HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-7-09. Community Alcohol Coalition Minutesdocx
Minutes: July 7, 2009 Community Alcohol Coalition
Members Present: Jenny Haubenreiser, Jason Karls, Glenn Puffer, Jenna Caplette, Susanna Darr, Ellie Staley, Rick
Gale
May minutes were approved by members present.
Discussion Items
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Two new members were in attendance – Susanna Darr (the new “medical” representative) and Rick Gale (the
new Bozeman School District representative). Both members are interested in community alcohol issues and
motivated to participate in local efforts targeting these issues. Susanna is a psychiatric NP from the Gallatin
Mental Center. She spoke to the group about her work with substance-related harm and addiction among
her clients. Rick works with the Bozeman School District, specifically on tobacco prevention. He spoke of his
long experience in CA working with local law enforcement dealing with youth drinking and party houses.
Both members will bring good perspective to the CAC.
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A lengthy discussion ensued re: the role and scope of the CAC. This issue was raised during the recent City
Board ethics training, which addressed a number of questions related to what City Advisory Boards (like the
CAC) should or should not be doing. The presenters referred board members to their bylaws for guidance.
Jenny reviewed the CAC’s “power and duties” with the group, specifically exploring the role of public policy
advocacy versus merely advising the City Commission. The primary question remains whether the CAC can
(or should) be actively advocating for the policy proposals they are recommending to the Commission. The
bylaws do include “increasing public awareness” and holding public information events. However, these are
listed as implementation activities rather than promotion to gain public support. Jenny will work over the
next few months to clarify these with City staff, and/or begin the process of revising the bylaws. Since the
CAC was initially charged with moving forward the BAPAC “priority” policies (which included social host), the
group agrees it would make sense for the CAC to publically advocate for the adoption of these policies. This
discussion will continue at future meetings.
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Susan Wordhal has been on vacation and thus not able to give an update re: the status of the Bozeman social
host ordinance. Jenny will follow up. The group discussed various aspects of education needed around social
hosting, including messages targeting both parents and college students (also considered adults who might
be hosting a party where underage drinking is occurring). College students have expressed some concern
around this. The group feels a public forum would be an effective way to encourage public participation.
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Ellie gave an update on Music on Main and other summer downtown events. She feels the changes made to
MoM last summer (changing the location, increasing security, using wrist bands, etc.) have resolved many of
the problems. She reported no obvious problems with open containers after the first MoM event. She also
mentioned that the Art Walk does not have an open container waiver, so businesses are asked to post signs
to educate the public (inform them not to take glasses of wine outside of the galleries). While there have
been no obvious problems with this event, CAC members who have attended the Art Walk recently reported
seeing no signage.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:30. The next meeting will be on August 11th at 4 p.m.