By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Hill County Commission met on Thursday morning for their weekly business meeting and once again voted to approve a Social Host Ordinance on first reading.
The Commission says they made a “mistake” when they voted on the ordinance two weeks ago. When asked to elaborate, Chair Mark Peterson said the motion was never “adopted.”
A Social Host Ordinance has been in place in Havre for over a decade. This Ordinance would extend to areas in Hill County outside of city limits.
A Social Host Ordinance makes it a criminal offense for adults to provide alcohol or a location for a social gathering featuring underage drinking. Consequences can include fines and a misdemeanor.
One member of the public spoke at the meeting. Blake Borst said he was concerned about the ordinance being used to prosecute innocent people that are unaware people are engaging in underage drinking on property they own or lease out. Borst says there are large plots of land people own in the county, and it is impossible to keep an eye on all of it all the time.
The Commission said they understood Borst’s concerns and will look into potentially amending the ordinance. They also encouraged members of the public to put their own suggestions into writing.
A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for April 22nd. However, if the ordinance is amended in any way, the process will have to restart with another first reading.
The ordinance as currently written is not publicly posted, but the Commission says people can request to view a copy.
Other action taken at the meeting:
- The Commission accepted the resignation of Hill County Superintendent of Schools Lorren Schlotfeldt, effective on March 26th. The Commission will review and sign any relevant documents that would normally go through the Superintendent’s office while they search for a new Superintendent.
- The Commission approved a resolution at the request of County Attorney Karen Alley that will allow her office to receive assistance from the Prosecution Services Bureau of the Montana Department of Justice in the deliberate homicide case of Jolee Lyn Landgraf. This is at no expense to the County.
- The Commission approved the insurance plan renewal between County employees and the Montana Association of Counties (MACo)
- Approval of an equipment transfer from the Justice of the Peace to District Court. This is the transfer of drug treatment quipment, as the Justice of the Peace no longer has funding for the program, while District Court is receiving funding through a grant from the state.
