June 9th Planning Board Meeting
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter
Article Published: 06/19/2026 Volume: 4 Edition: 50June 9th Planning Board Meeting
Rachael Brug
Staff Reporter
A proposal to subdivide a large tract of agricultural land southwest of Townsend into five residential lots came before the Broadwater County Planning Board at its June 9 meeting, with board members requesting more time to review the materials before making a recommendation.
Developer Jane Cazier appeared before the board to present plans for the Western MT Estates Minor Subdivision, which would divide a 637-acre parcel off U.S. Highway 287 and Bison Trail — roughly 17 miles southwest of Townsend — into five 5-acre residential lots. The property, currently dryland farmland with one existing house, has not been previously subdivided. Each proposed lot would have its own well and on-site wastewater system, with access provided by Buffalo Jump Trail, an existing road within an adjacent subdivision.
Board Manager Nichole Brown presented a staff report recommending approval of the proposal, subject to 15 conditions addressing road engineering, fire protection, weed management, utility easements, and environmental compliance. After reviewing the materials, members Charles Freshman and Shae Counts said they wanted additional time before weighing in. The board took no vote. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled to complete the review, which must reach the Board of County Commissioners by July 8, ahead of the July 15 deadline that caps the 35-working-day review period.
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Dallas Diehl, filling in for Chair Ed Shindoll, who was absent, along with member Duane Meagher. Counts participated remotely.
In other business, the board unanimously re-elected Shindoll as chair and Diehl as vice chair for another one-year term, completing the annual officer election.
Members also conducted their annual review of the board's bylaws, which have remained unchanged since 2023. No amendments were proposed. Administrative Assistant Daylene Hansen will reformat the document with updated signature lines for formal adoption at the next meeting.
Finally, board members received copies of the newly adopted Broadwater County Subdivision Regulations, which the County Commissioners approved on April 15, 2026.
