E2. Approval of Interlocal Agreement with DOJ on Buffalo Hill communications system
Charles A. Harball City Attorney
City of Kalispell
Office of City Attorney 201 First Avenue East P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59903-1997 _______________________
Tel 406.758.7709 Fax 406.758.7758 charball@kalispell.com
MEMORANDUM
TO: Doug Russell, City Manager
FROM: Charles Harball, City Attorney SUBJECT: Consideration and Approval of Interlocal Agreement with the Montana Department of Justice for Locating Communications Equipment
MEETING DATE: May 18, 2020 – Regular Council Meeting BACKGROUND: A number of years ago the City partnered with the Montana Department of Justice through the Northern Tier program for the purchase and location of communication equipment on the
Buffalo Hill Water Tower. The use of this equipment has benefitted law enforcement throughout the
state, including the City of Kalispell and Flathead County, by enhancing communication capabilities. Certain components of the equipment are now becoming obsolete and need to be replaced. Funds are now available to the Department of Justice and under the current state law the Department of Justice will own and maintain all components of the system. The only consideration to be given by the City of
Kalispell is to continue to allow location of the equipment at the Buffalo Hill Water Tower site, to
continue to secure the site and to be responsible for the utility charges.
The City has been provided with an Interlocal Agreement to this effect to consider. The agreement is fairly self-explanatory. The City benefits from the agreement by virtue of its local law enforcement
access to the communication system.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council should approve and execute the Interlocal Agreement with the Montana Department of Justice.
ALTERNATIVES: The Council may decline to approve the Interlocal Agreement.