 Gallatin County DUI Task Force
Minutes
February 16th 2005
2nd Floor Conference Room, Al Stiff Professional Building
5:30 to 7:10 PM
Members Present:
Bob Larson, Chairman
Susan Wordal, City Attorney’s Office
Amos Ridenour, MSU PD
Jami Rebsom, County Attorney’s Office
Katie Donath, Citizen Member
Steve Scott, Citizen Member
Members Absent:
Price Klass, Youth Member
Excused Absence:
EJ Clark, Belgrade PD
Sherrie Murphy, MHP
Mark Daugherty, Citizen Member
Guest:
Cathy Okeson – WATCh Program
January Minutes Approved.
New Business:
Presentation from Cathy Okeson on the WATCh Program.
This is a State approved program for 4th and subsequent DUIs under the Department of Corrections.
Their cap is 140.
They have been located at the Warm Springs campus since 2002, but are establishing another program, WATCh East in Glendive. This will house primarily women and 20 men.
Okeson presented a copy of the program report presented to the Legislature this year. Okeson reported that the most difficult part of this program is maintaining quality counselors. This is a regimented program with a daily schedule of classes/counseling. This is the longest treatment program in the state. They have experienced very few escapes, and they have a high completion rate with little documented recidivism.
The program only accepts those with a 4th or subsequent DUI conviction, which means they cannot accept those who simply ask to get in, and she does get calls asking to get in to the program.
Legislative Updates: There was a question about the Implied Consent law and a proposed amendment to that provision. More will be reported after the MADD meeting.
Terms: Length of individual terms on Task Force were determined and will be reported to the County Commission by Jenna.
Also, absences will be tracked from now on in the minutes.
Report on Activities: Continued to next meeting.
Finances:
Overtime Patrols:
The overtime patrol funding request form is now completed and being used. It was revised to address certain questions raised when the form was circulated for comment.
Jenna verified which agencies used prior approved patrols for specific dates. GCSO approved for $797.00 and MSU for $600 and not used.
West Yellowstone is asking for $1000 for same weekend as YNP. Susan moved, 2nd from Jami, that $1000 from prior approved patrols be reallocated to fund the West Yellowstone request. Motion passed. GCSO and MSU to be notified the money was reallocated and no longer available.
Mini-grants:
BHS has sent a letter requesting funds for after prom party. Sponsorship amounts listed in the letter. Amos moved, Jami 2nd, that we fund $300. Passed.
Belgrade Senior Sober requested funds but did not specify an amount, but listed expected expenses. Susan moved, Amos 2nd, $300 be allocated. Passed.
Additional promotional items were discussed. No specific action, Jenna will continue to look for appropriate items.
Other:
Jenna will circulate information on a National HWTS Conference in North Carolina that she would like to attend. A decision will be made by e-mail vote.
Meeting adjourned 7:10 PM
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