HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Workshop Minutes 02.09.2016 li
MINUTES
COUNCIL WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 9, 2016 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
A Council Workshop was held in the Council Chambers and called to order by Mayor Mark Mace at
6:30 p.m. on February 9, 2016.
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
x Emelie Eaton _x_Doug Poehls
x Bruce McGee _x_Richard Herr
x Chuck Dickerson _x_ Scot Stokes
x Tom Nelson x Bill Mountsier
OTHERS PRESENT:
Heidi Jensen, CAO
Rick Musson, Police Chief
Keith Kolstad, Code Enforcement Officer
Jean Kerr, City Judge
Erin Lambert, YWCA
Toni DelPizo, YWCA
Public Input
There was no public input.
General items
There were none.
Executive Review
• RiverStone Health- John Felton, CEO
John Felton, the CEO of RiverStone Health, thanked the council for the opportunity to speak. Mr.
Felton and Heidi recently had a discussion about how to fill the City of Laurel's position on the Board
of Health. He spoke regarding the responsibilities and how the board is structured.
RiverStone Health, an assumed business name or a DBA for Yellowstone City-County Health
Department, was restructured in 1998 as a multi jurisdictional service district for the purposes of
health services and health department functions. The public entity is subject to all of the public
meeting and public record laws, is the local public health agency for Yellowstone County, and
operates about forty programs and services in the areas of public health, health services, home care
and hospice, education and social services. RiverStone Health has about 370 employees and the
operating budget for the current fiscal year is around $40 million. The health district is sponsored by
Yellowstone County, the City of Billings and the City of Laurel. The Yellowstone County
Commissioners appoint two members of the board, the City of Billings appoints two members, and
the City of Laurel appoints one member. The board has 12 to 15 members by the bylaws, and the
other 7 to 10 members are appointed by the board. It is similar to a non-profit type of board process
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Council Workshop Minutes of February 9,2016
where people apply, they are vetted by a nominating committee of the Board, there is a
recommendation to the Board and then those members are voted in for three-year terms.
The Board of Health has opted to allocate two of the board appointment positions to specific entities
within RiverStone Health. One is the RiverStone Health Foundation, which is a separate non-profit
501 c3 that raises funds for RiverStone Health. The RiverStone Health Foundation Board is a separate
entity that appoints one member to the Board of Health for liaison purposes. The other appointed
position is from the Community Health Center Board. What used to be Deering Clinic, now
RiverStone Health Clinic, has its own board by virtue of the federal laws that govern the clinic.
The City of Laurel's position has been vacant since about February 15, 2015 when Peggy Murch
resigned. The Board has duties and responsibilities that fall within two big buckets. One is that it is
the overall governing body for RiverStone Health. The board deals with finance, with policies, for
hiring the CEO, and the typical governance issues of an organization. It also serves as the local Board
of Health for purposes of public health as required under the Montana statutes. The Board of Health
is responsible for local public health rules, follow up on communicable disease, ensuring that
inspections are done properly, etc. It is a fairly broad responsibility for board members, and most
board members take a year to figure it out. A single board meeting could deal with some weighty
issue of health policy regarding Medicaid expansion or how to redesign the services in a different
payment environment. Later in that same meeting there might be a public hearing for a variance for a
septic system. John stated that it is a very tenured board and the most sophisticated effective board
with which he has ever worked. One of the committees vets the public health policy agenda for
RiverStone Health as the look at the upcoming legislative session. The board meets on the fourth
Thursday of every month from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the main campus at the corner of First
Avenue South and South 27th Street.
One of the reasons the board has become so effective is they have a well-oiled committee structure.
Three major committees are very active. One is a finance committee. The $40 million organization
with 370 employees has many different revenue streams, including contracts, grants, Medicare and
Medicaid. About 5 percent of the revenue is from the county-wide permanent property mill levy for
public health that was voted in 2002. The second active committee is the Patient Safety and Quality
Committee. This committee, which has members from both the Board of Health and the Community
Health Center Board, looks at their clinical quality and patient safety of how they are maintaining
accreditations. The third committee is Public Health Policy Development. The committee developed
a local rule to address the oversight of drop-in daycare centers. Their policy agenda for the legislature
flows through this committee. The committees meet once a month and most board members are on at
least one committee.
John explained that the Board of Health is a very active board. They provide a fairly extensive
orientation process for new board members to learn their statutory responsibilities, their governance
responsibilities, how the organization is structured, how the boards interact with one another, and the
various authorities. John stated that the Board of Health really needs and wants the City of Laurel to
be represented, and only the City of Laurel can fill the vacant position.
• Yellowstone County- Presentation regarding TSEP Grant application
Clay Moore, Assistant Road and Bridge Director for Yellowstone County, spoke regarding the
proposal to replace the bridge over the High Ditch on Beartooth Drive. The County is applying for a
TSEP Grant for the bridge and asked for the City of Laurel's support. The bridge is 43 years old, is
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Council Workshop Minutes of February 9,2016
deteriorating and needs to be replaced. The new bridge will have a wider span with room on the sides
for pedestrians.
A sign-in sheet was circulated to help with the grant application and to show that the County had
public meetings to talk to the public about the project.
There was discussion regarding the bridge replacement and confusion about the location of the
project. The information that was distributed to the council is attached to the original council
workshop minutes.
Clay stated that the guardrails will be removed.
Bill Oakey, who also works with Yellowstone County, explained that the bridge will be replaced with
large concrete box culverts to extend it so there is a lot of runoff space. The bridge lies just outside
the city boundaries,just north of the city about 50 feet. The TSEP Grant is strictly for bridges, not for
roads.
Bill again stated that the County is just asking for support and there is no cost to the city. The
matching TSEP Grant from the Coal Trust Tax will pay for about 50 percent of the cost of replacing
the bridge.
• Ordinance- Adopt International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2015 Edition, LMC 14.23
Keith Kolstad, Code Enforcement Officer, spoke regarding the International Swimming Pool and Spa
Code that the State of Montana Department of Labor requires the city to adopt no later than April 8,
2016. The code addresses everything from public and private swimming pools to spas, hot tubs and
residential pools, also known as aquatic recreation facilities. The 2012 Edition states that the city's
current pool would be exempt from being renovated or brought up to this code as long as the city
maintains the pool with the way it was built. If a new pool is built, it would have to follow the 2015
Edition standards. Plumbing and electrical inspections would be done by the State Plumbing
Inspector or the State Electrical Inspector. If a residential spa or hot tub has a particular ANSI label
on it, it would be acceptable as far as inspection. Keith will attend a class for code enforcement
officers in March. He suggested that the council consider setting a fee for inspections for the
swimming pool and spa code.
There was discussion regarding the current swimming pool and initial inspection of hot tubs and
swimming pools in private residents versus periodic inspections.
• Resolution- MOU with YWCA for crime victims
Heidi stated that the city collects a fee for a crime victim advocacy program.
Jean Kerr distributed copies of the MOU and a letter of support from Georgette Boggio, the city's
prosecuting attorney.
Jean stated that Montana State Law requires $50 surcharges to be assessed with certain law violations,
such as a partner/family member assault, drug charges, paraphernalia charges, and anything that starts
with a 45 in the beginning of the code. The legislative surcharge is assessed to help pay for the costs
of victims' advocacy.
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Council Workshop Minutes of February 9,2016
Jean explained that she contacted Yellowstone County eighteen years ago regarding advocates for the
City of Laurel and was told that the victim could go to Billings, there was not much money for
advocates and they were very overworked. The court collected the $50 assessment that was sent to
the State. The State was sending it to Yellowstone County, but Laurel was not getting any services
for it and quit sending the money to the State about six years ago. About two years ago, Jean met
with Erin Lambert about the possibilities of advocacy work with the YWCA, but no plan was
finalized. The city prosecutor, Georgette Boggio, helped prepare a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with the YWCA for advocacy work for the City of Laurel. The YWCA will charge $17 per
hour for their services and will submit a monthly bill. The MOU will be in effect through June 30,
2017, and can be terminated with a 30-day notice. This would cover victims with any kind of
connection with partner/family member assault, as well as other cases.
Erin Lambert has been with YWCA for almost eleven years providing services to victims of domestic
and sexual violence. In her role at YWCA, she oversees all of the programs, which includes an
employment and training center for adults who are underemployed or unemployed and a licensed
child center that serves 65 children. Erin spoke about what the YWCA can offer to victims of crime
and what the Memorandum of Understanding would provide for the City of Laurel. The YWCA is
available to assist victims in obtaining an order of protection. They have an attorney on staff who is
not currently a member of the Montana State Bar, but is working on that process. She would provide
legal advice and consultation to victims to help insure that their paperwork is filled out correctly. She
can help with divorce petitions, parenting plans, and other civil legal remedies related to
victimization. The YWCA is able to help with safety planning to work with the victim to insure that
their ongoing safety needs are met and to help them address any fmancial concerns like paying for
childcare, purchasing food, and paying for living expenses such as rent. They want to make the court
process as victim friendly as possible and to avoid re-victimizing them in the process. With Toni
DelPizo's advocacy services, they can help the victim understand the process.
Erin explained that all of the services that are available to victims in Billings would be available to
victims in Laurel. If they do not have transportation to Billings, under this contract they could make
arrangements to transport them to the YWCA in Billings. They would also be open to having their
service providers come to Laurel. Toni DelPizo will meet with victims in Laurel, and their attorney
could potentially meet with victims here as well. YWCA is very excited about this partnership. As a
community based non-profit organization, YWCA does not have the benefit of being able to charge
for our services. Everything they offer is at no cost to the victim, so they rely on contracts and grant
funding to keep their doors open.
There was discussion regarding the $50,000 Crime Victims' Fund, the people that already went
through the court system and did not benefit from the fund, the accumulation of the $50,000 over
eight years, the court system, the$50 assessment to the fund with the 45 codes, and the fact that some
victims do not need assistance in certain situations but the$50 assessment is still collected.
Tom stated his understanding through the Budget/Finance Committee that, without an MOU for
assistance for advocacy for which this money has gone into the Crime Victims' Fund, the money
would end up going to the State and the city would lose the ability to utilize those funds and help
people at our local level.
Heidi stated that the audit findings this year were that the money would be sent back to the State if the
program was not established and the money used within the fiscal year.
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Council Workshop Minutes of February 9,2016
Jean stated that she understands that the whole amount does not have to be used at this time. With an
ongoing program, there has to be money in a fund to be able to pay.
Emelie questioned the effective day of January 31st as stated in the MOU.
Heidi stated that the date would be changed to February 16th in the final MOU.
Toni DelPizo grew up in Laurel and is passionate about bringing the services to Laurel. She serves as
the shelter coordinator at the YWCA and works one-on-one with the clients personally. They want to
have a 24/7 hotline available for victims to call to reach the YWCA at any time.
Erin stated that Toni has five years of experience and they bring a lot of prior knowledge and can
competently offer their services to the Laurel community.
• Resolution- Contract with Rudy Groshelle for city hall remodel
Heidi discussed the contract for the city hall remodel with the Budget/Finance Committee last week.
With some issues regarding the public having access to the upstairs and the clerk's office, it is
important to address the security issues. The remodel includes installation of a bathroom upstairs.
Three quotes were received and the Budget/Finance approved the quote with Rudy Groshelle last
week. Access to the public works department and the clerk's office will be changed to coded key
pads to provide more security for employees.
• Resolution- Personnel Policy Manual
Heidi explained that revision of the Personnel Policy Manual has been a lengthy process. Avitus
Group revised the Personnel Policy Manual, as it was very out-of-date. Heidi explained the revised
Personnel Policy Manual regarding the harassment hotline, the FMLA Policy, the grievance
procedure, employment, the 180-day probation period, codes of conduct, workplace safety, the drug
and alcohol policy, the social media policy, the use of credit cards, leaves of absence, and benefits.
There was discussion about postponing approval of the manual in order to allow more time for
council review, the deadline MMIA imposed for approval, MMIA's two week extension for approval
of the Personnel Policy Manual on February 16th, the procedures for pre-employment drug testing,
and the Drug and Alcohol Policy.
• Council Issues:
o Discussion regarding fee for background checks for landlords/tenants (Bruce McGee)
Bruce distributed notebooks of information to the mayor and council. He then read "A Presentation
to City of Laurel Mayor and City Council of the Possible Value of Rental Registration Ordinance." A
copy of the presentation is attached to these council minutes.
There was discussion regarding the need for further review at the next council workshop.
o Discussion regarding consolidation of boards, commissions and committees (Emelie
Eaton)
Mayor Mace communicated with Dan Clark, Local Government Center, regarding this issue. Dan's
response was distributed to the council and is attached to these council workshop minutes.
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Council Workshop Minutes of February 9,2016
There was council discussion. Doug will research the possibilities of combining some committees,
boards and commissions, seek some advice from the city attorney, and present the information to the
council soon.
o Lease Task Force update
Heidi explained the two remaining leases. One lease is for the swamp land by the Rock Church, and
no one is interested in leasing that at this time. The second lease is for the Horseshoe Club, which
owns their building at Riverside Park and currently has only one member.
There was discussion regarding whether the Laurel Rifle Club is using their building, which is not
safe to use. Heidi will check with Iry Wilke.
There was further discussion regarding the Horseshoe Club. Since their building is on city property,
Bruce suggested there should be a land lease. Heidi will check into this.
o Update on 2011 Yellowstone River flooding event
Heidi gave an extensive report regarding the possibility of the city applying for an EDA Grant.
However, after further review, staff decided that the grant would not be best for the City of Laurel.
Great West Engineering will complete and submit the plans for the new intake to DEQ this week.
Construction is still scheduled to begin in July.
Other items
Mayor Mace read a thank you note from the Laurel Jaycees.
Scot stated that the Park Board will go to the Budget/Finance Committee to request that money be
released for the vaulted toilets and permitting for the cleanup in Riverside Park.
Review of draft council agenda for February 16, 2016
The Laurel Urban Renewal Agency will meet on Monday, January 22nd
Attendance at the February 16, 2016 council meeting
All council members will attend.
Announcements
Scot asked regarding implementing a hands free law in the City of Laurel.
Heidi will talk with the police chief about this.
There was a suggestion to forward the issue to the Yellowstone County Commissioners for a
countywide hands free law.
There was a lengthy discussion regarding the issue,jurisdictional requirements to write tickets, lack of
enforcement of the hands free law in the City of Billings, the lack of police officers to enforce the
law, the current distracted driving law, and the fact that texting and driving is very dangerous.
Recognition of Employees
• Cathy Gabrian 29 years of service on February 23rd Clerk's Office
• Cheryll Lund 28 years of service on February 9th Public Works
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Council Workshop Minutes of February 9, 2016
• Kyle Bryant 11 years of service on February pt Police Officer
• Heidi Jensen 5 years of service on February 28th CAO
• Jarred Anglin 1 year of service on February 18th Police Officer
Mayor Mace acknowledged the employees' years of service and stated that Cathy Gabrian will be
retiring in March.
The council workshop adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
6,/:t-dy
Cindy Allen
Council Secretary
NOTE: This meeting is open to the public. This meeting is for information and discussion of the Council for the
listed workshop agenda items.
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A PRESENTATION TO CITY OF LAUREL MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE POSSIBLE VALUE OF RENTAL
REGISTRATION ORDIANCE.
February 9, 2016
Honorable Mayor, and members of the Laurel City Council, CAO and City Attorney.
First of all allow me to recognize that I know I am wired a little different then others. I
truly do like to champion causes for those who can or will not do so for themselves. I
am well aware that I have a very high sense of justice, and that not everyone shares this
value in the same way as I do. Be that as it may, it might help explain to those presented
why some thing about why this sort of thing becomes important to me enough to spend
hours and at my own expense preparing a presentation.
Secondly, this idea is not mine, but was suggested to me as a worth while pursuit for the
betterment of our community.
Lastly, this presentation is designed as a condensed presentation of the subject like a
pitchfork to motivate. While a rather large packet is a part of the presentation, it is
designed to provide you with the proof of what is being referenced. At the same timel
am keenly aware of the spiritual other world character that uses a pitch fork and I may
be misunderstood to him after this is over with, but I assure you that is not the case.
Tine 1-Understanding that the rule of law empowers a city council to make law that can
co-exist with the constitutions of the US and Montana. MCA 7-5-4101. (copy of in
packet) 46 iltg
The suggestion that the city of Laurel working on, developing and implementing
ordinances such as the one in question for the betterment of all its citizens and that doing
so would somehow be mismanaged into the taking away the rights of privacy is in itself
a miscarriage of justice for such harsh judgment before what is sought is even allowed to
be presented.
Tine 2- The laws from both the Federal and State levels concerning housing are both
numerous and difficult to monitor actually being enforced. Can it be considered
possible that on the local level laws can be such that they actually aid state and federal
law to fulfillment all housing laws in both spirit and letter of the law.
Offered for your consideration in the packet is a Wikjpedia summary of the the Federal
/eLLTOe63 (
Fair Housing Act, MCA 70-24-303, landlords to maintain their properties, MCA 70-24-105
c supplementary principles of law that revolve around the making of properly laws on the state level
should not conflict, can local laws also not be designed to not conflict? It seems that hurdle has been
made many times? MCA 70-24-107 Rental agreements apply all over the state. MCA 70-24-109
Obligation of good faith by everyone involved in an obligation.And MCA 70-24-202 A rental
agreement cannot be allowed to take away, or impose certain rights that one is afforded under law.
While the MCA references are cherry picked I grant you, as with both the Federal Fair Housing laws
and Chapter 70 of the MCA are to great to put into a presentation, but available for all who want to find
them on the internet.
The take away from this is that law already exist, but the fulfillment
of those laws are bettered and so is a community that enacts legal
and local enforceable ordinance that makes possible the well
intentioned laws that may exist on a higher governing ladder, but the
common citizen is not afforded the luxury of experiencing the
benefits of unless its local body of law makers act proactively
instead of reacting to maybe a tragic event.
Why make more law you make ask? The answer is that law like this
works better when it comes down to local and enforceable. Renting
property is a business and helping business be better for both the
business owner and the consumer is the best use of government.
Tine 3 examples exist for us cities to learn from; we do not have to reinvent the wheel,
in the city of Moorhead and Brooklyn Center MN and many other communities east of
us, numerous examples of municipalities that have had success in helping landlords,
tenant's and communities as a whole benefit from such an ordinance.
Your packet contains: 6 at:N /kg
• The rental unit registration and inspection ordinance for the city of Moorhead.
• A summary of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program (I believe from the
Minnesota Crime Free Multi-Housing program a copy of which is the packet at
the comparsion of Moorhead and Brooklyn Center MN.)
• The services of the Rental Registration Program with commonly asked questions.
(one of which is how long has this law existed in Moorhead and the answer is 40
years.)
(�. • The authorization for release of information
• The lease addendum for drug and crime free housing.
• A brochure of the Moorhead PD on the disorderly tenant ordinance.
• A copy of the state of Minnesota requiring background checks of property
managers because of the murder of woman by the name of Kari Koskinen.
The summary of which I gained from 2 different phone conservations with employees of
Moorhead MN. LeAnn Wallin the Community Policing Coordinator and Lisa Bode who
handles Neighborhood Registration both employees of the city.
My conservation with these two ladies gave me an idea of how such a law works is
enforced, how it's paid for and what it does for a community. In a nutshell registered
units by landlords/owners of qualifying rental properties allow the city to charge for the
services that provide landlords and property owners training on all the aspects of the law
state, federal and local. The inspection process of their units of the city inspectors. This
also affords the city the opportunity to meet with, explain the reason(s) behind the
ordinance and break down the complain process of when it happens (usually, almost
always through the police department) the letters go to the owners who are only allowed
so many before, they are removed from the registration list and cannot rent the unit for
up to a period of six months. Also provided for the cost of registration is "local"
background check of rental applicant(s) plus the inspection criteria for safe housing.An
added benefit(s) is the networking of property owners to share ideas, knowledge and
( experiences.
The take away is that both property owners and renters are better off
overall because the property inspections give cause for dangerous
conditions to possibly be discovered before an unsafe or unhealthy
condition hopefully before any human(s) would be affected.
Landlords benefit because they have a defense if wrongfully accused
of property conditions, and law that can be built into rental
agreements providing just cause for evictions of tenants that do not
follow the law. X&Giti-Ag
So you know that more than one community has the same but with differences I have
enclosed what was provided me a rental program comparison that is charted and
contains different attachments for the already above mentioned municipalities. The bulk
of your packet.
The concluding last tine of my pitchfork is an example of another city that is trying to
implement such law as we have attempted to frame for you as being worth while. Fargo
(' ND with the example of their Landlord Training and Crime Free Multi-Housing
programs. To assure you that should the city of Laurel set out on such a pursuit we are
not the only ones who are doing so.
Very, very last I leave you with and example of if we just tried a little harder could we
not find more to do for our citizens for safety like the volunteer signing up with the
Police Department of our security cameras to aid investigators on where these camera's
are located in order to assist police in the collection of evidence that might bring about a
conviction.
Progressive thinking is challenging and can be unforgiving. This request is in the sphere
of such thinking. That request is the city of Laurel actually give serious consideration to
a rental registration ordinance? Not just lip service, not just dismissed because such has
never been tried here before, (of course it has not, if it had it might already be in place) I
believe it is worthy of debate. We usually fall in to one of three groups, we lead, or we
follow or we need to get the hell out of the way of those who are leading.
In my way of thinking this follows the suggestions of The Broken Windows Theory" of
James Q Wilson and George L. Kelling first published in 1969. The idea is that if
nothing is done about someone breaking windows in some vacant building from in a
community, people stop caring and the crime rate will go up. However, if something is
actually done about crimes like breaking windows early on, crime is curtailed and does
not increase because of apathy.
If our. Why is right, and our goal for the better good of all our citizens is our motivation.
Then what we do can only lead to the greater good for all concerned.
Thank you.
Cindy Allen
From: City Mayor
Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2016 1:28 PM
To: Cindy Allen
Subject: Fwd:Committee dwindle!
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Clark, Daniel" <daniel.clarkamontana.edu>
Date: February 2, 2016 at 10:53:49 PM MST
To: City Mayor<citymayor@a,laurel.mt.gov>
Cc: "Christensen, Blake" <blakechristensen@montana.edu>, "Kent, Ashley"
<ashleykent®mo ntana.edu>
Subject: RE: Committee dwindle!
Mayor Mace,
The City of Laurel's has committees created by ordinance or are required by statute(i.e. Board of
Adjustments). You can't do much to avoid the statutorily required boards. However, the
committee structure defined by city ordinance can be changed if the Council chooses to
consolidate and/or eliminate some of the committees. For example, the Council can choose to
combine the Parks Board with the Tree and possibly the Cemetery Board. The Council can also
decide to eliminate the standing committees that lack meaningful and consistent purpose(i.e.
Human Relations?). When an issues arises or a specific task need to be addressed, you as the
mayor can appoint an ad hoc committee or task force to address a specific task. When the issues
or task is complete or resolved, the committee goes away. This gives you the flexibility to select
committee members based on individual skills and/or interest to address a specific task and not
be locked into a long-term commitment.
If I recall our discussion last year, it seemed there was a couple of committees the Council felt
could go away due to lack of work or meaningful purpose. It was mentioned that when a related
issue would come up, the council could deal with it as a whole or appoint a task force to work
through the problem.
As of now, my schedule is full until June. Associate Director Blake Christensen may have some
availability during the months of March and April if you would like one of us to help facilitate a
discussion with the Council focused on the committees.
I hope this is helpful.
Dan
*********************************
Dan Clark
1
Director
MSU Local Government Center
Culbertson Hall 235-A
P.O. Box 170535
Bozeman, MT 59717
Office: 406-994-6694
Cell: 406-570-4259
FAX: 406-994-1905
email: daniel.clark@montana.edu
Website: msulocalgov.org
********************************
The Montana State University Extension
is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran's Preference
Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach
Original Message
From: City Mayor [mailto:citymayor@laurel.mt.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2016 1:17 PM
To: Clark, Daniel<daniel.clark@montana.edu>
Subject: Committee dwindle!
Dan,
My committee chairs are having a real hard time keeping committee members
interestedKurt's in the business of all the meetings that require input.
I believe that some council members are also concerned about all the meetings that are asked
of them.
I also notice that there is very few residents that are interested in city functions. I would like
to believe it means all is well,but that's not what we hear out there, from time to time as I'm sure
you are well aware.
You mentioned at our last session with you and our council, that combining some
committees could be done, and a few of the council members mentioned that last month, that
they would be interested in looking at this as a way to reduce the "meeting" fatigue.
Do you have any documentation of what can be done to answer some of their questions that
we can explore on our own, or can we schedule a work session with you or someone to educate
us all in our issues as soon as your time will allow?
Thank You for your time,
Mayor Mace- Laurel
Sent from my iPad
2
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S-C"-----..T.YLAW OFFICE P
Majel M. Russell• Georgette H. Boggio
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT
This is a statement of support for a victim witness advocate program for the City of Laurel Court.
First, most of the victims of the cases I handle live and work in Laurel. Not only this,but many of them have
transportation issues. Anything that facilitates services and assistance coming to Laurel would minimize any further
disruption of their lives that has been caused by crime.
Further,many of my victim based cases are related to Partner/Family member assault. I have had several victims
who have called requesting dismissal of the charges, in part due to their financial dependence on the defendants.
Anything that would provide assistance and counseling regarding their options to alleviate their financial
dependence would assist these individuals and hopefully minimize the chances of seeing them again as crime
victims.
The Court process,even in a small town, can be intimidating to citizens.My hope is that this advocate could
improve the experiences of the court system by victims.
Although the current contract is limited in its scope, it should be able to cover the broadest swath of victims that
come through Laurel City Court,particularly those who are most intimately and personally affected by the crimes
committed against them.
I have briefly outlined the most compelling reasons to have a victim witness advocate who could be available
locally.Unfortunately, due to a conflict in my work schedule that takes me out of state, I am unable to present at the
meeting scheduled for the evening of February 9,2016.
Georgette Hogan Boggio
145 Grand Avenue, Suite #5 • P.O. Box 928 • Billings, Montana 59103
Telephone: (406) 259-8611 • Facsimile: (406)259-3251
elkriverlaw@elkriverlaw.com www.elkriverlaw.com