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Conditional Use Permit and Staff Report - Northwest Montana Transition CenterPlanning Department 201 1" Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone: (406) 758-7940 Fax: (406) 758-7739 www.kalispell.com/planning REPORT TO: Kalispell Mayor and City Council FROM: Tom Jentz, Director Myrt Webb, Interim City Manager SUBJECT: Community Counseling and Correctional Services request for a conditional use permit for a Pre-release Center. MEETING DATE: April 6, 2009 This is a request from Community Counseling and Correctional Services of Butte MT. for a conditional use permit to operate a pre-release center at 2282 Highway 93 South in Kalispell. The site in question is presently zoned B-2 (General Business). A zone change to P-1 Public is being concurrently applied for with this application. Under the P-1 zoning district, pre-release centers (jail facilities) are considered a conditional use. The Montana Department of Corrections has awarded a pre-release center contract for the Kalispell area to Community Counseling and Correctional Services of Butte, to operate a maximum 40 bed pre-release center facility. They are contract buyers for the site under consideration. The previous tenants, Montana Health and Human Services Department, moved to a different location over a year ago and the facility has been vacant since that time. The site contains an existing 12,750 square foot office building. The applicants would remodel this facility, converting it to accommodate a maximum of 40 residents and the associated administrative offices and counseling/therapy facilities. In addition, the applicant proposes to add a 4,750 square foot addition off of the rear (west) side of the building to house a cafeteria, kitchen and bathroom/ shower facilities. They would also add a fenced outside recreation yard measuring 30' x 50' between the existing building and the cafeteria addition on the rear (west) side of the property. The Planning Board met on March 10, 2009 and held a public hearing on this issue. At the hearing, Tom Jentz, of the Kalispell Planning Department, presented staff report #KCU-09-01 and gave a history of the events that brought the pre-release center to Kalispell including the formation of a local pre-release working committee that met twice monthly for over a year. Jentz summarized experiences of other communities that had similar facilities and concluded with a recommendation to approve with 6 conditions. The conditions addressed modifications to the parking scheme and a requirement for a local payment of cash in lieu of property taxes. Prior to the hearing 10 letters of opposition were received opposing the location of a pre- release center on the site. At the hearing, 5 people spoke in opposition and a petition signed by 146 individuals opposing the conditional use permit request for a pre-release center on the site was submitted to the planning board. It was noted that the petition contained names both of the adjoining property owners as well as general residents of the Flathead Valley. The primary issues of concern appeared to be safety, a concern that the use would devalue adjoining properties and that this use would set a negative tone for the future investment and development of the area. The applicants and three individuals spoke in favor of locating the pre-release center on this site. The board debated the issue at great length. Ultimately, the planning board voted 6 to 1 to recommend approval of the pre-release center conditional use permit with the attached 6 conditions. RECOMMENDATION: A motion to approve the conditional use permit request by CCCS for a 40 bed pre-release center with 6 conditions attached would be in order. FISCAL EFFECTS: The center will provide 23 new jobs to the community and the project will involve the remodel and expansion the existing office building complex. This will infuse payroll monies and construction money into the local economy. These will be fiscally positive immediate impacts. Long term municipal service requirements will generally prove to be fiscally neutral as the facility will be required to make a cash in lieu of taxes payment equivalent to local property taxes which will be offset by the actual services provided to the facility. ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Council. Respectfully submitted, Tom Jentz Director Report compiled: March 17, 2009 My Webb Interim City Manager Attachments: Staff report # KCU-09-01 and application materials Draft Minutes 3/ 10/09 planning board meeting Letters as follows: Petitions c: Theresa White, Kalispell City Clerk Retum to: Kalispell City Clerk PO Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59901 City of Kalispell P. O. Box 1997 Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 GRANT OF CONDITIONAL USE APPLICANT: R. Dick Mitsch PO Box 1273 225 Rosewood Drive Columbia Falls, MT 59912 LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Tract A of COS 15749 and COS 6682 in Section 20, Township 28 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana ZONE: Public, P-1 The applicant, on behalf of Community Counseling and Correctional Services, has applied to the City of Kalispell for a conditional use permit to operate a pre-release center facility with a maximum of 40 beds at 2282 Highway 93 South in the P-1 (Public) district. The P-1 zoning district conditionally permits pre-release centers (jail facilities). The Kalispell City Planning Board and Zoning Commission, after due and proper notice, on March 10, 2009, held a public hearing on the application, took public comment and recommended that the application be approved subject to certain conditions. After reviewing the application, the record, the KPD report, and after duly considering the matter, the City Council of the City of Kalispell, pursuant to the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance, hereby adopts Kalispell Planning Department Conditional Use Report #KCU-09-3 as the Council's findings of fact, and issues and grants to the above -described real property a conditional use permit to operate a pre-release center facility at 2282 Highway 93 South in the P-1 zoning district subject to the following conditions: The facility shall provide a maximum of 17 parking spaces (based on one space for each employee of the maximum shift (16) and one space for visitors). This standard shall be reviewed by the planning department six months after occupancy to determine if it is adequate. If it is determined to be inadequate, the applicants shall take appropriate actions to improve parking conditions on -site as determined by the planning office. 2. The nine existing parking spaces along the east side of the building shall be reconfigured so that they do not back out into the 40 foot frontage road and utility easement. Parallel parking would be acceptable at this location. 3. The north side parking lot shall be modified as follows to reduce a conflict between parked cars and traffic on the frontage road. a. A minimum five-foot wide planter boulevard strip shall be installed adjacent to the north side frontage road behind the exposed curb face. The boulevard shall separate the internal parking lot from the frontage road and shall serve to define the entrances into the parking lot. b. The planter shall include a combination of street trees and live growing materials as approved by the Kalispell Parks Department. Two inch and smaller round river rock is prohibited. C. The existing two tiers of parking shall be redesigned to comply with city parking lot design standards. 4. The road and utility easements along the north side of the property shall be corrected to ensure that they adequately cover the north side frontage road 40 foot R/W. 5. The applicants shall enter into an agreement with the city for an annual "payment in lieu of property taxes" (PELT) to address the shortfall in the payment of municipal services when the facility becomes tax exempt. 6. That commencement of the approved activity must begin within 18 months from the date of authorization or that a continuous good faith effort is made to bring the project to completion. Dated this 6th day of April, 2009. STATE OF MONTANA : ss County of Flathead Pamela B. Kennedy Mayor On this day of , 2009 before me, a Notary Public, personally appeared Pamela B. Kennedy, Mayor of the City of Kalispell, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that she executed the same on behalf of the City of Kalispell. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal, the day and year first above written. Notary Public, State of Montana Printed Name: Residing at Kalispell, Montana My Commission Expires PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE MONTANA'. March 24, 2009 Myrt Webb, Interim City Manager City of Kalispell P.O. Box 1997 Kalispell, MT 59903 Planning Department 201 V Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone: (406) 758-7940 Fax: (406) 758-7739 www.kalispell.com/planning Re: Community Counseling and Correctional Services request for a conditional use permit for a Pre-release Center. Dear Myrt The Kalispell City Planning Board met on March 10, 2009 and held a public hearine to consider a request by Community Counseling and Correctional Services (CCCS) of Butte MT. for a conditional use permit to operate a pre-release center at 2282 Highway 93 South in Kalispell. The site in question is presently zoned B-2 (General Business). A zone change to P-1 Public is being concurrently applied for with this application. The Montana Department of Corrections has awarded a pre-release center contract for the Kalispell area to CCCS of Butte, to operate a maximum 40 bed pre-release center facility. They are contract buyers for the site under consideration. The previous tenants, Montana Health and Human Services Department, moved to a different location over a year ago and the facility has been vacant since that time. The site contains an existing 12,750 square foot office building. The applicants would remodel this facility, converting it to accommodate a maximum of 40 residents and the associated administrative offices and counseling/therapy facilities. In addition, the applicant proposes to add a 4,750 square foot addition off of the rear (west) side of the building to house a cafeteria, kitchen and bathroom/shower facilities. They would also add a fenced outside recreation yard measuring 30' x 50' between the existing building and the cafeteria addition on the rear (west) side of the property. The Planning Board met on March 10, 2009 and held a public hearing on this issue. At the hearing, Tom Jentz, of the Kalispell Planning Department, presented staff report #KCU-09-01 and gave a history of the events that brought the pre-release center to Kalispell including the formation of a local pre-release working committee that met twice monthly for over a year. Jentz summarized experiences of other communities that had similar facilities and concluded with a recommendation to approve with 6 conditions. The conditions addressed modifications to the parking scheme and a requirement for a local payment of cash in lieu of property taxes. Prior to the hearing 10 letters of opposition were received opposing the location of a pre- release center on the site. At the hearing, 5 people spoke in opposition and a petition signed by 146 individuals opposing the conditional use permit request for the site was submitted to the planning board. It was noted that the petition contained names both of the adjoining property owners as well as general residents of the Flathead Valley. The primary issues of concern appeared to be safety, a concern that the use would devalue adjoining properties and that this use would set a negative tone for the future investment and development of the area. The applicants and three individuals spoke in favor of locating the pre-release center on this site. The board debated the issue at great length. Ultimately, the planning board voted 6 to 1 to recommend approval of the pre-release center conditional use permit with the attached 6 conditions. Please schedule this matter for the April 6, 2009 regular city council meeting. You may contact this board or Tom Jentz at the Kalispell Planning Department if you have any questions regarding this matter. Sincerely, Kalispell City Planning Board Bryan H. Schutt President Attachments: Staff report #KCU-09-01 and application materials Minutes of the 3/ 10/09 planning board meeting Petitions Letters: c w/ Att: Theresa White, Kalispell City Clerk c w/o Att: Rory Young Jackola engineering and Architecture 2250 Highway 93 South Kalispell, Montana 59901 Mike Thatcher Community Counseling and Correctional Services 471 East Mercury Butte, MT 59701 R. Dick Mitsch P.O. Box 1273 225 Rosewood Drive Columbia Falls, MT 59912 EXHIBIT A COMMUNITY COUNSELING & CORRECTIONAL SERVICES NORTHWEST MONTANA TRANSITION "PRE-RELEASE" CENTER KALISPELL CITY PLANNING BOARD MARCH 10, 2009 The Kalispell City Planning Board held a public hearing on this matter at the regularly scheduled planning board meeting on March 10, 2009. The following conditions are recommended with approval of the conditional use permit: 1. The facility shall provide a minimum of 17 parking spaces (based on one space for each employee of the maximum shift (16) and one space for visitors. This standard shall be reviewed by the planning department six months after occupancy to determine if it is adequate. If it is determined to be inadequate, the applicants shall take appropriate actions to improve parking conditions on -site as determined by the planning office. 2. The 9 existing parking spaces along the east side of the building shall be reconfigured so that they do not back out into the 40 foot frontage road and utility easement. Parallel parking would be acceptable at this location. 3. The north side parking lot shall be modified as follows to reduce a conflict between parked cars and traffic on the frontage road. a. A minimum 5 foot wide planter boulevard strip shall be installed adjacent to the north side frontage road behind the exposed curb face. The boulevard shall separate the internal parking lot from the frontage road and shall serve to define the entrances into the parking lot. b. The planter shall include a combination of street trees and live growing materials as approved by the Kalispell Parks Department. Two inch and smaller round river rock is prohibited. c. The existing two tiers of parking shall be re -designed to comply with city parking lot design standards. 4. The road and utility easements along the north side of the property shall be corrected to ensure that they adequately cover the north side frontage road 40 foot R/ W. 5. The applicants shall enter into an agreement with the city for an annual "payment in lieu of local property taxes" (PILT) to address the shortfall in the payment of municipal services when the facility becomes tax exempt. 6. That commencement of the approved activity must begin within 18 months from the date of authorization or that a continuous good faith effort is made to bring the project to completion. NORTHWEST MONTANA TRANSITION CENTER REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT KALISPELL PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT #KCU-09-01 MARCH 3, 2009 This is a report to the Kalispell City Planning Board and Kalispell City Council regarding a request for a conditional use permit to operate a Pre -Release Center within the proposed P- 1 (Public) zoning district. A public hearing on this matter has been scheduled before the Planning Board for March 10, 2009 beginning at 7:00 PM, in the Kalispell City Council Chambers. The planning board will forward a recommendation to the Kalispell City Council for final action. Owner: R. Dick Mitsch P.O. Box 1273 Rosewood Drive Columbia Falls, Montana 59912 (406) 892-7922 Contract nurehaser: Communitv Counseling and Cnrre(-.tional 4ervicec 471 East Mercury Butte, MT 59701 Technical Assistance: Rory Young Jackola Engineering and Architecture 2250 Highway 93 South Kalispell, MT 59901 A. Summary of Request: This is a request from Community Counseling and Correctional Services of Butte MT. for a conditional use permit to operate a pre- release center at 2282 Highway 93 South in Kalispell. The site in question is presently zoned B-2 (General Business). A zone change to P-1 Public is being concurrently applied for with this application. Under the P-1 zoning district, pre- release centers (jail facilities) are considered a conditional use. The Montana Department of Corrections has awarded a pre-release center contract for the Kalispell area to Community Counseling and Correctional Services of Butte, to operate a maximum 40 bed pre-release center facility. They are contract buyers for the site under consideration. The previous tenants, Montana Health and Human Services Department, moved to a different location over a year ago and the facility has been vacant since that time. The site contains an existing 12,750 square foot office building. The applicants would remodel this facility, converting it to accommodate a maximum of 40 residents and the associated administrative offices and counseling/therapy facilities. In addition, the applicant proposes to add a 4,750 square foot addition off of the rear (west) side of the building to house a cafeteria, kitchen and bathroom/shower facilities. They would also add a fenced outside recreation yard measuring 30' x 50' between the existing building and the cafeteria addition on the rear (west) side of the 1 property. B. Size and Location: The applicants are requesting the conditional use permit for 2 adjacent tracts of land containing 1.78 acres. The properties he on the west side of Highway 93 South in Kalispell just south of the Kelly Road intersection. The property address is 2282 Highway 93 South (between Jackola Engineering and PENCO Power Products). The property abuts the city airport and is more particularly described as Tract A of COS 15749 and COS 6682 in Section 20, Township 28N, Range 21W, P.M.M. Flathead County Montana. Figure 1: Aerial photo of the project site and surrounding uses C. Existing Land Use and Zoning: Currently the properties contain a vacant 12,750 square foot single story office building formally housing the State Health and Human Services Building. The site also contains parking for 26 vehicles. The applicants are requesting P-1 Public under separate application for the property. This district is intended to provide and reserve areas for public uses including public buildings, schools, parks, airports and governmental buildings. The minimum lot size is 7,000 square feet and maximum building height is set at 40 feet with up to 60 feet by conditional use permit. Pre-release centers are allowed by a conditional use permit. Figure 2: View of the north side of the existing office building D. Surrounding Zoning and Land Uses Zoning: The area surrounding the subject property includes a variety of commercial, office and public land uses. To the north lies Jackola Engineering as well as a restaurant and furniture store. To the south lies PENCO Power Products which sells recreational vehicles. To the west behind a portion of the site lies a storage building for PENCO and then the city airport. To the east of the site is Highway 93 South where retail uses such as Kalispell Marine and Captain's Marine boat sales are located. North: Prof. office, furniture store - B-2 zoning East: Kalispell Marine boat sales - County B-2 zoning South: Recreational vehicle sales - B-2 zoning West: City Airport - P-1 zoning E. Relation to the Growth Policy: The Kalispell Growth Policy Future Land Use Map designates this lot as a transition area from general commercial to Public Facilities. The map indicates that within the commercial land use designation appropriate uses include retail, offices, services and a mix of these uses as well as residential development. The pre-release center will be a combination of office uses and 24hour supervised residential facility. The property abuts lands designated as Public/Quasi Public by the growth policy map. This designation anticipates schools, parks, governmental facilities and public lands and land uses. The pre-release center is a public facility monitored by the Montana Department of Corrections. Both designations need proximity to major streets and public services and facilities. In this case, U.S. Highway 93 is a major arterial serving the site and the site is fully serviced by all municipal services. The property is also designated as a Gateway Entrance Corridor. The Gateway Entrance Corridor designation is intended to denote areas that emphasize a pleasing entrance to the city and that allows for a compatible mix of office, commercial and public facilities which do not create off -site impacts. With proper conditions this criteria can be met. It appears that the pre-release center does comply with the provisions of the Kalispell Growth Policy. F. Utilities/Services: Water service: City of Kalispell Water service: City of Kalispell Solid Waste: City of Kalispell Gas: Northwestern Energy Electric: Flathead Electric Cooperative Phone: CenturyTel Police: City of Kalispell Fire: Kalispell Fire Department Schools: School District #5, Kalispell EVALUATION OF THE REQUEST The application has been reviewed in accordance with the conditional use review criteria in the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance. 1. Site Suitability: a. Adequate Useable Space: The property contains an existing 12,750 square foot office building and 26 parking spaces on 1.78 acres. The applicants propose minor remodeling to convert the existing office building into administrative offices and dorm style rooms for up to 40 residents. The applicants also propose a 4,750 square foot addition on the west (rear) side of the building to accommodate a cafeteria, kitchen and bathroom/shower facilities. This will create a lot coverage of approximately 23% (17,500 square feet of building). The maximum lot coverage for the zone is 45% thus the property would operate at 50% of allowable coverage and well within the standard. The site contains 26 4 parking spaces. This is in excess of the anticipated 17 or so spaces needed. There is adequate space for the proposed facility. b. Adequate Access: The site abuts a frontage road system along the east and north sides that funnels traffic northward to the Kelly Road - US 93 intersection. This intersection is controlled by a traffic light. This system allows excellent access to and from the site. In addition, a bus stop along U.S. 93 in the general area is proposed to provide busing opportunities for the residents and employees. Currently the existing parking layout does impede the free flow of the frontage road system. This issue will be discussed latter under PARKING. c. Environmental / Hazardous Constraints: There are no obvious or known environmental constraints apparent on the property. The property does abut an active general aviation airport. Height restrictions do apply to this site however the applicant proposes only single story construction which places them well below the safety threshold. 2. Appropriate Design: a. Parking spaces required: The site contains 26 parking spaces. There are no specific criteria for calculating parking demand for a pre-release center in the zoning ordinance. In light of this, parking would be based on meeting the minimum management and operation needs of the facility. • The facility will employ 23 people; however the maximum shift would only have 16 employees. • None of the 40 residents will have personal vehicles. The residents are transported by the facility, use the city bus system or possibly bicycle to their places of employment. • Visiting days for residents are limited to Saturday and Sunday's. The facility operates a shorter staff on the weekends. • There is very limited need for parking beyond the described scenarios. • With these criteria in mind, staff is recommending a minimum of 17 parking spaces for the facility. This number is based on one space for each employee of the largest shift (which happens rarely) and one extra visitor space. The facility should be reviewed after 6 months of operation to determine if this number was adequate or not. If inadequate, the center should add extra parking to address any real shortfalls. b. Parking layout: Unfortunately, the existing parking design of 26 spaces has several flaws. By way of background to explain the parking issues, the frontage road system abutting the east and north sides of the property developed over time somewhat separate from the original Health and Human Services Office building. Originally, the Health and Human Services building was adjacent to soft ball fields that extended to the north between the airport lands and US 93. A frontage road easement encircled the Health and Human Services office building site. Over time Murdock and Penco developed to the south and extended the frontage road along US 93 to the south. To the north, a major subdivision was approved (Jackola Engineering, Montana Furniture, McKenzie River Pizza, etc) which extended the frontage road to the north to the G` intersection of Kelly road. This intersection ultimately was granted a traffic signal. Consequently, while the original drive around the Health and Human Services building functioned more as a parking lot access road, today it has evolved into a true frontage road in front of the proposed pre-release site. Unfortunately, as the frontage road evolved around the Health and Human Services building, it has created issues with the existing parking configuration. In several instances the parking does not comply with our current regulations. On the east side of the property, the frontage road exists as a 40 foot wide paved road and utility easement. Approximately 9 parking spaces park perpendicular in the easement and extend 20 feet into the 40 foot easement. This creates effectively a frontage road of 20 feet or less with cars backing out into it. This is not considered a beneficial situation. The north frontage road is constructed to a 24 foot travel width with curb and gutter on both sides. Parking on the north side of the site butts up to the back side of the exposed curb face. This allows parked cars to extend out into the travel surface (one foot beyond the curb face). This is not a safe or advisable situation for the following reasons. o As cars park, they protrude into the travel lane. This is unsafe during the day and'extremely unnerving at night with opposing headlights shining into the travel lane. o Secondly, snow plows will plow up to the curb line which effectively allows them to intrude up to 18 inches into parked cars if they are present or, if the lot is vacant, it will be filled with snow by the frontage road maintenance team. o To complicate matters, this frontage road is not entirely within a road and utility easement. There exists a 30 foot road and utility easement as measured from center line of the frontage road north and there exists a 30 foot road and utility easement measured from the center of the north parking lot south almost to the sidewalk line on the north side of the building. This leaves the south half of the actually frontage road outside of an easement. Parking lot recommendation: 1. Replace the existing 9 perpendicular parking spaces on the east side with up to 4 parallel parking spaces. 2. Correct the road and utility easements to ensure that they adequately cover the north side frontage road. 3. Modify the north parking lot and place a 5 foot planter strip behind the south curb line. This would involve eliminating a bank of 9 parking spaces on the north side. However, the remaining bank of cars could be re -oriented in a perpendicular fashion instead of herring bone and the existing 7 spaces up against the building could be increased to 13 or more spaces. 4. The applicant must retain a minimum of 17 parking spaces. It is suggested that staff review the site 6 months after operation to no determine if the 17 required spaces has proven to be adequate, and if not, the pre-release center would be required to provide additional parking to meet any shortfall. Note there is room on the rear (back) side of the site to accommodate this additional parking. c. Traffic Circulation: The traffic circulation is designed to function with the use of a frontage road system that wraps around the east and north sides of the site. The frontage road allows traffic to flow both north and south from the site. To the south traffic flows through the Penco and Murdock properties to an outlet onto US 93. To the north, the traffic flows to the intersection of Kelly Road and US 93 which is controlled by a traffic light. This intersection provides excellent access on and off of US 93. Additional traffic circulation issues are addressed in the parking section above. If the parking issues are adequately addressed, general traffic circulation in and around the site will function well. d. Open Space: No specific open space is required. As a matter of function and operation, most activities in the pre-release center will occur inside while on site. The project does propose a 30' x 50' fenced exercise yard on the south side of the site between the existing facility and the proposed cafeteria addition. This yard area would be fenced and will be Lyenerallv screened by the Penco building to the immediate south. Otherwise, the remaining site which is not covered by buildings, streets or parking will be landscaped and left open. e. Fencing/Screening/Landscaping: The 30' x 50' exercise yard will be fenced. This fence will be limited in nature and generally not viewable from the public R/W. There is an existing hedge along the entire south side of the property. This will remain. In addition, there is mature landscaping around the perimeter of the building which will stay intact. Lands not used for building expansion, parking or access will be left in grass. No perimeter fencing is proposed and the exterior appearance of the building will generally stay as is. As was discussed above under parking, a 5 foot landscape buffer is recommended along the south side of the northerly frontage road to separate the frontage road from the parking lot. f. Signage: A specific sign proposal was not submitted, however, the applicant stated they will comply with the sign code. Their intent is to have a small free standing sign similar to what is there now. They indicate that they do not need to have significant advertising or exposure. g. Site design: The existing building will undergo interior remodeling but the exterior will basically remain as is. A 4,750 sq. ft. addition attached to the rear (west) side often building will be added to the site. This addition will not affect any needed parking or landscape areas. Other than issues identified with the parking plan, the site design works well and generally serves to maintain the neighborhood status quo. 3. Availability of Public Services/Facilities: a. Schools: This site is within the boundaries of School District #5. No impact is anticipated with the proposed use. N b. Parks and Recreation: There will be no impact on the parks and recreation programs and facilities as a result of this use. c. Police: Police protection will be provided by the Kalispell Police Department. There will be an increase in service demand over the current vacant building; however, in discussions with the police chief, call responses are anticipated to be less than when the building was occupied by Health and Human Services. In addition, regardless where located, there will be increased demand as the police staff will assist in the resident selection committee review process. d. Fire Protection: Fire protection will be provided by the Kalispell Fire Department. No unusual impacts or needs are anticipated from the proposed use other than would be customarily anticipated form a building of such size and occupancy. e. Water: City water lines currently serve the site. No significant impact on water services can be anticipated as a result of this facility. f. Sewer: City sewer lines currently serve the site. No significant impacts on sewer services can be anticipated as a result of the proposed use. g. Storm Water Drainage: The applicant will be required to adequately address storm water on site. The construction of a new building on this property and the relocation of parking will require the developer to provide water quality treatment to storm water prior to discharging the storm water into the city's storm water drainage facilities. A storm water plan will be required as part of the building permit process. They are proposing to collect the run off water and direct it to the grassy portion in the rear of the property. This proposal will need to be verified and approved by Kalispell Public Works. h. Solid Waste: Solid waste pick-up is provided by the City. This project will have minimal impact on current services. i. Roads: Highway 93 will provide the public access to the pre-release center. Highway 93 is in good condition and includes sidewalks along the properties frontage. A frontage road system does provide access both north and south of the site to access points on US 93. The southerly access is an unrestricted access; however, the northerly access point at Kelly Road does have a traffic light. As discussed under parking, the frontage road system does need to be reviewed for proper easements and some parking lot modification is required to ensure that the frontage road does operate in a safe manor. j. Cost of Public Services: The applicant has indicated that they will be applying for property tax exempt status as a non-profit entity. It should be noted that the city will continue to experience the cost and impacts of providing services to the site, specifically fire and police. It is recommended that the applicant make an annual payment in lieu of local property taxes (pilt) to the city. 4. Neighborhood impacts: No measurable neighborhood impacts are anticipated with the approval of the conditional use permit. Traffic generation will be significantly less than what existed while the facility operated as an office building. The hours of use will increase from a traditional Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 5:00 office scenario to 24 hour use, however, such use will generate very little extra traffic. Given the character of the site adjacent to US 93, and the lack of any nearby residential use, this did not appear to be an issue. The exterior design of the building will remain generally as is. The parking scenario and functionality of the frontage roads would be improved if suggested conditions to modify the parking configuration are implemented. The facility will operate as a monitored and maintained use. Visitation is only allowed on Saturday and Sunday when regular staffing is reduced. There is no outside loitering. Residents are only outside if they are on their way to work or volunteer assignment. The largest issue would be the perceived stigma experienced by adjacent property owners of having a pre-release center in the immediate neighborhood. There are no known statistics to bear out that this is a real impact. It is noted that in Missoula, the pre-release center was built on the edge of town and residential development has actually grown up to and surround it without any known conflict issues. The Bozeman pre-release center is adjacent to existing residential neighborhood and no known conflicts have surfaced. A local site selection committee consisting of the Police Chief, Sheriff, Council member, Commissioner, Public Defender, Flathead Valley Community College rep., a Pastor, District Court rep., and several citizen members that assisted the Department of Corrections over the past 12 months in locating an appropriate location within Kalispell for a pre-release center set location standards with this issue in mind. Note that these standards are not found in or enforceable by our city zoning ordinance. The threshold standards required that a pre-release center cannot be located in a residential zone and must be at least 1,500 feet from a school. The purpose of these standards was to eliminate early on the most controversial locations for a pre-release center. 5. Consideration of historical use patterns and recent changes: This neighborhood has functioned as an entrance corridor to the city of Kalispell. Currently it has a mixture of commercial, larger retail uses with large outdoor display lots for boats recreational equipment and ranch supplies as well as office, restaurant and general commercial sales. The site abuts the city airport which has operated for decades. Historically these uses have been much the same. It is a location that has been impacted by airport traffic, highway traffic and large scale retails uses. The building in question will maintain an office or institutional appearance not unlike what is there today. Much of the use will also stay the same as it will serve as an office building for 23 employees. However, there will be a significant internal change as up to 40 residents will be housed on -site. Much of this change will be internal. Due to management procedures the general public will rarely see the residents outside and typically only when they are in route to work or community service. 6. Effects on property values: This is also a difficult issue to quantify. The property will have a permanent owner/manager who will maintain the property. It will function much like the office building that existed there previously and will have an office staff of 23 working there. The residents will be inside the vast majority of the time under supervised activity. The un-measurable criteria is the potential stigma of being a facility that caters to people within the criminal justice system. This has not proven to be an issue in Missoula where residential development in filled up to the pre-release center, or in Helena where the prerelease center was constructed in a commercial /industrial setting. In contacting several cities in Montana there was a G� fear and stigma originally associated with each facility, however, over time the facilities themselves have proven to be fairly benign. Walk aways and escapes are always a community concern. Statistics show that a facility could experience up to 3% per year. In almost all cases, the walk away does not occur at the facility as they are closely monitored there. It occurs at the job or work site which is removed from the facility. Staff suggests that there may be a stigma surrounding the center that could possibly affect short term property values. However, in the case of other pre- release centers in the state, the stigma has been short lived based on a use that has proven to be fairly benign. PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED TO DATE: • A letter from Myrna Terry speaking in support of the facility • A letter from Kalispell Police Chief Roger Nasset supporting the facility • A letter from Murph Hannon, Murcon Development, Inc. who owns 2 adjoining vacant lots. (both attached) An open house was hosted by the 12 member Kalispell pre-release working committee and the Montana Department of Corrections on February 26 at the site. Approximately 46 people attended. During the meeting information about the facilitv and its operations was made available to the general public. Comments were received from the audience with the following people supporting the facility: R. J. Christensen from Ray of Hope; Gwen Smith; Dewey Swank, Lois Wagner Simpson, Mary Jane Fox and Judge Stadler. Those who spoke in opposition to the site included Cory Uderbach, representing a lot owner near the site and Vaughn Penrod, Penco owner who opposed the facility going in next to his business. Hale Ashcraft of Lakeside opposed the placement of a pre-release Center anywhere in the Flathead as this was a tourist community. Members of the Kalispell Pre -Release Working Committee appointed by the City Council and County Commissioners who have met for the past year, shepherding this process and determining if a need exists for a facility include: Roger Nasset, Kalispell Police Chief Hank Olson, City Council Tom Jentz, Kalispell Planning Director Mike Meehan, Flathead County Sherriff Dale Lauman, Flathead County Commissioner Bonnie Olson, Flathead County District Court Julianne Hinchey, local attorney Nick Aemisegger, Flathead County public defender's office Rick Halverson, Flathead Valley Community College Jeryl Hollinger, Pastor John Bowdish, community representative Steve Breck, community representative 10 M C4 P1014-3Tl Ji � 0RJA 0• The staff recommends that the planning board adopt the staff report #KCU-09-01 as findings of fact and recommend to the Kalispell City Council that the Conditional Use Permit be approved subject to the following conditions: 1. The facility shall provide a minimum of 17 parking spaces (based on one space for each employee of the maximum shift (16) and one space for visitors. This standard shall be reviewed by the planning department six months after occupancy to determine if it is adequate. If it is determined to be inadequate, the applicants shall take appropriate actions to improve parking conditions on -site as determined by the planning office. 2. The 9 existing parking spaces along the east side of the building shall be reconfigured so that they do not back out into the 40 foot frontage road and utility easement. Parallel parking would be acceptable at this location. 3. The north side parking lot shall be modified as follows to reduce a conflict between parked cars and traffic on the frontage road. a. A minimum 5 foot wide planter boulevard strip shall be installed adjacent to the north side frontage road behind the exposed curb face. The boulevard shall separate the internal parking lot from the frontage road and shall serve to define the entrances into the parking lot. b. The planter shall include a combination of street trees and live growing materials as approved by the Kalispell Parks Department. Two inch and smaller round river rock is prohibited. c. The existing two tiers of parking shall be re -designed to comply with city parking lot design standards. 4. The road and utility easements along the north side of the property shall be corrected to ensure that they adequately cover the north side frontage road 40 foot R/W. 5. The applicants shall enter into an agreement with the city for an annual "payment in lieu of local property taxes" (pilt) to address the shortfall in the payment of municipal services when the facility becomes tax exempt. 6. That commencement of the approved activity must begin within 18 months from the date of authorization or that a continuous good faith effort is made to bring the project to completion. 11 PLkNNING FOR -THE FUTURE Planning Department 201 lst Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone: (406) 758-7940 Fax: (406) 758-7739 www.kalispell.com/planning APPLICATION FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT PROPOSED USE: 'VCV—TWJEST McTs7ANA f 0k J ,l _I_IC,J OWNER(S) OF RECORD: Name: Mailing Address: 162 74-5e, xf I W- /--T- City/State/Zip: � ��,� ,/��%IC' Phone: _ u PERSON(S) AUTHORIZED TO REPRESENT THE CORRESPONDENCE IS TO BE SENT: C� Name: Y OZtr�IK /v �Ac:-i�c;LA 'Fry Mailing Address: 22S0 RL�3 % 9 --s OWNER(S) AND TO WHOM ALL City/State/Zip: K-A�LiSP&-L MT Phone: `kg -11S-5 S2-69 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY (Refer to Property Records): Street �� j y q Sec. Town- Range 4- 669 Z Address: ;-8 Z- R K V I ` No. 20 ship 29N No. 2-1 LJ ATTAC(t&P Subdivision Name: Tract :AD Lot Block No(s).No(s). No. 1. Zoning District a d Zoning Classification in which use is proposed: 2. Attach a plan of the affected lot which identifies the following items: a. Surrounding land uses. b. Dimensions and shape of lot. C. Topographic features of lot. d. Size(s) and location(s) of existing buildings e. Size(s) and location(s) of proposed buildings. f. Existing use(s) of structures and open areas. g. Proposed use(s) of structures and open areas. h. Existing and proposed landscaping and fencing. 1 LOT L-A'ICI "T �cr L.A- LcTi LA'rc;j7 ' C' LA -I ;T'_ 1 LJ L.A f S 61 3. On a separate sheet of paper, discuss the following topics relative to the proposed use: a. Traffic flow and control. b. Access to and circulation within the property. C. Off-street parking and loading. d. Refuse and service areas. e. Utilities. f. Screening and buffering. g. Signs, yards and other open spaces. h. Height, bulk and location of structures. i. Location of proposed open space uses. j . Hours and manner of operation. k. Noise, light, dust, odors, fumes and vibration. 4. Attach supplemental information for proposed uses that have additional requirements (consult Planner). I hereby certify under penalty of perjury and the laws of the State of Montana that the information submitted herein, on all other submitted forms, documents, plans or any other information submitted as a part of this application, to be true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Should any information or representation submitted in connection with this application be incorrect or untrue, I understand that any approval based thereon may be rescinded, and other appropriate action taken. The signing of this application signifies approval for the Kalispell Planning staff to be present on the property monitoring and inspection during the approval and development proc x-r-4ur Applicant Signature Date to CITY OF KALISPELL Conditional Use Permit Application Section 3 Discussion NORTHWEST MONTANA TRANSITION CENTER W % of Sect. 20, T28N, R21W KALISPELL, MONTANA 3a. Traffic flow and control Traffic flow will be along the existing frontage road with access to HWY 93 either through the approach in front of Murdoch's or at the traffic light at Kelly Road. No additional traffic control will be required. 3b. Access to and circulation within the property. Access to the property will remain from the frontage road and the adjacent side street. Internal circulation is adequate and as the traffic loading is not expected to increase the circulation is not expected to change. 3c. Off street parkine and loadin: Based on the nearest comparable use within the City of Kalispell Zoning we would anticipate providing parking equivalent to a nursing home. This requirement is one space per 8 beds and 1 space per employee per max shift. Using this formula with 40 beds and 16 staff on the largest shift we would require 21 parking spaces. Currently we have 26 parking spaces which exceeds this requirement. We will have a new loading area at the rear of the building as shown on the lot layout. 3d. Refuse and service areas Refuse will be handled through the trash enclosure at the rear of the building. The owner will contract with Evergreen Disposal to haul refuse from the site. Service areas are at the rear of the building and meet City requirements. 3e. Utilities A new water tap is required. This tap will be made to the 8" main running under the road north of the building. A new 6" fire tap will be required to service the sprinkler system which is to be installed. The sewer service will require a new 4" tap into the 12" sewer line which runs under the north car park. 3f. Screening and Buffering As no major changes to the exterior of the building are being undertaken no change to the screening or buffering are anticipated. The existing landscaping will be maintained and the new owners have offered to maintain the grass area between their lot and the highway. 3g. Signage, yards and other open spaces. The existing signage will be updated however no lighting or electronic display is anticipated. The new signage will meet all City ordinances. The existing yard landscaping will be maintained. A new stormwater retention area will be required by the new structure. This is anticipated to be grassed and maintained by the owners. A. Height, bulk and location of structures The proposed additional structure will be designed to match the existing building. Therefore no additional height is anticipated. The bulk and location of structures can be seen on the attached lot layout and elevations. 3i. Location of proposed open space uses The open space to the rear will be used for the loading area and for stormwater retention. The remaining areas will remain as they are. 3j. Hours and manner of operation TI,P fariliry mill l ,- crnff,-rI and nrrnniPrl 94 hrnirc a rlav_ 7 rlays n week_ 365 days per year. Operations will meet or exceed Montana Department of Corrections and the American Correctional Association requirements. 3k. Noise, light, dust, odors, fumes and vibration Some additional lighting will be required for security purposes however this lighting will meet the city lighting ordinances. No additional noise, dust, odors, fumes or vibrations are anticipated. CERTIFICATION APPLICANT: Northwest Montana Transition Centre FILE NO: KZC-09-03 & KCU-09-01 I, the undersigned certify that I did this date mail via First Class Mail a copy of the attached notice to the following list of landowners adjoining the property lines of the property where a zone change and conditional use permit has been requested. Date: /s-o Z- T--%c: 20-2is-2 i Tract/Lot: 2DA & 2ACA Property Owners: Jackola Engineering & Architecture Attn: Rory Young 2250 Highway 93 South Kalispell, MT 59901 R. Dick Mitsch P.O. Box 1273 Columbia Falls, MT 59912 Community, Counseling & Correctional Services, Inc. 471 East Mercury Butte, MT 59701 AND ATTACHED LIST Jackola Engineering & Architecture R. Dick Mitsch Attn: Rory Young P.O. Box 1 2250 Highway 93 South Kalispell, MT 59901 Columbia Falls, MT 59912 White Bear Island Marine, Inc. 4250 Lower River Road Great Falls, MT 59405 2250 Highway 93 South, LLC P.O. Box 1134 Kalispell, MT 59904 Murcon Development, Inc. 2510 530 8th Avenue SW Calgary, AB, Canada T2P 3S8 Laurie Tutvedt P.O. Box 7396 Kalispell, MT 59904 Community Counseling 8v Correctional Services, Inc. 471 East Mercury Butte, MT 59701 Mountain West Bank of Kalispell P.O. Box 7070 Kalispell, MT 59904 Park Bottling Company AD% Pepsi Cola 100 Kelly Road Kalispell, MT 59901 Penrod Brothers, LLP 214 Main LLC City of Kalispell 2310 Highway 93 South AD% Steve Blair Attn: City Clerk Kalispell, MT 59901 52 Camino Real P.O. Box 1997 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 Kalispell, MT 59903 i y; !. Z W Z t aN c� J W �t t w'I uj t 'A z Z �Q) nLn Z H I 40' PRIVATE ROADWAY t UTILITY EA5EiENT UZow I ~ ~Q�- Lu O Z v_v Q W z Oyu- o� 3 �uJ zZ O Wg < � w w w w o ~ <v3 zoo N < w I N32'50130"W 155.00, p W � ~ m W a O N IIyVVNVNNj zo< oop W �oa� m Z N Lu x w w w X w Q ♦- LL S � p Q w Ln OZw =v Z: < LIJ LJ w C N Q pw wwOw w C- LLLLIL LL Q QQ F O CN LII \ Q. 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I - I I I I r ----------------- I I I I i I I r,t I r I 1 I IJj r r I r lqm ®■I U Y I � Q r Ifni 3 ( z t 7 0FED'CBsar �ryGG +Y.4� CHEMATIC 5 1 T E F�L AN wW P�EI u*w—o.jwkGl PENC& www.yamahanow.com (406) 755-6229 2310 Highway 93 South Kalispell, Montana 59901 3/26/09 City Council members. When I found out about the pre release center that was proposed for south Kalispell, I made it a point to get involved and speak my thoughts and concerns as a tax payer and business owner. Everything that I have brought to these meetings has been real and factual. I have never had to get involved in anything like this and have always thought we as tax payers do make a difference when it comes to the growth of our town. I was wrong. This project was decided a long time ago by some higher power and now the city is just jumping through the hoops to get it here regardless of the future impacts and who it will affect. The city council is in place to make good decisions for the city regarding positive future growth. This is not positive future growth for this location. A lot of business owners have put a lot of money into south hwy 93 improvements, with the best interest of our city in mind. The city council needs to respect the opinions that come from those business owners. When this project was proposed for lower Valley Rd all it took was some concerned citizens in The Willows to get it stopped. We have more than just a few citizens opposing this location. At this point they already have people running around trying to solicit employees from the businesses here for the " New Pre Release Center". The pre release center representatives have been boasting that they will be a good neighbor. How good of a neighbor is someone who goes around trying to take away your employees? They are also boasting that the center will create new jobs. If that is the case, why are they not offering these jobs to unemployed people or even the general public instead of targeting our current employees? Please listen to the public or does public opinion matter at all at this point or in the future. Concerned business owner and Flathead resident. Vaughn Penro 3/26/09 Reasons why the city of Kalispell needs to take a second look at the location chosen for the pre release center on south Hwy 93. These are facts. The influence and temptation of Casino's and liquor stores so close. Some of those that will be here are recovering alcoholics and have addictions. The temptation of theft with so many retail stores around them that carry a lot of inventory and have cash on hand all day and night. (Theft temptation). Location would make it hard for them to get to the facilities they depend on for recovery and rehabilitation. Jobs, dependency programs human resources. If they do have to walk, it will make it difficult. This facility is going to be next to a power sports business. Penco Power Products sells atv's, motorcycles, snowmobiles and commercial mowing eq. The service department works on these units into the night in the busy season. The decibel level of most of this equipment is above 95db, which without protection can cause hearing damage. Some of this equipment exceeds 130db at 100 ft away. Without protection can cause hearing loss. Decibel chart attached. Penco is open seven days a week. Will inmates be able to sleep, function and recover with this going on seven days a week? Will the prison have future law suits from inmates because of this noise and hearing damage? The Bus and transit system will not supportthe inmates needs like they want you to believe. Do the math. Forty to sixty beds and one bus. They will be walking our streets. OSHA Decibel chart attached. I feel this location will create many hurdles for the inmates when it comes to recovery and rehabilitation. Why would you make it harder on them. 3/23/09 The site for the pre-release center proposed for south Kalispell is not accepted by the citizens or business owners of the area for the following reasons. Citizens and business owners are concerned about the safety issues that are real and true. The impact that this will have on land values in the area. It does lower them. Positive mature growth for this area. Who wants to be next to a Prison. There is not enough parking for the proposed employee's and inmate's families. We wiII loose $10,500.00 in taxes. Who will recover that. This will be one of the first businesses that you see when you come into our city. A prison is not inviting unless the city is Butte or ;Jeer Lodge. its an attraction in those cities. The businesses on hwy 93 are retail not industry. We have people coming and going all day long. (See door count numbers). Prisons in the state of Montana have had several walk-aways. This was not what the plan was for South Kalispell seven years ago, when we as businesses chose to spend the money and develop our establishments in the way we have. Door counts for 2007 and 2008 attached. Proof of walk aways attached. 3/23/09 We as business owners and citizens of south Kalispell are trusting that the city council will take into consideration these facts when deciding the future growth of south Kalispell and the city's entrance. Please consider the impact this will have over the next 20 years and not the revenue it will create for the moment. Thank you Concerned citizens and tax payers. ENC(D www.yamahanow.com (406) 755-6229 2310 Highway 93 South Kalispell, Montana 59901 Door Count For Penco in 2007 and 2008 Year Count 2007 44z527 2008 41499 Decibel (Loudness) Comparison Chart Page 1 of How -To FiN[7, II■I �. StI81t9fi>' v;Si18NlE€ Home > Resources > How-To's > Loudness Checkout I My Account I Help Here are some interesting numbers, collected from a variety of sources, that help one to understand the volume levels of various sources and how they can affect our hearing. Environmental Noise Weakest sound heard OdB Whisper Quiet Library 30dB Normal conversation (3-5') 60-70dB Telephone dial tone 80dB City Traffic (inside car) 85dB Train whistle at 500% Truck Traffic 90dB Subway train at 200' IF 95dB Level at which sustainers exposure mail result in hearing lass 90 - 95dB Power mower at 3' 107dB Snowmobile, Motorcycle IF 100dB Power saw at 3' 110dB Sandblasting, Loud Rock Concert I115dB Pain ;begins 125dB Pneumatic riveter at 4' 125dB given shon- Berm exposure can cause aDPMMPP-rt amace _oudest ;;"2G' 11?i77ef' afed ;, ?aSlir f.;T% h8ui11 Q yr o"aecacn v Jet engine at 100', Gun Blast 140dB Death of hearing tissue 180dB li Loudest sound possible Il 194dB OSHA Daily Permissible Noise Level Exposure Hours per day Sound level 8 90dB 6 IF 92d B 4 11 95dB 3 IF 97d B L 2 11 100dB 1.5 102dB 1i1? ,�+NVV ' 57e. 'It I( 3('? (,,tltr�t?S(1llr( Decibel (Loudness) Comparison Chart Page 2 of Percepbons of increases in Decibel Level Imperceptible Change 1cIB Barely Perceptible Change 3dB Clearly Noticeable Change 5dB About Twice as Loud 10dB About Four Times as Loud 20dB Sound Levels of Music Normal piano practice F 60 -70dB Fortissimo Singer, 3' 70cIB Chamber music, small auditorium 75 - 85dB Piano Fortissimo 84 - 103dB j) violin 82 - 92dB �) Cello 85 -111 dS Oboe 95-112dB Flute 92 -103dB Piccolo 90 -106dB Clarinet 85 - 114dB French horn 90 - 106dB Trombone 85 - 114dB Tympani & bass drum 106cIB Walkman on 5/10 94dB Symphonic music peak -120 - 137dB Amplifier rock, 4-6' 120cIB Rock music peak 150dB NOTES: ® One-third of the total power of a 75-piece orchestra comes from the bass drum. • High frequency sounds of 2-4,000 Hz are the most damaging. The uppermost octave of the piccolo is 2,048-4,096 Hz. • Aging causes gradual hearing loss, mostly in the high frequencies. • Speech reception is not seriously impaired until there is about 30 dB loss; by that time severe damage may have occurred. • Hypertension and various psychological difficulties can be related to noise exposure. • The incidence of hearing loss in classical musicians has been estimated at 4-43%, in rock musicians 13-30%. Statistics for the Decibel (Loudness) Comparison Chart were taken from a study by Marshall Chasin , M.Sc., Aud(C), FAAA, Centre for Human Performance & Health, Ontario, Canada. There were some i„'://kvww.acauuio.C(lm g-es0urces/j Io,vtw'lottones":.iitmi BillingsGazette.com :: Snap decisions to flee pre-release centers carry lasting effects Page I of 6 011419,5 05azette Contact Us I Subscribe In I R-aister Relocating? Prudential Rbom REA1111W home news sports entertainment feattwes opinion bIV wtku, Idices dassilleds &,Ammes jab.s Local - State - Wyoming - Nation - World - Business - Markets - Obits - Video - Photos - Weathei- News j s Y print e-rijjil comments (14)**--' Fiile .�Aefdarge t%,rPe Snap decisions to flee pre-release centers carry lasting effects !" —1- ­­1,< ;­+­1—­11-4 ­­ ---A 1-1— F­Y1_j — 1UXIUL�Zlla—p am%,u a ­ay jAvi1-upi1a House By ZACH BENOIT Of The Gazette Staff Click to enlarge The law is simple: If you walk away from a pre-release center, it's the same as escaping from prison. Although that law applies to inmates who have been transferred to pre-release centers - a steppingstone for men and women on their way from prison to moving back into the community - it hasn't deterred everybody. Click to Billings -based nonprofit Alternatives Inc. runs Alpha House and Passages - men's and women's pre-release centers, respectively - and has had several walkaways in recent months, and officials say they are working hard to prevent more. At least six people have walked away from Alpha House since January. In the past 12 months, Alpha House has seen 16 walkaways, while five have walked away from Passages since it opened in January 2007, said Dave Armstrong, administrator and director of Alternatives Inc. The reasons for those walkaways vary, Armstrong said, but they often have one thing in common. Click to enlarge Z:) 176 Of" acceptaiict cf VS (81 comments) atal tnlick-ffl(_� --i-,isil le�aves zaildy with comments) 6111 -_%OUICI iltit 111) () s FM 1'? 1 ,�tti):,',Iwww.bii'-inLisLf,izette.net/artic-lies/`2008/04' 4/'-,ieNvs/"Iocali"lpl�-�'11,,iht.txt _)/_ , BillingsGazette.com :: Snap decisions to flee pre-release centers carry lasting effects Page 2 of 6 "It's impulsive," he said. "It's usually a quick, unplanned response to something." That "something" can be any number of reasons. Inmates at Alpha House and Passages are required to be employed, and some receive day passes to spend time with family and friends, so supervision is not as tight during those times. , r "The goal is to get the person ready for going out into me community," Armstrong said. "Here's a guy who's six weeks from being out. You have people that get cold feet, personal issues, mixed up with drugs and alcohol or it just could be stress." That freedom, combined with daily urinalysis tests screening for drug and alcohol use, can sometimes lead an inmate to walk away out of fear of consequences and additional sentencing. "All the programs have zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol," Armstrong said. "A person drinking just one beer is subject to discipline. A lot of times, it's somebody who has violated a rule and thinks the jig is up." Another explanation may be what is commonly called "old-timers syndrome," where an inmate is so used to the structure of prison life that he or she escapes, knowing that capture will result in extra time behind bars, said Kerry Pribnow, who is the pre-release contacts manager with the Montana Department of Justice. Most of the inmates in a pre-release center are no more than six months from being released. law (50 comments) ® Seni-orstudent accused of assault on officer (47 comments) e Man charged with D_UI No. 7 (45 comments) Stories receiving the most comments in the past 24 hours. ceders' favorite stories Church hosts dinner for une_ mploved *-x**-* (36 ratings) Fatal -trucking erwch hPnvec family with uncertain future (35 ratings) Metter. Lawmaker is wrong to i nore voters' will (17 ratings) Letter: In, IT.S. religion belon s in churches, I omes ratings) Letter: Wolf situation_ resembles an ugly divorce *7 (25 ratings) "Some „A,,,,7A ;,,�+ �rA„�+ �,,;+Aa +� ��n�,�, � „�++P,,, i;�A Stories that have v that," said Todd Heath, 44, who has been an inmate at received the most high retinas in the Last 48 Alpha House for the past three months. Thev just cant b handle the freedom." hours When an inmate walks away from a pre-release center, it more'eul 31eadlirms can cause an "echo effect," Armstrong said. Walkaways can embolden other inmates previously on the fence to Srr lec lions run or inspire newer arrivals to attempt their own escape. to t!ee_re_ Zttp: // www.6illin.gsgazette. net/articles/"2008/"04/--, 4%newsllocal/ ? 8-111 glit.t,�t �i20/2009 tsiningsUazette.com :: Snap decisions to tlee pre-release centers carry lasting effects Page 3 of 6 However, when somebody does walk away from a center release c�,n-ers . like Alpha House, the law of averages says they will be clam_ iasti_nn, apprehended. Information released in March by the effects Department of Justice shows that of 184 pre-release 7 veer -old --�--- escapees in Montana since 2005, all but 19 have been charged with caught. Of those 19, 10 escaped in the past 8'/2 months. negligent homicide in About 3 percent of inmates walked away from Alpha collision that House last year, and 0.7 percent left Passages. Overall, killed nurse the programs have about a 98 percent success rate. County auditor Statewide, the numbers are about the same, with 3 percent 19 _ es of inmates at pre-release centers walking away. com ilaaint . EntreDreneur's "Obviously, 3 percent in our view is too much," Pribnow motors we said. "We're taking steps to try and improve that." bieveles a no - emission -push Prevention • Investigation into bus crash continues; 9 Combined, there are more than 300 men and women at kids were hurt the Alpha House and Passages pre-release centers on any e Students unhurt_ given day, and most are there for stays of up to six in accident months. Before arriving at a pre-release center, each involving bus to person has been screened by law enforcement, pre-release Skvview- center staff and probation and parole officials. According e iii-ort to save to Alternative Inc.'s Web site, "only those offenders who locusts isn't show potential for success and are an acceptable risk in exactly tree - the community are accepted." h "n a Students learn Upon arrival at Alpha House or Passages, every inmate as volunteers must sign a statement of nonescape. The document ® Animal shelter outlines punishments for walking away - up to 10 years chief favors added to the existing sentence - and establishes a zero- privatization tolerance policy at the center. . City man sentenced for Armstrong said education is the most important factor in pe juririg teenage - making sure inmates do not attempt to walk away. He girl said Alternatives Inc. makes sure everybody who enters a Feature Photo: pre-release is made fully aware of the consequences of Helpin a fellow � �^ escape, and warning posters are spread throughout each student center. e Naval dentist tells of his work The posters outline the consequences for walking away, - and of which include extra prison time and loss of eligibility for °serendipijy� another pre-release center. Next to many of those posters e Elderly dealer are mug shots of recent escapees who have already been gets 11 years in captured, attempting to hammer home a point Armstrong prism_ often makes. 0 Shooter w tencedx_but "The message is that they've all been caught," he said. legal disputes Inmates at both centers are kept under close supervision remain ® 2 accidents on for almost the entire day. They follow strict schedules and Highway __ - report in with center staff often. When they are at work - tied to road many inmates at the center have jobs in the community - debris supervisors help to enforce those schedules, and the o Man admits http:G'wAvw.billingsgazetLe.nt- articlesr'2008/04J24/newslloc all'? 8-thght.�ui 3i C�,'2�'�9 - - BillingsGazette.com :: Snap decisions to flee pre-release centers carry lasting effects Page 4 of b center's staff performs check-up calls and on -site checks. illegal_ escai)e Other inmates wear electronic monitors. Man char2ej with felony theft At Alpha House, a check -in and check-out system lets ®Rededication staff members know where an inmate is and what time he services is expected back. Alternatives Inc. has also contracted canceled with a local security company to have extra personnel on ® Real estate club hand during key times of the day. meets tonight . Kids items for "The whole point of a pre-release center is that it's a light sale this at the end of the tunnel for these people," Pribnow said. weekend "We're trying to give them tools to succeed and it's ® Local & live important that we get that across to them." o LocalGuide Response The fact still remains that some people will walk away from pre-release centers. When that happens, staff members place calls to law enforcement. A locate -and - hold order is put out on the absconder. From there, Alpha House or Passages will quickly obtain a warrant putting out a nationwide hold authorization, ordering law enforcement to not release a captured walkaway. In the meantime, other staff members are calling the inmate's employer, friends, family, local hospitals and area jails to see if he or she is or has been there. If the person does not turn up after an hour of searching, Alternatives Inc. calls the state Department of Corrections. "At that point," Armstrong said, "you're on escape." Once an inmate is placed on escape, Alternatives notifies the public and the media of the escapee. At that point, law enforcement has been searching for the walkaway for at least an hour, and a nationwide warrant stands until the inmate is captured. Effectiveness While walkaways are a serious problem for pre-release centers, the majority of inmates stay put and follow the rules. Heath has been at Alpha House for three months on a prison release. He doesn't get to leave the center without supervision, and in three more months he will begin the pre-release program. He served 2'/2 years at the state prison for possession of dam4erous drugs and has seen several inmates walk away from Alpha House since his arrival. "I think it's foolish," Heath said. "You've been in jail or •i llp.:�i f�'�.�r�`%. �i11.�r�.��g::�zf:ii�'..2�.vtU�u�c��seci N4iVOi�i:�1'�':2=ir`�f'. v44 se.+.::., �;fi-f.i �_ii. t ✓I .�t�:,-yl i(y C� BillingsGazette. corn :: Snap decisions to flee pre-release centers carry lasting effects Page 5 of 6 prison and get the opportunity to come here and then you .I--- __ TV---___ __ .3-L7' ,]r- --- d_ -if_ UUUW 1L aWay. 1 VG UV11c JVlllc LLll116J U1 Lly lllc, VUL LUM J not a road I want to walk down. I've spent a few years in prison, and I don't relish the thought of going back again." Billie Miller, 44, has been at Passages since mid -February for violating parole on a drug conviction. She said WcHAI 6 a.Wa.y DOM a pic-MWaJc "lucl UVOJll L llla.11c sense to her and that the thought has never crossed her mind. A woman who walked away from a pre-release center in Butte and was captured made a strong impression on Miller. ffOL.J11 4 11 _ —1- aL_ _ A_It 011c U Lcll YVU 1L Z.Luc J1.Lll LrJ1UQJL Lllir, Jllc J c�.cl UVllc, she said. "It's a deterrent for me. Three years of probation versus a 10-year sentence? That's enough for me. Being able to see my kids or not see my kids? It's not even a question." auG YY il.tic 11tiaLLl 3 allLL lVltllcl J V1l.WJ Vlt Waimmyu aW ay UV 11VL necessarily represent those of the entire population at Alpha House and Passages, they do provide insight into what officials at the centers are trying to teach to inmates. "Obviously, self-control is the biggest factor," Armstrong ;.1 f1D__a T A,__. . — 1._..++L,_� :+; salU 1JLLL 1 LLVll L VY a11L IL 1VJL L110.L 1L LJ a 111211V11Ly Vl jjk,%j JiL who walk away." Published on Thursday, April 24, 2008. Last modified on 4/24/2008 at 12:30 am Copyright © The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises. North Platte Lodfye in W piriin has 21 miles of river access exclusively for our guests for a full day of trophy trout flv fishinu, with our nearbv lodge open vear around. rviafw. nothnlattelodge. com One of the nation's_ leader in sentence reduction stratel;ies. Federal and state prison consultants. Sentence reductions and alternatives. Drag and alcohol nrogmams. Assisting federal inmates. lvww.natioi?alvi-isonconsiiltams. coin http://www.billingsgazette.net/articlesi,'2008/04/24/news/'Io , z;`t �'-r�l< i .i t l2 �� 2)(`0Q v,_ U_ briimgsUazette.com :: Snap decisions to tree pre-release centers carry lasting effects Page 6 of 6 Looking for a new career? Find Out Whose Hiring w_tivit f ee1oblistin nel What do you think? Tell us what you thought of this story. Current rating: 3.9 with 16 ratings. I thought this story was: Billingsgazette.com provides this community forum for readers to exchange ideas and opinions on the news of the day. 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If you don't see your comment, perhaps... more » Show 14) Comments Lj top LARGEST IN -STOCK Best Realty': CADILLAC INVENTORY IN 3-STATE grem�er�eruicereGMAC REGION Back to Top (Dome �ae��s J .ap rts .Entertainment I Features Opinion I _Public Notices ( Classifieds I Privacy _I Terms of Use Lee Enterprises Regional Newspapers I Butte Helena I Missoula I Rapid City I Bismarc% I Cas1 I The Prairie Star Billings Business nttp:iiwwiw.bii'tingsgazette.nevarticies/ UUuiU4i/4/news/tocat/izs-riignt.-xt 3iiu/Luuy BillingsCiazette.com :: Butte company awarded pre-release center contract Pagel of 4 1 1t ,"l` r t Cori,}' t Us I Subscribe i ll I , c,gister hon mvs, spcft entertainment features opinion blegs public naticas I classftls 6hotiles Ajobs cars 5_ 01 blog • Y Ch omosorne • Outdoors • What s cooking? • On the margins . Cat Griz • A News n�sD J?JWant to know mam'.21 .3J?�.fl�l10�1.1''1.1.' lJ i�'`1i'_J e,ii' u _; ','z t'taF ,___; E'-LFldts .. Y:_'•tTl[it Tiles (0)** - r tv- _ A?I'l iPFi £_ iS's` L .'.. f0l'!Ce }' Pe Butte company awarded pre-release center contract most cmnenteli sioaies By The Associated Press HELENA - The state has awarded Community, Counseling and Correctional Services a contract to build a 40-bed pre-release center in the Kalispell area, the Corrections Department said Thursday. The agency chose the Butte -based CCCS from among four proposals. The contract calls for the state to pay a daily rate of just over $84 per offender. The state must still measure local support for the project before it can be built. The 2007 Legislature authorized the creation of a pre- release center in northwestern Montana, which is not currently served by such a facility. Pre-release centers help offenders in the transition from prison to communities and those who can benefit from a higher level of supervision to avoia prison. M E R i�1�Atint7 in fnr�:c on acceptance of gays (68 comments) 1 7 - =....... (53 comments) . UN/1 ne simper,s sex Co ! utnon causes _aunr us st (44 comments) ® ;"ter: E i'Ce a sitzrzwzi(1,1 (37 comments) rtq less 111an (35 comments) Stories receiving the most comments in the past 24 hours. ® Dclk siuns (65 ratings) . a to Oi-l'1OR1-i`)UREDUCA11 N! `= EARX G�1J' h have -i, i1770Na; ES while attending school in -1 llirgs and delivering one I,lv-gs Gazette. httr):%/ uww.'oiilingsgazette.net/articles/2008/1`?/? ? r; e� as/stt_te/59- �elease.t t 3/1E�/200y D111ll1 ,rJVQ.L,GILG.l:V111 .. 13ULLU L:V1111Jally awarucu Pre-release Cul wl ti.:vllusu.i rugfc L, Vi `t Offenders, wild stay at pre-release centers for an average s Letter: l3r ucus of six months, must have a job and are restricted in their tapes piles of movements. cash fron-I outside Pre-release residents receive treatment, counseling, Montana education, job training and placement services. # (60 ratings) In the past seven years, nearly 900 offenders from Letter: Obam.,V.s Flathead County have spent time in pre-release centers, record so far is the department said, with about half moving back to far less than Flathead County. stellar *** (83 About 800 offenders are housed in pre-release centers in ratings) Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena and e Guest Opinion: Missoula. Oba. ma. takes apprortclt._tl r Copyright © 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. gowr1n. ment This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, knows best or redistributed. (63 ratings) a Letter: Support Published on Friday, December 12, 2008. federal Last modified on 12/12/2008 at 12:29 am Empiovee Frye Choice Act **a (211 Copyright ©The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee E_nierpnscs. _ ratings) Stories that have a d b ahoy " received the most high � ratings in the last 48 hours more slate headlines Distribution L'c���l�zn�- spur redo of state':s 1 ``II,LCY;•'... !Ji ss rl' e1se distril)udoii .search; At i',IE Sbudget 2 1.I iCi, ., r- _ 9 i t'irV;0'0: a Soldier 1'az P lus ti H 1...� 71 ,3c.i�i .��3�. Releases 109 ® H 'ena group )�: S..t: i C',dLl L� �:-dui.':' �ii �.i C''.' )il�FCt�'. .i li,c'1?. wagis gg,,� td _ - _.. ._ `al'e af2'E' i aninsured mDeal rFor bison _ 33 33 'S vwa y 9ti8✓d Oil ,;;,Wi:d ;Rae _` t iam! ?,_ i illi'iC SC t I nv on ? i ? ess . .; ]S2 Butte e i3i<di ;iSBf)ting What think? rweate: _ £.,r you Y2' iSdY :.�j�l S $GL http://www.billingsgazette.net/arti ciesi2008/12/12/news/st,tc/59-release,txt -1/1 £/2009 .::The Montana Standard::. Pagel of 2 Contact Us I RSS I Make tTrstandard.com your homepage Careers in Lee e-Edition I Mobile _ 23O F Severe tstanard.co S a. alth ur.�l vs'n rnna's Heave f�aet.� Home News Sports Multimedia Obits Entertainment Special Editions Classifieds For Subscribers Marketplace 11 w-r/e I LIXXVIG Tr M Millif.: nix View/Post Comments I Email this story) Print this story I View Related Headlines, _ _- - Pre-release center reports walk -away _yThe Montana Standard SmE-23�•a2ax A 26-year-old woman walked away from the CCCS pre-release center in Uptown Butte on Saturday. Officials said Lynella Schouten, who was serving a sentence for forgery and criminal possession of dangerous drugs in Flathead County, was last seen leaving the Women's Transitional Center at 3 p.m., walking to work. The time of her walking away from the center was listed as 5 p.m. Schouten is 5'-9't and weighs 140 pounds. She was wearing blue jeans, a brown T-shirt with writing on the back and black shoes. She was wearing glasses on top of her head. She also has a tattoo of a flower on her left hand and a butterfly on her left shoulder. She has pierced ears and scars on both forearms. 1-i-vill Dialogue: %,I I "I show/ hide -No comments poossted.- The site mtstandard.com provides this community forum for readers to exchange ideas and opinions on the news of the day. passionate views, pointed criticism and critical thinking are welcome. Name-calling, crude language and personal abuse are not welcome. Moderators will monitor comments with an eye toward maintaining a high level of civility in this forum. Ifyou donI see your comment, perhaps... more View recipe of the day i Wm Montana Project Manager Field Engineer/Scientist -C, l;7C. Construction Laborers LPN's Career Opportunities Nurse Deputy Chief - Fire & Aviation Bureau CURRENT PROMOTIONS QUICK LINKS VIDEOS SLIDE SHOWS n�ttp:/; w4vu.intstandard.corn/articles/2009/09/" /area/hjjbjahjhgf cA)A �/� 6/200R .::The Montana Standard:% Page 2 of 2 ■ Hoop highlights: Butte High v. Missoula Big Sky GIRLS (3/14/09) e Hoop highlights: Billings West v. CM Russell BOYS (3/14/09) ■ Hoop highlights: Twin Bridges v. Rocky Boy BOYS (3/14/09) ■ Experience Art Day seeks to get kids involved (3/14/09) ■ Hoop highlights: Butte High v. CM Russell GIRLS (3/13/09) ■ Hoop highlights: Twin Bridges v. Scobey Peerless BOYS (3/13/09) ■ Hoop highlights: Billings West v. Billings Skyview BOYS (3/13/09) ■ Hoop highlights: Twin Bridges v. Big Sandy BOYS (3/12/09) ■ Trimbo's 'Jumboli' a feast for the eyes (3/12/09) ■_ Finon,.hiohlinht ,_Blltte_ Hinh_v_Helena Hiah __... _.._. 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The law is simple: If you walk away from a pre-release center... means worse health care (22 --- Snap decisions to flee pre-release centers carry lasting effects; 17-year-old ... ,",,w.billingsg2zet'e..,etia.xicies,"2008,104!24,lnews/locaUI8-fiia-ht.t,<t - Cached page Helena Forum-TopiX Superdelegates at center stage in ... 22-year-old walks away from Helena Prerelease C ... ... Get Helena, MT contractors estimates Fast quotes from pre- screened contractors ,,v,,vw.topix.comiforur�n�Icitylhelet-ia-ir.t - Cached page Queen City News - Helena's FREE Weekly Newspaper ... along a stretch of Green Meadow Drive, a 17-year-old _ Monday at the University of Utah burn center with ... of Monday night, the Meriwether fire north of Helena had burned about 22 ... d (-.awhp(j npnp hele.n.a.ircom ��t District 7 (20, 21, 22, 23, 24 ... University of Montana n Helena College of Technology, student center... Man walks away from Helena pre-release; HCC neighborhood meetings ... �.7 - Cached cage ARCHIVE MAY 122 � Search resumes for missing 9-year-old Florida Girl.... Young Man Walking with Dogs in Fontainebleau Forest Enlarge ... Madie Lundstrom: We need a way to house violent sex ... U-1 Cachedpage Struckbylightning.org >?�7 A nine -year -old girl from Madhya Pradesh was washed away yesterday by flash floods... Minutes later, a 22-year-old Australia Post ... the girl was identified as four -year -old Helena ... Cached page 101 :Summer Things = " 101 Summer Things A list of 101 Summer things to do in the Helena area Cached .page Queen City News - Helena's FREE ;Weekly Newspaper ­ that make it easier to outlaw it," 19-year-old ... of the Western Environmental Law Center. Jim Posewitz of Helena, a ... The 2008 Downtown Helena Spring Art Walk is Friday, May 16 ... V ... Cached page The Montana Standard.*:. his pickup truck into three girls walking along BlaGktail Lane, killing 14-year- old ... the kid to go hunting from a pre-release center is _ Driving, Killing and Sponsored sites American Heart Assoc. Join the Start! Heart Walk in your community. Learn more. go. heart. org M year walks year walks Online. Shop Target.com. 0 See your message here... http:Hsearch.msn.com/results.as,ox?q=22+YEAR+OLD+WALKS+AWAY+HELE,,NA+PR... 3/16/2009 - -a- - -- - NEWS Man arrested in assault on ex-wife By Daily Inter Lake Published: Tuesday.. M 29, 20071:33 ,=L1.1 CDT Kalispell police arrested a man early Monday morning whom they say stole his ex-wife's car and then returned to assault her. William Frederick Arnot, 44, stole his ex-wife's Ford Taurus at about 1:45 a.m. from the parking lot of the Blue and White Motel on U.S. 2, police said. About an hour afterArnot's former spouse called police to report the theft of her car, Amot allegedly returned to the motel and assaulted her. Police returned to the scene and arrested Arnot outside Finnegan's restaurant, less than a block from where the alleged assault occurred. Arnot is being held on a warrant for walking away from a pre-release center in Butte, where he was serving a 60-month sentence for aggravated domestic assault, while charges in connection with car theft and assault are pending, police said. Pre-release centers house programs in which inmates work their regular day jobs without supervision during the day but return to be incarcerated at night. The victim had not known that her ex-husband had escaped the pre-release center and was in Kalispell, police said. Police later found the victim's car totaled in Columbia Fails. Copyright © 2009 - Northwest Montana Daily Inter Lake i1ttp:,1',Nww.d iilyinteriake.com/articles/2007/05/29/news/newsO2.i�rt 3/ 16/20C 9 1J 111111�JVG1l..L+LCv.iJV111 .. lY1CLa1 L411 vJLVu L.Li LVi vUv{.i. �.JY ll. Vlii �/i vi vava.wv vviia.vi w asL,.v a vi ✓ r 1 ` - �` Contact i S I SUbscr:be ; o- [n I R vrstei ` Quick Property search `news sports enWtainment 'features opinion puWic notices classKieds I&hwnes jejobs CM Local • State • Wvorning • Nation • World - Business •Markets • Obits • video • Photos • Weither News ar;crr advanced Search Yesterday's Headlines To View Our Beautiful Slide Show and Video I rt at-r€tai# c Inryie:its (2) �� ri t 1� N�i.�=r��e t� se � eQUCe WPU -- Y x - - Man arrested after escape from prerelease center,. By The Gazette Staff ITPDATE 7:30 a.m. Kody Bourbeau was arrested Sunday and is being held at the Yellowstone County Detention Facility on escape charges. INITIAL, REPORT: The Montana Department of Corrections and local law enforcement are searching for Kody Bourbeau, 24, after he walked away from a Billings prerelease center Saturday. Bourbeau is Hispanic, 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing about 175 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen at alpha House at about 9:50 p.m. Saturday Since he has not returned to the facility, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He could face up to a 10-year sentence for felony escape. c iiciz to enlarge rmsi commented steries ® x 1�11 LC St :Orces toUgh choices for n�arents (72 comments) to focus ,t'11-W e 0 ' (45 comments) r, i ,:t Sou aeon =har, za it herited (30 comments) s Letter: i ctiOCi':nds i Nhi -: idiiion in (28 comments) b,i na's ec rci so, tar is (27 comments) Stories receiving the most comments in the Call 406.657.1212 for more information _ilti): `: :s azc'te.:�r �f r` v.C',:;I.1,109113110,/n,' FJ s/II{�caI/ I` -.-, n_.aces. , t �� �i �� tiC) %:t132 7 _7 Bourbeau, a native of Billings, was sentenced for criminal mischief in January 2008. He arrived at the Alpha House prerelease program less than a week ago. Anyone with information on Bourbeau's whereabouts should contact law enforcement officials immediately. Published on Monday, March 16, 2009. Last modified on 3/16/2009 at 8:02 am Copyright(D The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee mrpn Ent . - ses Ads- by Y ahoo � - --.- -- --- Lower Your Car Insurance, Drivers 13av S-L14/1-.lio on Av:_' for Car "nstli-ance. Arev "aV1112,00 MUC-1. Online , t 7 =,Jct Y our;A�A. 3A. Niascetrs or r M-) Star- No\X. E, I, icai. io 17. 'See Today's Moftua-ue Rates tn 14 C ie-k --q- VIP 'VI . I ull"2"." 0 "Is' —31 Tell us what you thought of this story. past 24 hours. readers' favorite stories • Letter: Balticus takes piles of gashfrom outside INIontana ***-* (59 ratings) • Lette)r;-Obatna'-s record -so -far is far less Oaln stellar (68 ratings) • Quest 0 * i n pinjo Obalinatakes approach that gcerarnt knowsbest ***� (63 ratings) • Letter: Supoort federal Employee Free ChoiceAct (209 ratings) • Guest Opinion: F'resident's recovery plan puts money where needed most (6-3 ratings) Stories that have received the most high ratings in the last 48 hours U,75713fi�� a Education datll I" aced ikull signaise, ad 1)3 ;'03- Aopes r"Ir. Mon 'br -'iawfat httT):Ilbi-Ilin(,Y,sgazet,te.net/articies/'-1009/03/16/news/locaI/49-manfaces.txt 3/ 16 /-2 0 0 9 ll i€ -tom tl �,'_' ontact Lis I Suubscribe Phil Taylor 10106yandave 0"20 entartainment Whm o0nlan flogs pubficmftm i classifoxis &hornes - .9flobs mrs S_:_Olb og • 4_Chromosome • Outdoors • What's cooking? • On themargins • Cat Griz • A News s�aRcn' csr'srrse!its (23) *: rq=.— Woman walks away from Passages By Gazette News Services Authorities on Sunday were looking for a woman who walked away from a community corrections program in Billings earlier in the day. Ryan Carissa Watson, 24, of Missoula, walked away from the Passages Women's Program at 1001 S. 27th St. around 6:45 a.m., according to David Armstrong, administrator of Alternatives Inc. He said Watson was on the first floor of the building which is an unlocked pre-release center where offenders are allowed to come and go. Watson was convicted of forgery in Missoula County in 2002 and arrived at Passa.aes on April 13, 2007. If you had to reapplifSt for your jok would you ua Find answers to the big questions at YOUR university. gg Cheek' it out, CLICK 31 _ to a statement, Armstrong said Watson should be considered dangerous because she is facing a 10-year sentence for felony escape. H4,1i cost farces tougn_choices for parents (72 comments) on zacc riance of Tat-'s (45 comments) ;.cater; Take a look at Situation Obama inherited (30 comments) wetter: i obiection ends rie r, d .ran ifz , e, (28 comments) ter' 'bamaS record so ar :s t,SS Csian Jan lar (27 comments) Stories receiving the most comments in the past 24 hours. readers' favorite stories_ ® o ter 1au$'i$s ai %d's 'shies 3z y3tig�k nYt,.�in per ;;,gip r'.Yv£°�sv.' iillr s a ette.> etl�*ic:tis-/2()07/ ��/O�,�t?et:�rsiioc,ir .{} as ages.fvt =r ":T009 Viflh-4o a ,fit` Cotitact Us I Subscribe ister ha► wey.cam Ot quatity customer S _ o0nion Wogs pidic ndims I classffileds Ahom es JR,jobs cars Gazette Opinion • Guest Opinion • Letters to the Editor • Submit a Letter News S� RCH Advanced Search W'1V_WT_4r"4 {.'�Ei71C ,_ I4lati CJIiirrients (2) :Fa4'.:' Fat*- ,Aenldrt_:F type ."ArELIu-2 I'vue Pre-release walkaway arrested By Gazette News Services A man who walked away from a Billings pre-release center last weekend was arrested early Friday morning by the Billings Police Department. Lt. Mark Cady said police received information that Jesse Tyler Davis, 26, was at a home on Lordwith Drive, near Pioneer Park. Police arrived at the home, found Davis in. a bathroom and arrested him on an escape warrant at about 2 a.m., Cady said. According to a press release from Alternatives Inc., Davis walked away from the Alpha House men's pre-release center on Nov. 15 at about 5 a.m. He was convicted on theft charges out of Missoula County in 2002 and escape charges in 2005. Davis arrived at Alpha House on Sept. 2. Davis was booked into the Yellowstone County Detention Facility where he is being held on suspicion of felony escape from an official detention center. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. €Host cannenW stoi ies • Hip?h cost forces tough_choces tor parents -------- - (72 comments) to �i�,••,c on -?cceptanpe oI ay s (45 comments) • .` etter: Take a -- _-- --- - - -_ ook-at, sl L ation Obama inherited (30 comments) Letter: 1 objection ends iC)ie tT'adltlt;ii if'=.=. (28 comments) • � stir: 'alb%iC';<,`s t,e cO rr_ so -ar iS Car less thai, _. st.e-lar (27 comments) Stories receiving the most comments in the past 24 hours. atlers' ''avariL stories • ette�: 3, tucus _takes ;piles ,3l` �Z3s11 re'�s�al <�ntsicK 3��ao,tta�tt 14) DRN E�D�K ION haver it 1 ON & FEES MID ;.vr lie attending school in 3illil ergs alic delivering ',-e 3illinGazette. ' %_'2,1 e� ;ls/lo.cai,,/66-,vaikaw,-N-_` t 1 6/2009 March 5, 2009 Dear Sir or Madam, As a resident of this County, I come to you today to inform you of my thoughts on the pre-release center proposed for Highway 93 South_ When I moved here, the entrance to the city was deplorable. Such a beautiful geographic location and such an eyesore! And the county seat to boon What about being the gateway to Glacier National Park??. The business owners on Highway 93 South are to be commended for their wonderful work to beautify that part of town. Now, it is with pride that I welcome visitors. What a boost to our tourism industry:' Please do not discourage our Highway 93 South business owners after all the efforts and money they have spent. I do not disagree with the pre-release center concept, however I do not see the good sense reasoning behind the proposed location: closest to the fastest escape route by air (Kalispell City Airport; or by land (Highway 93)j ust consider the impact on the nearby already established businesses and residences!' Doesn't longevity deserve some consideration? Sincerely, Andre- ? aroche mm"'ENC(B i www.yamahanow.com (406) 755-6229 2310 Highway 93 South Kalispell, Montana 59901 3/5/09 To The Kalispell Zoning Board 7 ., .:+:.,n ,-t,:� t��-,-o ..k:o.�+;nn +� rt,o ,.�,n e,4 -F ,. 7^Q7 U , n rry „�i 1 Qlll VYi 1LU1`9 L111J 1GLLYr M V VJV UVU LV LLLV LUn S Li UUL 5e IJIWF Vlt 1V1 ..L _ 11"Y ,J J. - - toil payer and business owner from the south 93 businesses, I do object to the site selected for the Kalispell Pre-release Center. If allowed, it will lower the land values and distort the image we are all working so hard to create for South Hwy 93. The Pre-release Center is something that is needed, but not at the entrance to our city. Please take the time to look further into the impact it will have on South Kalispell before choosing this location. Sincerely, ghn Penrod Owner/Manager Penco Power Products mom"' IFENC D www.yamahanow.com (406) 755-6229 2310 Highway 93 South Kalispell, Montana 59901 March 4, 2009 Flathead County Zoning Committee, I am writing in regards to the proposed zoning change for a pre-release center on Hwy 93 South. It has been my understanding that the goal for the south end of town has been to create an appealing entrance to our city. It was only 6 months ago there was talk about not only the progress business owners have made with the development of sidewalks, landscaping, etc., but that the city was discussing the idea of a new "Welcome to Kalispell" sign along with new street lights and even more landscaping to our main entrance of town. It is surprising that we are now heading down a very different road. By approving this zone change, thus allowing for a pre-release center at this location, it defeats all that we have done as business owners, and as city officials. There are other locations for ttus facility that are much more appropriate. Please also take into consideration the impact this will have on property values on Hwy 93 South. There is no doubt that there needs to be a transition time for prison released individuals. I am pleased that the state recognizes that, without this time, there is a greater chance of relapse. However, "ihis location is not the best for all interests. In most other cities, the locations of such, are very different than the site being proposed in our city of Kalispell. The future of the appearance and value of our great cities entrance is in your hands. Please do what is right for Kalispell. Thank You, Trinette E. Penrod Did you know a PRE-RELEASE PRSTD STD center is scheduled to go next U.SPAID door to Penco Power Products? Permit 193 Kaligell, MT 40-60 convicted criminals will be roaming your neighborhood during the day looking for work. Please come to the City Council Meeting on April 6th, @7pm at City Hall and be heard on this critical public safety issue. Call the City Council @ 758-7756 or e-mail: citycouncil@kalispell.com OCCUPANT OR POSTAL PATRON 'AU�O�� 59901 Ci1Gl�- KAL1 SpeSy OOOLA/VCD DR �a�a�eta�erlafa � 7. S9901`51 JrJr rr/rra�%a%rlfr/►r��a�airrlafrrrr����rr/1 /tad April 3, 2009 City Council 201 1 s< Ave East Kalispell, MT 59901 Dear City Council: I am writing this letter in response to the proposed development of a pre-release center to be located at 2282 U.S. Highway 93 South. Along with my partner, Bob Voelker of Gateway Hospitality Group, we oppose the proposed location of the pre-release center solely based on two reasons: 1. Development: Nearly two years ago we built the Hilton Garden Inn located at 1840 Highway 93 South. Due to what we knew then and know now, the City of Kalispell, along with the Flathead Valley could benefit from another Hotel and Convention Center. In our due diligence and wu-nn:g collectively with itLL.ie.. Ulty v..Li ,IL:L .w..d5 v..u..i..u.n.-u-ICUi..s�LLadn.-uJu:.-iy LaI-iadLL LaLeU c_u:Ly.. ...__ was interested in developing the south side of town with similar interests to ours. In fact the city has an ordinance to support such interests. What is being proposed is just the opposite of that intent. Developing the Hilton Garden Inn as you know it today was not a decision made lightly. This project required roughly $20 million dollars to build. The development of the hotel has since created additional revenue for the City of Kalispell, created over 70 jobs year around (not counting the summer season influx) and is an establishment that has and will continue to bring tourists and convention seekers alike to the city. Simply put, the city has and will continue to benefit incrementally from the Hilton Garden Inn. We feel the development of a pre-release center located at the proposed location will slow the development of other fine businesses, reduce land values and limit the growth of our own business, which in turn will limit the ability for the City of Kalispell to generate long term revenue growth. 2. Safety and Perception: Owning and managing a hotel can at times be a challenge as it relates to the safety and security of our guests and employees. One that is never minimized or reduced. In fact, it is our policy not to employ felons. Locating a pre-release center near a hotel is not a good mixed business plan and could lead to security issues above and beyond what we have experienced in the past. In this day and age it does not make sense to locate felons who are free to leave the facility on their own right down the road from a hotel who at any given time can house upwards of 600 people. The risk is too great. There is also the perception, in that potential tourists may choose not to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn because a pre-release center is located "down the road". This is particularly true when it comes to large groups and conventions, as typical attendees come from far and wide. Understanding the surrounding area is one of the top reasons meeting planners choose a convention location and I can assure you a pre-release center located here will prevent conventions from coming to Kalispell for years to come, again adversely affecting you and I. There have been and will continue to be convention centers built in and around the state of Montana. We have seen proof of this in cities such as Missoula, Bozeman, Billings, Boise and Laramie. As a meeting planner there are many good options in and around the State to hold Regional Conventions which bring upwards of 200-400 people for days at a time spending money which in turn helps the current business community, potential new developments, and the City of Kalispell. Not to mention the impact it could have on State Lodging Tax collection. USA 1840 US Highway 93, Kalispell, MT 59901 Tel: 406 756 4500 Fax: 406 756 4505 Official Sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team TheHiltonFam4y Reservations: StayHGI.com or 1-877-STAY-HGI In closing, while my partner and I do not oppose the development of a pre-release center we ask that you not conclude this as a viable location for this type of development. We ask that you seek another location that will absolutely not affect our development and your future revenue streams. Sincerely, Joe Guilbault Resident Partner Hilton Garden Inn — Kalispell Theresa White From: Martha Artyomenko [martha@Iclink.com] Sent: Friday, April 03, 2009 4:46 PM To: citycouncil@kalispell.com Subject: Pre-release center Dear Sirs: I am writing concerning the plan to put a pre-release center near to Penco Power Products. This is very near our home on the eastside of Kalispell and I beg you not to do this! We moved over here because it was a safe neighborhood for our children. If you must put a pre-release center, please do it much farther out of town and not where they can easily walk to a neighborhood and nearby schools. There is an elementary school less than one mile from there and several parks where children walk to and from school and play. It is not an ideal spot for such a place! We already have enough trouble here in the valley with the economy issues, we do not need something like that, to cause us to be fearful to go outside our homes. Please reconsider this action and do not open this center there! Martha Artyomenko Kalispell city Resident Page 1 of 1 Theresa White From: Brad Helding [bhelding@hotmail.com] Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 7:54 AM To: citycouncil@kalispell.com Subject: Pre-release center I write in strong support of the proposed pre-release center for the south Kalispell area. I live and work in south Kalispell and welcome the addition of this facility- these parolees are already in our community and must have a structured environment so they may become productive members of our community. Please do not be swayed by the shameful and anonymous mass mailed postcard that was circulated last week- it is a cheap and hateful scare tactic. thank you Brad Helding 1130 1st Ave west Kalispell Peace Quick access to your favorite MSN content and Windows Live with Internet Explorer 8. Download FREE now! 4/6/2009 Page 1 of 1 Theresa White From: M Lapp [bidcaller65@hotmail.com] Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 8:59 PM To: Kalispell City Council Subject: Pre -Release Center 4-5-09 Mickey Lapp 160 Kelly Rd. Kalispell, Mt. 59901 257-6832 To: Kalispell Mayor and City Council Members: I own approx. 6 acres of commercial property on Kelly Rd., and no one on any board or council, including the Governor, can say with any certainty that a pre-release center will not de -value my property, or hinder my ability to acquire renters for my buildings. I have already lost a potential renter because they were afraid to park business vehicles in the back of the building for fear of vandalism, should the pre-release center come to pass. As a business owner, I have the right to conduct business without the added risk of personal injury. The pre-release center board and the city council must already believe that some risk exists, otherwise there would not be the buffer requirements for residential areas or schools. In addition, I would think that if the risk were as minimal as we are being led to believe, there would be more of you on the council lobbying to have the pre-release center placed in your neighborhoods. Last Tuesday, the Governor spoke to the Lakeside/Somers Chamber and told us there were other places around the state competing for the pre-release center and we did not have to have it in Flathead County if the people didn't want it. Because of the number of family oriented businesses located near the proposed site, this location is simply not a good idea. I believe the perfect spot for the pre-release center, is the old Kelly Main Street Furniture building. Its location is close to the Kalispell Police Dept., and several blocks in any direction from residential areas and schools. Since the convicts will be given bicycles to ride to work (providing they can find any jobs at all), parking won't be an issue. I have already been doing my part by providing these convicts with "3 hots and a cot" with my tax dollars. I am not under any obligation as a business owner to help them re-enter society. There are some who have gone to great lengths to assure that these convicts will be monitored at all times and we should all be comforted by the fact there will be a "zero -tolerance" policy. The problem with "zero -tolerance" policies, is that they usually don't take effect until after the rules are broken, and there is a victim. If "zero -tolerance" policies were an effective deterrent, they wouldn't have landed in prison to begin with. Please vote No in allowing the zone change and conditional use permit for the pre-release center. We simply don't need it here. Thank you for your kind attention. Mickey Lapp Windows Liver'": Keep your life in sync. Check it out. 4/6/2009 Page 1 of 1 Theresa White From: Rodney [bassb8s@bresnan.net] Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 7:46 AM To: citycouncil@kalispell.com Subject: Pre -Release Center Comments Dear City Council, Pre -Release Center less than a mile as a crow flies or a criminal stalks from children and elderly persons is an outrage. There are far too many problems in South Meadows and Ashleigh Creek area now from the slum apartments on Airport Road. Do not ruin the area more with a Pre -Release Center. Put it out past Hutton Ranch area near the cemetery where they should be hanging out. This is an outrage to put this type of a facility in the mix of businesses that are already struggling. The last thing any of us wants or needs is to worry more than we do for our kids, assets, and personal effects with a more concentrated criminal collection. Those businesses will suffer more as people will stay away from the area due to this poor idea. Put it next to a car dealership, cars are easier to catch than motorcycles when they get stolen. Penco will need to move or go our of business due to insurance rates going up for all the claims that will come about putting so many criminals next to an easy grab and go and/or Penco will have to keep all the bikes inside and loose the curb appeal for buyers. Please drop the plans for that location and think of others rather than yourselves and put it away from businesses and neighborhoods. With all the law enforcements needs that are needed now and will not get due to cutbacks is going to strain them and criminals are going to get the upper hand. Put them in an undesirable area where they belong. Concerned Citizens, Rodney, Renee, Anthony, and Ashleigh Markowitz 4/6/2009 Page 1 of 1 Theresa White From: Robert Benson [bensonr@centurytel.net] Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 5:48 AM To: citycouncil@kalispell.com Subject: RE: pre-release Ah, my wife and I, for the safety of our children, grandchildren, and ourselves would rather not have convicted criminals roaming our neighborhood looking for work. Thanks, Robert & Deborah Benson 1124 Second ave w Kalispell MT 59901 406-257-0154 4/6/2009 Page 1 of 1 Theresa White From: Joan Skare [Cty79686@centurytel.net] Sent: Saturday, April 04, 2009 11:47 AM To: City Council Subject: pre-release center To Whom It May Concern: PLEASE !! NO PRE-RELEASE CENTER IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD !! Ronald & Joan Skare 1030 1 st Avenue West Kalispell 4/6/2009 Yage 1 of 1 Theresa White From: Daniel Gerber [dlgerber9@hotmail.com] Sent: Saturday, April 04, 2009 11:16 AM To: citycouncil@kalispell.com Subject: Pre-release Center Kalispell City Council, I would like to comment on the proposed pre-release center for prisoners on the property by Penco Power products in South Kalispell. I am vehemently opposed to this project. South Kalispell is not the right location for this type of facility. I work and live in South Kalispell. In the past five years I've noticed a real improvement in the Southern part of our fine city. The new Hilton Garden Inn and Blue Canyon restaurant, the new look of Scotty's with the Winchester steak house, the new McKenzie River pizza, Jones music, Jackola engineering and architecture, Southfield Towers, not to mention the nice sidewalks trees and greenspace that was added with the widening of 93 South a few years ago and by some miracle the Montana Club is going to build a beautiful new restaurant right across from where I work at Scarff Auto Center. My point is South Kalispell is in the midst of urban renewal, there is no place for a pre-release center for convicted felons in this environment. Not to mention the fact that Kalispell south of highway 2 has the highest concentration of families in the entire valley. Families have been priced out of Whitefish and Bigfork and they are moving here, which is why their schools are losing students. Why would you put felons in this neighborhood and send them out to look for work. Which by the way, is in short supply. Where are all these guys going to work? Whose jobs are they going to take? Did you notice this center is next to a liquor store, and across the street from a bar and a park where I take my son and kids are always at play. This is a terrible idea. There is a reason that these facilities have been located in bigger cities throughout the State, those cities are big enough to absorb these former prisoners and their problems. Don't let the state or anyone else bully you into accepting this. I don't see how this could possibly benefit taxpaying citizens of Kalispell in any way shape or form. I urge you to deny this pre-release center as it has been proposed. Daniel Gerber 1304 6th Avenue East (porperty owner) Kalispell, MT 59901 Quick access to your favorite MSN content and Windows Live with Internet Explorer 8. Download FREE now! 4/6/2009 Page 1 of 1 Michelle Anderson From: Michelle Anderson Sent: Monday, March 23, 2009 8:02 AM To: Tom Jentz Subject: Telephone msg against Pre -Release Tom, This morning (March 23) there was a message on our voice mail from Friday at 5:41 p.m. A woman (no name given) is opposed to the center - she lives on Woodland Avenue — her kids walk back and forth to swimming lessons at Woodland Park. These center draws criminals to the community. She doesn't think the residents of the center should be working out their problems in communities where there are children. She knows for a fact that the residents walk away and then no one knows who is in their neighborhood. She hopes to God that the pre-release center is not approved. Michelle Anderson Office Administrator Kalispell Planning 8s Building Dept. 201 First Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone: (406) 758-7940 Fax: (406) 758-7739 email: manderson@kalispell.com 3/23/2009 25 Feb 09 03:23p Murcon Development Ltd. (403) 237-7676 p.2 Murcon Development Inc. 2510, 530 — 8"' Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 3S8 Phone (403) 269-5416 Fax (403) 237-7676 February 25, 2009 City of Kalispell Planning Department 201 — 1 S` Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 Attention: Tom Jentz Re: Notice of Public Hearing March 10, 2009 Items # 1 and 2 Request by R. Dick Mitsch Dear Tom: Murcon Development Inc. is in receipt of a Notice of Public Hearing, Kalispell City Planning Board and Zoning Commission to be held at 7:00 PM on March 10, 2009. The Ietter gives notice of the following two items: A request by R. Dick Mitsch for a zone change from B-2 General Business to P-1 Public for 2 tracts of land totaling 1.78 acres located on the west side of US Highway 93 South in Kalispell just south of the Kelly Road intersection. The property address is 2282 US Highway 93 South and is more particularly described as Tract A of COS 15749 and COS 6682 in Section 20, Township 28N, Range 21 W, P.M.M. Flathead County Montana. 2. A request by R. Dick Mitsch on behalf of Community Counseling and Correctional Services, Inc of Butte, MT for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to operate the Northwest Montana Transition Center. The Transition Center would be a 40 bed "Pre -Release Center" to be operated at 2282 US Highway 93 South in Kalispell. The property is petitioning to be rezoned to P-1 Public (see agenda item I above). Pre -Release centers are allowed by conditional use in the P-1 zone. The site contains an existing office building on 1.78 acres of land. The exterior of the property would remain generally unchanged however the interior would be remodeled to accommodate the 40 residents and a maximum staff of 23. A 4,750 square foot addition housing a kitchen/dining facility and bathrooms will be added to the back (westerly side) of the existing facility. This center will operate under contract with the MT Department of Corrections. For a specific legal description, please refer to agenda item 1 above. 25 Feb 09 03:23p Murcon Development Ltd. (403) 237-7676 p.3 Page 2 o f 2 Notice of Public Hearing March 10, 2009 Items # 1 & 2 Request by R. Dick Mitsch Thank you for taking the time to discuss the above items and to clarify the type of facility being proposed. Further to the notice and our discussions, Murcon Development Inc. (after careful consideration of the above proposals), is opposed to both of the requests listed above. Please make a note of our opposition for your records. Murcon Development Inc. is an immediate adjacent landowner to the proposed request. We object for the following reasons: The proposed change is incompatible with the present business uses in the area and is incompatible with the present zoning in the area. The proposed zoning change and use is basically residential which is a nonconforming use to the business/commercial use in the area. 2. A proposal of this type would have a direct economic impact on the worth of the cnrrnnndina nrnnPrtiPc nnrtirnlnrly Mnrrnn T1PvP1nnment Tnr as an nc innnnt lan'l owner_ Murcon Development Inc. has two business development lots in the area and a change of the type proposed could highly jeopardize the salability and future development of the lots owned by Murcon Development Inc. Murcon Development Inc., as a developer of the Daley Field Subdivision, committed extensive tune and expense toward the development of the Daley Field Subdivision and worked cooperatively with the City of Kalispell. Murcon Development Inc. feels an approval of the requests in the Notice of Public Hearing would be detrimental to the entire Daley Field Subdivision. Doug Denmark will be attending the Public Hearing and has full authority to act on behalf of Murcon Development Inc. ours tru , Murph Hannon President Murcon Development Inc. cc_ Doug Denmark Page 1 of 1 Michelle Anderson From: C.Byrd@flathead.coop Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 1:05 PM To: manderson@kalispell.com Subject: Pre-release Center Location Dear Kalispell Planning Office, I am unable to attend tonight's meeting concerning the location of the Pre-release Center so I'm writing to express my views to you. First, I would like to say that I am not against the concept of a Pre-release Center -I think they are a great means of getting inmates back into society as productive citizens. I am sorely disappointed in the choosing of the location. Kalispell has been trying to upgrade the appeal of the south entrance to the city for some time now. The center does not need commercial highway frontage. By putting the center in the proposed location next to Penco it would stimy any further commercial development next to it. There are 3-4 empty commercial lots next to the proposed center that I am sure will remain unoccupied for a long time. If I were a business looking to locate in that area, I would not want to have my business close to that center and T sure vnu wouldn't either_ There hoc to he a hetter Inratinn that rinPcn't haves this kind of negative impact. Again, I'm not against the concept of a pre-release center, I'm just strongly opposed to this location because of the negative impact to the surrounding businesses. Thank You for the opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Chris H & Maureen Byrd 3/10/2009 2310 Highway 93 South Kalispell, Montana 59901 3/5/09 To The Kalispell Zoning Board I am writing this letter in objection to the zoning change proposed for 2282 Hwy 93 S. As a tax payer and business owner from the south 93 businesses, I do object to the site selected for the Kalispell Pre-release Center. If allowed, it will lower the land values and distort the image we are all working so hard to create for South Hwy 93. The Pre-release Center is something that is needed, but not at the entrance to our city. Please take the time to look further into the impact it will have on South Kalispell before choosing this location. Sincerel2Penrod ghn Owner/Manager Penco Power Products 11 .......... ................ www.yamahanow.com (406) 755-6229 2310 Highway 93 South Kalispell, Montana 59901 March 4, 2009 Flathead County Zoning Committee, I am writing in regards to the proposed zoning change for a pre-release center on Hwy 93 South. It has been my understanding that the goal for the south end of town has been to create an appealing entrance to our city. It was only 6 months ago there was talk about not only the progress business owners have made with the development of sidewalks, landscaping, etc., but that the city was discussing the idea of a new "Welcome to Kalispell" sign along with new street lights and even more landscaping to our main entrance of town. It is surprising that we are now heading down a very different road. By approving this zone change, thus allowing for a pre-release center at this location, it defeats all that we have done as business owners, and as city officials. There are other locations for this facility that are much more appropriate. Please also take into consideration the impact this will have on property values on Hwy 93 South. There is no doubt that there needs to be a transition time for prison released individuals. I am pleased that the state recognizes that, without this time, there is a greater chance of relapse. However, This location is not the best for all interests. In most other cities, the locations of such, are very different than the site being proposed in our city of Kalispell. The future of the appearance and value of our great cities entrance is in your hands. Please do what is right for Kalispell. Thank You, Trinette E. Penrod EM 9009 MAR 5 pmi 1'23 the state recognizes that, without this time, there is a greater chance of relapse. However, This location is k tt ofier cities. the locations of such. are very different than the site beine III for Kalispell. Thank You, Steve Konopat2ke March 4, 2009 Flathead County Zoning Committee, I am writing in regards to the proposed zoning change for a pre-release center on Hwy 93 South. It has been my understanding that the goal for the south end of town has been to create an appealing entrance to our city. It was only 6 months ago there was talk about not only the progress business owners have made with the development of sidewalks, landscaping, etc., but that the city was discussing the idea of a new "Welcome to Kalispell" sign along with new street lights and even more landscaping to our main entrance of town. It is surprising that we are now heading down a very different road. By approving this zone change, thus allowing for a pre-release center at this location, it defeats all that we have done as business owners, and as city officials. There are other locations for this facility that are much more appropriate. Please also take into consideration the impact this will have on property values on Hwy 93 South. There is no doubt that there needs to be a transition time for prison released individuals. I am pleased that the state recognizes that, without this time, there is a greater chance of relapse. However, This location is not the best for all interests. In most other cities, the locations of such, are very different than the site being proposed in our city of Kalispell. The future of the appearance and value of our great cities entrance is in your hands. Please do what is right for Kalispell. Thank You, Jeff Loflin r 2009 INAR 5 PH 1-1:231 171 PI ra 11 1 In 5 NCO Flathead County Zoning Committee, I am writing in regards to the proposed zoning change for a pre-release center on Hwy 93 South. It has Veex xly uxierA?—Wfixg tX,2t Ae gtal FIT-A-1-WA eXtif NMAIM 4P-el tf. CNA"MAX 2yr-21ing ex)94ce t4i was onty 6 months mo there was talk about not only e pmgwress business owners have made with the development of sidewalks, landscaping, etc., but that the city was discussing the idea of a new — vim the state recognizes that, without this time, there is a greater chance of relapse. However, This location is not the best for all interests. In most other cities, the locations of such, are very different than the site being proposed in our city of Kalispell. for Kalispell. Thank You, Ryan Brechbill March 4, 2009 Flathead County Zoning Committee, I am writing in regards to the proposed zoning change for a pre-release center on Hwy 93 South. It has been my understanding that the goal for the south end of town has been to create an appealing entrance to our city. It was only 6 months ago there was talk about not only the progress business owners have made with the development of sidewalks, landscaping, etc., but that the city was discussing the idea of a new "Welcome to Kalispell" sign along with new street lights and even more landscaping to our main entrance of town. It is surprising that we are now heading down a very different road. By approving this zone change, thus allowing for a pre-release center at this location, it defeats all that we have done as business owners, and as city officials. There are other locations for this facility that are much more appropriate. Please also take into consideration the impact this will have on property values on Hwy 93 South. There is no doubt that there needs to be a transition time for prison released individuals. I am pleased that the state recognizes that, without this time, there is a greater chance of relapse. However, This location is not the best for all interests. In most other cities, the locations of such, are very different than the site being proposed in our city of Kalispell. The future of the appearance and value of our great cities entrance is in your hands. Please do what is right for Kalispell. Thank You, William Weseman ` 0,0 MAR 5 PM § "2 1 Z- P March 4, 2009 Flathead County Zoning Committee, I am writing in regards to the proposed zoning change for a pre-release center on Hwy 93 South. It has been my understanding that the goal for the south end of town has been to create an appealing entrance to our city. It was only 6 months ago there was talk about not only the progress business owners have made with the development of sidewalks, landscaping, etc., but that the city was discussing the idea of a new "Welcome to Kalispell" sign along with new street lights and even more landscaping to our main entrance of town. It is surprising that we are now heading down a very different road. By approving this zone change, thus allowing for a pre-release center at this location, it defeats all that we have done as business owners, and as city officials. There are other locations for this facility that are much more appropriate. Please also take into consideration the impact this will have on properly values on Hwy 93 South. There is no doubt that there needs to be a transition time for prison released individuals. I am pleased that the state recogpizes that, without this time, there is a greater chance of relapse. However, This location is not the best for all interests. In most other cities, the locations of such, are very different than the site being proposed in our city of Kalispell. The future of the appearance and value of our great cities entrance is in your hands. Please do what is right for Kalispell. e' Thank You, David Daughtry 2009 MAR 5 PM March 5, 2009 Dear Sir or Madam, As a resident of this County, I come to you today to inform you of my thoughts on the pre-release center proposed for Highway 93 South. When I moved here, the entrance to the city was deplorable. Such a beautiful geographic location and such an eyesore! And the county seat to boot! What about being the gateway to Glacier National Park?!. The business owners on Highway 93 South are to be commended for their wonderful work to beautify that part of town. Now, it is -with pride that I welcome visitors. What a boost to our tourism industry! Please do not discourage our Highway 93 South business owners after all the efforts and money they have spent. I do not disagree with the pre-release center concept, however I do not see the good sense reasoning behind the proposed location: closest to the fastest escape route by air (Kalispell City Airport) or by land (Highway 93)! Just consider the impact on the nearby already established businesses and residences! ! ! Doesn't longevity deserve some consideration? Sincerely, Andree Laroche Tom Jentz From: Theresa White Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:32 AM To: Hank Olson (maryolson2001 @yahoo.com); Jim Atkinson Atkinson@flathead.mt.gov); Kari Gabriel; Kari Gabriel (gabrielk@sd5.k12.mt.us); larsonbd@centurytel.net; Pam Kennedy (pkennedy@kalispell.com); pam@kowboy.com; Randy Kenyon (randyk@centurytel.net); robertt@montana.com; Tim Kluesner (twkluesner@centurytel.net); Wayne Saverud; Wayne Saverud Cc: Tom Jentz (tjentz@kalispell.com); Myrt Webb Subject: FW: Pre-release center Attachments: tech.gif From: Merna Terry [mailto:merna@ronterryconstruction.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:52 AM To: citycouncil@kalispell.com Subject: Pre-release center Dear Mayor and City council members, I am writing this letter to express my support for the pre-release center being placed in the old DHHS building on rnignway 93. l rm center wul bring jobs to our community and wul make good use of an existing builamg. Sincerely, Merna H. Terry, Vice President Ron Terry Construction, Inc. (406) 755-7516 www.ronterryconstruction.com Click here to subscribe to our Building Success newsletter. It is meant to be informative not promotional. Tom Jentz From: Theresa White Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:32 AM To: Hank Olson (maryolson2001 @yahoo.com); Jim Atkinson (jatkinson@flathead.mt.gov); Kari Gabriel; Kari Gabriel (gabrielk@sd5.k12.mt.us); larsonbd@centurytel.net; Pam Kennedy (pkennedy@kalispell.com); pam@kowboy.com; Randy Kenyon (randyk@centurytel.net); robertt@montana.com; Tim Kluesner (twkluesner@centurytel.net); Wayne Saverud; Wayne Saverud Cc: Tom Jentz (tjentz@kalispell.com); Myrt Webb Subject: FW: Pre-release center Attachments: tech.gif From: Merna Terry [mailto:merna@ronterryconstruction.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:52 AM To: citycouncil@kalispell.com Subject: Pre-release center Dear Mayor and City council members, I am writing this letter to express my support for the pre-release center being placed in the old DHHS building nn TTivhwnv 91 Thic rPntPr will hrino- iohc to nnr rnmmnnity and will make ornnl use of an existing building- -____ ___11_1 .— „--?=J--- _., ....... __ .._---------- a--- ___ __ -_ ____-__-a o_ Sincerely, Mema H. Terry, Vice President Ron Terry Construction, Inc. (406) 755-7516 www.ronterryconstruction.com Click here to subscribe to our Building Success newsletter. It is meant to be informative not promotional. We the Citizens & Business owners of South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. The Proposed location: 2282 HWY 93 South, Kalispell Mt 59901. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed location. Z//7L& . � - q�k -7�16 0 -7 Z-Z_P)- o� We the Citizens & Business owners of South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. The Proposed location: 2282 HWY 93 South, Kalispell Mt 59901. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed i 9515" I'll Atli ETC Q 0 We the Citizens & Business owners of South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. The Proposed location: 2282 HWY 93 South, Kalispell Mt 59901. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed location. 13 Address: Phone:OPT Date: 152- ?10(7 4f _11,VW Ale el- V -7— 7 k ZZ2-0402- ij.�,3 ko er < Iry 111-A /Pt E 6- -3 T Iq913 P_& 4 t'e'' -be '3 We the Citizens & Business' owners • South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed location. Name: Anl� L Phone: OPT Date: Ole-1) 7 Z_ -3 -OL(-99 PETITION AGAMST PRE-RELEASE CEENTEM We the Citizens & Business owners of South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. The Proposed location: 2282 HWY 93 South, Kalispell Mt 59901. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed location. Address: Phone:OPT Date: zs 21 P -a 7 �_r,- 7 - 2 -2 7-c)� L_dle /4) -2, 70 o9 2, SD ?o 3 Z-Z_7- oc' 1575 'e�'w //M q3 261-7G22 V fX 2110 3ld PETITION AGAINST PRE-RELEASE CENTER PROPOSED LOCATION We the Citizens & Business owners of South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. The Proposed location: 2282 HWY 93 South, Kalispell Mt 59901. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed location. Address.:-_ Phone:OPT Date: 444 _-7 PETITION AGAINST PRE-RELEASE CENTE j We the Citizens & Business owners of South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. The Proposed location: 2282 HWY 93 South, Kalispell Mt 59901. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed Name: �2 (t-:, F, R tcKARD �_ 6 _el 12: 11111 Z 1111 We the Citizens & Business owners of South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. The Proposed location: 2282 HWY 93 South, Kalispell Mt 59901. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed location. Name: Address: Phone: OPT Date: A�r Z9(_b 75�-- 9�q?- -off . hLw& t 1) R av 3wrt 1j21S_ILaLiLLL V'. I- see- -602-Z. -121c 31c I 607 3c C) -2 34- 000`�13 We the Citizens & Business owners of South Kalispell are the proposed location oagainstf the Pre -Release center. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed location. A1,C-114"a 151kJ Address: Phone:OPT Date: Lvo -Ole 3 �I C@ o L �A Lk A 6- q Mal ' q le) We the Citizens & Business owners of South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. The Proposed location: 2282 HWY 93 South, Kalispell Mt 59901. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed location. Address: D 121 0 A ^ - 0 0 . z4 h_1 Lo I-L- �,_46 �t- �1%2 -17 b,"Si- OVA 4 NxUt�d L� ra� /c, di 1­11111;14� ''111,113111,1114 We the Citizens & Business owners of South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. The Proposed location: 2282 HWY 93 South, Kalispell Mt 59901. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed locatiot. r 7`5AI'vi fES r Address: )(I %CLACC �(Lo oc 114' (31 Q IqZ,I i We the Citizens & Business owners of South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed location. Name: Address: Phone: OPT I 6 )767 3 -212 �- i All eta &'SIC L M ��q O�08 - PETITION AGAINST PRIE-PTELEASE CENTER We the Citizens & Business o*wners of South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed location. Im 11L 93 ka��o l 7 � 33 0 H q 3 7 5- L,,-& 'U 'D-1771TION AGAINST PRc-REI EASE CENTER We the Citizens & Business owners of South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. Jill 1111111iii By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed location. Off_ Address: Phone; OPT Date: :�330 0 9/� 317. lo - &a tq4-4 jF, Z, 1zlil S4� C--- q�o (I r6 Vi',(O Pr b Iq 16 7- 6-� 7� 073 13 < '7 S-S -q -t�L-7 PETITION AGAINST PRE-RELEASE CEN"I"ER PROPOSED LOCATION We the Citizens & Business owners of South Kalispell are against the proposed location of the Pre -Release center. The Proposed location: 2282 HWY 93 South, Kalispell Mt 59901. By signing you are saying that you do NOT support the proposed location. Name: Address: Phone:OPT Date: -3 Our Miss ion CCrS is comprised of a dedicated team of professionals who promote public safety, preserve the rights of victims, fulfill the mandates of the criminal justice system, and address the individual needs of adults and juveniles. Community, Counseling and s, Inc Correctional :o Programs and Locations Butte, MT Butte Pre -Release Center (BPRC) * • Women's Transitional Center (WTC)* Bismarck, ND • Bismarck Transition Center; Bozeman, MT • Gallatin County Work Release and Re - Entry Program (Pre -Release) TREATMENT A Butte, MT • Connections Corrections Program (CCP) Warm Springs, MT • Warm Springs Addiction Treatment and ! 1_ _ _nge rtl _ _ _IC Y \ marogram �W A T Cn Sanction Treatment Assessment and Revocation Transition Program (START) Lewistown, MT Nexus Program (Long-term Methamphetamine Treatment facility) Glendive, MT ® WATCh East JUVENILE`AIIT Galen, MT • Reintegrating Youthful Offenders (RYO) Juvenile Correctional Facility: Anaconda, MT Discovery House (for youth in need of care and supervision) Medical Lake, WA ® Martin Hall Juvenile Detention Facility ® Accredited by the American Correctional Association 1- ct a) +-+ cn as c0 oj cd 4-1 +Cd t-, p O c U � Q E o 4- o -J UO R (a) E--1 CID P�� �Uczaj i ct O N M w o*' E-+ S WMi U ct g�. oct as o � wo O N 4-J �O O ^ • CC3 U � � O NN LO co O q� ct 4-1 ct rl A C .Q 00 R O C0 'H tn tn M 'S �C,3 �mE N m 14, •� � 2 O U N vq o� `° asLO � o o v P4 M o O (3) r, 4- c40 Ct O co S O cn O4-1 o 4w- c� a� 4-J 3 cat ► -a 0 o o M . W o .� � .- � .0 O o cd Cn M �: U�W �—,U)�C a Pre -Release Centers are conimimity-based correctional facilities operated by non-profit Montana corporations under contract with the Departi-rent of Corrections. 'Fliese fiacilities provide supervision, counseling, assistance in locating employment, life skills training anti �),)zidance. 'f'l-ley function as a component of the correctional system. lire -Release centers provide serxices for adult male and female offenders who: Are released from Montana State Prison and Montana Women's Prison, Have been committed into the custody of die Department of Corrections, > Are parole violators requiring less restriction than a traditional prison setting? Pre -Release centers offer an altemative to the direct release of the offender fironi prison or fail to the coniniurilLy an(I give the person an opportunity to adjust to the Community in a gradual, controlled manner. 'l ransitional steps are provided to prepare the offcn(ler f-or release into society. Pre-Inxellease "cations and Capacity Male Female Center e e total *TLP Slots Billings 157 65 122 20 24 Bozeman 30 n/a 30 5 12 Butte 116 55 171 20 12 Great Falls 135 34 169 10 12 Helena 98 n/a 98 10 12 Missoula 92 20 112 12 12 1.: PRC beds -d Why Kalispell? A recent study completed for the Montana Department of Corrections by consultants from of Carter, Goble, Lx--e found that the pre-release bed capacity M' the state of Montana will have to be expanded by approximately 333 beds by the year 2015. This projected growth -in conununity corrections beds is expected to continue well into d-le early part of the 215t century. Currently, 300 offenders are in the DOC system form Flathead County ranking 14athead as the 4th largest contributing county to Montana's correctional population. In the past seven (7) years, 899 offenders from Hathead County have sperat time in pre-release centers in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena and Missoula. Approximately 9896 of those individuals committed to the correctional system in Montana will return to the Kalispell/ North-,Arest Montana region. All available data indicates that there will be steady growth in the need for coinraunity based bed space mi the coming years. Subsequent Retums to Kalispell Probation and Parole Office Adinissions to Pre -Releases from Flathead. County Subsequent, Return to Flafficad Region TOTAL ADMISSIONS TOTALTRACKED RETURNS 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 109 121 163 191 158 49 51 89 73 45 742 offenders 307 offenders Why This Proposed Location? Proposed site address: 2282 Hwy 93 South Kalispell, MT e Easily accessible. NIMBY (Not in my back yard) ® communiLy/public supporL of this site is crucial. * Conunercially zoned area south of town - away from residential areas, Availability of reqUIred utilities. @ Proposed parking and landscaping will comply with all local requirements. Pro'noqed lorntion xvill nermit collaboration ind -nqY4nPrQhin with Inrn] rrilintv crunmal justice agencies. * Close to public transportation services. The proposed site allows for planned building expansion inclusive of separate facilities that will house the food service operations and off -ender laundry facilities. CCCS Inc. has retained an architect to complete all necessary drawings in regards to these separate facilities. * Suitability of utilizing existing infrastructure (cost savings). Proposed facility expansion at this site will allow CCCS, Inc. to offer jail alternative programming for rMisdemeanor offenders to the City of Kalispell and Mathead County. All construction/renovation at this site will comply with all local and state building codes. 0 Construction/renovation at this site will meet all ACA accreditation standards. It has been the experience of CCCS, Inc. that the siting of a pre-release center will not negatively impact property values or the neighboring areas. In fact, the facility design provides for landscapmg that will blend the facility into the local neighborhood and will be aesthetically pleasing. The Kalispell Pre -Release Center will be appropriately sta- ff-ed, structurally sound, and technologically secure. Public safety is paramount and CCCS, Inc. has a history of promoting public safety in working with those communities in which our programs are currently located to address any concems or issues. The Kalispell Pre -Release Center will involve the local community. The Local Screening Committee will be comprised of representatives from the communifir, and fficy will be charged 10.11th the responsibility of scree ningjreviewirig all offender applications and deciding whether iDdi-,idal applicants Nvill be accepted for placement -,,vid-iin the Kalispell Pre -Release Center. CCCS, Inc. will recruit and support the membership of a Local Ad-visory Group ivf�ich will be convened on a regular basis to address any conununity concerris in regards to the operations of the is ell Pre - Release Center. WHAT ARE PRE-RELEASE CENTERS? Pre-release centers are facilities 111 the communities designed to ease the transition of an offender from a correctional institution to living independently in the community while providing treatment, education, counseling, job training and placement, and transitional living opportunities. WHO OPERATES PRE-RELEASE CENTERS? Non-profit corporations under contract with the Department of Corrections (DOC). Contracts are awarded based on a competitive process. WHO GOES TO PRE-RELEASE CENTERS? Offenders who a judge determines do not need to go to prison, some offenders who violate conditions of their community placement and those in need of a continued level of supen1sion following a treatment program or incarceration. WHERE ARE PRE-RELEASE CENTERS LOCATED? Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula. HOW MANY OFFENDERS ARE IN PRE- RELEASE CENTERS? About 800 male and female offenders. Pre- release centers are 180-day programs, so they can handle about 1,600 offenders annually. HOW MUCH DOES A STAY IN A PRE- RELEASE CENTER COST? The centers have different rates that reflect their varying sizes and related costs. In fiscal year 2007, the daily rates averaged $52.08 per male offender and $60.11 for each female oflender. Offenders housed vvithin the Kalispell Pre-release Center will be required to pay a daily room and board charge of $14.00. HOW ARE OFFENDERS CHOSEN FOR A PRE-RELEASE CENTER? Institutional Probation and Parole Officers assess inmates about to leave prison, and traditional P&P officers do the same for offenders revoked for a violation of their community placement. Offenders committed to the DOC are assessed by their P&P officer and at the Missoula Assessment and Sanction Center (MASQ. In each case, the offenders file is then sent to centers for review and a decision on acceptance. WHAT IS A LOCAL SCREENING COMMITTEE? Each center has a local screening committee that reviews offender information and decides whether the offender is appropriate for the local facility. A committee includes administrative staff members, city and county law- enforcement representatives, members of the center's board of directors and a con-unwilty member. The local screening cominittee is the final authority in determining whether the offender is suitable in the Pre-release center. The committee will examine factors such as nature of the crime, criminal history, previous institational conduct, prior performance in a pre-release center, programming needs, etc. A majority vote of the members of the local screening committee is required to place an offender in center. The DOC cannot force a center to take any offender. DID I IN N 9 D&M Its) OWN I M 11 They leave the center only for approved destinations, such as jobs. They are required to check in and out, and center staff monitors the offenders' movements. The centers require offenders to find a job and each center has a full-time employment specialist that assists them in finding work. The centers provide assistance N111th resumes and job inteniexving techniques, assess every off -ender coming into then- program and develop a program to cater to each offender's needs. Treatment, educational, vocational, parenting and counseling services, and classes in avoiding criminal thinking are pro-vided. IS PLACEMENT IN A PRE-RELEASE CENTER A"FREE RIDE"? No. Offenders in pre-release centers are restricted in where they go and what they do. They are required to be accountable not only to themselves, but also to their Victims, their community, the centers and the DOC. They help pay for costs of their stay, income taxes, child support and restitution to victims. HOW DO PRE-RELEASE CENTERS MONITOR OFFENDERS? Case TNIanagers set. up programs for the offenders and then ensure that die programs are completed. The case managers establish schedules for each offender and track if the offender is where he or she is supposed to be. The case managers talk With each offender's employer and get regular progress reports on offenders'Nvork. DO MANYOFFENDERS WALK AWAY FROM PRERELEASE CENTERS? No. The centers had 52 escapes (walk-aways) in 2005, 51 escapes (-walk-aways) in 2006 and 43 in 2007. Based on the number of offenders housed at the centers each year, that is an average escape rate of 3 percent. On average, 94 percent are captured and usually within a few days. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN OFFENDERS WALKAWAY? They are charged With felony escape and can face up to 10 years in prison. They forfeit all their personal property left at the center and can be permanently barred from another pre- release center placement. Centers are required to report the escape to laNv eril'orcernent. and the news media. They distribute information about the offender and the DOC issues an arrest warrant. 1. Offenders shall be Within 12 months of parole eligibility or discharge. 2. Offenders making application for placement at a pre-release center shall not have medical or psychological problems, which require hospitalization or extensive and costly community -based care. If an offender placed in a pre-release center has medical/psychological problems requiring treatment over and above what the offender can afford to pay, the offender may be returned to the state correctional facility for treatment. 3. Offenders shall be physically and mentally capable of work, educational or vocational training. If unable to work, offenders must be able to financially subsidize their stay at the pre-release center. Offenders AlVith disabilities shall not be discriminated against. However, they must be able to financially subsidize their stay at the Center to the same extent that any other offender Nvould be required to do, or request a waiver of contribution from the Department. 4. Offenders in need of treatment must consent to outpatient treatment in the community. Offenders NNrill be required to pay for all treatment costs, if they are financially able. 5 ' Offenders X '"Vi - th det'16-lor, 'J1211 o'orl I re verifieatinlI that I fl-lo rd-c"Ivorl t,-N 111p satisfaction of the state correctional facility and the Community Corrections Di'Vision prior to referral to a pre-release center. 6. Offenders shall be free of felony escape convictions for a minimum of three years before being considered for referral and/or placement at a pre-release center. Factors such as escape history, detention, increase in custody or previous conduct at a pre-release center may be considered in determining the appropriateness of any offender placement at a pre- release (-enter. Offenders incarcerated at the Montana State Prison, Montana Women's Prison, Regional Prisons and private prisons are screened by an Institutional Screening Committee which includes a representative from the prison, a representative from the Board of Pardons and Parole, and the Community Corrections Division. Pre - Release Center personnel also attend the screenings. The process includes personal interviews with eligible offenders by the screening committee, a careful review of the offender's criminal history and his/her conduct at the institution, The intent of the screening process is to assess if the offender's placement in the community will jeopardize public safety, detennine the appropriateness of ffie offender for a commurrity setting and to assist in die determination of ffie offender's chances of success in a Pre -Release Center Program. 'k - - ;1_1 xT fh� "Y LLI%- XL1aLLLLLLmJ11r.LL referral to a pre-release center, a referral packet is prepared, fomarded to the pre- release center, and a thorough paper review is conducted by a Local Screening Corni-nittee. Local Screening Coinmittees are conunumLy-based, volunteer tears and their membership typically includes a representative from the pre-release center, a nierriber of the pre-release center's Board of Directors, a Probation and Parole Officer, representatives from 'local law enforcement and a local citizen advocate, Offenders committed into the custody of the Department of Corrections may be referred to a pre-release center program in lieu of being incarcerated in prison. If the offender is appropriate for a pre-release center placement, the Probation & Parole Bureau prepares a referral packet, forwards the packet to the pre-release center and again, a thorough paper review is conducted by the local screening conSri ttee for approval or disapproval® Offenders violating their parole may also be recommended for pre-release rather than being - returrted to prison. 1he Board of Pardons and Parole makes this deten-nination with input provided by the offender's Probation and Parole Officer and the center's local screening committee. Offenders participating in a pre-release center program are able to gain employment to help support their familv. They also help pay for medical expenses, make restitution pa�,iiients, pay court fines and taxes and save money for release. All these aspects of Pre-release contribute to holding the offender accountable and empowering thein, in accepting responsibilitil. From July 2005 through June 30, 2006, male and female offenders participating in pre-release center Programs earned approximately $7,895,780 in offender earnings; paid $210,722 in restitution and fines; paid $1,227,853 to income taxes; completed 45,509 (est) hours in community serxices; paid $357,529 to -ward medical expenses; completed 2,081,226 employment hours; and paid $328,302 for ftinilly and, child support. PRE-RELEASE OFFENDER'S CRIMES Recent Pre-release Center statistics reflect the followin g basic qpes of crime, listed from most to least Theft Possession of drugs Burglary Felony DUI Sale of drugs 11 "'T 'W � z laj-a Ma t-e.4enc k seew f—'i Criminal endangerment Forgery Felony assault Criminal mischief Possession of drugs Theft Forgery Sale of drugs Felony DUI Drug offenses, other state Burglary Deceptive practices Criminal endangerment Pre -Release Centers Response to Demands for Bed Space In November 2003, in response to prison overcrowding, the Community Corrections Division added a total of 25 "MSP Direct" beds to the first five private non-profit pre- release centers. These beds were designated specifically for offenders coming directly out of Montana State Prison, From November 2003 until October 31, 2004, 354 MSP offenders out of a total pre-release popes ation of 996 have been placed in pre-release. In December of 2006, the Great Falls Pre -Release Center opened a new unit adding 40 more male offender beds. 2005 saw the addition of a 30-bed pre-release in Bozeman and one u I st of 2007, Alternatives in Billings opened up the old Howard Johnson Inn which allows for 65 additional pre-release beds; 50 beds for the Bilfiligs Assessment and Sanction Center (BASQ and 40 treatment beds known as 'Passages.' In April 2004, due to on -going demands for pre-release bed space, the Communky Corrections Division implemented a six-month length -of -stay limit for all offenders residing in a private non -prof L pre-release centers. This length -of -stay limit requires that Case Managers from the centers submit a -%,ritlen request for approval to the Division, if they deterfmine a need to extend an offender's stay beyond six months. The request must, specifically oudine the reasons for the extension, which may include disciplinary sanctions, failure to complete programming, court orders, and employment difficulties. The average length -of -stay (number of days) for an offender in pre-release during the period from 2002 through 2006 is: FISCAL YEAR MALES FEMALES 2002 214 248 2003 214 216 2004 177 186 2005 187 ISO 2006 181 174 Kalispell Pre -Release Center Case Management and Programming 9 Criminal Thinking Errors (CTE) - utilization of thinking logs and reports, Cognitive Behavioral Programming (COG). e Anger Management Programming. a Parenting and Relationship Programming. * Access to Religious Programnuing. Employment Skill Development - including how to obtain and maitam' employment. Specialized Programming as required by the referring agencies and the offender population. * Supervised recreational opportunities. Regularly scheduled on -site visitation. o All visitations drill be conducted in the facility under direct staff supervision. Additional prograrnining Nvill be provided uffi- ing community resources, i.e. additions counseling, mental health services, continuing education, community service -residents housed within the Kalispell Pre -Release Center will be required to perforin community service hours in order to "pay back" the community. As with any CCCS Inc. facility: PUBLIC AND STAFF SA1,TTY IS PARATMOUTNT! * 24-hour staff coverage including security/perimeter checks® e Physically secure facility. * Intemal and exte-mal camera systems. 9 Alarm doors and exits. e Low staff to offender ratios. Re-z*denteiming or nny Eamilv Q11TITInrt Milo- I-%,- t-llrn'-d �Tl fr-� tb,- f��";Utw as residents are required to submit weekly budgets. e Restricted public access. Regular and random security counts -felony escape charges will be filed against any resident that leaves the facility widiout authoni.adorn Regular and random breathalyzer (B.A.) and urinalysis (U.A.) testing w-Ul be conducted on the resident population. 9 Resident personal inventory will be restricted. * Regular/randorn house counts Neill be conducted by staff. Resident accountability within the commuirity (i.e. at work, on job search, at outpatient prograrruning, etc.) ivifl be monitored via physical checks as conducted by program stafE Off -ender movements are monitored in accordance with their approved daily schedules. e The facility will be subject to ongoing staff searches for any qpe of contraband. What are the Benerits of the Proposed Kall'spe Pre -Release Center? I Up to a 2.5 million dollar project - construction/renovation will provide good paying jobs for Northwest Montana. CCCS, Inc. has extensive adult community correctional experience which includes pre-release operations in Butte (Men and Women), Bozeman, and Bismarck, North Dakota. Accreditation dirough the American Correctional Association (ACA). J he Butte Pre -Release Center, the Women's Transitional Center in Butte, and the Bismarck Transition Center are currently accredited by the ACA. CCCS, Inc. holds its indixidual centers to the highest of nationally -recognized overational/Droarammiria standards and will event mirsue accreditation r-()r the Kalispell Pre -Release Center through the ACA. The Kalispell Pre -Release Center will generate 21 full-time positions and will add up to 20 additional full-time positions as this facility expands. CCCS, Inc. will purchase supplies and equipment locally whenever possible thus benefiting the local economy. As CCCS, Inc. is a not -for -profit entity, all revenues generated are earmarked for personnel, programs, physical plants, and the commumty, Let's Keep our Montana Tax Payer Dollars mi Montana! Increases public safety by providing programs and services necessary to ensure off -enders receive the area arm-ning and skills necessary to transition back into the community. Provides cost-effective correctional options for the Flathead County area and the Montana Department of Corrections. 1�acility Planning will ensure that available beds satisfy, both current and future needs. Offenders placed at the Kalispell Pre -Release Center will be available for employment thereby assisting and satisfying the demand for labor in the local Exammm The facility will be operated by a Montana based not -for -profit corporation headquartered in Butte, TMT that has over 25 years experience in the provision of service delivery to both adults and juveniles in secure and non -secure facilities. CCCSY Inc. has established credibility not only with die Montana Departrnent of Corrections (MDOC) but also with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) and U.S. Probation Services as a leader in the provision of correctional services and programming. As a not -for -profit, CCCS, Inc. does not have shareholders, only stakeholders. As such, any excess revenues must be plowed back into operations, personnel or thi-- Northwest Transition Center Kalispell 'r";Pre-Release Job Positions Chief of Security Administrative art Y ServiceFood oo i t U n N H n M ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF PROPOSED TRANSITION CENTER The proposed 40 bed Northwest Montana Transition Center / Kalispell Pre -Release Center will generate the following economic benefits for Kalispell and Flathead County specifically and the State of Montana generally. 40 Bed Pre -Release Center Construction Costs Approx. $2.5 million Regular Jobs Created 22.61 Snin-nff .Inhc In tha ..r.., . .., ..,.,...... , ,., Community 45.22 Annual Payroll & Benefits $840, 068 Average Wage and Benefits $17.86 Annual Purchases of Goods & Services $385, 000 —Assumes 2 jobs in the community created for every 1 at the facility. Spin-off factor provided by the Montana Bureau of Labor and Business Statistics. Major medical health insurance that includes prescription benefits and tern life insurance policy. e Direct reimbursement dental program. 120 hours of annual leave during first year. Increases after 10 years based on vears of service. e Educational Reimbursement Program. Caf-cferia. Bffle.fit PIATI- 0 12 days of sick leave during first year. e Sick leave fund. * 10 holidays including 2 floating to be determined by employee a 401-k retirement plan. CCCS currentlymatches dollar for dellp to 696. e Employee Assistance Program (FAP). I With the state prison population continuing to expand, it is necessary to promote cost effective measures to reduce overcrowding, lower recidivism rates, and provide public safeq,. While no single factor widain the corrections system can provide a complete solution to each of the challenges, the pre-release center programs respond to these issues and are an important element of effective corrections managemenL The daily cost for an offender in a pre-release center ranges from $43.33 to $63.00. A room and board charge averaging $14.00 per day, per offender, is assessed to pre- release offenders, so they can help share the burden of the cost of their incarceration. In F Y 200Q, offenders paid a total of $2,814,339 towards their room and board: Billings $619,548 Bozeman $ 99,716 Butte $907fO42 Great Falls $515f 644 Helena 267,779 Missoula $404f610 %. Support OEEICE Off' 2YfE SMERITT BUTTE -SILVER BOW LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT PHONE (406) 497-1120 January 6, 2009 225 ALASKA BUTTE, MONTANA 59701 FAX (406) 497-1181 Kalispell Pre -Release Center— Local Committee Kalispell, Montana Committee Members: I can confidently relate to the membership of your local committee that corporate and administrative oversight and managamant of +ho Piifa Pro-Pplaaao r'ontr nlaroc thin hinhaef of nromiiime nn nuhlin cofnhi and fho nnnfinunl vu _i - u w -.It, i - , wwu _v 'ef Nwvva U i i uyJ wQt vl N1v 111Un w v 1 Nuvuv QUIvLy ai 1u a is vvi nu ival accountability of those individuals housed within this facility. Those residents housed within this program are charged with the responsibility to conduct themselves in accordance with the rules and regulations that govern the operations of this program. Those individuals that fail to meet these standards become subject to a rigorous disciplinary process that could lead to the individual being removed from the program and returned to the referring institution. As Sheriff, I maintain a departmental representation on the Local Screening Committee of the Butte Pre -Release Center in that either I or one of my Captains attends each of the meetings whereby the members of the Local Screening Committee convene to review and discuss those individual cases brought before them for possible placement within the Butte Pre -Release Center. Each case is carefully and thoroughly reviewed and if a affirmative majority is reached where it is felt that the inmate applicant could benefit from a community placement, the individual will be given the opportunity and privilege of a pre-release placement. This is a process that has worked very well throughout the history of this program. Although there are no weapons in this center, the residents are required to submit to both regular and random urine (u.a.'s) and breath (b.a.'s) testing for the presence of alcohol or illegal drugs and the security measures continually performed by program staff reinforce the probability that those individuals who aren't taking their pre-release placement seriously will quickly be removed from the program. In closing, the Butte Pre -Release Center has established a solid track record of operations. It has been well accepted by this community and has demonstrated a commitment to being a good community partner. Sincerely, r Sheriff John P. Walsh BUTTE -SILVER BOW LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT gb/JPW P.0 Box 3445, Butte, NTT 59702 www.pioneer-technical.com December 30, 2008 Local Steering Committee Kalispell Pre -Release Center Kalispell, Montana RE. LETTER OF SUPPORT CCCS — Pre -Release Centers Committee Members: Our company is housed in a building that is located at 63 West Broadway in Butte. As such, we are in the immediate vicinity (across the street) from the building that houses both of the adult programs that are operated by CCCS. Over the years, CCCS in its oversight and management of these programs has proven itself to be a good neighbor and a strong partner in this community. My observations have been that the program participants of these facilities are kept on task and their whereabouts are continually monitored by a staff that has demonstrated themselves to be very professional in the completion of their duties. These operations are very busy in nature with program participants, staff, employers, etc. coining and going all of the time. With all this activity, we have never had a bad experience with any of the individuals housed within these programs. Sincerely, Brad Archibald President Pioneer Technical Services, Inc. 406-782-5177 11ENA BUTTE ANACONDA 201 East Broadway, Suite C 63 1!2 West Broadway 307 East Park Street, Suite 421 Helena, MT 59601 Butte, MT 59701 Anaconda, MT 59711 Phone (406) 457-8252 Phone (406) 782-5177 Phone (406) 563-9371 Fax (406) 442-1158 Fax (406) 782-5866 Fax (406) 563-9372 Digger Athletics December 30, 2008 Re: Letter of Support Community, Counseling & Correctional Services Dear Committee Members: Please accept this letter as my highest recommendation for Community, Counseling & Correctional Services of Butte as they pursue placing an adult (male; pre-release center in Kalispell, Montana. I am well aware of the operations of the pre-release centers in Butte as I have had personal exposure to the operations of these programs through my interactions with many of the pre-release staff on both a professional and personal basis. I serve on many boards in the local community and I can state without hesitation that the Butte pre- release centers have been and continue to be well -received in this community. Does that mean that there haven't been sporadic concerns over the years? Certainly not. However, when these minor issues arise, the administration and staff of these programs respond in very timely and professional manners and are very proactive in the way that they manage these programs. Over the years, the residents of both the men's and women's pre-release centers in Butte have volunteered countless hours of their personal time, through the community service component of the pre-release centers, to Montana Tech. Their assistance in helping to work the concession stands at both football and basketball games, assisting in security, helping to clean up after these respective games, etc. has been of tremendous value to Montana Tech. In closing, I will simply state that the members of the Local Pre -Release Committee and the citizens of Kalispell could not ask for a more professional and dedicated organization such as Community, Counseling & Correctional Services to manage the operations of a local pre-release center in Kalispell. Sincerely, JOE McCLAFFERTY, Athletic Director Montana Tech BPER Complex 1300 West Park Street Butte, Montana 59701 406.496.4301 1300 West Park Street I Butte, Montana 59701 1 406-496-4301 1 Fax: 406-496-4711 ( www.godiggers.com "Go Diggers" Knights of Columbus — Council #668 224 West Park Street Butte, Montana 59701 December 29, 2008 To Whom It May Concern: Please allow this letter to reflect this Council's continuing support for the operations of the Butte Pre -Release Center/Women's Transitional Center. These facilities are located approximately 1.5 blocks from our building in uptown Butte and since the inception of these programs; the membership of this Council has enjoyed a mutually -beneficial relationship with these programs. Our facility contains large areas designated for physical recreation inclusive of a basketball court, steam room and a fully -equipped and expansive weight training room. The residents of the men's pre-release center have enjoyed the use of these facilities for over twenty years as dues paying members of our athletic association and to date, there haven't been any significant issues or concerns that needed any type of corrective action. The men of the Butte Pre -Release Center have also dedicated countless community service hours in assisting the general membership of this organization in the maintenance and general upkeep of our building. Without their assistance, many of these projects would never have been attempted or completed. In closing, I again reaffirm this Council's support of the Butte Pre -Release Center and the work being done in that program. Respectfully Bernie Boyle Grand Knight 723-4449 Butte High Athletics 401 SouthWyoming Montana 59701 Phone (406) 533-2215 January 6, 2009 To whom it may concern: Over the past fifteen years, Scott Harding and the Butte Pre - Release Center have generously provided workers to School District #1, who volunteer their time to help run and do clean up work at our athletic events. Scott has responded, with great nonPrn<ity nncl Pnthii<in<m every time u/P hnvP n<kPrl fnr assistance. Scott went above and beyond what would be expected to ensure the success of our events. We appreciate the support given to us by the Butte Pre -Release Center and its staff and workers. Sincerely, Chuck Merrifield Athletic Director The Derby Steakhouse and Restaurant 2016 Harrison Ave. Butte Montana 59701 To Whom It May Concern: Our operation has been a longstanding member of the Butte Montana community providing a quality service and establishing a stellar reputation for ourselves I would like to list a few positive attributes with regard to the Community Counseling, and Correctional Services. They have spent a significant period of time working with the community of Rntte eqnhlishina n relntion-.hin heneficinl to nll cmmnnnies and their employment. They make sure of their punctuality, the residents they send our way are industrious workers, and they usually stick around work for the duration. We have also retained some residents even after has left the center. Both companies have benefited from this program and I plan on continuing our relationship. Sincerely, Dan Strizich To Whom It May Concern: The Butte Pre-release Center here in Butte has had a big impact here in Butte. It helps with employment in two ways, the first it employees a great number of people to run the facility, and it also helps with some of our short term employment at my business. Also I have had the privilege of working with some of the corporate personal on community events and organizations. They have helped supply people to clean, man power to help run events, painting, and they are always willing to help promote public events. I believe that there are some major highlights that CCCS has given to the Butte Community. Sincerely Jim Manning Gen Manager Taco John's of Butte Taco John's of Butte 1960 Harrison Avenue ® Butte, MT 59701 SUPER 8 MOTEL — BUTTE MOM 2929 Harrison Avenue ^ Butte, MT 59701 • PHONE AND FAX: 406-494-6000 Tuesday January 6, 2009 To whom it may concern; The Butte Super 8 Motel has employed several people over the past three years or more from the Butte Pre Release Program. We have always had a good working relationship with the employees and the counselors. They are very dependable as well. Mark Hughes Manager See you along to ° Operated under a franchise agreement with SUPER 8 MOTELS. INC. To Whom It May Concern: Sun Rental Center has hired occupants of the Pre -Release Center in Butte, MT., and as a whole we have not had any problems. We have had eight employed for fulltime and part-time work through out the past five years. The ones that we have employed were very reliable and very pleasant to our employees and to our customers. As a manager of a small business I wouldn't hesitate to hire from the center for a fulltime position or for spot jobs. Sincerely, Lance Bailey General Manager Pork Chop John's 8 West Mercury 782-0812 782-3159 Butte, Montana 59701 January ts, 2009 To Whom It May Concern: 2400 Harrison Avenue 782-1783 We have been hiring workers from the prerelease cente for many years and have had no problems. Thev' have been hired as cooks. waitresses and currently have an employee in our prod'o..ction area. Since they have be employed we very rarely have "call offs" therefore becoming very dependable employees. We currently have an employee who continued working for us after she was released from the center. is can no of further assistance please feel tree to contact me at (4U6) 782-Ug 12 or (406) 782- 3159. Sincerely, -�e6l- Ed Orizotti President Discovery Basin Ski Area Georgetown Lake, Montana To Whom It May Concern: As a longstanding member of the Butte, Montana business institution, I would like to take the time to mention a few positive things regarding the Community Counseling, and Correctional Services, Inc., another member.They have spent a significant amount of time working with the community of Butte establishing a relationship beneficial to companies of employment. We consider the policies required of their residents a positive reason to utilize their services. As a whole, the employees from their center are prompt and reliable. The center makes spot checks to verify they are at work. The practice of using the centers residents by our business' has been a mutually satisfying program. I would again like to reiterate that this is a beneficial program for our community and I will continue utilizing the center's service.. Sincerely, Ciche, Pitcher, Vice -President of operations � B OF f KO Phone: (406)-497-6400 January 6, 2009 To Whom This May Concern, BUTTE CIVIC CENTER 1340 Harrison Avenue Butte, Montana 59701 Fax: (406)-497-6404 We have benefited from the many hours of community service volunteered by the residents of the Butte Pre -Release Center as they have helped my staff in setting up and breaking down the various types of equipment associated with the various sporting events, trade shows, & conventions that are held at the Butte Civic Center. They have also been invaluable in helping us to prep the building for these events and clean it when they are over. During large events, the residents have been invaluable helping us control admittance to the Civic Center. The residents of the Butte Pre -Release Center provide the Civic Center with reliable, cooperative, & hardworking help on short notice. They definitely help in the success of events at our venue. Sincerely, Bill Melvin Butte Civic Center Manager 1340 Harrison Ave Butte, MT 59701 406-497-6441 bmelvin@bsb.mt.gov December 23, 2008 J. Gary Winston Attorney at Law 134 West Broadway Butte, Montana 59701 406-782-2321 Kalispell Community Pre -Release Center Local Committee Members Kalispell, Montana Re: Support Letter for CCCS Kalispell Pre -Release Center To Whom This May Concern: As Community, Counseling and Correctional Services moves forward with its project to site a community - based program in the Kalispell area, I offer my unequivocal support for this organization, its managerial/security oversight and the quality of the programs they offer here in Butte. My law office is located in the first block directly west of the buildings where the men's and women's pre- release centers are located. This is in the heart of the uptown business district in Butte. I have known Mike Thatcher for many years and I am well aware of the nature of the operations of these programs. I know them to be run by people who are committed to their jobs and don't allow the residents to simply "do time," but rather they are mandated to adhere to very strict schedules that don't allow for much free time all the while addressing their problem areas. The residents of these programs also dedicate a tremendous amount of community service hours in Butte and as an uptown businessman, I can personally attest to the fact that the major festivals held here annually such as the An-Ri-Rah Irish Festival, Evel Knievel Days and most recently the National Folk Festival would have a difficult time in coordinating all of these activities were it not for the local pre-release centers. I have operated by practice as long as the pre-release centers have been located down the street and I have never had any problems related to their existence. Respectfully, J. Gary Winston Butte Jewelers 53 West Broadway Street Butte, Fontana 59701 406.723.3321 December 29th, 2008 Kalispell Pre -Release Center Local Committee Kalispell, Fontana Committee Members: My business is located directly across Broadway Street from the men's and women's pre-release centers in uptown Butte and I have been in business at this location for as long as the pre-release centers have been in existence. I have never had any serious problems with the residents of either of these programs. I know that staff` holds the residents accountable for 'their whereabouts at all "times and that while the residents are in the community, they are constantly monitored by staff. I know that the clients from these programs commit a tremendous amount of volunteer hours within this community and that the operations maintained by CCCS are of the highest caliber and always sensitive to any concerns of the Butte community. If the need arises, please feel free to contact me. Bremer Hollingsworth Owner/operator Terminal Food Center, Inc. 100 West Park Street Butte, Montana 59701 406-723-6548 December 22, 2008 To Whom It May Concern: Our family business is located approximately Y2 block away from the pre-release operations in Butte. They have been in operation for over twenty years and it is my opinion that they have been well -received by the local businesses in the area. The clients of the program are not allowed to loiter around the pre-release center or in the uptown area and I know that they are kept on tightly -monitored community schedules that are continually monitored by staff. Since their opening, I am unaware of any major problems related to the pre-release centers. They are good neighbors and the clients perform a great deal of volunteer work in Butte. Thank you. Respectfully,,,, f Dave Mandic BUTTECENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL MA 9 South Idaho Street ® Butte, Montana 59701 * *® 406-782-6761 Fax 406-723-3873 December 22, 2008 Local Pre -Release Steering Committee Kalispell Pre -Release Center Kalispell, Montana Committee Members: The Butte Pre -Release Center is located approximately 4 blocks from our high school and I can confidently state that this is an organization that maintains a low community profile while at the same time demonstrating their commitment to being a good tenet in the uptown Butte area. VV/ uvC 11 V1 l P'i �Il ails: JT4TTi fsTT 4�'913C SXT4iYF "Lll' ..NLiCifT LsiSi' (SS�S'f i'! f4� f4'�' {'f1R KTTUP Yi'(3_�P�P�CP YY v d1LLV t+ 11V V �.1 1tGLi1 CLll�' lllllii, Lil L1LJ VV1411 LliV lii JllEG11L L111✓11Lt.1V Vl Llld LI.LLLI+ 1 iV—i\VtVU.JV Center and in fact, there have been times when we have invited small groups of these men into the school to talk to the students and discuss those problems they have that led to their placement within the criminal; justice system and eventually the pre-release center. It has been a rewarding experience for the students as they are given the opportunity to talk, first-hand to a group of individuals who made some unfortunate choices in their lives and are in the process of addressing their personal deficit areas in socially acceptable mamiers. The Butte Pre -Release Center is an organization managed'by a dedicated group of highly trained and dedicated individuals who constantly strive to assist the clients of the program get back on their feet and once again contribute to society. I fully support the Butte Pre -Release Center, the corporation of Community, Counseling and Correctional Services, Ineorporated and the mission to which they are committed. Thank you. S-iraq,qrely, - Tim Norbeck, Princi ,al Butte Central Catholic High School 9 South Idaho Street Butte, Montana 59701 400-782-676_1 Celebrating More Than 100 Years of Catholic Education GaHatin Comity Prograin Connnianity/lEmployer Letters of Support To Whom It May Concern: I have had the honor of being chosen as the Community Representative on the Screening Committee for the Gallatin County Re -Entry Center. I was selected by the Board of County Commissioners. The Re -Entry Center is located on the Campus of the Law and Justice Center in Bozeman. I have closely observed both the Administrative policies and procedures and the therapeutic structure and schedule of the Center. Further, I have, during the past three years sought out, on a regular basis, several of the Residents to give them an opportunity to voice their opinions on the Rehabilative benefits of the Center's Programs. In every instance of my 'first-hand' observations, I have found that the Center is extremely successful. in. all areas of Administrative and Program activities. Then too, my regular conversations with the Residents further substantiate The Center's success. In my personal view, Melissa Kelly has shown outstanding ability in her supervising the staff and also, in supervising and conducting the many therapeutic programs. If Z were to rate her performance, I would certainly give her the mark of Excellence in every facet of her responsibilities. Under Melissa's tenure, as Chief Operating Officer, the Center has gained high marks as viewed by the immediate residential community surrounding the Center and high marks for success from. the Criminal Justice System for both the City and County. The larger residential community in Bozeman and Gallatin. County has been increasingly supportive of the conduct of the Residents and the Rehabilitive benefits of the Center's program. The District Judges of Gallatin County have consistently voiced their approval of the work of the Center. I have Graduate degrees from Michigan State University, and prior to retiring to Montana; I was, for over 25 years, involved with the Genesee County Probate Court System as well as the Flint Community Schools. I stand ready to give further .information relative to the benefits of the Re -Entry Center. Ben Oirks f 1712 W. Olive St. #44 406 587 3622 803 E. PIKE STREET Phone: 931/496-5211 PO BOX 612 FAX: 937.596-5542 JACKSON CENTER, OH 45334.0612 www.wbcci.org July 28, 2008 Ms. Melissa Kelly, Director Gallatin County Pre-release Center 675 & 16" Avenue Bozeman, MT 59718 Dear Ms. Kelly, WBCCI Headquarters P.O. Box 612 Jackson Center, OH 45334 On behalf of the Wally Elyam Caravan Club International, we wish to extend our sincere *_ —A q+Q4V,,2,t 4ha r%r (`mllsltin Crvrl hr 4ZLJFAGV1"L1V11 lV ,'Vll pull,'VIIA ZtA"L µl. UA%1' 11V`AVAVU7*/ \,.VAALV/. AMA "4AW VVl 5 VG41AGG4W vvLill4� workers to help WBCCI earlier this month - Five men— "''I '' ''I P, 91' , and ft assisted the WBCCI electrical committee in removing and packing electrical wiring used on MSU campus grounds at the end of the WBCCI Airstream pally. Their willingness and hard work were appreciated by those with whom they worked and by the Bozemau Rally Committee. Their valuable assistance reduced the time required to complete this job by about half from what we anticipated. Please extend our thanks to those men who provided their assistance to WBCCL We commend your program :for providing a service to the residents of Gallatin County and recommend that you consider this type of assistance to other groups in the future. Sincerely, O Jerry and Marilyn Collins, President and First Lady, 2007-08 CC Ron Green Adult Education Adult basic Education Diploma Program Adult Literacy Parenting Program Summer School Traffic Education Adult and Community Education 404 W. Main St. Bozeman, MT 59715 Phone: (406) 522-6012 Fax: (406) 522-6068 Melissa Kelly, Director Gallatin County Re -Entry Program 675 South 16" Ave. Bozeman, MIT 59715 April 11, 2008 Dear Melissa, On behalf of the Bozeman Adult Learning Center, I would like to thank you so very, very much for providing as with some great mars -power several days ago. I understand that another crew will be helping us out again. today! The guys halve been fantastic, Melissa. They spread the road rill donated by JTL Saud and Gravel, trimmed our bushes, cleared away brush, and will continue to help us clean up our site. You all have gone well above and beyoa-id the call of duty! I can't begin to tell you what that means to us. Just kaaow the help we're receiving from GCRP is enhancing our ability to better serve our clientele, and also alleviates the strain of being resource -poor. Help such as yours gives us hope, strength, and the necessary energy to assist those who are determined to change their lives and enhance their career opportunities through education. Thanks for the difference GCRP is making in the lives of all of us who live and work in the Gallatin Valley. We are very grateful, Melissa. Warm regards, Brooke Karath, Volunteer Coordinator Adult Learning Center 1218 Durst'o;n Bozeman, MT 59715 585-8673 Tax III #: 8:1-6000413 hired a. young man who was a. resident of the Gallatin Valley Re -Entry Program. In the nine months he has been employed with us he has proven to be dependable, trustworthy, works well with others, and has the ability to follow directions. Since hiring this young man we have hired three other residents from the Gallatin Valley Re -Entry program. All of these young men have proven to be dependable and hard working. As management we feel the residents have continued to work on their skills taught by the program. We also feel that at this point we will continue to hire residents from the program when we have the need :For staff. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. (406)556-2251 Sincerely, Vickie Lutz Day Manager June Lowell Night Manager "eilat4n Road ii: Ni7 59718 �; `Faii;;4D'6.586�0470 :'E-malls ;kkec �man.n'q Page 1 of 1 Prom., E G SCANLAN [montanaempire®msn.comJ Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 8:00 AM To: rjanes@cccscorp.com From: montanaempireCa msn.com To: rjanes@ccscorp.com Su bject: Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 20:56:03 -0700 Scanlan Concrete Construction would like to say thanks to the Gallatin County Re-entry Program for all the reliable employees they have supplied us with this year. Every employee from the program was up -beat, ready to work, wanted to work ,and trustworthy. Hiring from the re- entry program saved us slot of time and money. We look forward to working with you this spring. Thanks again and keep up the good work. 1/5/2009 January 3, 2009 To whom it may concern: We have employed approximately twelve men from the Pre -Release Center in Bozeman since February of 2007. Overall, we have been very satisfied with the job performance of the men we have employed. These employees have consistently reported to work on time and have good attitudes_ It is evident to us that they are, for the most part, trying very hard to succeed at Main Street Overeasy. Several of these employees have continued to work for us after they were released from the Center. We have good communication with Melissa Kelly, the Director of the Pre -Release Center in Bozeman. She has been helpful in giving us specific direction for employees, when needed. The paperwork (job assessments) we need to fill out for these employees is minimal and can be done quickly. Presently, we have two men in our employment from the Center. We wiill definitely consider employing other Center residents as jobs arise. Please contact me if you need further i iformation. Sincerely, Erik Carr Owner , f r �✓~ 9 East Main Street Bozeman, MT 59715 406-587-3205 z eon UMMUM ROOFING CONTRACTOR The Right Choice! 20 January 5'h, 2009 GCRP Recommendation Bozeman Mt_ 59718 406-522-9393 timm erroofing O msn. corn To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter of strong support for the GCRP based on personal experience with the organization. It is one of a very few "re-entry" programs that I have seen in my lifetime that is truly working well for all parties involved (Employer, Employee, Society at Large). Timmer Roofing has had four employees based out of the Gallatin County program in the past three years. As a company, we have received the obvious benefits of punctuality and Minimal absenteeism that utilizing this program brings. These benefits, along with frequent mandatory assessments of employee productivity and attitude, have assured that the employee Is performing up to snuff. All of our GCRP employees have done great work for us and we are very glad to still have three of the four working with us today. As a member of the local community, I would like to point out how effective I think this program is at preparing rehabilitated felons for release back into everyday life. As an Operations Manager for a roofing company, I have seam more than my fair share of just -released ex -cons from different jails and penitentiaries. The difference in attitude and actions between those coming from these facilities directly to the street and those coming from the re-entry program is astounding. I have also noticed a large difference in the long-term choices being made by former GCRP vs. their counterparts from varied holding facilities. There is little question in my mind as to which "re-entry" is preferable for a high -functioning society. GCRP is, simply put, having a very positive long-term impact on their residents' lives and in turn on the lives of all us who live in this community. I look forward to continuing to work with this program in the future. If there are any further questions, please feel free to, contact me directly at 406,699.6977 Beat, David Schroeder Operations Manager, TRI January 3, 2009 To whom it may coiicern: My name is Kole Kuntz and. I am the Custodial Supervisor for the Sports Facilities here; at MSU Bozeman. I have been working with the Gallatin County Re-Eiatry Program for two years now. T utilize the gentleman in the center for overtime opportunities that come with the events th6LL we run in the Sports Facilities. These events include: eonceTts, Broadway shows, sporting events, and trade shows. As you can irnagine, these events require an abundance of work afterwards to get the facilities clean and presentable foT the next day and/or event. That being said, 1 have reeves had a problem getting help ;Crone the center for cleanup from these events. I've been very impressed over the past two years with the quality of work I get from the boys and the great attitude that they bring to the Sports Facilities. Most of our events are runt late at night and, require those who sign up to stay until the early hours of the morning. They are always willing and ready to put in the time. Tie rhr tirnr that T have• heron ii ili,7ina iha rmnPnr T'ur. hnd thF nle-nanrp. nFwnrlrino w411 a arast nurnber of residents of the center and all of the employees that keep the place running. Most of the residents in the center, appear to have a great appreciation for the opportunity of being in the pre-release program. Also, the management of the conter seem to care a great deal for the residents of the center and want to make a, success of each and every one of their residents. Too often, there seems to be a stigma that follows those who are part of the re-entry program. However, in my experience, the gentleman in the center are "good boys" who just so happened to have made a bad mistake or two. Furthermore, given the opportunity, they realize the naist'akes they Have made a.Ttd want to make good on them. I will always gladly recommend to other departments on campus and other orgaxiizations throughout the community to utilize the center. Tt is a win -win -win situation far the center, the residents, and whatever organization is :.iski ng for their help. 1 look forward to continuing working with the Gallatin County Re-entry Center, all those who work for tlxein and reside within their walls. Sincerely, Kole Kun Sports Fac ies Custodial Supervisor MSU -- Bozemwl `"Nof to he puhlished or printed in any publication without The expressed written approval of Montan-a Stare University* Adult Education Adult 8aslc SdUcbatlon Diploma Program Adult L!teruoy Parenting Program summer Suhool Trefflo Education Adult and Community Eduoatlan 404 W. Main St. Bozeman, MT 69715 Phone: (406) 522-6012 Fax: (406) 622-5058 1218 Durston 8t. Bozeman, MT. 59715 To; Pri'rolaaee Center Administrators From: ]Ellen Guettler Re; Community Service J'anuar!r 4, 2009 Dear Prerelease Administrators: My najua i® Ellen Guettle9r. z am the coordinator of the Adult Basic and Literacy Education program for the SIzeman School District, T am writing a letter to thank your chaff and residents for the fantastic community service you all provide the Bozeman. community. The Bozeman Adult Loarning Center ham benefited greatly from the many hours of community service that the residents have contributed to our site. They prepped and painted the entire center, trimmed and landscaped our property, contributed to hauling away 2 clumps ters -worth of debris from, the back of the high school, and shoveled gravel to resurface our site driveway, Additionally, residenta have volunteered to do clerical and housekeAping tasks. one gentleman, Volunteare daily to tutor engli.cah Languages learners and GMD prep students, He also takes care of the custodial ne®de of the center We feel truly blessed to receive the community serving offered by the residents of Prerelease Center! Please foal free to contact me if you have any f'urt:.Yier questions. S may be reached at ;( 406)585-8673 or e.Uetta.es@boz®man . k12 , mt. us . Sincerely, Ellen 0,uattler ABLE Coordinator, Bozeman Public Schools 81AI/2809 21-26 4065820525 r-' ,4DAPTMDTGDTAKDW January 3, 2009 KtAAA S"rot Gallatin Zounty Re -Entry Center 675 South 16" Avenue 1302erjian,.Mf .597 1...5, To Sarn acid all the res-itl,e*nts at Gallafin Re -Entry, Ha-p,py 20-091, FA5E 02/FJ2 For all of u-s at Heart of the Valley, Anirrial. Shelter,'the -New Year comes with Much reflection bri the successes of 2008. And one of our most -successful alliances this y6air.. has boeri Witif. yCU —,the great vol.Unte.ers who.,have helped, u5 run the shelter all year lbrigl". Heart, -of the VallOy'cares fcrr�over 1,200-stray and. abandoned -dogs, cats and rabbits every year, and wecou-ld,nevet& al[thatwe do without.a. steadfast corgif o-Vol'uhtoers. . You have put in Ion'' ' days assisting with cleaning Chores, laundry,, dis.hbs,_rI.on.e of it glamorous work, but lt's,sorne of the most important stufffoe the health- of the'animals., Mre. Though 1 don't have an, exact tally of,hoWs lagged, l,do:know that the hours corning from► Gallatin,R&�Entry are 'about. half of our total community service h6.urs. Please know that you are an integral part of ou-r ability to -run the shoh6 on a da.ilV basis, and your work here, is deeply appreciated. Sathank you fot-a gre2it.2008! All of.us,�at Heart of the Valley'- dogs; cats,'rabbits bm-d.hurndns. a liko— I oc,k forward �tb another great year of working -together [-n 2_0091 .Angela Sandoval. Volunteer &- Education Marloger. (406)" 398-9399 ext 105 P.o. Box 11340 • Bozeman, MT 59719 406-556-4 . E551 Recythud ACICI Fr6e- Mike Thatcher Chief Executive Officer mthatchcr @ cccsc2rpSM Steve McArthur Director of Community Correctional Programs & Transportation amcarthur@cccscerq.cM Ryan Lynch Director of Development and Administration rlynch@cccscorD.com