HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Comments through 2.24.2026 Date: 2/18/2026
To: Laurel City Council & Mayor David Waggoner
RE: Formal Opposition and Notice of Procedural Risks Regarding the Proposed Laurel Forensic
Mental Health Facility
Laurel City Council & Mayor David Waggoner
As a resident of Laurel living in direct proximity to the proposed 114-acre site for the new 32-
bed State Forensic Mental Health Facility, I am writing to formally restate my opposition to this
project.
While the state's need for mental health beds is documented, the selection of the Laurel site is
fundamentally flawed. Based on the current trajectory, the State and City should be aware of
several significant procedural, constitutional, and logistical hurdles that jeopardize the project's
ability to meet the June 30, 2026, funding deadline:
s Constitutional "Right to Participate" Concerns (Art. II,Sec. 8): The Montana
Constitution guarantees citizens the right to participate in agency decisions before they
are final. By executing a buy-sell agreement prior to holding public hearings in Laurel,
the State has created a decision-making process that may be constitutionally deficient.
This procedural error exposes the project to administrative challenges that could render
the site selection voidable.
Annexation and Zoning Impossibility: The proposed site sits outside city limits and
currently lacks the necessary infrastructure. I, along with a significant number of
concerned residents, will be actively petitioning the Laurel City Council to deny any
annexation or rezoning requests. Without access to city water, sewer, and emergency
services, this site is non-viable. A contested annexation process alone will likely push the
project timeline well beyond the 2026 legislative funding window.
Environmental and Social Impact Requirements (MEPA): Given that this facility will
house criminal defendants near an elementary school, a comprehensive Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) is a necessity, not an option. A full review of the impact on local
property values, the strain on Laurel's volunteer fire department, and public safety risks
is required.The time necessary for a diligent MEPA review, which is typically 6 to 12
months, is time this project does not have.
Laurel is not a "shovel-ready" site. The level of community opposition and the lack of existing
infrastructure make this the path of most resistance. I urge the State to prioritize locations, such
Brittney Harakal
From: Civil Attorney
Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2026 5:08 PM
To: City Mayor; Kurt Markegard; Kelly Strecker; Brittney Harakal
Subject: FW:forensic mental facility
Best Regards,
L 1f t� L.
Michele L. Braukmann
Civil City Attorney
City of Laurel
Cell Phone: 406.671.4333
civiiattorncy@laurel.rnt.aov
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: Deming, Lee<Lee.Deming@legmt.gov>
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2026 5:24 PM
To:Ward 4B<ward4b@laurel.mt.gov>; Civil Attorney<civilattorney@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 1B<wardlb@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Re:forensic mental facility
Good afternoon.
I have already declared my opposition to having this facility located in or near Laurel to the State and to
the Mayor and City Council.
But, I will keep trying.
Get Ou 199�5 f2r i _S
From:Ward 4B<ward4b@1aurel.mt.gov>
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2026 3:56:47 PM
To: Deming, Lee<Lee.Deming@legmt.gov>; Civil Attorney<civilattorney@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 113
<ward lb@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject:forensic mental facility
You don't often get email from ward4b@laurel.mt.gov. Learn why this is important
Good afternoon Lee, things as you might be aware of are getting out of hand here in Laurel. It's almost
at a civil war state. I ask you to PLEASE do what you can to convince the state of Montana to change their
plans for Laurel.Thank you.
i
Emails to and from legislators involving legislative business may be subject to public disclosure under
the Right to Knew provision of the Montana Constitution and Title 2,-Ch.ept r�6,.p rt lD M—CA. This may
include the sender, recipient, content, and attachments.
2
Brittney Harakal
From: Kurt Markegard
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 9:20 AM
To: Brittney Harakal
Subject: FW: Laurel Forensic Mental Health Facility
-----Original Message-----
From: Kelli Lemke<kelli.lemke@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 21, 2026 2:53 PM
To: Laurel City Planner<cityplanner@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Laurel Forensic Mental Health Facility
Dear Mr. Markegard:
Please do what you can to prevent the state forensic mental health facility from being constructed in Laurel at the site
planned.
I know you've heard all the reasons that people have for loathing it. My reason is simple- I am confident that it is not in
the best interest of our community.
I've lived in Yellowstone county nearly my whole life, Laurel for well over a decade. My family heritage in the state is
about a hundred years. Growing up, I always thought I'd leave, like we all do, but I didn't, because I realized, again like we
all do, that it's special here.
My husband's a pastor in Laurel. He grew up here. I'm one of the operations superintendents at the refinery.We have
two little boys, 18 months and 3.The proposed mental health facility is about 550 yards from our front door.
Clearly, part of what evokes my strident opposition for this facility is"not in my backyard." However, several of the
governor's official priorities, "government working for you" and "safe communities" and "protecting our way of life"for
Montanans, are, in my opinion deeply violated by this project.They seem to be relatively universal, or at least American,
values. It would have never occurred to me in the particulars, but the state government constructing a prison of sorts out
my front door is exactly the kind of thing I would have thought I'd be protected from under these priorities.To me,this is
the fundamental problem.
For me and my family, we would change or stop our walking habits, especially on West 9th. We'd probably move houses,
even at a financial cost. We likely wouldn't send our kids to Laurel Elementary, and presumably not to the public school
system in general once the elementary is out. How fancy the fence is doesn't matter. I'm sure we're not the only ones.
I'm all for helping law enforcement, but if convenience was their first priority,they would have chosen a different
profession. I suspect protecting communities is more important to them too.
I'm all for helping people. But we don't need to try to restrain seriously unwell people in the midst of our neighborhoods,
let alone just off the elementary school playground.
I'm all for fiscal responsibility and financial investment. I doubt$26.5 million will be enough. I'm confident there are
alternatives.
I could wax on about taxes, utilities,the track record of the sustainability of this type of facility,etc., but you know all
those concerns.To protect people and our way of life,we can't allow the forensic mental health facility to be constructed
as planned. It doesn't make any sense. It's a violation of Montanans and our principles.
For now,the official problem is at the state level. However, as we move forward and consider potential zoning options,
annexation, and the fallout,the responsibility is more local. I suspect that you hold similar principles and that it is a part
of why you do what you do vocationally. I think we all want security at home,the government to serve its citizens, and
our way of life protected.The proposed facility furthers none of these things for Laurel or for Yellowstone County.
Please oppose it every way you can.Thank you for your work to serve our community.
Kelli Wardell
z
Brittney Harakal
From: Ward 4B
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 2:18 PM
To: Civil Attorney
Cc: Kurt Markegard; Brittney Harakal
Subject: Fw: Proposed Forensic Mental Health Facility
From:Ward 4B<ward4b@laurel.mt.gov>
Sent:Wednesday, February 18, 2026 10:41 AM
To: Deming, Lee<Lee.Deming@legmt.gov>; 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: Re: Proposed Forensic Mental Health Facility
State Representative Lee Deming and State Senator Vince Ricci,thank you for your email stating that
you have changed your support for the state Mental Health Facility to be located in Laurel.l'm sure that
was not a easy decision to make.AS you have heard the citizens in Laurel support such a facility JUST not
in Laurel.As a elected official we are a representative of the people who elected us. If we are to honor
that oath that we take then we MUST not only listen to the people that we represent but honor their
wishes and requests. Even when sometimes WE think we know better.
64 years ago when I entered the United States militaryl took a oath to defend the Constitution of the
United States, like veterans before and after me that oath goes with us to our graves. It never expires.Just
Like the oath we take when we enter city or state government we represent the people , we giving them
our word and we are to keep our word if we are truly honest. For we represent a government ,"OF THE
PEOPLE ,BYTHE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE."
In the past you and I and Senator Ricci have worked together to support our seniors and our veterans,
not just locally but state wide. I appreciate all the work that you and Vince have done not just for those
two groups but for all citizens in Montana.
Saying all of that I hope that you and Senator Ricci will STRONGLY encourage the "powers that be" in
Helena to come out with a statement that they have heard and listened to the citizens in Laurel and are
reversing their plans for locating the Mental Health Facility in Laurel and will start the process of finding a
different location in eastern Montana.
Once again thank you and Vince for all you have done for Laurel and Yellowstone county. May GOD be
with you and help you in making of tough decisions.
I know you have my contact info but here it is again.
Laurel city council member
Richard A. Klose SR
Ward4b@laurel.mt.gov(city)
Kloserichard@yahoo.com (personal)
406-671-1814
From: Deming, Lee<Lee.Deming@legmt.gov>
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2026 3:54 PM
1
To:City Mayor<citymayor@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 1A<wardla@laurel.mt.gov>;Ward 16<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: Proposed Forensic Mental Health Facility
Mayor Waggoner and City Council Members,
Senator Ricci and I wish to inform you that we do not support the location of the Forensic Mental Health
facility in or near Laurel.
Some of the reasons for this lack of support is the unresolved safety issue,the lack of communication by
the State with the City of Laurel, and the fact that opponents-our constituents-will not support a facility
of this type in or near Laurel.
Senator Ricci and I have communicated our lack of support to the Director of the Board of Investments
and he has assured us that he will pass along our sentiments to other State officials who need to hear it.
Thankyou.
Emails to and from legislators involving legislative business may be subject to public disclosure under
the Right to Know provision of the Montana Constitution and TitW_2 Ch_apter 6a art 10.MCA.This may
include the sender, recipient, content, and attachments.
2
Brittney Harakal
From: Ward 4B
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 2:38 PM
To: Brittney Harakal; Civil Attorney
Subject: Fw: Recommendation for Letters being read...
From:The Front Porch <thefrontporchmt@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, February 18, 2026 2:26 PM
To: Ward 1A<wardla@laurel.mt.gov>; Ward 113<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>; Civil Attorney<civilattorney@laurel.mt.gov>
Subject: Recommendation for Letters being read...
Hello City Council& Michele Braukmann
I want to first THANK YOU all for your service and taking the time to read through and listen to all the
community concerns.
I am not sure of the protocol for reading all the letters that were sent in for ex parte... to save the time for
both you the CC and the community, can I make a recommendation to have those emails read before
council meetings.That is, if they need to actually be read into record.
If there is another way to put them into record without reading each one, I would recommend that.
I just see this concern being a long road ahead and I hate to see these meetings going late into the night.
Of course, I want all voices to be heard but if there a way to do the above, to save on time each Tuesday
night I would appreciate that consideration.
Thank you so much for your time and taking this into consideration
The Front Porch
Cheryl Hill
406.696.7678
th-efrontpfch-. nfa
i