 Gallatin County DUI Task Force
October 17, 2007
5:30 – 7:30
Roundtable meeting
Members in Attendance:
Stephen Scott, Chairman
Christina Crow, Secretary
Alex Fuller, GCSO
Hal Richardson, Bozeman PD
Thomas Bonnell, MSU PD
Bob Larson, Citizen Member
Matthew Lowy, Deputy County Attorney
Jeff McRae, Manhattan PD
Cherie Lofton, MHP
Jonathan Cook, Three Forks Marshall’s Office
Jenna Caplette
Guests:
Jenny Haubenreiser
Susan Bianchini
Jenifer Williamson
Kezia Vernon, Director ASMSU Community Outreach
Stacy Wesen, SKSC
Jim Cashell, Gallatin County Sheriff
Honorable Karl Seel, Municipal Court
Michelle Wolfe, 95.1 The Moose
Mary Atkins, Promotions and Public Service Director for Clear Channel
Absent:
Susan Wordal, excused
Shanda Smith
Minutes from September Approved
Other business
Coordinator update on activities
Further work on statistics
Need to track the number of cases being pled down from DUI and what they're being pled to.
Number of people who fail to appear for ACT classes and who end up in contempt of court is very high. Would like to go back and research the % for Municipal Court as well. Presented a graph from Justice Court.
Follow up on getting BACs included on tickets
Notice of Statewide meeting upcoming for Statewide Task Forces, October 30th.
ACT class meeting with Judges in Helena, October 5th
Holiday marketing campaign and marketing grant update and discussion.
Halloween marketing has been completed.
Distribution of general marketing options for the holiday season, vote at next meeting. Potential marketing includes
Holiday mailing out postcards to businesses in Bozeman, Belgrade, West Yellowstone, and Three Forks. Motion approved to fund this
mailing, up to $750.
Marketing campaign information distributed for last year's promotion, i.e. radio announcements, paper ads, etc.
Report on Midnight Mania (University event): Thomas Bonnell from MSU PD reported that it was a great success. BAC cards distributed (1000 each male and female). Discussed idea of creating and displaying banner next year.
Report on River take out signage: Cherie reported that she’s waiting for response from Dept of Transportation head, Jim Lynch, as to whether
posting is approved and should arrive shortly. Pending state signage posting regulations.
Discussion of Task Force support for upcoming law enforcement mill levies
Discussion of an official letter being sent by the task force to Belgrade and/or Bozeman papers to support levies. Jenna will draft letter for presentation and approval and signature by task force via email.
Announcement of departure of Matthew Lowy, Deputy County Attorney to Missoula
Finances
Monthly update on budget not available pending statement from accounting
Roundtable Meeting
Introductions from attendees
Jenny Haubenreiser introduction
Encourage discussion how can we develop and expand laws on prosecution and enforcement of DUI.
Report that approximately 3,000 students attended the Midnight Mania event on a high risk weekend.
Request for support of new mandatory Substance Abuse awareness program on campus. Possibility of termination of program. Contact Jenny.
Addressed John McCardell (president Middlebury university) campaign to reduce drinking age from 21 to 18.
Discussion of increased lobbying by MADD for criminalization of refusal of BAC test.
Discussion of mandatory interlock devices on all vehicles.
Discussion of mandatory sentencing and impact on detention centers from Sheriff.
Increased mandatory jail time propagates more incarceration with no additional jail space because of current funding lacking in creation/expansion of detention centers.
Alcohol related fatalities and crashes report from Cherie
As of Sept 24th, State alcohol related crashes have decreased by 7.25% in the last year.
Fatality Crash Information distributed. Contact Jenna for additional copies.
Jenna report of DUI stats, including failure to report for ACT classes
Contact Jenna for copies of these stats. Task force website will be uploaded shortly with comprehensive statistics.
Clear Channel report on marketing for DUI prevention
Proposing high profile people, i.e. law enforcement, mayor of Bozeman, etc. attending a social event in order to monitor and publicize (live audience, radio broadcast, tv station) showing “What’s your Limit?” This would display how different body types, people etc. have difficulty realizing their level of intoxication. The group gave input and Stephen will meet with them to discuss workable ideas.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM
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