with a comparison of total economic benefit.
The recommended alternative consists of a 2.5 mile channel constructed to restore the hydraulic function of a historic chute on the left (west) bank flood plain. Under this alternative the
Part Three - 118 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy existing West Glendive Levee would be removed from the BNSF railroad bridge downstream to the West Glendive sewage lagoons. The flood plain buyout would consist of buyout and/or relocation of all structures located behind the portion of the removed levee to the east of the BNSF railroad. Flood protection would be provided by the railroad embankment in conjunction with the remaining section of levee upstream from the BNSF Railroad Bridge. Approximately 100 trailer homes, 25 residential structures, and 27 commercial structures would be included in the buyout / relocation project. All of the residential structures would be relocated. The vacated flood plain would then be restored to a combination of environmental and recreational land uses. The selected alternative also includes a comprehensive flood warning system to improve monitoring of ice jam movement and improve flood warning times. This alternative would provide 100 year flood protection to the property located behind the West Glendive Levee. See Figure 14 for a summary map of the selected alternative.
The second preferred alternative identified in the Flood Plain Management Plan would involve constructing the bypass chute the same as in the selected alternative and would raise the elevation of the existing levee approximately 2.5 feet from the downstream tie-back to the Towne Street Bridge. This alternative would result in increased water surface profiles causing induced damage in the location of Cain’s Coulee and Cottonwood Grove Levee on the east side of the River. The environmental restoration and recreation benefits would be less extensive with this alternative.
The flood plain of the Yellowstone River presents a formidable obstacle to many types of development and would necessarily be considered a constraint to the expansion of residential and commercial uses in this area of Glendive. As shown in studies completed for identification of flood limits and analysis of impacts under several different scenarios, the highest community and environmental benefit can only be achieved through the implementation of an aggressive and expensive mitigation project. However, it has also been shown that the implementation of such a program would result in opportunities for improvements to the recreational resources and provide a higher level of protection for existing properties. Future land use planning in the flood plain area should follow the recommendations of the Floodplain Management Plan by controlling the location of structures in the flood plain and working to maintain enforceable regulations that deal effectively with the specific problems of the West Glendive area.
Part Three - 119 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 14 – “Yellowstone River Flood Plain with Preferred Mitigation Project”
Part Three - 120 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Agricultural land
Considering the impact of the proportion of land area devoted to agriculture can be an important factor in assessing the potential for future growth, and the distribution by parcel size is a general indicator of an area’s propensity to retain existing land use patterns. Although the opportunity for change in use through future subdivision is certainly a possibility in agricultural areas, knowledge of the general details of the agricultural parcel helps to provide insight into the impacts of future land use decisions on the industry and community. In some situations environmental conditions and demographic factors such as slope, soils and road access may support the opportunity for maintaining viable agricultural operations. In others, the data may point toward a better use of the land for another purpose.
Agricultural use of the land in Dawson County is the predominant form of development in the study area as shown in the land use maps in Part One (Figure 5). The land is spread out in large parcels throughout the county. The checkerboard pattern evident on the maps illustrates the influence of public land holdings, primarily Bureau of Land Management and State of Montana Trust lands. The general location of irrigated, fallow crop and grazing land illustrated on the maps shows the importance of agriculture county wide, emphasizing the need to consider the effects of taking important farm land out of production in the future. As previously mentioned, parcel size or contiguous parcels under common ownership can be an important reference when considering future plans in an agricultural area. The parcel boundaries shown on the land use maps are an indication of the size of the operation as well as the distribution of irrigated and grazing lands. The only irrigated land in the county is found along the Yellowstone River corridor.
It is important to note that this is a general planning reference only, and additional data should be obtained to evaluate development proposals. This information is based on recent data (May 2005) included in the state CAMA data base available on NRIS. Parcel summaries are available on-line through the Natural Resource Information System (NRIS) site showing ownership, parcel size, agricultural production and other information for each of the parcels shown. This is a valuable tool that can be used for many planning applications in the future to help identify opportunities and constraints for a given proposal.
Part Three - 121 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
An additional resource to aid in the identification of farm land that should be preserved is provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service through classification of prime and important farmland soils. The classification results in a listing of soil map units in the county that are considered prime for use as farm land or of statewide importance. There are 44 soils listed in Dawson County and they have been mapped to show the distribution across both public and private land. The Prime and Important Farmland Soils map is included showing the distribution of prime and important farm soils in Figure 15. Map unit names and descriptions are available through the NRCS report for Dawson County on-line through the NRIS (Natural Resource Information System) site.
Conservation Easements
A conservation easement is a method of preserving open space values, productive agricultural land, river corridors or similar uses from urban development and activities that would produce adverse environmental impacts. The easement is a non-regulatory means of influencing the location of new development, and has the net effect of protecting the land from encroachment by undesirable land use on a long term basis regardless of any future transfer of ownership.
According to Montana Natural Heritage records, there are no conservation easements listed for Dawson County at this time. The use of conservation easements has increased in Montana over the past decade in response to high land values for development and recreation compared to agriculture. In the western part of the state, the easements generally place perpetual restrictions on the property for commercial and residential subdivisions while traditional agricultural activities continue. The easements can be written to allow specific division of the property to accommodate family members and/or to limit the number of structures that can be built. The limitations reduce the value of the property potentially helping ranch families transfer land from one generation to another without high real estate taxes and the donor also reaps tax benefits from the easements since they are considered charitable contributions by the federal government.
Public Land
Public ownership of land in Dawson County has had a significant influence on the pattern and characteristics of land use over history, and will continue to guide development and
Part Three - 122 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy management decisions in the future. Federal and State agencies administer approximately 256 square miles of land in the county, which represents nearly 11% of the total land area. The distribution of public land is shown on the Land Use and Public Ownership map in Figure 5 in Part One of this report. The largest Federal owner is the Bureau of Land Management which has significant holdings in the Cedar Creek area at the south end of the county.
Part Three - 123 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 15
Part Three - 124 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Wetlands Wetlands are fragile ecosystems that are sensitive to disruptions in the water table or fluctuations in surface water availability. These areas are found on the flanks of active waterways or bodies of standing water and are typically referred to as swamps, bogs, marshes or sloughs. Wetlands are recognized for their role in supporting a wide range of animals, fish, insects and plants that are an important part of the local ecology. Existing wetlands are also inherently valuable for their ability to treat and filter wastewater and runoff from agricultural operations and can help to control detrimental effects from other development including mining and road construction. Many small communities and large livestock feeding operations have created artificial wetlands that function as natural biological sewage treatment areas.
The protection of wetlands In Dawson County is a necessary part of implementing a plan that will help to perpetuate the agricultural and rural nature that has been identified as a desirable feature in many areas of the county. Wetlands exist throughout the riparian areas of the county, primarily near the Yellowstone River. Wetland areas are also found around many other local drainage features throughout the county, however only a small portion of them have been identified through special study efforts. There is one high priority wetland identified by the Department of Environmental Quality located on Burns Creek north of Intake, and there have been 7 Riparian Wetland Research Program sites identified in the Cedar Creek area at the south end of the county. The high priority wetlands currently identified are shown in the following list by latitude and longitude location and the RWRP sites are shown by township, range, and section.
DAWSON COUNTY HIGH PRIORITY WETLANDS & WETLAND RESEARCH SITES Site Code DEQ Site Latitude Longitude WET12 Burns Creek 47.08389 -113.23278 Site Code RWRP Site TRS 8900048 Cedar Creek 13N 56E 21 8900049 Cedar Creek 13N 56E 17 8900060 Cedar Creek 13N 56E 17 8900061 Cedar Creek 13N 56E 18 8900062 Cedar Creek 13N 56E 18 8900063 Cedar Creek 13N 55E 12
Part Three - 125 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
PART FOUR LAND USE PLAN
THE PLANNING PROCESS
In order to address the needs of the existing population and to prepare for future changes in both the rural and urban areas of Dawson County, the city-county planning board initiated a planning process to update the Comprehensive Plans prepared over 25 years ago. The “Land Use Plan” included in this chapter has evolved over the past 18 months following a series of meetings to review data, reports, and recommendations prepared by the planning board and consultant. The background data in Part One and the goals and objectives developed for the City and County in Part Two, have been incorporated into the final document along with input obtained at public hearings held by the planning board, Dawson County Commission, and Glendive City Council on the “draft” plan. The Glendive-Dawson City County Planning Board is the advisory group responsible for recommending action for adoption of the growth policy to the County Commission and City Council. Following review of the growth policy by the planning board and local officials, a public hearing was held by the Planning Board. The Planning Board recommended adoption of the plan with some minor revisions to the document since the hearing. These comments have been taken into account in the final publication presented to the governing bodies for approval.
The plan should provide a framework for the Planning Board and governing bodies to make decisions on land use proposals that reflect and coordinate the needs related to public facilities and infrastructure, transportation, housing, land capability and economic development. The Glendive area is experiencing changes in demand for essential services, and the community has recognized the need to plan carefully to maximize benefits of public expenditures and respond to preferences identified for growth and improvements in and around the City. It is the intention of this plan to foster and encourage future development that will cause minimum impacts on the City of Glendive and Dawson County, protect the major elements of the economy, and preserve the rural quality of life enjoyed in Dawson County and Glendive today.
Part Four - 126 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
The Growth Policy (which includes the Data Element showing conditions and trends, Goals and Objectives, Land Use Plan, and Implementation Strategy) is a non-binding document developed through a public process that identifies land use issues, and gives direction for dealing with those issues. Regulations, in contrast, carry out the direction and policy of the plan by articulating, in specific language, requirements that govern the use of land. Any land use regulations should conform to the adopted plan. The purpose of this concern is to ensure that land use regulations are drafted and enforced in the context of a broad, carefully considered, public purpose. The plan is the public’s expression of a planning vision for the community. Regulations adopted in conformance with a plan are less likely to be arbitrary than those adopted in isolation, therefore it is important that the existing zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations be reviewed to insure that compatibility with the adopted plan is maintained.
LAND USE PLAN General
The land use plan illustrates the vision of the future development pattern for Dawson County and the City of Glendive. Based on the goals and policies expressed by the local population and government officials, the plan is an expression of desirable community attributes to be retained in future development proposals. It acknowledges the existing development pattern and infrastructure which have basically targeted or committed the existing rural centers of the County for improvement or additional development. The land use plan also reflects the interest of the county in preserving natural resource values, avoiding environmental degradation, preserving public investments in infrastructure and providing for efficient, cost effective growth in the developed areas.
Dawson County Rural Area
The Land Use Plan Map for the rural area of the county is shown in Figure 16 at the end of this section. The need to preserve agricultural land as the primary resource of the county is recognized through the designation of a broad based agricultural district covering most of the county area in support of farming and ranching activities with allowances for limited residential use. The following is a discussion of the selected land use classifications for the rural part of the Dawson County Planning Area. The selected classifications applicable to the Glendive urban area are discussed in a separate section beginning on page 4.
Part Four - 127 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Land Use Classifications – Dawson County Rural Area
District Description
Urban Area A land use district offering a living environment with a full range of urban services or a semi-rural living environment in an existing sub-urban community. The area includes the City of Glendive and the adjacent urban area in the vicinity of the city.
Rural Community A land use district encompassing an existing rural community offering a semi-rural living environment with a limited range of urban services. The communities of Richey, Bloomfield and Lindsay, are included in this definition. This classification permits a restricted range of urban activities including moderately high density residential, commercial, and light industrial uses commensurate with the ability to provide necessary services. Institutional, recreational, and light industrial uses may be permitted on a limited basis. All new development is subject to review for impacts on adjacent properties. Impacts on the existing public sewer and water systems must be taken into account before additional development is approved in the Town of Richey. Boundaries and site specific locations for different land uses are not designated.
More specific issues and needs, as well as specific boundary designations, may need to be addressed in the future through preparation of a Neighborhood Plan as permitted by the Growth Policy Statute for each of these communities in response to changing conditions in the county.
County District #1 A land use district covering the rural area of the county. Policies in the district promote agricultural operations and other related activities. This District emphasizes protection of open spaces, watersheds, soil and water resources, grazing and crop lands, wildlife resources, and the agricultural lifestyle and economy of the County.
Part Four - 128 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
This district provides for residential development consistent with agricultural or natural resource recovery operations, and permits rural residential development that does not have negative consequences to adjacent agricultural operations and other activities. Residential housing densities are low to moderate.
Large scale resource oriented development may be allowed in certain areas of the county within this district subject to identification of associated impacts and completion of a public input process followed by planning board review and governing body approval.
In order to provide flexibility and allow creativity in subdivision design, Planned Unit Developments and other innovative development concepts are encouraged when they are located in areas physically suitable for development.
Commercial activities, light industrial and recreational uses may be permitted subject to review of site location, access by existing arterial roads, impacts on surrounding property and availability of services.
Glendive Urban Area
The land use plan for the urban center of the county as shown in Figures 17a and 17b shows the general future development pattern for the City of Glendive and the surrounding developed area including West Glendive. Based on the goals and policies expressed by the local population and government officials, the plan is an expression of desirable community attributes to be retained in future development proposals. It acknowledges the existing development pattern and infrastructure which serves the area in the City as well as in the developed areas of West Glendive including Highland Park and Forest Park. The land use plan also reflects the community interest in preserving natural resource values, avoiding environmental degradation, preserving public investments in infrastructure and providing for efficient, cost effective expansion of the community.
Part Four - 129 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Facility plans for water and wastewater showing existing system capacities and limitations were important references in the designation of preferred growth areas. Information on agricultural lands and ownership in the peripheral area of City were also instrumental in the process of preparing the land use plan. The limitations imposed by the Yellowstone River flood plain are recognized as one of the most important variables in planning for growth and improvements in the Glendive area. The City and County have been involved in a process of identification and mitigation of flood plain hazards along the adjacent stretch of the river, and are in support of enforcing regulations to limit land development in the flood prone area. The Glendive Zoning Ordinance currently includes regulations on the flood prone area within the city limits in the Flood Control (FC) zone. Previous planning documents were used by the planning board as the primary reference throughout this plan update process. In general, old plans were found to adequately express many of the desired objectives of the community and would not require extensive changes aside from clarification of issues, refinements in preferred growth areas, and developing a more reliable data base for mapping and tracking community trends. The plan included here is a reflection of the desire of the City to support improvements to the community including infill on existing vacant platted land as well as expansion within the limits of the area that can be efficiently served by public infrastructure systems for sewer, water and streets. The Land Use Plan Maps for the Glendive Area (Figures 17a and 17b) show land use categories that are generally in agreement with existing zoning in use prior to the adoption the Growth Policy.
The Glendive Urban Area is characterized by a mixture of agricultural, recreational, and community resources, each with important functions and values that must be protected. Glendive is committed to protecting these valuable resources while providing for future growth of the community according to a plan that reflects the vision of the local population. The goals, objectives and policies shown in Part Two form the basic ideology used in the development of the plan. It must be administered in a manner that addresses the issues and concerns that were identified during the planning process, and at the same time recognizes the important limitations unique to the area.
The Land Use Plan Map illustrates generalized future land uses and infrastructure improvements in the Glendive Area. It delineates the land use classification areas described in the following paragraphs and is intended to be interpreted and applied in context with the document text. Although the density stipulated for each of the land use classification areas are
Part Four - 130 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy intended to be maximum densities, they should be flexibly interpreted to implement the intent and spirit of the Growth Policy.
The land use plan for the Glendive area is shown in Figures 17a and Figure 17b. The land use classifications presented on the maps are intended to be general in nature, particularly within the rural area outside of the Glendive Urban Area. The following sections discuss the selected land use classifications for the Glendive Planning Area.
Land Use Classifications Glendive Urban Area
Agricultural Two classifications of land primarily suited for grazing or raising crops are designated. Low intensity residential uses may be permitted depending upon natural development constraints and distance from town.
Agriculture/Open (1 DU per 160 Acres): Areas subject to flooding or topographic constraints that make them unsuitable for virtually any type of urban type use but which are suitable for agricultural crops or grazing. Certain types of recreational use should be allowed in this district. This district also includes existing agricultural land with associated residential use. It is the intent of this district to promote the continuation of the existing agricultural or open non intensive uses not otherwise classified in the area around Glendive.
Agricultural Low Density (1 DU per 80 Acres): Lands with moderate development constraints that lie between the very low development density agricultural lands and the low density residential use areas. These areas are suitable for grazing and certain other agricultural purposes. The county fairgrounds and other similar agricultural uses are permitted within this district.
Residential Residential neighborhoods should be systematically improved through a public improvements program that includes paving streets where appropriate, installing sidewalks, providing adequate storm drainage facilities and planting street trees. Specific areas adjacent to the downtown area should be improved by gradually introducing limited, mixed use development that will help to promote efficient use of the downtown properties. This gradual "in filling" and
Part Four - 131 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy reinvestment process should be undertaken under guidelines and controls designed to protect the livability and economic viability of the existing residential properties. All new residential subdivisions should be designed and developed to be efficiently served by public infrastructure and facilities.
The land use plan maps show four density arrangements that should be used to guide the direction and intensity of residential land use in the Glendive planning area. The distribution of these categories (as shown on the maps) is a reflection of existing land use trends and projected needs for land use based on the population and densities anticipated during the planning period. Densities shown are approximate maximum values. The classifications in the plan are:
Rural Residential (1 DU per Acre): Tracts suitable for low density, suburban type development served by "on lot" water and sewage disposal systems. Planned unit developments may be suitable for specific sites within this district pending evaluation of environmental and community impacts.
Low Density Residential (4 DU's per Acre): Lands within and close to the city suitable for single family home sites. Residential units in this planning district are within the existing or potential service area of public water and sewer systems. Planned unit developments may be suitable for specific sites within this district pending evaluation of environmental and community impacts.
Medium Density Residential (6 DU's per Acre): The area suitable for development with a mix of mobile homes, apartments and single family houses. This planning district includes previously developed residential neighborhoods near downtown Glendive and some previously platted land in the West Glendive area. Six DU's per gross acre will permit development at an intensity that should not adversely affect individual home development if proper regulatory requirements are applied.
Local Commercial General commercial development in areas previously developed for commercial use or in new developments in preferred commercial areas as shown on the Land Use Plan Map. Commercial areas should be subject to maximum building and parking limits to ensure that public service
Part Four - 132 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy and traffic impacts will be restricted primarily to the immediate neighborhood. These areas should be confined to land immediately adjacent to existing business districts and in areas that can be easily accessed by arterial streets as shown on the map. Mixed commercial / residential uses may be appropriate in specific areas pending review of impacts on existing uses.
Core Commercial The downtown "core" area should retain its position as the primary business and shopping center for the Glendive vicinity. Expansion into the blocks immediately to the north of this district should be facilitated through a carefully controlled, mixed use regulatory procedure. Downtown's small town character should be protected by managing the size, nature and arrangement of buildings, streets, walkways, parking, open spaces and other development features.
Highway Commercial Concentrated areas of highway oriented business development are indicated for locations within the Glendive area abutting major arterial routes. Existing commercial enterprises should systematically improve the safety and appearance of their properties as buildings are expanded or uses are changed. New commercial operations should be required to design, improve and maintain properties at the desired community standards at the time of construction.
Commercial/Industrial This classification should allow a somewhat broader range of uses and afford greater opportunity for basic sector job opportunities close to the heart of the community. Existing and new development should accommodate commercial enterprise and “clean” industrial uses such as fabrication facilities with minimal by-product production.
Planned Industrial The area reserved for industrial uses related to agriculture, rail transportation and natural resource industries as well as other basic sector employment type uses that are attracted to Glendive. Industrial activities allowed must demonstrate that negative impacts on air quality, water quality, and community services will be minimized according to standards adopted by the community and appropriate regulating agencies.
Part Four - 133 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Public Uses
Schools Continued expansion and improvement of the schools and school facilities in the current locations should be promoted.
Parks, Open Space, and Pathways Existing park and open space areas should continue to be improved. Pathways, including sidewalks, trails, pedestrian corridors, and bike ways, should be systematically expanded and improved throughout all residential, commercial and industrial neighborhoods as well as public spaces and other activity centers.
Recreation Recreation programs, together with facilities, should be expanded to meet ongoing needs of all segments of the population. Opportunities for joint use of facilities and programs should be evaluated to increase efficiencies. Consideration should be given to summer and winter recreational facilities and programs that will enhance the community's economy while at the same time serving Glendive residents. Trails and fishing access site improvements along the Yellowstone River are considered prime improvement opportunities that should be promoted.
Part Four - 134 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 16
Part Four - 135 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 17a
Part Four - 136 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 17B
Part Four - 137 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Alternative Growth Scenarios
As indicated in other parts of the Growth Policy report, the plan shown herein is based on past trends in Dawson County and does not include provisions for possible impacts from large energy resource developments or other significant changes that may occur in the area. Regional scale development proposals, including the creation of an eastern Montana “hub” center in Glendive as suggested by an on-going study conducted by the University of Montana, must be considered through a concerted planning effort aimed at incorporating the specific impacts identified into the overall plan for the county. After the scope of the proposal is known in sufficient detail, a process can be initiated to revise the Growth Policy to reflect a preferred plan that would accommodate the need for additional infrastructure and public services as well as impacts on agriculture and the environment.
The Growth Policy Statute also provides an opportunity to consider special circumstances or conditions by encouraging the preparation of “neighborhood plans” for certain areas within the county or city jurisdictions. A neighborhood plan could address special needs or circumstances in more detail provided that it is consistent with the Growth Policy adopted for the area.
Part Four - 138 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
PART FIVE IMPLEMENTATION
IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES
General
Implementation of this Plan is a process that is intended to extend well into the future and will involve a variety of methods that require a major commitment by the citizens and government agencies. The traditional implementation approach has been to adopt some form of regulation system to carry out the direction established by the Plan. Once the regulations have been drafted and adopted by the governing body, the Plan which established the foundation for regulations is sometimes forgotten. The importance of revisiting and updating the Plan periodically to ensure that changes and planning priorities within the community are properly addressed is reinforced through the current statutory requirement for review of the growth policy at least every five years. This is not intended to diminish the importance of a regulatory system. Rather it is to emphasize that the Plan and associated regulations must be viewed as living documents, and that a flexible approach is critical to Plan implementation.
Because the planning process addresses both the present and future, other implementation measures such as Capital Improvement Programming (CIP) should be adopted. The CIP contains a schedule of proposed projects and their estimated costs. Since many of these projects can influence the direction, timing and location of growth, the CIP should reflect the goals and objectives of the Plan and can be considered a crucial link in the implementation process.
While not all circumstances or changes in technology can be anticipated, this Plan and implementing regulations should be flexible enough to accommodate new concepts in development, while maintaining the overall goals and objectives of the community.
One of the means to ensure effective implementation of the Growth Policy is to make every effort to see that the Plan stays in tune with the local economy and desires of the community.
Part Five - 139 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
As stated in the following Chapter, the Plan should be reviewed periodically. The review should involve public input in order to identify potential problems and to assess public opinion regarding whether or not the Plan is effective in achieving its goals and objectives.
Another means of ensuring implementation is the involvement and interaction between the local government and the State or Federal government in all phases of planning. Because decisions made at the State or Federal level can have significant impacts on local governments, it is imperative that there is communication between all levels of government and that the local planning process is commensurate with the general provisions of State or Federal regulations.
Other implementation tools include the use of special assessment district, downtown renewal programs and similar strategies which provide funding sources to construct facilities that will promote the goals and objectives established in the Plan.
Private sector incentives can also be an important means of implementing the Plan. Many aspects of public action and local government decisions automatically encourage and provide incentives for the private sector. In some cases, it is appropriate to give special consideration to private developments which provide public benefits. At a minimum, the selection of implementation techniques should always consider the effect on the private sector's inclination to build and improve the community.
Regulatory Methods
Several tools are available for use in applying the adopted goals and objectives of the growth policy to shape the future of Dawson County. The background conditions relating to population, land use, economics, public services and systems, and the natural environment were used in conjunction with policy statements to produce a land use plan for the County. The general idea of what the local people advocate for their community growth is therefore apparent; however, because the growth policy is a non-binding document, we must look for a way of providing the most efficient and practical methods to provide regulatory guidance. Regulations must be drafted to carry out the direction of the plan by articulating specific requirements that govern the use of the land.
Part Five - 140 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Traditional enforcement tools used in Montana include subdivision regulations, zoning regulations or development regulations, floodplain regulations, and conservation easements. Building codes are also used to help improve the living environment consistent with adopted policies. Another type of enforcement tool, though less commonly used, is performance zoning based on a point system. For planning in municipal areas and the immediate vicinity, establishing annexation polices with clear and understandable procedures can be an effective tool for review and approval of new development that is consistent with the community goal of providing efficient public services. Annexation policies and providing for connection to public sewer and water systems are important issues for growth in the Glendive / West Glendive area.
Because of the rural character of Dawson County, the widespread influence of agricultural use, and the declining population base, there has been very little interest or need in developing additional regulatory measures for proposed development. The expression of a continuation of this pattern for future development through the goals and objectives, community meetings, and land use plan indicates that revisions to the existing subdivision regulations would be a logical and workable approach to regulating land use in a manner consistent with the direction given in the growth policy. It is possible that development pressure in response to any proposed energy resource extraction or processing projects would necessitate future consideration of other methods of land use control such as county wide development regulations. This method of regulation and its relationship to the growth policy is summarized later in this report.
Dawson County currently uses the 1994 version of the Dawson County Subdivision Regulations to review subdivision proposals. The county regulations have not been updated to reflect legislative changes since that time, and additional changes may be needed to tailor the document to the provisions and policies of the Growth Policy. Subdivision design standards should be reviewed and revised as needed to reflect the official policy of the County regarding road design and maintenance as well as drainage improvements and other site design requirements. Adopted design standards should be consistent with the goals and objectives of the growth policy.
It is anticipated that substantial changes to the Dawson County Subdivision Regulations will be required to address recent revisions mandated by the 2005 legislature and to ensure compatibility between the regulations and the new plan for the County. Similarly, the subdivision regulations for the City of Glendive must be updated to reflect current statutes of the new
Part Five - 141 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy subdivision law. All subdivision development proposals in the County and City must be reviewed according to the procedures and standards established in the updated regulations. The application of carefully crafted development design standards and other subdivision requirements is an effective method of minimizing negative impacts and unidentified costs that can result from new subdivision activity . The City of Glendive development pattern has proven to be compatible with regulations restricting various uses to certain zones using traditional zoning regulations. Zoning has also been established in several subdivisions in the West Glendive area including Highland Park, Forest Park, and River Road. A comprehensive review of these regulations should be completed after the Growth Policy is adopted to ensure compatibility with the intent of the new Plan.
Building codes in the rural area of Dawson County are administered by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Building Codes Bureau, and provide a method of controlling the quality and safety of new construction in the area. The State Building Codes Bureau, through the Permit and Inspection Program, reviews all new public, commercial and industrial buildings and also regulates residential construction for buildings with five or more units. There is presently no building code review of residential buildings containing one to four units for the area outside of Glendive.
Building codes within the City of Glendive are administered by the City Fire Department.
Zoning Ordinance
A review and update of the existing zoning ordinances for Glendive, Highland Park, Forest Park and River Road will ensure that these regulations are enforced in compliance with the growth policy statute. Designation of residential, commercial and industrial zones in the City and adjacent subdivisions will create specific boundaries that are compatible with the recommendations of the growth policy and allow for the continued enactment of rules and standards to be applied in each zone. The existing development pattern and zoning regulations were highly influential in determination of the most appropriate type of development promoted through planning districts shown on land use plan maps for the Glendive Urban Area. Consequently, although some revisions to the existing ordinances will be necessary, it is
Part Five - 142 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy anticipated that the bulk of the regulations will remain the same. The primary purpose of the review is to recognize the intent of the growth policy by changing or adding zone descriptions where appropriate. There may also be a need for some changes to zone boundaries in the City and, if desired, extension of zoning to include more of the Glendive Urban Area during the zoning ordinance reviews. Since the zoning map is a crucial part of the ordinance and is closely tied to the land use plan map and the goals and objectives of the growth policy, it must also be updated to reflect any desired changes.
Changes to the existing ordinance must be made in accordance with the requirements of Montana planning statutes, including the holding of a public hearing.
The basic structure of the zoning ordinance is centered on a list of permitted and conditional uses developed by the jurisdiction as summarized in the following discussion from the Handbook on Local Land Use Regulation published by the Montana Department of Commerce, Local Government Assistance Division.
Typically, traditional zoning ordinances specify uses that are permitted in each zoning district as a right. These permitted uses must comply with the requirements specified for the district (e.g., setbacks, minimum lot size, maximum building height, off-street parking). The zoning officer reviews the application and determines whether the proposed use will conform to the regulations and, if so, is authorized to issue the zoning permit. The requirements are drafted in very specific language, usually as quantified dimensional standards. Thus, the zoning officer, reviewing the proposal against clear, specific standards, has to exercise very little judgment in determining whether the proposed use will conform to the regulations.
In contrast, some uses are not permitted by right because they may or may not be appropriate in a particular district depending upon the characteristics of the specific use of the district. For example, the location and nature of the proposed use and its projected environmental effects and other impacts such as the capacities of streets and other facilities, and physical environmental features, need to be considered in relation to the character of the surrounding development. These uses, commonly referred to as “conditional uses” or “special exceptions,” generally require a more detailed review in order to assure that the uses are compatible with their locations and with surrounding
Part Five - 143 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
land uses, and will further the intent of the zoning regulation and the objectives of the growth policy. In addition, these uses may involve controversial issues that cannot be quantified.
As a result, determining whether a proposed use will be compatible requires judgment. As a “special exception” the decision, by statute, is vested with the board of adjustment and is made at a public hearing. As a “conditional use,” the decision can be vested with an administrative officer, or as is common throughout Montana, it is vested with a permitting board (e.g., zoning commission or planning board), the governing body, or a combination thereof. Because conditional uses often have a significant impact, procedures for review and approval usually include a public hearing.
Municipalities are authorized to enact zoning regulations under the Municipal Zoning Enabling Act (Sections 76-2-301 through 76-2-328, MCA). State statute links the growth policy to zoning regulations by requiring that the local government have an adopted growth policy in place before zoning. A 2002 Attorney General’s Opinion held that zoning regulations may not be adopted or substantively revised unless a growth policy has been adopted. Subsequent to that decision, the 2003 legislature extended the time period for adopting a compliant growth policy to October, 2006. Therefore the existing comprehensive plan and zoning regulations may remain in effect until that time. Since the zoning regulations must comply with the adopted plan, they must be updated following adoption of the new growth policy. The Dawson County / Glendive Growth Policy will meet statutory requirements and should be adopted before the October deadline.
County Development Regulations
The adoption of development regulations may be the most logical approach to establishing an enforcement mechanism to support a reliable and functional planning process in the rural area of Dawson County. Although it does not appear that development regulations in the rural area would be required in the foreseeable future, serious consideration of this method may be appropriate in the future depending on the nature and scope of development trends. Any new regulations should conform to the intent of the Growth Policy (which may need to be updated to address new growth scenarios) and may include district descriptions and locations as well as character or quality requirements. A map of planning districts would then become a crucial part
Part Five - 144 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy of the ordinance and would be closely tied to the land use plan map and the goals and objectives of the growth policy. The district map and regulations should be compiled so that they reflect the policies adopted in the most recent version of the official plan for the jurisdictional area of the planning board.
Development Regulations can be adopted pursuant to Sections 76-2-201 through 76-2-228, MCA (The County Zoning Enabling Act); and Sections 76-1-101 through 76-6-606, MCA (The Local Planning Enabling Act). The basic structure of the development regulation process is similar to zoning in that standards are set to regulate density, minimize hazards and preserve areas unsuitable for development. The following discussion is an excerpt from the Handbook on Local Land Use Regulation indicating the general intent of development regulations. The handbook was published by the Montana Department of Commerce, Local Government Assistance Division.
Development permit regulations usually focus primarily on the character or quality of new development, with less emphasis on regulating the location of development. Development permit regulations often eliminate use districts and set out requirements that apply to new development throughout the jurisdiction. A new use may be issued a permit to locate in most locations, provided it meets the standards and requirements. While the emphasis of development permit regulations typically is on the character and quality of development, the regulations can be drafted to regulate location of new uses, and to apply different requirements in different areas within a county.
Development Regulations follow the basic premise that development should be allowed based on the consideration of certain performance requirements regarding its relationship to land capability, access and impact on agricultural land. In addition, the permit system could be tied to a district map and associated descriptions for areas within the county.
Subdivision Regulations
As stated above, Dawson County and Glendive are using the standards included in the 1994 version of the Dawson County Subdivision Regulations to review development proposals. The Glendive-Dawson City County Planning Board reviews all subdivision applications and makes recommendations to the Dawson County Commission and the Glendive City Council for
Part Five - 145 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy approval, conditional approval, or denial. The County and City have experienced very limited subdivision activity within the last decade, a situation that is not expected to change significantly within the next five years. The subdivision of land should reflect the intent of planned growth as orchestrated in the policy plan. In fact, HB 543 of the 2001 Legislature requires that local subdivision regulations be in accordance with the Growth Policy when a Growth Policy has been adopted. Planning legislation enacted by the 2003 legislature removed the requirement that subdivision regulations be in compliance with the Growth Policy goals and objectives within one year of adoption of the Growth Policy. This did not change provisions in the existing law that requires that: “subdivision regulations be made in accordance with a growth policy, if a growth policy has been approved (76-1-606 MCA)”. Revisions to the Subdivision and Platting Act in 2005 made significant changes to requirements for the application process, submittal requirements, water and sanitation information, and public hearings time line. New model subdivision regulations are available to provide a guideline for preparation of local regulations in compliance with the recent legislative revisions.
Subdivision regulations serve a vital role in the planning process and should be tailored to fit the community by drafting specific submittal requirements and design standards to reflect current policies of the jurisdiction. It is recommended that the County and City closely review the local regulations and incorporate any desired changes to submittal and review procedures and especially to include revisions to the design and improvement standards so that they are in accordance with the Growth Policy and accurately depict the needs of the governing jurisdiction. It is possible, for instance, that road standards should be different or that requirements for fire protection should be changed.
The use of subdivision regulations to direct development is an integral part of obtaining the goals and objectives in the growth policy as illustrated in the following discussion prepared by the State Department of Commerce:
Subdivision regulations regulate the process of platting land into lots and providing public facilities (e.g., roads, water, sewer, storm drainage) to the lots. The platting and creation of lots is not only the first phase in development, the action sets the permanent land use pattern for the community. Therefore, proper public review of proposed land division is vital to: (1) prevent or minimize impacts on public health and safety and the
Part Five - 146 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
natural environment, (2) ensure desirable future land use patterns, and (3) allow cost- effective provision of public services, thereby reducing tax expenditures.
In Montana, local government subdivision regulations must evaluate a proposed subdivision’s impact on a number of considerations such as the natural environment, wildlife, public health and safety, and local services. The Montana Subdivision and Platting Act (MSPA) (76-3-101 et seq., MCA) requires all counties and municipalities to adopt and enforce subdivision regulations, and to review and decide on development proposals that would divide land into parcels of less than 160 acres, construct one or more condominiums, or provide multiple spaces for mobile homes or recreational camping vehicles.
A subdivision must be properly surveyed, comply with local design standards, and provide legal and physical access and utility easements. Also, to approve a subdivision, local officials must issue written findings of fact that consider the effect the development would have on agricultural, the natural environment, wildlife and wildlife habitat, local services, and the public health and safety.
The Montana Sanitation in Subdivisions Act (MSIS) (76-4-101 et seq., MCA) was enacted to ensure proper sewage and solid waste disposal, water supply, and drainage in subdivisions. Under the MSIS, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) must approve the sanitation facilities proposed for any subdivision containing lots less than 20 acres in size. Thus, a subdivision with lots of less than 20 acres must generally receive two separate approvals – local approval under the MSPA, and state approval of sanitation facilities under the MSIS. Also, all subdivisions served by a public sewer or water system must be reviewed and approved by DEQ.
Subdivision Regulations Evasion Criteria
Local jurisdictions are required by 2005 changes in the Subdivision and Platting Act to develop evasion criteria for their subdivision regulations. This could be completed as part of the review and update following adoption of the Growth Policy by the governing bodies. Administration of the subdivision regulations is an important part of the planning process, and because the current law allows for certain exemptions, it is necessary to have a list of evasion criteria to
Part Five - 147 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy ensure that parcels are not created illegally. The governing body must determine whether a claimed use of an exemption meets the statutory requirements of that exemption, and whether the exemption is being invoked for the "Purpose of Evading" the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act (MSPA).
The evasion criteria are should be included as appendix item in the new subdivision regulations.
Floodplain Regulations
Floodplain regulations are enforced through the local floodplain administrators in Dawson County (West Glendive Public Works Director) and Glendive (City of Glendive Public Works Director). Subdivision design standards contained in the subdivision regulations address procedures and requirements for floodplain development review.
Conservation Easements
An effective method of preserving land in environmentally sensitive areas and promoting appropriate land use consistent with the growth policy is through the establishment of conservation easements.
A conservation easement (76-6-101 et seq., MCA) is a voluntary legal agreement a landowner enters into to restrict the type and amount of development that may occur on his property. Such an easement ensures that the resource values of the land will be protected according to the terms of the contract. Easements may be granted either in perpetuity or for a minimum of 15 years with an option to renew. The use of conservation easements has been an important part of protecting land from urban-oriented development in the Blackfoot River drainage near Helmville and Ovando.
A landowner may grant an easement to a public agency or to a qualified private tax-exempt organization. If the conservation easement meets federal requirements, property owners may be entitled to reductions in income and estate taxes. Each easement is different, tailored to the specific needs of the landowner while ensuring that conservation objectives are met. Conservation easements may prevent subdivision development; construction of new residential, commercial and industrial structures; activities resulting in soil erosion or water pollution; mining;
Part Five - 148 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy and degradation of fish and wildlife habitat. Local governments can work with tax-exempt organizations and property owners to promote and facilitate preservation of productive agricultural lands or other lands that contribute to the values and assets of the community. Under Montana law, the local planning authority is required to review conservation easements (76-6-206, MCA).
Capital Improvements Plan
The goals, objectives and policy statements contained in this document make specific reference to the need for improvement and expansion of the public infrastructure system of Dawson County and Glendive to adequately serve the population during the planning period. These infrastructure improvements can be accomplished in an orderly and predictable manner through the development of a Capital Improvements Plan (CIP).
All municipalities and counties are faced with the need for capital improvements – repair or replacement of existing physical facilities, land acquisition and construction of new facilities such as community centers, parks and playgrounds, fire stations, and sewage treatment plants. Capital improvements programming is the preparation and updating of a proposed schedule of public works and related equipment to be built or purchased by a community during the foreseeable future. Capital improvements programming cannot guarantee that all of the proposed projects will be undertaken, but it can go a long way toward guaranteeing the most effective use of limited resources.
A capital improvements program provides a vital link between a community’s growth policy and the implementation of that plan. The CIP works in conjunction with the jurisdiction’s annual operating budget and its long-range fiscal policy and is one of the most effective management tools available to the county. By preparing and following a CIP, local officials are in a better position to make objective and informed decisions as to how their community will provide for its citizens. Capital improvements programming can also be the basis for improving intergovernmental and regional relations, as a proposed project may involve several jurisdictions. These benefits, and others inherent in capital improvements programming, are not automatic but are dependent on the commitment of the community and the effectiveness of the local government administration.
Part Five - 149 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
The objective of the CIP is to match needed improvement projects with revenue and financing sources to ensure that public facilities will be repaired, expanded, or constructed as required by future growth, public health and safety, or other community needs. How, when, and where public facilities are provided greatly affects the pattern of future land development and the public cost of providing these facilities.
At a minimum, the CIP should contain: 1. A list of needed capital improvement projects for several or all of the public facilities managed by the local government; 2. Clear priorities for funding and constructing the improvement projects (the needs list is put in priority order); 3. Potential and recommended funding sources to pay for each project; and 4. A rough time schedule for each project.
Dawson County has not adopted a formal overall Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). The County should identify priorities and work toward funding and construction of needed capital improvements specifically for the county bridges and roads.
Improvement and maintenance of the roads is one of the county’s major budget items and proper planning and use of available grant and loan sources would be a tremendous help in addressing the road system needs. The county could obtain financial assistance to aid in the process of completion of a CIP for the roads by applying for CDBG planning grant funding.
The Community Needs Assessment and input for the goals, objectives and policies of the plan have identified county road and bridge maintenance, weed control, and recreational facilities improvements as important priorities in the county infrastructure. Specific projects addressing these items should be included in the list of improvements in the Capital Improvements Plan.
The projects listed in the improvement schedules of the Road and Bridge Capital Improvements Plan should be completed according to the priority schedules listed in each document using a combination of available public funding sources and local monies. Adjustments to the schedules should be made annually based on current conditions affecting the priorities and identification of any new funding opportunities. The funding sources should include participation in the CTEP, CDBG, DNRC and TSEP programs as well as available low interest loans available through a
Part Five - 150 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy variety of other sources. The County should also work closely with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) on improvements to the highway system to develop paving, drainage, signing, and vehicular access to local business along the routes.
An evaluation of other county projects should be completed to identify costs and possible funding sources. Possible items to be considered in a CIP for Dawson County are shown in the following list: Road and Bridge improvements Weed Control Miscellaneous − Pedestrian/bike path construction − Fire districts facilities − Park improvements − County Shop Improvements
Note: The CIP should be updated annually in conjunction with the County’s budgetary process.
Glendive is currently in the process of completing a street survey that will be used to help develop a Capital Improvements Plan for water, wastewater and streets. The list of improvements shown in the Water Master Plan Update (1998) and Wastewater Master Plan Update (1998) are considered to be high priority items. The sewer and water system needs are generally discussed in Part One of this report. Funding methods and priorities for future water and sewer projects should be included in the overall capital improvements planning process.
Plans for storm drainage and street system improvements are also an extremely important part of infrastructure planning since the magnitude of the costs associated with new construction typically requires outside funding sources or creation of special improvements districts. The City of Glendive has just completed an evaluation that provides a brief analysis of existing storm drainage facilities, identifies drainage problems and deficiencies, and recommends reasonable alternatives for improvements along part of the east edge of Glendive. Scheduling and identification of funding possibilities should be accomplished by including the improvement projects in the Capital Improvements Plan.
Part Five - 151 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
A sidewalk improvements program schedule should also be part of capital improvements planning for the city. Funding can be obtained from the Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP) for sidewalk and trail improvements. The funds are available for the sidewalk program from the Montana Department of Transportation, and for the trail system through the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
The growth policy recognizes that there is a continued demand for improvements, particularly with regard to the wastewater system, water system, street system, storm drainage and pedestrian/bicycle facilities. Opportunities for funding these facilities should be investigated and included in the capital improvements schedule.
The community needs assessment and goals and objectives have identified community beautification as a high priority, as well as revitalization of the downtown business district and parking improvements. Beautification projects could include demolition of dilapidated buildings and clearing vacant lots, and could also address the need for sidewalk and streetscape improvements. Priorities for business district revitalization and community beautification should be established following adoption of design standards that are embraced by the business and planning community. Specific beautification and downtown revitalization projects should then be added to the list of improvements in the Capital Improvements Plan.
The projects listed in the improvement schedules of the sewer and water plans should be completed according to the priority schedule using a combination of available public funding sources and local monies. The funding sources should include participation in the CTEP, CDBG, DNRC and TSEP programs, as well as available low interest loans available through a variety of other sources. The City should also work closely with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) on improvements to route P-57 (Merrill Avenue and Towne Street) to develop paving, drainage, sidewalks, and vehicular access to local business along the route. Street lighting and signing improvements should also be scheduled.
Implementation Strategy
As discussed in the previous sections, the growth policy is an advisory document only and essentially lays the foundation for adoption of implementation measures. Dawson County and Glendive are using local subdivision regulations that were adopted in 1994 to help guide new
Part Five - 152 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy development in the County, but will need to update the documents to reflect legislative changes and tailor the design standards to specific local conditions in accordance with the adopted City and County standards. This update will streamline the subdivision review process and help to implement the growth policy. Effective use of Zoning Regulations is another important implementation tool available to the City for administration of the principles contained in the growth policy. The Planning Board will be revising the existing ordinance following adoption of the new Growth Policy. Other implementation measures related to community improvements and tied to the goals and objectives of the Growth Policy are included in the implementation Action Plan.
Implementation Schedule
The following schedule provides guidance for the Planning Board and governing body to implement the objective identified for the plan and to measure the progress and success of the plan. The implementation schedule will be useful to the governing body during their annual budgeting process. Continued involvement by the citizens' groups will also ensure that the plan is carried out. A chart of the time schedule is shown in Figure 18.
Implementation Action Plan LEAD DESIRED ACTION ITEM RESPONSIBILITY COMPLETION DATE 1. Revise Subdivision Regulations to reflect Planning Board April 2007 legislative changes and support Implementation of the Growth Policy 2. Review and update existing City of Planning Board/City of August 2007 Glendive Zoning Regulations and Glendive incorporate proposed changes 3. Prepare a CIP for County Bridges and County Road July 2008 County Roads Department/Planning Staff 4. Prepare a CIP for City of Glendive City of Glendive July 2007 infrastructure improvements 5. Update local Flood Plain Regulations City of Glendive and January, 2007 Dawson County 6. Facilitate long term monitoring of flows City of Glendive and Ongoing on the Yellowstone River and initiate a Dawson County flood warning system. 7. Sponsor public Information meetings on City and County Flood Semi- Annual Flood Plain issues Plain Administrators
Part Five - 153 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
LEAD DESIRED ACTION ITEM RESPONSIBILITY COMPLETION DATE 8. Provide support for a Community Planning Board January 2009 Economic Development Plan Update 9. Develop a Recreation Facilities City and County July 2008 Improvements Plan. Planning Staff 10. Prepare a Downtown Redevelopment City of Glendive / December 2009 Plan for the City of Glendive Planning Staff 11. Develop a Downtown Beautification City of Glendive / July 2010 Plan for sidewalks, streetscape, and Planning Staff parking 12. Support local staffing to administer County Commissioners Ongoing planning services and City Council 13. Develop GIS capacity for analysis of County Commissioners July 2008 county and city projects and City Council
Part Five - 154 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Insert Figure 18
Part Five - 155 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
PLANNING COORDINATION
Development proposals in Dawson County and the City of Glendive are reviewed by the City County Planning Board since it serves in the capacity of planning staff for both jurisdictions. Planning issues that could conceivably affect the provision of public services in each area are then brought to the attention of the appropriate administrative agency including city and county officials as well as school district personnel. The opportunity for the city to comment on proposed subdivisions within 1 mile of its corporate boundary is promulgated by state statute in Section 76-3-601 of the Subdivision and Platting Act (since Glendive is a 3rd class city), and through is advisory authority outside the city within the city-county planning board jurisdictional area. It is anticipated that, following revision of the county subdivision regulations, submittal requirements for materials describing each subdivision proposal in Dawson County within 1 mile of the city will be clarified to include a requirement for delivery of the appropriate number of copies to the City of Glendive at the beginning of the subdivision review process. Affected agencies will then be informed of the nature and extent of the proposal and the timeline for comment. Public agencies for the county to receive a notification include the County Floodplain Administrator, County Sanitarian, County Road Department, School superintendent, Weed District Supervisor, and other interested public entities. The county also typically coordinates and cooperates with Glendive on other matters of common interest including the airport, flood plain planning, disaster and emergency services, fire protection and law enforcement.
Review of development proposals by both the City - County Planning Board and the Glendive city staff for subdivisions within 1 mile of the city promotes a mutual awareness and cooperation in planning efforts of the city and county jurisdictions. By including distribution of subdivision proposal documents to affected city and state agencies for review and comment, Dawson County is promoting a coordinated planning effort. Also, county and city representatives on the Glendive-Dawson City-County Planning Board help to facilitate better local knowledge of planning issues and impacts that may be of special concern to the County Commission. Final decisions by the County Commission and Glendive City Council regarding subdivisions in Dawson County will tie in with policies in the Growth Policy and will be made with due consideration of concerns and comments of both city and county officials.
Part Five - 156 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
SUBDIVISION REVIEW
The Subdivision and Platting Act requires that decisions regarding proposed subdivisions be made with respect to the criteria listed in 76-3-608 3(a). This section requires local governments to review a proposed subdivision’s effect on “agriculture, agricultural water user facilities, local services, the natural environment, wildlife and wildlife habitat, and public health and safety”. For the purpose of subdivision review in Dawson County, these terms are defined as follows:
Agriculture: Montana Code Annotated contains definitions for the words “agriculture” and “agricultural” as follows: - 41-2-103, MCA. Definitions. As used in this part, the following definitions apply: (1) “Agriculture” means: (a) all aspects of farming, including the cultivation and tillage of the soil; (b)(i) dairying; and (ii) the production, cultivation, growing, and harvesting of any agricultural or horticultural commodities, including commodities defined as agricultural commodities in the federal Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 1141j(g)); (c) the raising of livestock, bees, fur-bearing animals, or poultry; and (d) any practices, including forestry or lumbering operations, performed by a farmer or on a farm as an incident to or in conjunction with farming operations, including preparation for market or delivery to storage, to market, or to carriers for transportation to market. - 81-8-701, MCA. Definitions. Unless the context requires otherwise, in this part the following definitions apply: (1) “Agricultural and food product” includes a horticultural, viticultural, dairy, livestock, poultry, bee, other farm or garden product, fish or fishery product, and other foods.
Agricultural Water User Facilities: Those facilities which provide water for agricultural land as defined in 15-7-202, MCA, or which provide water for the production of agricultural products as defined in 15-1-101, MCA including, but not limited to, ditches, pipes, and head gates.
Local Services: Any and all services or facilities that local government entities are authorized to provide.
Part Five - 157 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Natural Environment: The physical conditions which exist within a given area, including land, air, water, mineral, flora, fauna, noise, and objects of historic or aesthetic significance.
Wildlife: Living things which are neither human nor domesticated.
Wildlife Habitat: Place or type of site where wildlife naturally lives and grows.
Public Health and Safety: A condition of optimal well-being, free from danger, risk, or injury for a community at large, or for all people, not merely for the welfare of a specific individual or a small class of persons.
The decision on whether to approve, conditionally approve or deny a proposed subdivision will be based on an evaluation of the foregoing criteria with emphasis on the following considerations:
Agriculture: Type of agricultural operation including type of crop, 5-year average yield, irrigation method, acreage used for crops and livestock, and number of animal units. The impact on adjacent farm operations including spraying, fencing, and access will also be considered. Prime farm land and land necessary to sustain the farming operation will also be considered.
Agricultural Water User Facilities: Ditch easements, pipe line easements, head gates and maintenance access.
Local Services: Sewer system, water system, roads, electrical supply, telephone, natural gas, health services, ambulance availability, fire protection availability, solid waste disposal, schools, law enforcement and parks and recreation.
Natural Environment: Soil suitability and limitations, slope in disturbed areas, geologic formations, fault lines, proximity to surface water, storm water, floodplain, groundwater, plant varieties and communities, weed proliferation, air quality, noise levels, and historical features.
Part Five - 158 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat: Major species of fish and wildlife using the area, important wildlife areas including big game range, waterfowl nesting areas, habitat for rare and endangered species and wetlands.
Public Health and Safety: Water quality, wastewater treatment, air quality, emergency services access, fire, earthquake and flood hazards.
Part Five - 159 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
PUBLIC HEARINGS PROCEDURES
Public hearings on proposed subdivisions are conducted by the Glendive-Dawson City County Planning Board according to the following procedures:
1. Announce the subject and purpose of the hearing: "We are here to hold a public hearing on ______. The purpose of this hearing is to receive public comment on the proposal." 2. Determine the proper notice of this hearing has been provided. "The hearing notice was published in the Silver State Post on ______." 3. Ask if any board member wishes to declare conflict of interest in this matter. If so, excuse that member, if not, announce that all board members will participate in the hearing. 4. Ask Ron Hanson to present his report on this matter. 5. Ask if the board has questions for the purpose of clarifying the location and nature of the proposal. 6. Ask the proponent their representative or agent (______) to give their statement. (Board members may ask questions following this statement. All questions and replies shall be directed through the presiding officer). 7. Announce that the public hearing is now open. Ask if there are any petitions or other data to be presented to the board. Next open the floor ask for statements from the public by saying: "Please state your name and address before making your statement. I assure you that everyone will have an opportunity to speak, so please do not interrupt those speaking." (Board members may ask questions of those making statements). 8. When all have had an opportunity to testify ask if anyone would like to speak in rebuttal to any statement or to clarify their statement). New statements or the introduction of new evidence will not be permitted at this time. Questions from board members may follow each rebuttal or clarification). 9. Declare the public hearing closed. Call for a motion and discussion by the board. Discussion leads to action on the matter being considered.
Part Five - 160 Dawson County/Glendive Growth Policy
REVIEW AND AMENDMENT
Review
This Plan reflects an approximate 10-year horizon date. Such a time period represents a workable time frame which allows for the systematic implementation of desired land uses and permits the use of completed census data work prior to the data becoming obsolete. To provide for flexibility and responsiveness to change, the Plan will be reviewed on an annual basis as part of the Planning Board's annual meeting.
Additionally, the Plan shall be intensively reviewed every five years by the Planning Board to evaluate trends in population, the economy, and development patterns.
Amendments
The Plan shall be amended when any review has identified necessary changes or when, in the course of events, changes are deemed to be in the public interest by the planning board, Glendive City Council, or Dawson County Commission.
A public hearing to consider a proposed amendment will be held by the Planning Board. The effect of the proposal will be reviewed in the context of the overall plan and current conditions. The proposed amendment, possibly modified by public comment, will be recommended to the Glendive City Council and Dawson County Commissioners for their approval.
Part Five - 161