Highlights of Tonight's City Commission Meeting

At tonight's meeting, one of the officers was in uniform. This is no doubt due to the very recent ruling by Judge Macek. A couple of citizens remarked on the positive change. During the Commissioner comment time at the end of the meeting, Commissioner Bronson made it clear that "this body" (City Commission) is not in charge of the dress code. If people wanted to say something about it, they should have spoken to the officer.

Mr. Richard Liebert, an advocate of open government, asked the Commission why they didn't hold a public hearing before they decided, by poll, to file suit against the Public Service Commission. Commissioner Jolley said she agreed with the statements Mr. Liebert made and was not in favor of the way it was decided. Mr. Liebert, well within his five minutes, continued to wait for the others to answer. After several seconds, the mayor piped up and asked Mr. Liebert if he understood what representative government meant. He said yes. He also said that he understands what an open, transparent government is. Mr. Liebert was still within his five minutes, so he continued to wait. Finally, Commissioner Rosenbaum spoke up and said that in his mind it was an ongoing thing and he didn't think there needed to be a meeting. The mayor agreed with him. Conspicuously quiet was Commissioner Bronson. He said nary a word on this issue tonight or here. (Commissioner Beecher was absent).

At the Commission work session on Feb. 17, City Manager Doyon said that "several funds are bleeding". He did not elaborate. Tonight, Mr. Ron Gessaman asked for a list of those "bleeding funds". I'll post them as soon as they are made available.

At the ECP board meeting last night, Coleen said she would be in Helena today to hear discussion at the Public Service Commission meeting. Commissioner Jolley asked her what they decided to do. They are going to respond to the complaint.

And so it goes.