HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-10-09 Community Alcohol Coalition Minutes
Minutes: November 10, 2009 minutes, Community Alcohol Coalition
Members present: Jenna Caplette, Jason Karls, Sheryl Wambsgans, Rick Gale, Susanna Darr, Becky
Franks, Jenny Haubenreiser, Ellie Staley
Guest: David Madison
October minutes were approved by members present.
No public comment.
Special presentations
-David gave an update of his forthcoming work on a state social host briefing paper. This is close
to being complete, pending Helena’s change from a civil to a criminal sanction (no jail time &
$300 fine; jail time is included in the Billings and Great Falls policy). David does have a fact sheet
he will share with the CAC to help facilitate public awareness events. David described a recent
“ride along” in Billings, which gave him the chance to talk directly to Billings police officers about
the policy. Billings police are positive about this, feeling this policy fills an important gap in the
existing law.
-Jason discussed his recent conversation with a Helena attorney and why civil sanctions have not
worked there – are not effective, require too much paperwork and losing money. This will be of
interest to Bozeman city staff as there has been an assumption that civil sanctions are easier to
prosecute. More information on this will be communicated to city attorneys in the future.
-David also described a new IPS initiative to track DUI citations in 10 counties in Montana, which
will provide a broader view of DUIs sentencing statewide. The group discussed how DUIs have
been historically handled in Montana, including the lack of data related to consistency in
sentencing. Jenna pointed out her lack of resources to adequately track DUI arrests within
Gallatin county, including tracking the proportion of MSU students.
-The group continued discussing DUI and the lack of good coverage in the Chronicle. The
Missoula paper has been including some strong articles on the issue lately. Rick recommended
working with local tv stations instead of the paper, as he found them interested in increasing
coverage of tobacco.
-Public education/awareness events related to social host were discussed. Jenny & Jason will
plan a short presentation for the City Commission early in the year. Rick & Becky will plan a
presentation for the parent counsel at BHS. The focus of these should be how the policy helps
fill gaps in existing laws and how these policies assist law enforcement. Other ideas included
articles for neighborhood newsletters and a presentation at the Optimist Club.
-The group briefly discussed follow-up information re: downtown businesses providing alcohol
during art walks and business openings. Jason spoke again with the Department of Revenue who
claim this is an illegal practice, although one that is obviously not being enforced (in Bozeman or
around the state). This will be discussed again at a future meeting.
-Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.