SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING, APRIL 1, 2010 @ 6:00PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The meeting was called to order at 7:01pm by Mayor Doug Roll. Mr. Bischoff, Mr. Orr, Mrs. Benson, Mrs. Desch, Mrs. Lawrence and Mrs. Williams were present. City Administrator, Jim Hammons and City Clerk-Treasurer, Glena Hook were also present.
Bill Buxton and Ryan Jones of Morrison-Maierle spoke to the council about some of the waste water plant needs and the costs.
Mr. Bischoff made a motion to allow Morrison and Maierle to proceed with possible grant funding for Priority 1 & 2 of the Waste Water Project with the understanding that money from the International Paper Co. settlement would be used to offset increases on the sewer rates that are needed for the project.
Mr. Orr seconded the motion.
Motion Passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55pm.
_________________________ __________________________________
Mayor Doug Roll City Clerk-Treasurer Glena L. Hook
PUBLIC HEARING, WASTE WATER PLANT PROJECT, APRIL 1, 2010 @ 7:00PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The meeting started at 7:06pm.
Bill Buxton and Ryan Jones of Morrison-Maierle gave their report on the Waste Water Plant Evaluation. Bill Buxton spoke about the current deficiencies at the Waste Water Plant and what is needed to be compliant with the DEQ. There were no public comments.
The meeting ended at 7:57pm.
_________________________ __________________________________
Mayor Doug Roll City Clerk-Treasurer Glena L. Hook
PUBLIC HEARING, BICYCLE ORDINANCE # 1751, APRIL 5, 2010 @ 6:30PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Mayor Roll called the meeting to order at 6:30pm and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Benson, Mrs. Desch and Mr. Bischoff were present. City Administrator, Jim Hammons and City Clerk-Treasurer, Glena L. Hook were also present. Mr. Orr was absent.
Dr. Greg Rice and Susie Rice of 1020 Idaho, Libby spoke to the council about the safety of riding bikes on Hwy. 2. Dr. Rice stated that riding a bicycle on the streets in downtown Libby makes perfect sense, but that it is a little harder to ride on Hwy 2 with the traffic. The mayor and council talked to Dr. and Mrs. Rice about an alternate route to Hwy. 2 going through Libby. The mayor stated that he would like the help of Dr. and Mrs. Rice in finding and posting signs of an alternate bike route through Libby without using Hwy. 2. The mayor suggested using 10th Street as part of an alternate route.
Janet Knauff of 3413 Hwy 37 No., spoke to the council and agreed with the Rices that Hwy 2 has safety issues when riding a bicycle and would like to see an alternate route with signs posted for bicycles to use.
Meeting adjourned at 6:40pm.
_________________________ __________________________________
Mayor Doug Roll City Clerk-Treasurer Glena L. Hook
THE 1324th REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 5, 2010 @ 7:00 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm, by Mayor Roll who led the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed the public. Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Lawrence, Mr. Orr, Mrs. Benson, Mrs. Desch and Mr. Bischoff were present. City Attorney Heather McDougall, City Administrator Jim Hammons and City Clerk-Treasurer Glena L. Hook were also present.
Prayer was offered by Lloyd Miller of the Amish Church.
Mr. Bischoff made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from March 15, 2010 and Special Council Meeting Minutes from April 24, 2010.
Mr. Orr seconded the motion. With minor spelling corrections
Motion passed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wednesday breakfast will be moved to Henry’s starting April 14, 2010 at 7:00am.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Cemetery/Parks; Council Member Williams announced that the new Garden Club is going to be looking into helping clean up the triangle during Brooms Day week April 16 thru April 27, 2010. Also the City alley clean-up will be that week. Vicky Lawrence announced that the tree planting will start next Monday. The Splash Pad needs to be put on next agenda for council approval.
Fire; None
Resolutions/Ordinances; None
Personnel; None
Building; Vicky Lawrence announced that she had put together a draft policy concerning Business Licenses and asked the ladies in the office for input.
Water/Sewer; Mrs. Benson announced that there is a piece of equipment at the water treatment plant that is not being used and could be sold. Mrs. Benson also stated that Morrison-Maierle held a public hearing on April 1, 2010 to provide an overview to the public on the waste water plant project and that there was no public attendance. Mrs. Benson stated the council approved Morrison-Maierle to pursue grant funding to help with the costs of replacing the sludge press and installing a UV system.
Lights/Streets/Sidewalks; Mrs. Desch reported that it had been brought to her attention that Dr. Newman would like a handicap parking spot on 6th street and she is looking into it. Mrs. Desch also reported that Bill Dowson from St. Johns Lutheran church spoke to her about curb and gutter problems they have in front of the church. Mrs. Desch will check into the problem at St. Johns Lutheran Church.
Budget/Finance; None
Police; Police Chief Jim Smith gave a police report for the month of March. Chief Smith stated that there were 199 case reports, which is up about 15% from the month of February, 38 arrests, 44 citations and 88 warnings. Chief Smith also gave a report on the cost of video equipment being discussed for Mineral Ave. which is between 60k and 65k. Chief Smith said that still cameras with high resolution and motion detectors with timers could be purchased for around 20k.
Officer Terry Watson was called forward and congratulated for graduating from the police academy on March 25, 2010.
City Administrator went over his report on the River Water Pump, the Thomas Street Project, the Cabinets Heights Project, the New Hospital and the need for a Flower Creek Hydro feasibility study if the council wanted to move forward on the possibility of hydro electricity.
HEAR THE PUBLIC FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
John Klag of 274 North Colorado Avenue talked to the council about Medical Marijuana and parking for the disabled.
Allan Kahnt of 216 W 9th spoke against the city bearing the costs of cameras on Mineral Avenue and said that if the private businesses want surveillance they should purchase their own equipment. Mr. Kahnt asked the council to end the debate.
Dan Hall of 110 E Poplar spoke to the council and wanted to express his and Gordon Sullivan’s, a business owner on Mineral Avenue, concerns about cameras on Mineral Avenue, stating that even still cameras are an invasion of privacy.
Wayne Hirst of 209 Mineral Avenue spoke against cameras being put on Mineral Avenue and agrees with Mr. Hall. Mr. Hurst also asked the council to move ahead in a positive manner and help the City of Libby. In closing Mr. Hurst asked the council to please don’t let big brother come to Libby.
Allen Olsen of 33692 Hwy 2 wanted to know how much the research cost for the last two and one half months on the cameras in downtown Libby. Mr. Olsen also wanted to know about long term costs. Mayor Doug Roll explained to the public that the only thing the city was trying to do was find a cost efficient way to help prevent vandalism downtown. The mayor asked for a show of hands of how many people in the audience was against the cameras on Mineral Avenue. The mayor stated that there was more than five.
Bill Silva of 10465 Hwy 37 spoke to the council about the possibility of sending reserve officers out on foot patrol by themselves. Mr. Silva also stated that a camera can be shot out real easy by a pellet gun. Mr. Silva feels the money spent on cameras could be better spent on the city water systems. Mr. Silva stated Mr. Berget was trying to do one block at a time when he was in office and it started working. Mr. Silva said putting the money to good use would make everybody happy.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Cameras on Mineral Avenue;
Mr. Orr made a motion to table the cameras on Mineral Avenue indefinitely.
Mrs. Lawrence seconded the motion.
Motion Passed.
There was a five minute recess. Mayor Roll called the meeting back to order at 8:00pm.
Fred Brown Pavilion; Mrs. Williams stated that last month she submitted to the council changes to the Fred Brown Pavilion rental agreement. Mrs. Williams asked for an approval from the council.
Mrs. Lawrence made a motion to approve the new undated rental agreements for the Fred Brown Pavilion.
Mr. Bischoff seconded the motion.
Motion Passed. City Attorney, Heather McDougall will make the change.
Final Reading Ordinance # 1751, Bicycles;
Mr. Bischoff made a motion to approve Ordinance # 1751 with amendment to 10.29.10 paragraph 3 to strike the words main business district and replace with Mineral Avenue.
Mrs. Williams seconded the motion.
Motion Passed.
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution # 1753 Montanore Mine Support;
Mrs. Benson made a motion to approve Resolution # 1753 supporting the reopening of Montanore Mine.
Mrs. Lawrence seconded the motion.
Motion Passed.
Kristin Smith, Planning Director for Lincoln County talked to the council about an Interlocal Agreement and how it could help the city. One of the things it would provide is a Growth Policy for the City of Libby.
Mrs. Williams made a motion to approve the agreement with the changes that the city would pay $2,500 for the services from the Lincoln County Planning Department yearly for as long as both parties agreed and with the addition of adding Regulatory Planning and Subdivision Review to the agreement.
Mr. Orr seconded the motion.
Motion Passed.
Ronda Swetman talked to the council about getting help with water hook-up for Russell Mack of 116 Spencer Rd. Council Member Orr volunteered to help with a plan and find contacts to help Mr. Mack.
Resolution # 1754 & 1755 to authorize application for applying for grant funds from TSEP and Rural Development to help with the Waste Water Plant Project;
Mrs. Benson made a motion to approve Resolution 1754 & 1755.
Mrs. Williams seconded the motion.
Motion Passed.
COUNCIL ACTION/DISCUSSION
Mr. Bischoff made a motion to approve the Business Licenses received to date.
Mrs. Desch seconded the motion.
Motion Passed.
Council would like Eric Drake notified that his one year variance to run a business out of his home has expired and he needs to come before the council and request a new variance. The City Clerk will contact him.
Mr. Bischoff made a motion to approve Payroll and Claims for March 2010.
Mrs. Lawrence seconded the motion.
Motion Passed.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
Richard Guinn of 223 W Oak asked the council if shooting a bow and arrow in the city limits was against any ordinance of the city. Mr. Guinn reported that someone had shot 3 holes in his garage.
Allan Kahnt of 316 W 9th asked the council why the Interlocal Agreement had not been publicized more.
Allen Olsen of 33692 Hwy 2 asked if the council was going to rewrite the Business License Ordinance. Mayor Roll told Mr. Olsen that the council was working on a policy for the office to follow concerning business licenses.
Victor Katellepper of the EPA spoke to the council about the clean-up work in Libby. Mr. Katellepper stated that the design investigation has started for yard clean-up. The council and mayor spoke to Mr. Katellepper about calling the ROD an Interim ROD. Mr. Katellepper stated the engineering aspect does not meet with an Interim ROD and that the EPA had already done a lot of emergency clean-up. Mayor Roll stated that he would still like to see an Interim ROD. Mr. Katellepper stated that the finalizing of the Record of Decision may be done early next month. Mr. Orr asked if there were any avenues for EPA to help with the Montanore Mine. Mr. Katellepper stated that the EPA has no super fund concerns with the mine. Mrs. Lawrence was concerned about the timing of the River Front Park clean-up. Mr. Katellepper stated that the EPA would work with the city on the timing of the clean-up.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.
_________________________ __________________________________
Mayor Doug Roll City Clerk-Treasurer Glena L. Hook
JOINT PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY OF LIBBY AND LINCOLN COUNTY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT April 14, 2010 6:00 PM
A Joint Public hearing was held at the request of the City of Libby and Lincoln County to receive comments from the public regarding the submission of a joint Economic Development Community Development Block Grant.
City Council Members present were Bill Bischoff, Barb Desch and Robin Benson. Mayor Doug Roll was also in attendance.
Others present were Paul Rumelhart, Executive Director Kootenai River Development, Debi Davidson, Business Development Specialist Kootenai River Development, Larry Coryell, Allen Olson and Rub Kahnt.
Paul Rumelhart made the following presentation to the meeting attendees:
The purpose of this hearing is to inform the public about the Community Development Block Programs as administered by the Montana Department of Commerce.
THE CDBG PROGRAM
The Community Development Block Grant Program is a competitive program, federally funded with the purpose of assisting communities with their economic development needs.
The State of Montana allocates approximately one third of the CDBG allocation of $6,861,827 for economic development activities. This year the amount is $2,185,324. The remaining two thirds ($4,370,648) are dedicated to housing and public facilities. The funds are usually received in April from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Local entities of government are eligible to apply to the MDOC for grants for economic development, the intent of which is to provide loans to for profit businesses for job creation and/or retention. Economic development grants may also be made to local government agencies for infrastructure improvements that directly benefit for profit businesses.
Each department of local government may apply up to $400,000. Joint applications may be made between two elements of local government, such as the City of Libby and Lincoln County. In the case of joint applications, the total amount may be up to $800,000. Additionally, each dollar of grant funds must be matched by new money on a 1:1 basis. Federal funds could be used as a match for this program.
The amount of CDBG-ED funds available for a particular for profit business is determined by the number of jobs created or retained. Twenty-five thousand ($25,000) in grant funds may be requested for each full time job created or retained.
The focus of the grant funds is on the low to moderate income residents of the community. At lease 51% of the new jobs created or jobs retained must benefit the low to moderate income segment of the local area.
Mayor Doug Roll asked if the element of local government could apply for a CDBG-ED grant and a CDBG public facilities grant during the same year. Mr. Rumelhart stated that they are two separate programs and that a unit of local government could apply for an economic development grant and a community development grant during the same year. Also, an element of local government can submit applications for more that one economic development grant so long as the $400,000 threshold I not reached.
Mr. Rumelhart asked the attendees to think about projects that meet the criteria of job creation or retention benefiting the low to moderate income segment of the local community. The attendees were advised that the next public hearing would be held on May 12, 2010 at the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting at the Lincoln County Courthouse at which time proposed projects for funding will be presented.
The public hearing closed at 7:15p.m.
City of Libby
ATTEST: Approved
_______________________ ____________________________
Tanya Gehrke, Doug Roll
Deputy Clerk, City of Libby Mayor, City of Libby
THE 1325th REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010 @ 7:00 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm, by Mayor Roll who led the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed the public. Mrs. Williams, Mr. Orr, Mrs. Benson, Mrs. Desch and Mr. Bischoff were present. City Attorney Heather McDougall, City Administrator Jim Hammons and City Clerk-Treasurer Glena L. Hook were also present. Mrs. Lawrence was absent.
Prayer was offered by Lloyd Miller of the Amish Church.
Mrs. Williams made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from April 5, Public Hearing from April 5, Special Council Meeting from April 1, and both Special Council Meetings from March 30,2010.
Mr. Bischoff seconded the motion.
Motion Passed
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Roll announced the Logger Runners would be hosting a 5k and 10k run during Logger Days if anyone was interested.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Cemetery/Parks; Mrs. Williams handed out copies of questionnaires about the usage and equipment at Fireman’s Park. Mrs. Williams wanted to know if the questionnaires needed to be voted on. It was decided that the parks committee could go ahead with their survey about Fireman’s Park without approval from the council. Mrs. Williams also reported that the Garden Club worked on the triangle and it looked a lot better even though there are a few things that still need to be done. Mrs. Williams told the council that the American Legion Ball group would like help in the amount of $1000 to finish the dugouts at the American Legion Ball Field. The dugout donation will go on the next agenda. Mrs. Williams also reported that Mrs. Lawrence was worried about vandalism of the new trees planted at the cemetery and wondered if the cemetery could be closed at night to protect the trees. Mrs. Williams also stated that the school is done with the tennis courts for the season and wanted to know if the city wanted to continue paying for the outhouse at the tennis courts through the summer. The mayor stated that it should be put on the next agenda. Mrs. Williams also announced a Planning Board Meeting for next Monday at 6:30pm here at the Council Chambers.
Fire; None
Resolutions/Ordinances; None
Personnel; None
Building; None
Water/Sewer; Mrs. Benson announced that Mr. Hammons is working on selling the piece of equipment that is not in use at the Water Plant by putting it on the Rural Water web site.
Lights/Streets/Sidewalks; Mrs. Desch stated she had talked to Susie Rice about the alternate bike path through Libby on Hwy 2 and reported that they were not going to work on it until after STOKER is done which will be around the first part of May.
Budget/Finance; Mr. Bischoff reported that the Auditors are here this week.
Police; None
HEAR THE PUBLIC FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Medical Marijuana, Council Position letter; After a lengthy discussion where a motion was made and withdrawn the council decided they would like to go back to the drawing board on the Medical Marijuana letter.
NEW BUSINESS
Tony Rebo representing St. John Lutheran Hospital spoke to the council requesting the abandonment of Dakota Avenue from 3rd Street north to 2nd Street and for the abandonment of 2nd Street from the end of the cul-de-sac at Community Health Center to the Storm (tailing) Pond. Mr. Rebo also asked the city for help in the relocation of some sewer lines. Mr. Rebo stated bids will go out June 1st, 2010 and St. Johns Hospital will let the City know when bids are in for the relocation of the sewer lines.
Sandy Doubek of the Pastime Bar asked for a street closure for street dances on June 25th and 26th, July 30th and 31st and August 20th and 21st, 2010. Mineral Avenue would be closed from 6:00pm to 2:00am except for the night of the burn out (August 20, 2010) which the street would not be closed until after the burn out is over at 10:00pm.
Mr. Bischoff made a motion to approve the street closure.
Mrs. Desch seconded the motion.
Motion Passed
Libby Commissioner, Tony Berget talked to the council about the Splash Pad at Fireman’s Park. Mr. Berget stated that all the materials are in, the Rotary Club will pay for the concrete and Chuck Riley will do the concrete work. The City will hook up to the sewer.
River Pump Water Fees; Jim Hammons asked the council to add a $2.00 charge per One Thousand Gallons of water pumped from the River Pump.
Mr. Orr made a motion to approve addition of the $2.00 fee per thousand gallons of water.
Mrs. Williams seconded the motion.
Motion Passed.
Resolution # 1741, Regh Annexation;
Mr. Bischoff made a motion to approve Resolution #1741 changes.
Mrs. Williams seconded the motion.
Motion Passed.
Personnel Committee recommendation, City Clerk’s Attorney fees; Mr. Bischoff spoke for the Personnel Committee stating the committee met with City Clerk Glena Hook on March 11, 210 at 12:00pm to hear a grievance on her attorney fees. Mr. Bischoff also stated that Council Member Orr was invited to attend that meeting. The meeting was closed to the public due to the personnel issues. Mr. Bischoff stated the committee recommends that the city pay for City Clerk-Treasurer’s Attorney Fees if denied by the city’s insurance. Libby Commissioner Tony Berget stated that Mr. Orr should remove himself from his council seat during this discussion. Mr. Bischoff stated he would leave it up to Mr. Orr. Mr. Orr stated he did not have a conflict of interest in this case and would not remove recuse himself. Mr. Orr stated that he did not know why the city would accept the claim and that he had written a letter that he would like everyone to read before a final decision is made. The City Clerk took copies and passed them out to all the council members. Mr. Berget stated that once again Mr. Orr is showing his bias and should removed himself and wanted the public record to show this. Allen Olsen of 33692 Hwy 2, said that he did not feel the city should pay the claim. Mr. Olsen stated that if you pay her bill that protects the City people but what about the business owners when they are personally attacked. Mayor Roll commented that City Attorney Heather McDougall had just read the statute in the MCA 2-9-305 that stated any noncriminal action brought against any employee of the city while working in the course and scope of the employee’s office or employment shall be defended by the city.
Mr. Bischoff made a motion to pay attorney fees that have been turned over to the council and pay them in full after review of the total bill.
Mrs. Desch seconded the motion.
Motion Passed 4 to 1 with Mr. Orr voting against the motion.
COUNCIL ACTION/DISCUSSION
Mr. Bischoff made a motion to approve the Edstrom and Morrison-Maierle draw for the Cabinet Heights Project.
Mr. Orr seconded the motion.
Motion Passed.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
Sabastian Sanders a 2nd grader from Asawood School spoke to the council about the possibility of the city donating a tree to plant for Arbor Day at Asawood School. Allen Olsen of Antler Tree Nursery stated that he would donate a tree for the cause. The mayor stated that the City of Libby would also donate a tree.
Libby Commissioner, Tony Berget stated that in his short tenure of working with City Clerk-Treasurer Glena Hook he has found her to be very reputable and doing a very good job and as an individual who’s character has been attacked by Mr. Orr feels that it is unfortunate and wrong of Mr. Orr.
Allen Olsen spoke to the council about being hard assed from city employees. He also said the city has so much money that they can pay for employees to follow us around until we are ticketed on a volunteer job. Mr. Olsen stated that the City Clerk had apologized and he accepted it but it cost him a lot of money and he was on probation for 6 months. He also wanted to know how much work was done in the past 8 months to the Ordinance on City Business Licenses? The Mayor stated that quite a lot of work had been done. City Clerk Glena Hook stated that she had apologized to Mr. Olsen and that she would no longer be stopping or calling anyone to give them a heads up on the business license ordinance and the mayor had instructed her to advise any caller reporting that someone was working in the city limits without a Business License to call the Sheriff dispatch and have them send out a police officer to check it out. Mrs. Hook also stated that she had prepared a memo for the front office stating the mayor’s instructions. Mr. Olsen stated that no citations have been given in 8 months for anyone working without a business license in the city limits. Mayor Roll explained that he had instructed Mrs. Hook to advise anyone calling with a complaint about breaking any city ordinance to be referred to the Sheriff Dispatch. Mr. Olsen stated that he felt it was selective enforcement. Mayor Roll stated that it was not selective enforcement and that if Mr. Olsen had a complaint about anybody doing business in the city limits without a business license he should call dispatch. Mr. Olsen stated that they would not do anything but instruct him to call the mayor. Mayor Roll stated no that the Sheriff Dispatch is where the complaints should go. The mayor stated that he would not argue the subject anymore.
Council Member Robin Benson stated that she thought that Glena Hook’s professional integrity as the Financial Officer has been publicly diminished so she decided to call Excommissioner Rita Windom and Commissioner John Konzen. She asked both commissioners questions relating to Glena Hooks job at the County. Both commissioners answered that there were no problems with Glena Hooks work at the County.
There was more conversation between the council and Mr. Olsen. Mr. Orr stated that the charges against Mrs. Hook from Mr. Olsen was filed with the police chief for prosecution. Mayor Roll stated that the complaint from Mr. Olsen was forwarded to City Attorney (at the time) Chuck Evans and Mr. Evans found there was insufficient evidence to prove Mrs. Hook had committed any of the offenses and that City Attorney Chuck Evans did not choose to file a criminal complaint against Mrs. Hook.
Mr. Charles Hook of 420 W Balsam spoke to the council about Mr. Orr publicly condemning his wife, City Clerk Glena Hook of embezzlement. Mr. Orr denied making the accusations. Council Member Robin Benson asked Mr. Hook if he was talking about the criminal accounting errors quote that was in the Missoulian. Mr. Hook answered yes he was. Mrs. Benson went on to state that in the December 16, 2009 issue of the Missoulian there was a statement toward the end of the story which reads, “ At the same time, though, he leveled new accusations against Hook, condemning her for “criminal accounting errors” that he said are being covered up by the city’s mayor. At some point, he said, he could take civil action against Hook and others.” Mrs. Benson said that she realized that Mr. Orr is now saying that this is a misquote by Mr. Jamison and asked Mr. Orr if that was correct. Mr. Orr answered absolutely. Mrs. Benson went on to say that on January 4, 2010 she received an email from Mr. Orr stating that “Mr. Jamison is confused and did a poor job of reporting, who are you going to believe an activist reporter or the person actually speaking?” Mrs. Benson stated, therefore due to the severity of the alleged miss quote and the fact that it was made public, I felt Mr. Jamison should recant or correct his statement publicly. She went on to say on April 9, 2010 she personally emailed Mr. Jamison and asked if he would call her to discuss this issue, some of the facts on Mr. Jamison is, he received his Masters Degree in journalism in 1994, has been employed with the Missoulian since 1996, he writes approximately 400 stories a year since employment. Mr. Jamison said he stands by the story as written with no doubt in his mind. Mrs. Benson stated she also contacted a couple of people in the Flathead Valley to gain insight from people who actually lived and work in the Flathead Valley. Both emails are from Flathead Valley Commissioners Joe Brenneman and Jim Dupont. Mrs. Benson stated Jim Dupont says, I have dealt with Michael Jamison for over 15 years and have never had an issue with his reporting. There were times he had a different opinion but he always quoted me correctly and never attempted to create a vision that he wanted. He only reported the truth as told and was very professional in the way he did it. Joe Brenneman stated to Mrs. Benson, that he has known Michael Jamison for 6 years and that Mr. Jamison is intelligent, perceptive and accurate. He stated that Mr. Jamison does his research diligently, is a person of high integrity and that he has never been misquoted by Michael Jamison. Mrs. Benson stated that she wanted to be clear that when she contacted the commissioners about Glena she had no idea what they would say. Also she stated when she talked to the other commissioners in the Flathead Valley pertaining to Mr. Jamison she had no idea what they were going to say. Because of this meeting Mrs. Benson stated she did prep work hoping to gain some insight for the people and council.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.
_________________________
Mayor Doug Roll
Attest;
_____________________________
City Clerk-Treasurer Glena L. Hook