Broadwater County Commissioner Meeting - 8/5/2026
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter
Article Published: 08/21/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 07Rachael Brug
Staff Reporter
8/5/2026
Weasel Creek Road ordinance passes on second reading; public works to install signage
The Broadwater County Commission unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday increasing the speed limit on a 931-foot section of Weasel Creek Road in Winston from 15 mph to 25 mph, concluding months of discussion and public input on the matter.
The decision, which came on the ordinance's second reading during the August 5th meeting, was not without some initial skepticism. Commission Chair Debi Randolph acknowledged her own hesitation about the change during the discussion period. "When I first heard about it, I thought, 'Let's just keep it 15. It sounds like a long process for a short distance,'" Randolph said. However, after consulting with the sheriff's office, conducting a site visit, and hearing public comment, her perspective shifted. "After talking to public safety and driving down there, it changed my mind," she said. "It's a proof that we do appreciate public comment."
The commissioners noted that all public feedback received on the ordinance had been in support of the increase. The first official reading of the ordinance occurred on July 22nd, with the second reading scheduled for August 5th in accordance with state statute requirements.
T.J. Gravely, the county's Public Works Director, outlined the next steps. "Now that you guys have passed this, I will have these 25 mph signs installed. Probably won't be today just because of the time frame, but it'll be first thing in the morning," Gravely said. He clarified an important point: the speed limit change applies only to the specific 931-foot section of Weasel Creek Road, not the entire roadway.
The Commission Chair asked the public to report any safety concerns once the new signage is in place to the sheriff's office, which is aware it may receive calls regarding the change. "Safety is paramount and they will take those seriously," Randolph said, encouraging residents not to hesitate in reporting issues directly to the sheriff rather than the commissioners' office.
Parks and Recreation Board Approves Project Checklist
The Parks and Recreation Board presented a comprehensive project checklist designed to set clear expectations for community groups interested in proposing projects on county parklands. Carol Hatfield, the board's chair, explained that the checklist was developed to ensure all requests are treated consistently and to help groups understand what will be expected of them.
The checklist had been reviewed by legal counsel prior to commission consideration. Several commissioners suggested refinements, which the board agreed to implement. The suggested changes included flipping the order of two checklist items—placing long-term maintenance and operations before completion and final review—and adding a cover sheet to explain the overall process to applicants.
Commissioner Lindsey Richtmeyer also suggested including information about pre-application meetings, similar to those offered by Community Development Director Nichole Brown for subdivision proposals. "If a group comes in and they think they want to do XYZ, but it's not in your plan at all, it would save them time if they just talk to one of the board members," Richtmeyer said.
Hatfield noted that current interest from residents and groups seeking to develop projects at Canton Lane Park, particularly baseball-related proposals, underscored the need for a clear process. "We're trying to get them to come into the parks and recreation board to talk directly to the board about what their proposals are," she explained.
The commissioners emphasized the importance of long-term maintenance planning for all projects. "Long-term maintenance is going to be a very, very important in operations. Who's going to run it? Who's going to deal with the garbage?" one commissioner noted, highlighting a critical consideration often overlooked in project planning.
The board's checklist passed with a motion to approve it contingent upon receipt and approval of the updated cover sheet by the commissioners within one to two weeks. Hatfield agreed to make the requested revisions and submit the final version for review rather than bringing it back for another public meeting.
TV District Contracts Extended
The Commission approved three television channel agreements with Lucan Enterprises, extending existing contracts through February 14, 2027. The channels—Retro TV, Revan Action, and Family Channel—are part of the county's TV district, which provides local residents access to programming via antenna without requiring cable or other paid subscriptions.
Commissioner Richtmeyer explained that the agreements had been in place and previously signed, but updated full contracts were being formalized to ensure clarity and consistency. "We're just cleaning it up, making them more precise," she said. The channel agreements require minimal taxation of district residents, estimated at $5 to $10 on property tax bills.
The TV district has been in place for over 20 years and serves as an emergency alert system in addition to providing regular programming.
Meeting Notes
The Commission also approved three sets of claims totaling approximately $431,752, which included payroll, fair-related expenses, and general county maintenance and utility bills. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
