"Flathead County Active Citizens,

     I’ve spoken with the county health department and Health Officer Mr. Russell this morning and confirmed the upcoming meetings....the regular monthly meeting is Thursday Feb 17 1 pm at the Earl Bennett Building A/B Conference Room (1035 1st Ave West, Kalispell, MT 59901). 

     However, this upcoming Thursday Feb 10th at 4 pm there is a special meeting being held regarding a personnel Grievance. In speaking with them, I’ve learned that it is due to a recently terminated county health department employee bringing a complaint against the Health Officer. There will be public comment at both meetings. The full board will publicly vote regarding the personnel grievance against the health officer. If you decide to attend on Thursday Feb 10, please bring your calmest observation mindset, some popcorn, and video recording to enjoy the show and health board member votes on display.

     They mentioned privacy and depending on what the complaint filer desires etc may determine the level of open meeting/closed meeting etc. We discussed open public meetings, transparency, and accountability to public/tax payers. Attendees may need to have flexibility to provide public comment, possibly shuffle out for closed session, and back into public meeting for board discussion and full voting in public. Remember that this will be helpful on behalf of liberty to let the employee complaint process play out and the health board members each publicly display who they are, their alliances, and moral compass.

Feel free to contact me with further questions about the special meeting. 

Thank you,

Jessica Kirkendall 

Children’s Health Advocate"