HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 5306 Appointing Interim Health Officer
RESOLUTION 5306
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN,
MONTANA, CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF LORI CHRISTENSON AS
INTERIM 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 public the 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 has provided notice of his resignation, effective
in June 2021, and the Board is in the process of recruiting a new Health Officer; and,
WHEREAS, to ensure the continuity of operations of the Gallatin City-County Health
Department and the protection of the public health and environment, the Board recommends the
appointment of an Interim Health Officer, to be effective upon the current Health Officer’s
resignation if a candidate has not yet been hired to act as Health Officer in a permanent capacity;
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 “governing body” for approval;
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WHEREAS, the Bozeman City Commission and the Gallatin County Commission qualify
as a “local governing body” under HB 121 and the Board has recommend that the City and County
Commissions approve the recommended appointment of Lori Christenson to serve as the Interim
Health Officer commencing June 7, 2021, if a permanent Health Officer has not yet been appointed
at that time; and,
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 Lori
Christenson be appointed and serve as the Interim Gallatin City-County Health Officer,
commencing June 7, 2021, if a permanent appointment has not been made for the position of
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 11th day of May, 2021.
____________________________________
CYNTHIA L. ANDRUS
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
MIKE MAAS
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
GREG SULLIVAN
City Attorney
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