HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comments through 2.10.2026 Brittney Harakal
From: Ward 4A
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 6:36 AM
To: Brittney Harakal
Cc: Michele Braukmann
Subject: FW: Memo concerning questions about the forensic health facility
Attachments: Good evening Council members.docx
From:John Esp<johnespforsenate@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, February 8, 2026 10:08 PM
To:City Mayor<citymayor@laurel.mt.gov>; Kurt Markegard <kmarkegard@laurel.mt.gov>; Civil Attorney
<civilattorney@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 1A<wardla@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 1B<wardlb@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 2A
<ward2a@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 2B<ward2b@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 3A<ward3a@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 3B
<ward3b@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 4A<ward4a@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 4B<ward4b@laurel.mt.gov>;john esp
<johnesp2001@yahoo.com>
Subject: Memo concerning questions about the forensic health facility
Hello all, Attached is a Memo that may shed some light to some of the questions you are being asked. I
hope you will find it constructive. If you can't open the Word Document, I would be happy to paste it in
the body of an email.Thank you for your consideration. John Esp
1
Memo: 2/7/2026
From: John Esp, Box 1024, Big Timber, Montana
To: The Mayor and City Council of Laurel Montana.
Mr. Mayor and City Council members, Quick background information on me; I
have worked to address the shortcomings in the Mental health treatment
systems before I first came to the legislature in 2001. 1 tell you this to frame my
perspective on an issue I have dealt with, sometimes personally, for the last 40
years. What I have written in bold print throughout this memo is my informed
opinion, albeit my opinion only. It's my attempt to answer to some of the
questions your constituents and some nearby county residents are asking you. I
do this based on my experience of trying to build new beds, and upgrade the
State's inadequate and undersized infrastructure during my legislative tenure.
We have never had enough money to meet all the needs. That shouldn't keep
us from trying.
The BOI and the state itself are not being transparent.
To be clear, the Legislature and Executive branch has given the task of building
this facility to the BOI. The Department still has some responsibility to provide
advice to the BOI on the actual building design, and the requirements for the
safety of people, both inside and outside of the facility. The land will be owned
and managed by the BOI for the benefit of State taxpayers.
Some of you, as community leaders, have been part of preliminary plat reviews,
and other actions reviewing subdivisions, and/or variance requests from your
citizens. Maybe some of you haven't yet. Those that have dealt with
applications or requests already know that until you see an actual request or
recommendation from a planning board or variance board, it is not prudent to
speculate on the contents thereof. As the BOI develops a plan, they may have
underlying priorities that dictate the direction in which they would like to
proceed, but until they complete an application and submit it to the appropriate
local government entity, speculation and premature information on their part is
also not wise. Your citizens will have an opportunity at the time an application is
formally made to comment on that proposal at a noticed recorded public
meeting of a local government entity.
How much did the land sell for?
In my experience, it is not permissible to disclose terms of a buy-sell agreement.
Especially if contains contingencies. Even the final sales terms as reported to the
Department of Revenue are kept confidential by the Department of Revenue,
and used only for property tax appraisal purposes. The final sales price of a
transaction brokered by a realtor becomes proprietary information to the
multiple listing service (MLS) they belong to.
Why do you need 114 acres for 32 beds?
My guess is that though we may not have needed it, it will benefit Laurel in that
it provides a buffer to the community and the school, and... it could have been
the preference of the landowner to sell all it or none of it.
Will it be used for future expansion of prisons for the "criminally insane", or for "the worst of
the worst", or for "murderers and rapists"?
Those choices of words are certainly unfortunate and in my view, inaccurate
hyperbole. Mental illness can affect any one of us, or any one family at any
given time. There but for the Grace of God go you or I. Most of the clients of the
facility are there to be evaluated to see if they have the capacity to stand trial in
answer to the charges against them. If they do not have capacity, the staff
works with them to recover from their illness to the point they can participate
in their own defense. The vast majority of those held in this proposed facility
have not been convicted of anything yet. And nearly all will be discharged back
to the jail that they were brought to the facility from. Nearly every state in the
US is building capacity into their forensic health system, so yes if current trends
continue, at some point in the future, Montana will need more forensic beds.
It's hard to predict where that demand will be, or where those beds may be
located.
Will the state will pay for expanded water infrastructure.
If the lot and/or lots are annexed into the city, as per city regulations and
planning requirements, the Board of Investments will pay the appropriate fees
appurtenant to their lots and the infrastructure thereon. They will pay all the
ongoing fees and assessments that the city normally charges to their customers.
Will Warm Springs close and move to Laurel?
Given the fact that you, the State taxpayers just spent tens of millions of dollars
upgrading the main hospital, and by the way, it is a beautiful, and now a much
safer facility, no. We are currently in the process of spending another 20 million
to repurpose another building for patient care on that campus. As hard as it was
to get the money to rehab those buildings at the Springs, it would be impossible
to conceive of a scenario in which the legislature appropriates another half a
billion dollars-plus to move the operation here to Laurel. It simply isn't going to
happen. Western Montana legislators, local leaders, and County law
enforcement in western Montana, appreciate the proximity of nearby mental
health services. They also appreciate the economic impacts that the high paying
union jobs have on their communities.
Does proximity to homes and schools pose safety risk?A Laurel school board member said
perception is reality.
Not true. Perception is not reality. Reality, in my mind, is reflected in the
community of Billings and it would suggest that the proposed facility near Laurel
does not pose an unreasonable safety risk. The Yellowstone County detention
Center and the site of the proposed new Yellowstone County Detention Center
are across the street from several homes. There are schools and perhaps
hundreds of homes within a several block radius of the facility. Those schools
are a similar distance from the Yellowstone County facility as is likely to occur
from the West Elementary School to the new facility in Laurel. Yellowstone
County and the Montana Women's Prison know how to keep the people safely
incarcerated that we put in their care. The state has a good record for holding
people securely also.
This facility is 450 yards away from a public elementary school.
Mr. Mayor and Council members, this is a fallacy. The State is not going to build
a forensic hospital in the North East corner of the 114 acres. To my knowledge,
there isn't even a road/street to that part of the lot, nor is there water, sewer,
and electrical infrastructure evident on that end of the property. The State is
going to build where they have the closest direct access to the Interstate
highway. The State is going to build directly adjacent to Highway 10, where
public access, and all those utilities are already available. The site near Highway
10 is roughly1100 yards from the school. By contrast, the two schools in Billings
with the closest proximity to the Yellowstone County Detention Center are 1100
and 1140 yards respectively from that facility's property line. Incidentally, there
are 600 to 700 inmates incarcerated there at the current time. This number is in
a facility that was originally designed for a capacity of 434 inmates. A significant
number of those inmates are waiting for a bed to open up in a forensic facility
so they can get their mental health treatment, and a pathway to their day in
Court.
Will inmates be driven in the path of elementary school students?
No. The inmates in custody of law enforcement and being transported to this
facility will taken directly off the interstate ramp to Highway 10 and then about
another block to the Forensic Facility. Once on facility grounds they will be
driven into a secure attached garage (sally port), and the garage doors will be
closed. They will then be escorted by law enforcement from the sally port
through a walkthrough door into the secure part of the facility. They will be
allowed nowhere near school children on a path.
This has been specifically asked of me so I will answer it publically: You talk a lot about other
prisons being in residential neighborhoods, but would you be ok with this facility in your
backyard?
I have the advantage over most of you in that I have toured all the States major
institutions multiple times. A month or so ago I was in both the Montana State
Prison and the Montana State Hospital. I have spent several hours in the Galen
Forensic Facility, and in most major and some smaller County Detention
facilities. At no time did I feel unsafe. A little over a month ago, we walked
through the High Security Side at MSP in Deer Lodge. I would not have concerns
having a forensic mental health facility near me. Keep in mind, most of the folks
being treated at Warm Springs will eventually be released to community
providers, and the vast majority of those serving time at Deer Lodge will
eventually be released to pre-release facilities, probation and parole, and
community providers in our cities and towns.
I travelled the state in 2023-2025 time-frame looking in depth at the needs that
local governments face when it comes to behavior health issues. We heard from
hundreds of citizens, providers, emergency responders, law enforcement
officers,jail commanders, county attorneys, and families whose loved ones
struggle with incarceration and behavior health issues.
We can solve the need to serve one problem population with the construction
of this facility, but there is much more to do in supporting and caring for your
neighbors and friends that deal with behavior health issues, sometimes on a
daily basis.
Mr. Mayor, and Council members, I am happy to dialogue further on this issue
when appropriate. You, and of course, your neighbors will get an opportunity to
weigh in, likely at a public Planning Board meeting, when the final proposal is
rolled out there in its entirety for all to see. At that time, none of us will need to
speculate about distances, layouts, building design, landscaping, parking lot
design, or any other unknowns. The questions you are hearing now will be
answered, perhaps not as quickly as you and your constituents would like, but
over time they will be answered.
Until then I remain willing to help your constituents find accurate responses to
address their questions.
Senator John Esp
Brittney Harakal
City Mayor
Monday, February 2, 2026 1:18 PM
Brittney Harakal
J- FW: Letter of Gratitude from NAMI Montana
P.
Attachments: Matt Kuntz Letter to Laurel City Council 30JAN26.pdf
Dave waggovuer
Mayor
City of Laurel, Montana
(406)628-8456 extension 5501
From: Matt Kuntz<matt@namimt.org>
Sent: Friday,January 30, 2026 12:37 PM
To: City Mayor<citymayor@ laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 1A<wardla@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 1B<wardlb@laurel.mt.gov>;
Ward 2A<ward2a@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 2B<ward2b@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 3A<ward3a@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 3B
<ward3b@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 4A<ward4a@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Letter of Gratitude from NAMI Montana
Dear Laurel City Council,
Please accept the attached letter of appreciation from NAMI Montana for your support for the new
forensic mental health facility. Hopefully, it provides some helpful information about the genesis of this
effort at the Legislature and how some of the challenges of Yellowstone County were tied to it from
the beginning.
NAMI Montana has also been involved with the creation of the Galen facility in 2015. Hopefully some of
the things that we've learned over the last ten years with that facility will be helpful as well.
Thankyou,
Matt
Matt Kuntz JD, MHA
Executive Director
NAMI Montana
NAMI Montana has a resource guide on our website for every county in Montana. Please let us know if
anything needs to be updated for your county. h_t -s: /netnimt,Qrgtmontana-county�er-tat--he-elth-
res ume=. icge-s/
1
nfl I Montana
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Laurel City Council
115 West 1 st Street
Laurel, MT 59044
January 30, 2026
Subject: New Forensic Mental Health Facility
Dear Laurel City Council,
NAMI Montana works to improve the lives of Montanans with mental health conditions and
their families through support, education, and advocacy. On behalf of NAMI Montana, I
want to thank you for your support in building a forensic facility in your community.
As part of our work for Montana families, NAMI Montana tries to improve the interface
between mental health conditions and the criminal justice system. It is hard, slow work
with progress measured over the course of years.
In 2015,we supported building the forensic facility in Galen.This was in response to the
state locking offenders with severe mental health conditions in solitary confinement in
Montana State Prison because they couldn't manage their medication needs and the
behaviors related to their untreated mental health conditions. It was horrible for everyone
involved.There was also a massive lawsuit with the ACLU and Disability Rights Montana.
The forensic facility at Galen that came out of that nightmare has been a success for the
State of Montana, people served by Galen, and the community that supports it.
NAMI Montana and our allies in the Legislature worked to improve the laws around mental
health and the criminal justice system in the last decade. I think we have made some slow
progress in that, but Montana's population of people needing forensic mental health
services continues to grow. Ten years ago,the issue of a dangerous lack of forensic
capacity showed up in the Montana State Prison.This time the issue is starkest in county
jails across Montana.
The reality of the dangerous lack of forensic capacity in Montana came to a head for us and
members of the Montana Legislature during the hearing on Representative James Reavis's
bill to make it possible for mental health evaluations to be offered in jails and prisons.This
bill was well thought out, but desperate move to try to do something to address the
massive backlog of people in jail in need of psychological evaluations.The testimony from
NAMI Montana
P.O. Box 1021
Helena, MT 59624
jail staff, law enforcement, and county attorneys was incredibly powerful.The message
was that Montana's county jails were overwhelmed with people with complex mental
health needs who are waiting for some kind of forensic services.
The testimony was excruciating. Jail staff desperately trying to serve prisoners that were
well outside their facility's ability to safely serve. County Attorney searching for answers to
move cases forward that were bogged down with either evaluations or treatment
requirements to ensure they met their burden for"Fitness to Proceed." Everyone knowing
that it is just a matter of time before the state and the counties are hit with a massive
Lawsuit.
No testimony was more powerful than those given by people in the legal system in
Yellowstone County. Based upon the magnitude of the issue in Yellowstone County alone,
it was clear that the State of Montana needed a new forensic facility. It was also clear that
it needed to be able to easily serve Yellowstone County and the counties in Eastern
Montana.
While there were a few turns or two in the hallways of the Capital,that was the genesis of
the bill that passed the Legislature. NAMI Montana is grateful to the City of Laurel for
hosting this facility that is critical to Montana and specifically Yellowstone County.
While I understand that there are always concerns about the placement of public health
and justice facilities, NAMI Montana expects that this facility will operate similarly to the
successful forensic unit at Galen.The 32-bed patient population will be a relatively small
facility, in a well-designed building, with good staffing ratios. Most of the patient stays will
be a jsrelatively short duration -for either psychological evaluations or restoration of
competency. Patients in need of long-term stays will eventually be transitioned to the
group homes on the Montana State Hospital campus in Warm Springs.
As described bythe Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, most of
the jobs in this facility will be for nursing staff and psychiatric assistants.These positions
will offer great opportunities for the citizens of Laurel and also help bring in additional
healthcare practitioners to Laurel who begin by working at the facility and then later
transition to healthcare roles in the community.
NAMI Montana
P.O. Box 1021
Helena, MT 59624
Thank you for supporting this facility that is so essential for Montana families that have
been impacted by mental health conditions and the criminal justice system.We really
appreciate any help you can provide in moving it forward.
Sincerely,
Matthew Kuntz JD, MHA
Executive Director
NAMI Montana
matt namimt.org
(406)443-7871
NAMI Montana
P.O. Box 1021
Helena, MT 59624
Brittney Harakal
I`II'��r L City Mayor
� Monday, February 9, 2026 10:03 AM
Brittney Harakal
FW: Propose site for Montana Mental Health Prison
pave Waggower
Mayor
City of Laurel, Montana
(406)628-8456 extension 5501
From: Russ Bray<montanarustynail@yahoo.com>
Sent:Saturday, February 7, 2026 12:56 PM
To: Kurt Markegard <kmarkegard@laurel.mt.gov>
Cc: City Mayor<citymayor@laurel.mt.gov>;vince.ricci@mtleg.gov
Subject: Propose site for Montana Mental Health Prison
Dear Mr. Markegard,
As a rural resident and former member of the Laurel City/County planning board I am officially announcing
my vote against the proposed site for the Montana State Mental Prison. I firmly feel it is a poor location for
the safety and comfort of the local residents of Laurel and surrounding community. I understand the
convenience for city hookups for the State, but that is an irresponsible consideration for the community
under the circumstances.
The State of Montana has land North of town. The City of Laurel and community should NOT have to bare
the burden of city hookups for the State.
Therefore, I recommend the proposed sight for the State Mental Prison be scrapped.
Sincerely,
Russell Bray
Laurel, MT. 59044
Brittney Harakal
From: Civil Attorney
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 12:12 AM
To: Brittney Harakal; Kurt Markegard; City Mayor; Kurt Markegard
Subject: FW: Mental heath facility
Best Regards,
I.l&L� L• �---
Michele L. Braukmann
Civil City Attorney
City of Laurel
Cell Phone: 406.671.4333
civilattorney@laurel.mt.gov
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:This transmission may contain information which is privileged,confidential,and protected by
the attorney-client or attorney work product privileges. If you are not the addressee,or you are not authorized to disclose
the contents herein, please note that any disclosure,copying,distribution,or use of the contents of this message is
prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error,please destroy it and notify me immediately.
From:Ward 1A<ward la @la urel.mt.gov>
Sent:Tuesday, February 3, 2026 6:13 PM
To: Brittney Harakal<bharakal@laurel.mt.gov>
Cc:Civil Attorney<civilattorney@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: FW: Mental heath facility
Sara B. Naylor
I'MIL IVII Munlxi l IEE url.:usrcl 11 and I
+ 1(Hi._)PK 91Qy
+ 1C;irdh<mA;bu�tL�ac�n
From:Christine Jones<chrisyiones17@Pmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 3, 2026 5:31 PM
To: Ward 1A<wardla laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Mental heath facility
1
Dear Sara Naylor,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed construction of a mental health facility in
the city of Laurel.
I am concerned that this facility will block the future growth of our community and place an undue strain
on local services.Additionally,there is no tax benefit from the state to offset the many hidden costs that
will fall upon local taxpayers. Beyond the financial impact, I believe this facility poses a public safety risk
and will negatively affect property values in the area.
I respectfully ask that you do not allow this project to move forward in Laurel.Thank you for your time and
for considering the concerns of our community.
Sincerely,
Christine Willis
760 Discus Cir
Billings Mt 59102
2
Brittney Harakal
From: Ward 413
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 9:49 AM
To: Brittney Harakal; Kurt Markegard
Subject: FW: Noise Ordinance
Attachments: Common Features of Small City Noise Ordinances.docx
From: Monna Rae Adickes<monnarae@cbthebrokers.com>
Sent:Wednesday, February 4, 2026 8:08 AM
To:Ward 2A<ward2a@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 113<wardlb@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 2A<ward2a@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 213
<ward2b@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 3A<ward3a@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 313<ward3b@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 4A
<ward4a@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 413<ward4b@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Noise Ordinance
Hello All,
After the 2.3.2026 Council Meeting, I came home to a neighborhood disturbance.
I call the non-emergency number and an officer went to check on the source of the noise.
I live to the north of the Town &Country building on 8th Ave.
The noise was Town&County hired someone to wash down their concrete in the areas of their gas pumps.
The noise went on past midnight.Today I will be calling the manager Wes Burlingson and let him know that I was
not impressed with his neighborly shenanigans.
I have lived in Laurel for over 20 years, and it is time for a noise ordinance.
I have attached a copy of an example, it does not need to be detailed just something that allows the residence of
this area to be able to sleep.
I will watch for this to be added to the workshop and council agenda. Please forward a copy of this letter to our city
attorney.
Thankyou
Monna Rae Adickes—102 8th Ave Unit B
MONNA RAE ADICKES
Rea! Estate Broker
a, �
- Q) 406-860-4284
►/ monnarae@cbthebrokers.com
0 3135 Meadow View Drive
i
Billings, MT 59102
ngwww.mra406 corn
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COLDWELL BANKER THE BROKERS
1
Common Features of Small City Noise Ordinances
Quiet Hours: Typically, ordinances prohibit loud noises between 10 p.m. or 11
p.m. and 7 a.m. or 8 a.m.
Prohibited Noises: Common nuisances include loud music, barking dogs, loud
partying, and operating heavy equipment or power tools (mowers, blowers)
during night hours.
Enforcement: These are often enforced by local police, with violations
sometimes treated as civil infractions, misdemeanors, or public nuisances.
Exemptions: Typical exemptions include emergency vehicles, public service
construction, and sometimes permitted special events or festivals.
Measurement: While smaller towns may rely on officer discretion ("plainly
audible" standard), others may use decibel meters (e.g., 55 dB(A) for residential
at night).
Specific Examples of Smaller Local Ordinances
Residential Noise: Loud noises that disturb the peace of a reasonable person,
such as amplified music or lawnmowers in residential areas, are prohibited
during nighttime hours.
Vehicle Idling: Engines on vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds are restricted
from idling for more than 15 minutes near residential areas.
Construction/Repairs: Construction projects are often subject to specific, louder
decibel limits but may be allowed to operate within reasonable, permitted hours.
Common Features of Small City Noise Ordinances
• Quiet Hours: Typically, ordinances prohibit loud noises between 10 p.m. or 11
p.m. and 7 a.m. or 8 a.m.
• Prohibited Noises: Common nuisances include loud music, barking dogs, loud
partying, and operating heavy equipment or power tools (mowers, blowers)
during night hours.
• Enforcement: These are often enforced by local police, with violations
sometimes treated as civil infractions, misdemeanors, or public nuisances.
• Exemptions: Typical exemptions include emergency vehicles, public service
construction, and sometimes permitted special events or festivals.
• Measurement: While smaller towns may rely on officer discretion ("plainly
audible" standard), others may use decibel meters (e.g., 55 dB(A) for residential
at night).
Specific Examples of Smaller Local Ordinances
Residential Noise: Loud noises that disturb the peace of a reasonable person,
such as amplified music or lawnmowers in residential areas, are prohibited
during nighttime hours.
• Vehicle Idling: Engines on vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds are restricted
from idling for more than 15 minutes near residential areas.
• Construction/Repairs: Construction projects are often subject to specific, louder
decibel limits but may be allowed to operate within reasonable, permitted hours.
Brittney Harakal
From: Ward 4B
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 9:59 AM
To: Brittney Harakal; Kurt Markegard
Subject: FW: proposed State Mental Hospital
From: Robert A17FF<robert.dupuis.affinity@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday,January 27, 2026 2:22 PM
To:Ward 4A<ward4a@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 4B<ward4b@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: RE: proposed State Mental Hospital
In my opinion,this is a very bad idea to locate this facility in our little town of Laurel. My wife and I have
been homeowners here since 2017. Laurel isn't perfect, but bringing all the problem people from all over
the state here is not the kind of population growth that is beneficial to our community. Surely,there are
other options available.....like expanding the existing facility at Warm Springs.
Let's not ruin Laurel for the sake of whoever is benefitting from this decision.
Sincerely,
Robert Dupuis
i
Brittney Harakal
From: Ward 4B
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 9:59 AM
To: Brittney Harakal; Kurt Markegard
Subject: FW: proposed State Mental Health Facility
-----Original Message-----
From: Robert A17FF<robert.dupuis.affinity@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday,January 27, 2026 2:06 PM
To: Ward 4A<ward4a@laurel.mt.gov>
Cc:Ward 4B<ward4b@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Re: proposed State Mental Health Facility
Regarding the initiative to make Laurel MT the home for this Facility is
1
Brittney Harakal
From: Ward 113
Sent: Friday, February 6, 2026 3:39 PM
To: Brittney Harakal; Kelly Strecker; Kurt Markegard
Subject: Fw: Mental Prison
From: Monna Rae Adickes<monnarae@cbthebrokers.com>
Sent: Friday, February 6, 2026 12:05 PM
To:Ward 113<wardlb@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Mental Prison
Dear City Council,
I agree a mental prison is needed on the east side of Montana.
BUT not in Laurel at the 114-acre site that has been selected.This site is surrounded by homes, a school and a
pristine golf course.This site is less than 500 yards from West/Laurel Elementary,and even closer to the softball
fields used bythe youth of Laurel.
This mental prison should be located near our two hospitals in Billings or in an industrial park,far awayfrom any
homes and especially children.The State-owned land off Buffalo Trail is more suitable than the current selected
site.
I sell real estate; our properly values will drop!! Look at Warm Springs, no one wants to live there...why??The staff
of this facility will commute from Billings and surrounding communities.
What value does this bring to Laurel, NONE!
Our roads,water and sewer are already failing.
Kurt Markegard and Mayor Dave Wagonner want you to vote yes for this annexation but have told my client that
because he is currently leasing to a pot shop, his 5 acres will not be considered for annexation.
You as a councilman/woman are our only hope to stop this prison from being built in Laurel.
Please VOTE NO to the annexation of this 114-acre parcel owned by Miller Trois LLC
Monna Rae Adickes—102 8th Ave Unit B Laurel MT
MONNA RAE ADICKES
Rea/ Estate Broker
i
406-860-4284
►U monnarae@cbthebrokers.com
g° 3135 Meadow view Drive
Billings, MT 59102
,.ter www.mra406.com
J
COLDWELL BANKER i THE BROKERS
1
Brittney Harakal
From: Ward 4B
Sent: Friday, February 6, 2026 5:43 PM
To: Brittney Harakal; Kurt Markegard
Subject: FW: Laurel's Future
From:Alley M <ameyerhoff96@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 5, 2026 2:56 AM
To:Ward 4B<ward4b@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Laurel's Future
Richard Mose,
To the Laurel Leadership Team & Laurel Representatives:
I have been a dedicated resident of Laurel since 2019 and owned multiple properties within
the community. I also put intentional effort to give back to the community, local business,
local community events. I am formally expressing my opposition to the proposed State
Mental Forensic Facility Project. I am deeply concerned for its future. The current division
caused by the proposed facility project is clear, Laurel Residents say NO. It is evident that the
overwhelming majority of residents—I estimate nearly 90%—are opposed to both the
location of this facility and the manner in which leadership has handled the process.
My opposition is informed by my professional background in both Healthcare and Public
Safety/Security. Viewed through the lens of risk management and community welfare, this
project introduces significant liabilities with no tangible benefit to our city or occupants.
Placing it near our schools and children poses its own safety risks. 459 Yards from the
elementary school. Our utilities/resources will continue to strain with this project and Laurel
currently lacks an Emergency Room, and the addition of this facility would place an
unsustainable strain on our existing Law Enforcement, Fire Rescue, and Medical Response
teams. We are being asked to absorb substantial risk while gaining nothing in return.
Unfortunately, regarding this project's progression I remain unmoved. In fact I'm
disheartened. Previously, I placed implicit trust in our leadership; I
trusted the process and I trusted the chain of command. However,
this experience has made me realize that such trust was misplaced
for some time now. It's more concerning that we have a credibility gap
in our leadership that should have never been there. The
1
inconsistencies between written statements and live meetings have
been glaring. To be frank, the contradictory narratives presented to
the community feel fundamentally disrespectful to the residents who
elected you. The faith we placed in the Leadership Team has been
Lost. We should have been offered a choice, avote, or at the very
Least, a transparent conversation. Instead, we have been shut out of
the process.
We do not want this facility at the currently set location, nor do we want it connected to our
utilities. I urge you to recognize that this location is fundamentally
wrong for Laurel and our utilities, resources, and our residents.
Please respect the will of the community you represent and
reconsider your support for this project. We want accountability. We
want transparency. I ask that you advocate for us. Advocate Laurel's
voice in halting the project. Laurel Residents SAY NO
Respectfully,
Alley M.
Resident of Laurel
z
Brittney Harakal
From: Ward 4B
Sent: Friday, February 6, 2026 5:44 PM
To: Brittney Harakal; Kurt Markegard
Subject: FW: Opposition to Proposed State Mental Health Prison in Laurel Area
From: Maggie Lowell<mtlowell81@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 5, 2026 10:18 AM
To:Ward 1A<wardla@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 1B<wardlb@laurel.mt.gov>; ward2@laurel.mt.gov;
ward3@laurel.mt.gov; Ward 4A<ward4a@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 4B<ward4b@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Opposition to Proposed State Mental Health Prison in Laurel Area
Dear Members of the Laurel City Council,
I am writing as a county resident to formally express my opposition to the State of Montana's proposal to
construct a mental health prison in or near Laurel.
I want to be clear that my concerns are not rooted in opposition to mental health treatment or services.
Montana absolutely needs improved, humane, and effective mental health care. My concerns relate
specifically to the siting and scale of a secure, correctional-style facility and the long-term impacts such
a placement would have on our local community.
Facilities of this nature carry significant implications for land use compatibility, infrastructure demand,
emergency response capacity, and community planning. These impacts fall disproportionately on local
residents and local government, while decision-making authority and operational control remain at the
state level.
Of particular concern is the proposed site's proximity to established residential areas and an elementary
school my child attends. Regardless of the population served or the operational safeguards proposed,
Locating a secure state institution adjacent to a school raises legitimate planning and zoning questions.
Schools are community anchors, and their surrounding areas are generally expected to support low-
impact, family-oriented uses.This concern is about appropriate land use and community design, not
fear.
Similarly, the location's proximity to my brother and sister in-law's property,where they are raising very
young children, highlights the broader issue of placing a large institutional facility within close range of
family neighborhoods. Families deserve clarity, predictability, and stability in their living environments,
especially when decisions are made that will shape the area for decades.
Laurel and the surrounding county already face challenges related to growth, limited healthcare
capacity, and strained public services. Introducing a large, state-run mental health prison without firm
commitments for long-term funding, staffing, and infrastructure support places additional responsibility
on local systems that are already under pressure.
i
I am also concerned about the precedent this sets. Our community should not be selected primarily for
convenience or availability. Projects of this magnitude require robust local engagement, transparent
impact analysis, and serious consideration of alternative locations or treatment models that better align
with community planning principles.
I respectfully urge the City Council to oppose this proposal and to advocate for comprehensive impact
studies, meaningful public input, and alternatives that do not place a disproportionate burden on Laurel
and county residents.
Thank you for your time and for your service to our community. I appreciate your consideration and your
commitment to thoughtful, long-term decision-making on behalf of local families.
Sincerely,
Maggie Lowell
2025 Driftwood River Dr.
Laurel MT 59044
County Resident
Laurel, Montana
2
Brittney Harakal
From: Civil Attorney
Sent: Sunday, February 8, 2026 9:38 PM
To: Brittney Harakal
Subject: Fw:
Best Regards,
AAtG L
Michele L. Braukmann
Civil City Attorney
City of Laurel
Cell Phone: 406.671.4333
civilattornevP laurel.mt.gov
From: Reenie Lane<reeniegoodwin15@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, February 8, 2026 6:41:13 AM
To:Civil Attorney<civilattorney@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject:
I am writing as a nearby property owner to formally express my concerns regarding the proposed
placement of a state mental health institution on property that directly borders my land.
I support the need for adequate and humane mental health services. My concern is not with the purpose
of the facility, but with the appropriateness of this specific location.
The land the State has purchased directly touches and borders my property. In addition, my eight-year-
old granddaughter lives with her father in a home located less than a football field (approximately 300
feet)from the proposed site. Placing a large state institutional facility in such immediate proximity to
residential property—and to a young child's home—raises serious and legitimate concerns regarding
safety, security, supervision, land-use compatibility, and long-term quality of life.
This site is outside city limits yet appears to rely on the city for access, infrastructure, and services.As a
result, nearby residents bear the impacts of the facility without the protections typically provided through
city zoning, buffering requirements, and comprehensive planning standards.
Once constructed, the impacts of this facility will be permanent. Effects on surrounding properties—
including loss of use and enjoyment, safety considerations, neighborhood character, and property
values—cannot be reversed. Montana has a long tradition of respecting private property rights and
ensuring that major land-use decisions are made thoughtfully and fairly, especially when families and
children are directly affected.
i
I respectfully urge the City Council to oppose this specific location and to advocate for alternative sites
that are properly zoned, adequately buffered from residential homes, and better suited for an
institutional facility of this nature.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to our community. 1 appreciate your attention to the
concerns of residents who will be most directly affected by this decision. Respectfully John &Coreen
Tomek
2
Brittney Harakal
From: Civil Attorney
Sent: Sunday, February 8, 2026 9:38 PM
To: Brittney Harakal
Subject: Fw:Annexation concerns
Best Regards,
Michele L. Braukmann
Civil City Attorney
City of Laurel
Cell Phone: 406.671.4333
civilattorney@ la t:r-i.,7 t.aov
From: Dennis And Sandy Conway<scdcconway@aol.com>
Sent:Saturday, February 7, 2026 7:20:21 AM
To:Civil Attorney<civilattorney@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject:Annexation concerns
Good Morning, We live outside the city of Laurel but in the area of the proposed location for the forensic mental
health prison. I would like it of record that we are opposed to this location or our community for this type of a
facility. Our concerns are safety and how a facility such as this would effect land/home values. If the 114 acres
was annexed into the city of Laurel,what control would you have for their future plans for the remains 104
acres? What else would be brought into our community? It has been stated they would only require a 10 acre
parcel. Thank you for placing our wish for your council member to vote no on the annexation.
Dennis and Sandy Conway
Sent from my iPad
Brittney Harakal
From: Ward 1A
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 10:41 AM
To: Brittney Harakal
Cc: Civil Attorney
Subject: FW: Proposed Forensic Prison in Laurel
Sara B. Navlor
C'�Kutcll ILIC r l'I@} ai'l.rnarcl \S'+iral I
+ a[HJ 598 W99
+ Wrwdhici-WrAii-Lb tit gov
From:Janis Taylor<janistaylor11@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 10, 2026 9:20 AM
To: Ward 1A<wardla@laurel.mt.gov>
Cc:Ward 1B<wardlb@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 2A<ward2a@IaureI.rnt.gov>; Ward 2B<ward2b@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 3A
<ward3a@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 3B<ward3b@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 4A<ward4a@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 4B
<ward4b@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Proposed Forensic Prison in Laurel
Dear Clty Council,
I am writing as a concerned Laurel resident to formally express my strong opposition to the proposed
construction of a facility for the criminally insane within our community, particularly at its current
planned location.
The proposed site is located approximately 500 feet from an elementary school and within an
established residential neighborhood. This proximity raises serious concerns regarding public safety,
child welfare, and responsible land-use planning. Schools and residential areas should remain protected
spaces, and the placement of a high-security mental health correctional facility so close to children is
both alarming and inappropriate.
In addition to safety concerns, this project directly conflicts with the intent of existing zoning laws.
Residential zoning is designed to preserve quality of life, promote stability, and encourage thoughtful
community growth. Introducing a facility of this nature into a residential area undermines those
principles and sets a troubling precedent for future land-use decisions.
i
The long-term economic consequences are also significant. The presence of a prison for the criminally
insane in close proximity to homes and schools will inevitably lead to decreased property values, making
it more difficult for current residents to sell their homes and discouraging new families from moving to
our town.This will deter residential development, private investment, and business growth. In turn this
could cause stagnation to the city's future and reduce its tax base.
Furthermore, the strain this facility would place on already limited local resources cannot be ignored.
Emergency medical services, fire departments, and law enforcement agencies are not currently
equipped to absorb the increased demands such a facility would generate. Diverting these critical
services to support the prison would reduce response for local residents and place unnecessary risk on
the Laurel community.
Additional concerns include infrastructure stress, staffing logistics, and long-term operational impacts—
many of which would disproportionately affect the local community while offering little benefit in return.
While I recognize the importance of secure and appropriate facilities for individuals requiring mental
health treatment, such facilities must be placed in locations that prioritize public safety, adhere to
zoning standards, and respect the wellbeing of surrounding communities.This proposed location fails to
meet any of those expectations.
I respectfully urge you to oppose this project as currently planned and to advocate for alternative
Locations that do not place children,families, property values, and residential neighborhoods at
unnecessary risk. Our community deserves thoughtful planning,transparency, and a meaningful voice in
decisions that will permanently shape our future.
Thankyou foryourtime, service, and attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Janis Taylor
Laurel, Montana resident
2
February 6, 2026
Letter of Opposition to the Laurel City Counsel
To the Members of the Laurel City Council,
I am writing to you today as a concerned Laurel Citizen in regards to the Forensic Mental Jail Facility
that is proposed to be built just outside of our town of Laurel. I have lived in Laurel for 14 years now, I
came to help raise my grandchildren who attended West Elementary. I have friends and relatives here
that will be affected by this. I have friends that live right across the road and have lived there for
many years, raised famiiies and run local businesses. What will they be looking out their front window
at? It could be anything even 10 to 12 foot high fences with barb wire or razor ribbon along the top
to discourage anyone from climbing over?? Noone knows really what it will look like to passers by and
people living right there next to it. So many families live right by there that purchased their homes
there because it was a safe place to raise their families. Can their children still play in their backyards
without fear?? BIGGEST concern, It is dangerous for the children and most importantly they need to
be protected. West Elementary less that 450 yards away. With the way society has changed how our
children already live, in a sort of lock down at the Schools for their safety. NOW THIS RIGHT BY THERE
NO!!! that is so wrong.Yes they will have some kind of security there but it only takes one mistake,
JUST ONE,to change a child and familys life FOREVER!! ONE!! Whose will it be? Somone you know
or someone that you love? I have friends that own small businesses here that depend on that
income to support their families. Will this affect their businesses to the point they have to close the
doors? Putting this in our little town will change it forever and not in a good way. These people that
will be coming there aren't there for traffic tickets. These people have committed serious crimes like
murder and rape and that is why they have to be there. Whether they are insane or not doesn't make
a difference because they are dangerous to the public and should not be put within close proximity of
innocent children and citizens.Transportation of these people from one place to another poses another
threat to the general public and to our citizens.
We all are so proud of our schools that have been newly built and updated. We are so proud of the
football, baseball,track and new soccer fields being built and our children that play all those healthy
school sport activities, good for body and mind . I love the way this town comes alive with pride to
support our children when the games are on. THAT IS LAUREL!! IT IS ALIVE!! not dying because of
this jail to be possibly put here. So many towns come here to participate in those sports.ARE they still
going to want to come to our town for games now? Will we lose families that live here that will take
their children elsewhere, somewhere they consider safe to raise a familly? If we lose families what
will happen here? WE are all proud of Laurel and for good reason it is a safe,friendly place to live.
What about the firemen, emergency responders and police? What kind of unnecessary danger and
stress are you putting on them. Our firefighters are volunteers and not paid. We already can't respond
to our ambulance needs and this can only add to that problem.There is a fundraiser being done by a
caring 8th grader, Claire Anderson, raising funds for our much needed ambulance! Because we can't
fund it thru our city funds..... What about our police that protect our community, what extra danger are
being put on them with just the Love Truck Stop let alone a Forensic Mental Facility. Truck stops are
known to be hot spots for crime. They are high-risk areas for crimes including drugs,vandalism,
robbery and prostitution. This has been annexed into the town of Laurel so I assume our police will be
responsible for responding to anything that happens there.
IT is so wrong that they have been in touch with the state about property here in Laurel, namely the
site on Old Hiway 10 for this Forensic Mental Jail with no thought for the citizens of Laurel. The
state was actually steered away from the site north of town by Kurt Markegard because he said it would
be too costly for the state to run the sewer and water lines to the city. Who does this Mayor
Waggoner and Kurt Markegard work for? THEY work for the City of Laurel and that is where their
loyalty should be not with anyone else! It appears the site north of town would have been within a little
over a mile of a residential area where I believe Kurt Markegards own a home so very close to where
he lives. Is it just coincidence that he suggested the site on Old Hiway 10 to them instead because he
was worried about the cost to them? Neither piece of land is really what the City of Laurel residents
want anyway. The one outside of town still too close to innocent families and a straight shot to our
High School where families children are at.
To many things are pointing to the Mayor Waggoner and Kurt Markegard being involved in selling out
our city of Laurel without even a second thought about what the people that live here would want or
how they would be affected. How many times did Kurt Markegard say he had no IDEA what this was
too be. However in different News articles back in September 30, 2025 Q2 Montana News Leader
article written by David Jay said Mayor Waggoner had met with the State Board Of Investments about a
piece of property for the State Forensic Mental Hospital on Old Hiway 10 on west Main Street. How is
it that the reporter knew what kind of facility this was but the Mayor Waggoner and Kurt Markegard had
no clue. No truth in that at all. Mayor Waggoner stated he liked the idea of bringing the Mental Facility
here and you can bet he knew just as well as anyone what kind, it was A FORENSIC MENTAL JAIL
FACILITY FOR CRIMINALS. Laurel Planning Director Kurt Markegard declined a on camera interview
to give more details. IS THAT SURPRISING!!!!!!!!! NO it isn't, it was being done behind all of our
backs.
US NEWS by Associated Press December 5, 2025 Markegard hinted at a location just outside of city
limits with adjacent waer and sewer lines under installation and other criteria "that would make building
the facility remarkable successful". WOW thank you Kurt Markegard! . Laurel City Planning
Department did not respond to a Monday request from MTFP for a list of the parcels the state was
considering. Still under cover things happening with our city officials!
THEN there is still the email from Kurt Markegard way back on August 22, 2025 Kurt Markegard ON
BEHALF OF LAURELS MAYOR WAGGONER, basically outlining the the state how this could be
accomplished right down to changing the zoning to Public so they could be annexed in. WHO is in
charge of the planning Committee??? I heard it is Kurt Markegard. WELL isn't that convenient for this
whole thing going on? It is just hard to believe that the people that are voted in to protect our city
and our citizens are really not doing that at all.The land in question should be left for new residential
homes that will help build our City of Laurel. That was the intention wasn't it? To make our City
grow and prosper. They would be paying taxes into the City to help with needed improvements, unlike
the State that will not.
ONE more thing there is a article in the Daily Montanan dated Novmber 10, 2025 that is speaking of the
need for a new Womens Prison. Not alot of details except overcrowded facilities and they need 400
more beds. They have 250 million to construct it. But if the state has 114 acres here just outside of
town what else can be built there without any say from the citizens once they have been annexed into
the City Of Laurel. I think they might be able to do anything they want at that point.
There was mention of jobs it would bring to our city. Well the jobs will be limited mostly to qualified
mental health workers such as Forensic psychologists, Forensic Psychiatrists, Psyciatric Nurse
Practitioners, Licensed Clinical workers and licensed professional counselers and Mental Health intake
Specialists. They will likely commute from other areas. The licensed employees probably have
no desire to live this close to it either.The jobs for the general public will likely be housekeeping, kitchen
and maybe grounds care. These jobs will probably not pay enough in regards to the danger the people
will be in working there.
THe Mayor and CAO have not been representing the citizens of Laurel in a transparent way and
protecting their best interests. The Mayor has not conducted himself in a professional manner on
several occasions. They both refuse to answer questions asked of them at all or truthfully. The
Attorney was asked for her resignation by Mayor Waggoner at the last meeting on February 3 because
she did not choose to lie the council members and attending citizens. That kind of conduct is not
acceptable and they should consider stepping down for not telling us all the truth and informing us all of
what was happening in regards to our City Of Laurel.
SO,finally I just am asking you the City Council to NOT approve this Forensic Mental Jail Hospital to
come to our City of Laurel. This is your town too and you cannot believe it is good or beneficial to
Laurel more than any of the rest of us do. IF the our citizens already here don't want to live by this
Forensic Mental Jail then WHAT new famiies will? PLEASE PROTECT the city you love and live in raising
your families also. PLEASE JUST SAY NO! NO FORENSIC MENTAL JAIL FACILITY FOR LAUREL! It is not for
us it can be put somewhere else where it won't be such a danger to the pubic, to our famiies. BIG SKY
MONTANA has plenty of land elsewhere in Eastern Montana.
Thank you,
Sandi Whitman
806 Wyoming Avenue
Laurel, Montana
From: IKyllie Martin
To: Civil Attorney
Subject: Proposed Mental Health Prison objection.
Date: Thursday,February 5,2026 5:39:22 PM
Dear Members of the Laurel City Council,
I am writing as a concerned homeowner and resident of Laurel to formally oppose the
proposed placement of a mental health prison facility approximately 400 to 500 yards from my
home and in close proximity to an established residential neighborhood and West Elementary
School.
While I fully recognize the importance of accessible mental health services and appropriate
facilities for those in need, I strongly believe that this specific location is unsuitable and poses
serious concerns for nearby residents, families, and children.
First,the placement of a correctional-style mental health facility in such close proximity to
homes will inevitably and negatively impact surrounding property values. Many residents,
including myself, have made significant financial investments in our homes with the
reasonable expectation that zoning and land-use decisions would protect the stability and
integrity of our neighborhood. A facility of this nature undermines that expectation and places
an unfair financial burden on homeowners who had no voice in the original planning.
Second, there are legitimate safety concerns associated with situating a secure mental health
detention facility near family neighborhoods and an elementary school. West Elementary
School serves young children who deserve a safe, secure environment free from unnecessary
risk. Regardless of security measures, the perception and potential for incidents—including
escapes, disturbances, or increased law enforcement activity—creates anxiety for parents,
residents, and school staff alike.
Finally, residential neighborhoods are not the appropriate setting for facilities that require
heightened security, monitoring, and emergency response. There are more suitable locations
within the city or surrounding areas that are better zoned, less densely populated, and more
appropriate for this type of facility without placing undue impact on families and homeowners.
I respectfully urge the City Council to reconsider this location and to engage directly with
affected residents before moving forward. Responsible planning requires balancing the needs
of the broader community with the rights, safety, and financial well-being of those who live
nearby.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to the City of Laurel.
Sincerely,
Kellie Martin
205 Foundation Ave, Laurel, MT 59044
From: Ward lA
To: 0rittney Harakal
Cc: Civil Attorney
Subject: FW:Vote NO on Annexation-Forensic Mental Health Facility
Date: Thursday,February 5,2026 8:10:12 AM
-----Original Message-----
From:Lisa Stutterheim<stutterheim4(c�,gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday,February 4,2026 10:56 PM
To: Ward IA<wardIapalaurel.mt.gov>
Subject:Vote NO on Annexation-Forensic Mental Health Facility
Dear Sara Naylor,
I am a resident of Laurel at 5 Beartooth Court Laurel MT 59044,and I am writing to urge you to vote NO on the
proposed annexation for the forensic mental health facility.
This 32-bed facility would house justice-system involved individuals just 459 yards from West Elementary School.
Our community deserves transparency about how this location was selected and what security measures will protect
our children and neighborhoods.
Key concerns:
-No tax revenue to Laurel despite increased burden on emergency services
-Proximity to schools and residential areas
-Lack of public input in the decision-making process
-Inadequate information about security and safety protocols
The state cannot proceed without City Council approval of annexation. I urge you to vote NO and demand full
transparency from city leadership about this process.
Sincerely,
Lisa Stutterheim
5 Beartooth Court Laurel MT 59044
From: Kathleen Ward
To: Civil Attorney
Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed Mental Health Facility Location
Date: Thursday,February 5,2026 1:28:39 PM
Dear Members of the City Council,
My name is Kathleen Ward, and I am a resident of this community. I am writing to formally
express my opposition to the proposed mental health facility at its currently planned location
and our small community.
While I support access to mental health care and recognize its importance, I have serious
concerns about placing this facility so close to schools and established residential
neighborhoods. The proximity raises valid questions regarding student safety, neighborhood
impact, traffic, and overall quality of life for nearby families.
Additionally, our city is already experiencing strain on essential services such as police, fire,
emergency medical response. At this time,there does not appear to be sufficient infrastructure
or staffing capacity to adequately support the increased demands that this type of facility
would require. Without a clear and well-funded plan to expand these services, the burden will
fall on a system that is already stretched thin.
I respectfully urge the City Council to reconsider the proposed location and to vote NO. The
state can look for other areas that allow for appropriate space, security, accessibility, and
service support without negatively impacting schools and residential communities.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to our city. I ask that you prioritize
thoughtful planning, public safety, and transparency as you move forward with this decision.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Ward
Concerned Resident
Brittney Harakal
From: Ward 4A
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 5:40 PM
To: Brittney Harakal
Subject: FW: Proposed Metal Hospital in Laurel MT
From: Reneeiverson821<reneeiverson821@aol.com>
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 4:55 PM
To: City Mayor<citymayor@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 1A<wardla@ laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 1B<wardlb@laurel.mt.gov>;
Ward 2A<ward2a@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 2B<ward2b@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 3A<ward3a@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 3B
<ward3b@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 4A<ward4a@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 4B<ward4b@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Proposed Metal Hospital in Laurel MT
To whom this may concern,
am writing as a property owner whose land borders the proposed site for the new mental health facility.
While it may be unusual, I wish to express my full support for this project. I recently purchased my property
in August 2026 with the intention of living outside city limits, allowing us to keep animals and operate our
business on-site. Additionally, we homeschool our two children and plan to establish a large garden this
summer. Our children are active members of 4H.
My primary reason for supporting this facility is that it will prevent the area below my property from being
developed into a subdivision. I have no concerns regarding potential decreases in property values, and I
am aware that incidents of escapes from such facilities are statistically minimal.
Thank you for your time and service. I am willing to give my name and address, but I would like my
information to remain anonymous due to how this community seems to be treating people who support
this facility, and I do not want my business damaged. We also have a neighbor who complains to the
county about everything, and she has made it clear that she will sue over anything.
Thank you
i
Brittney Harakal
From: Ward 1A
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 7:59 AM
To: Brittney Harakal
Cc: Civil Attorney
Subject: FW: Mental Health Prison
Sora B. Maylor
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From:Tyler Hansen<thansen573@icloud.com>
Sent: Monday, February 9, 2026 8:13 PM
To: City Mayor<citymayor@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 1A<wardla@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 1B<wardlb@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Mental Health Prison
Mayor Waggoner and Mr. Markegard,
I am writing to formally express my deep disappointment and concern regarding the
actions and conduct of the Mayor of Laurel, Dave Waggoner, and the Chief
Administrative Officer, Kurt Markegard.
You have been dishonest with our community. Despite repeated requests, you have failed
to provide receipts or documentation to substantiate the claims you have made regarding
the proposed mental health facility. Transparency is not optional in public service. When
facts are withheld or misrepresented, trust is broken— and once broken, it is rarely
restored.
In addition to the lack of honesty, your behavior has been profoundly disrespectful. The
manner in which our City Attorney was treated during the meeting on February 3, 2026,
1
was disgraceful and unprofessional. She was fulfilling her duty to the City of Laurel and
its residents, and the treatment she received warrants a sincere and public apology. Not
only to her, but also to the City Council and to the community who witnessed it.
The emails on record and Mr. Markegard's extended filibuster during that same meeting
further demonstrate a troubling pattern: an attempt to push through a facility without full
disclosure, while dismissing legitimate concerns raised by council members and residents
alike. This facility is being proposed to house criminal populations, in close proximity to
an elementary school. That is not only concerning — it is irresponsible. You cannot
reasonably expect this community to accept such risk without clear, complete, and honest
information.
Let me be clear: I fully support mental health services and believe they are critically
important. However, that is not truly what is being presented here. If this facility is
intended to house criminal offenders, then say so plainly. What is Phase 2? What is Phase
3? What additional populations are planned? The refusal to answer these questions
directly only fuels public distrust.
You are facing a community that is angry, frustrated, and demanding accountability and understandably so. I recognize that you are under pressure. I recognize that you are
tired and have personal lives beyond City Hall. But so does every resident of Laurel.
Public service is not an excuse-driven role. It is a responsibility-driven one.
No more deflection. No more excuses. It is time for clear, direct, and truthful answers.
Thank you,
Tyler Hansen
Sent from my Phone
2
From: Mike Nardella
To: Civil Attorney
Subject: Proposed mental hospital
Date: Thursday,February 5,2026 2:38:50 PM
To whom it may concern:
Though I am not a city resident of Laurel, I do own a business that is located on 7th
Avenue on the west end of town. My office building would be roughly 840 yards from the
proposed mental hospital. I am 100%opposed to this being shoved down our
throats. Those in the Laurel government have not been forthcoming with us about the
dealings with the state on this matter.
The hospital in Warm Springs has had documented large staff turn overs and is
notoriously understaffed. Warm Springs lost their CMS certification a few years back!
There is not proper governance with that facility. How can we expect any different with
this proposed hospital? Anything could happen with a person that is not of right mind
(and criminally insane), of which this facility will house. We do not need that potential
risk this close to residential areas or close to our kids' and grandkids'West Elementary
School! Has the City of Laurel evaluated the demand on our law enforcement and
ambulatory services? There have been numerous documented cases of Laurel citizens
that did not have access to an ambulance. If our city's ambulances are having to be
dispatched to the hospital,they won't be able to assist citizens. It is also my
understanding that local jails are required to house inmates coming and going from the
hospital. All of our local jails are beyond their holding capacities.
With this hospital,further growth in neighborhood subdivisions to the west of Laurel will
cease, and property values will plummet. And, as it has been repeated over and over,
the city of Laurel nor Yellowstone County will no longer receive real estate taxes that are
currently being paid by the current private owner, or any future private owner(such as a
residential housing developer). That lost revenue will then have to be absorbed bythe
taxpayers of Laurel. I hope the City Council has also reviewed the light pollution this
facility will create. The security lights required of a facility like this will undoubtedly flood
the neighborhood. Light pollution has always reduced surrounding property values.
Any new job recipients of the hospital will need housing. Those coming in for these jobs
will most likely look for a rental house or apartment(some may purchase). But,there is
already a shortage of affordable rentals in Laurel. I see young families looking for
affordable housing all the time. This will only make that ability to find housing that much
worse.
Lastly,just look back a short few years ago. Laurel has been plagued by water supply
issues by the fluctuations of the Yellowstone River. There is no doubt in my mind that
this proposed facility's water demands will stress our fragile water treatment center's
ability to address the city's water needs.
I urge you to consult with the Laurel City Council to come to their senses and stop this.
This is NOT what Laurel needs or wants.
Sincerely,
M irk,, Na+rdzU a,
Mike Nardella
Nardella &Associates CPA's
15 7th Avenue
Laurel MT 59044
From: Ward 113
TO: Civil Attorney
Cc: Kelly Strecker
Subject: Fw: Laurel Response about the Mental Health Jail/Prison facility
Date: Thursday,February 5,2026 9:58:01 AM
Attachments: Screenshot 2026.02-04 131807.pna
Community Responses Document Mental Prison.odf
Screenshot 2026-02-04 131807.pna
From:The Front Porch <thefrontporchmt@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, February 4, 2026 2:40 PM
To: City Mayor<citymayor@laurel.mt.gov>; Laurel City Planner<cityplanner@laurel.mt.gov>; Civil
Attorney<civiIattorney@lau rel.mt.gov>;Vince.Ricci@legmt.gov<Vince.Ricci@legmt.gov>; Deming,
Lee<Lee.Deming@legmt.gov>;governor@mt.gov<governor@mt.gov>; Ward 1A
<wardla@ laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 113<wardlb@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 2A<ward2a@laurel.mt.gov>;
Ward 213<ward2b@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 3A<ward3a@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 36
<ward3b@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 4A<ward4a@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 413<ward4b@ laurel.mt.gov>;
magnum234@msn.com <magnum234@msn.com>; mtbare@bresnan.net<mtbare@bresnan.net>;
dantrost@mt.gov<dantrost@mt.gov>;johnmilanovich@gmail.com <johnmilanovich@gmail.com>;
tkober@mtech.edu <tkober@mtech.edu>;ceyounkin@yahoo.com <ceyounkin@yahoo.com>;
BOI.ED@mt.gov<B01.ED@mt.gov>; B01.Loans@mt.gov<BOI.Loans@mt.gov>
Subject: Laurel Response about the Mental Health Jail/Prison facility
Hello and thank you for your time,
We as a community put together a questionnaire that would allow Laurel residents to provide
their feedback about the proposed State Mental Health facility and Prison in Laurel Montana.
As you will see reading through these responses, it is obvious that our Laurel community has
reservations and concerns about this facility being here, but mostly the LOCATION the state
has chosen to put a buy/sell on.
It was state by our Governor "you would not put this into a community that didn't want
it" Reference Link:https:Hyoutu be/f2VTantBwFk?si=9wmL -98B5wUlOdw
On site selection: "We're not going to go someplace where it's not wanted," Gianforte
said in an interview regarding the search for a location in the Laurel/Billings area.
This is an accumulation of responses that were received from a community questionnaire...
You will find 314 individual responses.
I have also included a screen shot diagram graph of the responses
Please Choose one LD Copy chart
314responses
I am opposed to having the me_ —290(92.4%)
1 agree wth having the mental. 16(5.1%)
1 am not sure how I feel and ne_ 5(1.6%)
1 would be okwth having the m. 1(0 3%)
1 would be more comfortable if i. 1(0.3%)
Different location 1(0.3%)
1 feel d needs to be moved sour. 1(0 3%)
Not so much against the facility. 1(0 3%)
1 am not opposed to this facility. 1(0 3%)
1 am oppossed to this particular. 1(0 3%)
0 100 200 300
Cheryl Hill
Concerned Laurel Community Resident and Business Owner
Brittney Harakal
From: Ward 1 B
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 2:57 PM
To: Civil Attorney
Cc: Brittney Harakal; Kelly Strecker; Kurt Markegard
Subject: Fw: Mental Health Facility
From:Trish Little<me_is_t1@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 10, 2026 2:49 PM
To:Ward 113<wardlb@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Mental Health Facility
Hello Mr. Canape: My name is Trish Little. I am a citizen of Laurel.
wish to express my concern with regard to the possibility of having a mental health detention facility
(I may be using the incorrect term for it, so please forgive me) located in our town. I am not in favor of
it. I am deeply concerned with the location, which is in close proximity to one of our elementary
schools. I am also very concerned about the potential for increased taxes, and the strain this facility
will place on our town's infrastructure. Our per capita tax burden is already substantial for such a
small town. We do not need or wish to shoulder additional costs that will only continue to increase
over time.
I also find it deeply concerning that the entire process has been so "back room", for lack of a better
term. Why was it initiated without any input from the citizens of this town? It casts a very ugly shadow
on our city government, deserved or not. The whole thing reeks of dishonesty and fraud. Given the
current climate in which we find ourselves as a nation, with rampant fraud being uncovered at every
turn, I find it not only disheartening, but shocking, that our city employees (both elected and hired)
would engage in something like this. Americans are tired of being treated like this. We are tired of
being financially brutalized by our government officials. We are very very tired of being taken
advantage of.
I encourage you to stand up for the citizens of this town, and fight to deny the placement of this facility
in Laurel. I appreciate your taking time to read my message. Trish Little
Yahoo Mail: Search. Organize, Conquer
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