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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-06-17 Correspondence - Taylor to County Commission - City Planning Board Appointment ROZ E MAN MT Mayor February 6,2017 Dear County Commissioners: I understand that the County will exercise its right to designate a County representative to the City Planning Board on Tuesday,February 7. I further understand that I am then bound by law to appoint that person to our Board. By writing this letter I do not wish to interfere with the County's choice to pick someone that will best represent its interests. In fact,I believe it beneficial to hear from the County whenever our Planning Board or Commission or any other Board considers an issue that affects the County's interests. I do note that in the past few years the City and County have improved on a solid foundation of collaboration between our two governmental entities. I sat on the City-County Board of Health for six years and I found that experience to be an excellent example of City and County acting together to further each entity's interests to the economic benefit of all taxpayers.The criminal justice system has always been an example of the County effectively pursuing the interests of the City,as all felonies are prosecuted by the County attorney in front of County-provided Judges regardless of where the crimes are committed. More recently,I understand that the City Attorney and the County Attorney confer regularly regarding criminal justice issues, including victim services. In addition, our collaborative attempt to jointly build a new Law and Justice Center has demonstrated to the public that we can work together to minimize the tax burden of all of our taxpayers. Formation of the triangle planning group with representatives of Belgrade, Bozeman and the County has also been a great step forward in our relationship. Therefore, in the spirit of each entity acting in its own interest while fostering better relationships in the future,I offer the following observations. I hope that your designee to our Planning Board will be one who can add fuel to future good relations between City and County,particularly someone who works well with all people across the City and County. I would hope for someone who is capable of and interested in working together with other planning board members so that the best decisions can be made. I expect that the appointee will participate in the annual Ethical Training that all members of our City Boards are required to take. As you know I am only speaking for myself regarding this matter,but it seems appropriate since I am tasked with making the appointment. I look forward to your designation and will act accordingly on receipt thereof. Sincerely, Carson Taylor, Mayor P.O. Box 1230 Bozeman, MT 59771-1230 1 TDD 406-582-2301 THE MOST LIVABLE PLACE.