HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 5310 Appointing Health Officer
RESOLUTION 5310
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONTANA, CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF LORI CHRISTENSON AS
HEALTH OFFICER.
WHEREAS, the City of Bozeman (the “City”) is authorized by the City Charter and
Montana law to establish programs and laws to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the
citizens of Bozeman; and,
WHEREAS, the Gallatin City-County Board of Health (“Board”) was created by
interlocal agreement between Gallatin County and the City of Bozeman; and,
WHEREAS, the Gallatin City-County Health Officer (“Health Officer”), who oversees
the operations of the Gallatin City-County Health department and its staff, was appointed by the
Board pursuant to its duty at § 50-2-116(1)(a), MCA (2019), to appoint and fix the salary of a local
health officer; and,
WHEREAS, Health Officer Matt Kelley provided notice of his resignation, effective in
June 2021, and the Board has gone through a recruitment process for a new Health Officer; and,
WHEREAS, the Montana Legislature recently passed, and Governor Gianforte signed into
law, House Bill 121 (“HB 121”) which became immediately effective and rescinds the authority
for local health boards to appoint a health officer; instead requiring local boards to recommend the
appointment to the “local governing body” for approval;
WHEREAS, the Bozeman City Commission and the Gallatin County Commission qualify
as a “local governing body” under HB 121;
WHEREAS, the Board represents it has conducted a thorough and public recruitment
process for a new Health Officer with opportunity for public comment and questions, and voted
May 27, 2021 to recommend that the City and County Commissions approve the appointment of
Lori Christenson to serve as Health Officer; and,
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WHEREAS, Lori Christenson qualifies to serve as Health Officer pursuant to § 50-2-116,
MCA, as she is a person with a master’s degree in public health.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bozeman City Commission
approves Lori Christenson be appointed and serve as the Gallatin City-County Health Officer.
PASSED, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED by the City Commission of the City of
Bozeman, Montana at a regular session thereof held on the 8th day of June, 2021.
____________________________________
CYNTHIA L. ANDRUS
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
MIKE MAAS
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
GREG SULLIVAN
City Attorney
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