FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING ~ AGENDA ~ Thursday, February 24, 2022 3:00 P.M. 1. Approval of February 2022 Claims 2. Public Comment on Items of Significant Public Interest Not on The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction of The City 3. Adjournment Committee Members: Don Hand, Chairperson Dan Nye Russ Schwandt

Jalen Hodges of Montana Western was selected as the Erck Hotels/Frontier Conference’s Men’s Basketball Player of the Week. Hodges is a 6-foot-6 senior forward from Duluth, Georgia. Montana Western closed the regular season with an 87-82 overtime road victory over Rocky Mountain College. Hodges scored 40 points and recorded seven rebounds. He was 18 of 23 (78 percent) from the field and 4 of 6 from free throw line. Also nominated and listed in alphabetical order; Abdul Bah of Rocky Mountain College, Sindou Diallo of Montana Tech and Jovan Sljivancanin of Carroll College.

The University of Montana Western’s Fine Arts Department is pleased to present “Silent Sky” February 24-26 and 28 as part of the 2021-22 Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night as well as a matinee performance to be held on February 28 at 9:30 a.m. in the Beier Auditorium located in Main Hall on the Montana Western campus. “Silent Sky,” written by Lauren Gunderson, is directed by Instructor Larry Brazill and features the talents of UMW students, faculty, and community members. When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and has no time for the women’s probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth. “Stars… light…time…space…human rights, and dignity for all. We’re so excited to present the story of Henrietta Leavitt here on the stage of the University of Montana Western. Our hope is that this story will live in your hearts long after the performance, and you’ll be inspired to live your life as she did, with passion, giving attention to all it was meant to be. Thank you to Lauren Gunderson for this beautiful play! And thank you actors, crew, and faculty for your diligent work on this show and every show that I’ve been a part of for the last 20 years here at the University of Montana Western,” said Director Larry Brazill. Tickets for “Silent Sky” are $10 for adults, $5 for youth under 18, and free for UMW students. For more information, please contact Assistant Professor of Theatre, Stephen Seder: stephen.seder@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7038.

WHITEFISH, Mont. - Feb. 17, 2022 - Commissioner Kent Paulson announced the 2021-2022 Frontier Conference women’s basketball conference tournament seedings, first round match-ups and playoff schedule. All tipoff times are 7 p.m. Rocky Mountain College and the University of Providence tied for the regular season title with Rocky getting the tournament’s top seed based on the conference tie breaking procedure. Rocky and Providence receive first round byes. No. 1 – Rocky Mountain College (12-3, 24-3) No. 2 – University of Providence (12-3, 25-5) No. 3 – Carroll College (11-4, 23-6) No. 4 – Montana Western (5-10, 15-12) No. 5 – Montana Tech (3-12, 12-18) No. 6 – MSU-Northern (2-13, 9-20) Quarterfinals - Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022 No. 5 Montana Tech at No. 4 Montana Western No. 6 MSU-Northern at No. 3 Carroll College Semifinals - Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 Lowest remaining seed at No. 1 Rocky Mountain College Highest remaining seed at No. 2 University of Providence Championship – Tuesday, Mar. 1, 2022 Lowest remaining seed at highest remaining seed

WHITEFISH, Mont. - Feb. 17, 2022 - Commissioner Kent Paulson announced the 2021-2022 Frontier Conference men’s basketball conference tournament seedings, first round match-ups and playoff schedule. Carroll College and Montana Tech tied for the regular season title with Carroll getting the tournament’s top seed based on the conference tie breaking procedure. Carroll and Montana Tech receive first round byes. No. 1 – Carroll College (13-2, 27-3) No. 2 – Montana Tech (13-2, 24-6) No. 3 – Montana Western (7-8, 18-12) No. 4 – MSU-Northern (6-9, 18-12) No. 5 – Rocky Mountain College (4-11, 11-16) No. 6 – University of Providence (2-13, 11-17) Quarterfinals - Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022 No. 5 Rocky Mountain College at No. 4 MSU-Northern No. 6 University of Providence at No. 3 Montana Western Semifinals - Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 Lowest remaining seed at No. 1 Carroll College Highest remaining seed at No. 2 Montana Tech Championship – Monday, Feb. 28, 2022 Lowest remaining seed at highest remaining seed.

The University of Montana Western will host the Montana University System Board of Regents Meeting on campus March 10-11. For more information about the meeting and agenda, please visit the Montana University System (MUS) website: https://mus.edu/board/ . The meeting is open to the public and can also be livestreamed from the MUS website .

Montana Western head football coach Ryan Nourse has announced a second round of recruits added to the program's 2022 roster. "I am pleased to be able to continue to bring in quality student-athletes to continue the tradition of success that has been built at UMW football," coach Nourse said. "We had a larger and incredible senior class in 2021 which has allowed us to bring in more players to compete in 2022." "Keeping our connection alive in Hawaii was a recruiting goal for this year and getting two state champions from Kahuku to commit to being Bulldogs is another direct reflection of the work our staff is willing to do to get the best players possible from great programs around the west region." Sione Tui Heimuli | OG/OT | 6'4 | 360 | Laie, Hawaii / Kahuku HS Heimuli is an offensive guard from Laie, Hawaii. He helped lead his team to 2021 OIA Open Division Championship, in addition to the 2021 HHSAA State Championship. Heimuli was an all-state selection. The honor roll student intends to study business at Montana Western. Heimuli's Highlights Lalio Kaluna | RB/LB | 5'10 | 200 | Palolo, Hawaii / Kahuku HS Kaluna is a running back from Palolo, Hawaii. His team won the 2021 State Championship and Kaluna was selected as running back of the year and punter of the year. The four-year honor roll student plans to study business at Montana Western. Kaluna's Highlights Deacon Boyce | WR/DB | 5'10" | 185 | Richland, Wash. / Richland HS Boyce is a wide receiver/defensive back from Richland, Washington. He was an all-conference defensive back selection and received the NFL Week 6 Way to Play High School award. Boyce also played baseball, where he lettered on varsity and started for three years. At Montana Western, he plans to study health and human performance. Boyce's Highlights Gavin Vetter | RB | 5"9" |175 | Butte, Mont. / Butte HS Vetter is a running back from Butte High School in Butte, Montana. As a senior, he totaled 769 all-purpose yards. In 2019, his team came in second at state, and his team made it to playoffs during his junior and senior years. Vetter was selected as second team all-conference, all-state honorable mention, and is a four-time academic all-state selection. In addition, he qualified for state in wrestling and track for two years in his career. Vetter intends to study health and human performance at Montana Western. Vetter's Highlights Ian Ferguson | DL/OL | 6'2" | 250 | Idaho Falls, Idaho / Hillcrest HS Ferguson is a defensive lineman from Hillcrest High School in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He lettered in both 2019 and 2021. His team was named the 2021-2022 4A State Academic Champions. The National Honor Society inductee plans to study modern history and secondary education at Montana Western. Ferguson's Highlights Angel Navarrete | K/P | 6'1" | 165 | Heyburn, Idaho / Minico Senior HS Navarrete is a kicker from Heyburn, Idaho. During his senior season, he averaged 60 yards per kickoff with 10 touchbacks. Navarrete was a two-time second team all-conference selection as a kicker and an honorable mention punter. His team won a conference championship in 2021. In addition to football, Navarette was an all-conference selection for soccer. The honors student intends to major in elementary education at Montana Western. Navarette's Highlights Cooper Jones | WR/DB | 6'2" | 185 | Malad, Idaho / Malad HS Jones is a wide receiver/defensive back from Malad, Idaho. He is a first team all-district wide receiver selection. As a wide receiver, he averaged 14.7 yards per reception and 47.8 total yards per game. At Montana Western, he plans to study ecology. Jones' Highlights Caleb Romero | DL | 6'3" | 265 | Billings, Mont. / Billings Senior High Romero is a defensive lineman from Billings, Montana. As a three-year starter, he totaled 177 tackles and eight sacks. Romero was selected as an all-conference and all-state defensive lineman in 2019, 2020, and 2021; an all-conference offensive lineman in 2020 and 2021; an all-state offensive lineman in 2021. The two-time academic all-state selection intends to study modern history and secondary education at Montana Western. Romero's Highlights Keegen Muffich | LB | 5'11" | 195 | Butte, Mont. / Butte HS Muffich is a linebacker from Butte, Montana. The team captain totaled 68 solo tackles, 33 assisted tackles (101 total), one sack, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as a senior at Butte High. He was a second team all-conference selection and an all-state honorable mention selection. At Montana Western, Muffich plans to study health and human performance. Muffich's Highlights Nic Saunders | DB/WR | 5'10" | 170 | Spokane Valley, Wash. / Central Valley HS Saunders is a defensive back/wide receiver from Central Valley High School in Spokane Valley, Washington. The three-year varsity player was a member of the Leadership Council and won the 2021 Skilled Player of the Year on his team. He is a two-time first team all-league defense selection and all all-league honorable mention selection on offense. Saunders plans to earn a degree in business at Montana Western. Saunders' Highlights Tyler Slaughter | DL | 6'4" | 245 | Fernley, Nev. / Fernley HS Slaughter is a defensive end from Fernley, Nevada. His team won the 3A 2019 Nevada State Championship. This year, he was named Nevada 3A Lineman of the Year, and was selected as an all-state defensive lineman and an all-league defensive lineman. Slaughter also participated in wrestling and track, where he was a state qualifier for both. At Montana Western, he intends to study physical education and health K-12. Slaughter's Highlights Dace Bennett | DB | 6'0" | 195 | Meeteetse, Wyo. / Meeteetse HS Bennett is a defensive back from Meeteetse High School in Wyoming. In 2020, his team was the state runner-up in the 1A division. The four-year varsity player received the following honors as a senior: first team all-state, first team all-conference, 1A 6-Man Offensive player of the Year, Super 25 Second Team and offensive MVP. He also represented his team for the Shrine Bowl and the Wyoming 6-Man Allstar game. The National Honor Society student has been on "A" Honor Roll since 2018 and was selected as Academic Athlete of the Month four times. At Montana Western, Bennett intends to study physical education and health K-12. Bennett's Highlights Justice Johnson | WR | 6'4" | 210 | Browning, Mont. / Browning HS Johnson is a wide receiver from Browning, Montana. As his team's MVP, he led in receiving yards and touchdowns on the offensive end and led his team in tackles and sacks on defense. Johnson was an all-conference selection as a tight end and defensive end. The National Honor Society member intends to study business at Montana Western. Johnson's Highlights Rye Brastrup | RB | 5'11" |190 | Joliet, Mont. / Joliet Public Schools Brastrup is a running back from Joliet, Montana. He spent four years on the varsity football team at Joliet Public Schools. Rye was an All-Conference and All-State selection. At Montana Western, Brastrup intends to major in physical education and health K-12 and minor in physical education teaching. Brastrup's Highlights Kendrick Wheeler | DB | 6'3" | 190 | Kamiah, Idaho / Kamiah HS Wheeler is a defensive back from Kamiah, Idaho. The 2021 team captain won the Dave Fallwell Memorial award and was a second team all-conference and honorable mention all-state selection. Wheeler intends to study environmental science at Montana Western.

Frontier Conference Commissioner Kent Paulson released the 2021-22 Academic All-Conference Football team today. To be eligible for the team, the student-athlete must be at least a sophomore in standing and maintain a 3.2 GPA. Montana Western had 30 student-athletes make it on the list.

A poaching investigation in northeastern Montana that lasted more than two and a half years, ended with several men being sentenced last month in the Montana 16th Judicial District Court in Garfield County. “FWP enforcement’s excellent work and diligence resulted in the exposure of one of the most disturbing poaching cases in recent history,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Hank Worsech. “From initial investigations to sentencing, our wardens demonstrated their commitment to the stewardship and protection of Montana’s outdoor resources.” The investigation centered on a hunting party led by Richard LeBlanc and their continued poaching activities on and around the Byron Kerr Ranch in Garfield and McCone counties. From 2005 to 2011, 31 citations were issued to LeBlanc and other members of his hunting parties for numerous violations. Additional information received in 2014 started the most recent investigation. “The poachers targeted deer and antelope, but their main focus was the unlawful hunting of mule deer bucks in hunting district 652,” said Fish, Wildlife & Parks Criminal Investigator Steve Marx. Mule deer bucks in HD 652 can only be hunted with a special permit obtained through the state’s drawing system. LeBlanc and Marc Federico, of Rhode Island, Stephen Schenck, of Massachusetts, and William Mathews, of Florida, were sentenced Jan. 11. As part of a plea agreement, LeBlanc, Federico, Schenck and Mathews were jointly and individually ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution and received six-month suspended jail sentences. LeBlanc’s hunting, fishing and trapping privileges were suspended for a period of 10 years while Federico, Schenck and Mathews’ privileges were suspended for eight, seven and two years, respectively. In addition, Joseph Caetano, of Massachusetts, and Austin Bridwell, of Florida, both appeared and were sentenced earlier in the case. Caetano was ordered to pay $3,750, received a six-month suspended jail sentence and lost hunting fishing and trapping privileges for 10 years. Bridwell paid $1,400, received a 12-month suspended jail sentence and lost hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for two years. All defendants will be entered into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. LeBlanc, Federico, Schenck, Mathews and Caetano cannot accompany anyone hunting, fishing or trapping in Montana during their suspension periods. The case revealed evidence of at least 48 unlawfully taken game animals. Charges included: failing to wear hunter orange, shooting from the roadway, loan and transfer of hunting licenses, taking an over limit of game animals, waste of game, possession of unlawfully killed deer and antelope, hunting during a closed season, hunting without a valid license, hunting without a valid permit, failure to tag, felony possession of wildlife and conspiracy to commit an offense. In addition to the individuals mentioned above, the investigation revealed other hunting parties were also committing violations on and around the Kerr Ranch. The following defendants were also apprehended and prosecuted during the operation. “I’d like to thank all the officers that assisted with the case and the Montana Attorney General’s office for prosecuting the case,” Marx said.

The hunting and trapping of wolves in Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Region 3 (southwest Montana) closed today. Last month, the Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to close wolf hunting and trapping in Region 3 upon the harvest of 82 wolves in the region. With the hunting and trapping season closed, trappers in the region must remove their equipment from the field as quickly as possible. Region 3 includes wolf management units (WMU) 330, 320, 310, 313, 316 and portions of 390. WMU 390 also includes portions of Regions 4, 5 and 6. Those interested in up-to-date information on the status of Montana’s wolf harvest can view FWP’s wolf dashboard , which shows the number of wolves harvested by region and wolf management unit (WMU). The dashboard is updated multiple times per day. For all wolf hunting and trapping regulations and information, visit FWP's wolf webpage .

Fisheries staff at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are seeking comments on a proposal to construct a fish barrier on Reservoir Creek near Dillon. This project would help protect a genetically pure population of westslope cutthroat trout from non-native trout. Reservoir creek is one of eight streams within the Beaverhead watershed that still supports an unaltered westslope cutthroat trout population. However, the population is only seasonally protected from non-native trout downstream. This proposal includes constructing a wooden barrier that would protect more than 5 stream miles of habitat for native trout. Once protected, westslope cutthroats in Reservoir Creek could be used to repopulate future fisheries projects, which would help restore the species to more of its historical range. Today, westslope cutthroat trout in the upper Missouri River basin occupy approximately 5 percent of their historical habitat. A draft environmental assessment has been prepared for this project. To view the assessment, visit go.usa.gov/xtF72 . The deadline for comments is 5 p.m. on March 12. Comments can be emailed to native fish biologist Ryan Kreiner at rkreiner@mt.gov or mailed to: Ryan Kreiner 730 ½ Montana St. Dillon, MT 59725

New program to train up to 5,000 new or upskilled employees to build Montana’s workforce over the next two years. Governor Greg Gianforte today announced a $6 million investment to develop Montana’s workforce and equip hardworking Montanans with in-demand skills. “As our economy grows, so are opportunities to work in a good-paying job right here in Montana,” Governor Gianforte said. “By making smart, targeted investments in rapid training programs, we can equip hardworking Montanans with the skills they need to thrive in today’s workforce and help Montana employers meet their workforce needs.” The $6 million grant was awarded to Accelerate Montana , a collaborative partnership led by the University of Montana. Accelerate Montana will establish a series of rapid retraining and upskilling programs that will train up to 5,000 Montanans in sectors such as construction, health care, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Accelerate Montana will jump-start the programs by partnering with high schools and private, public, and tribal colleges across the state to develop or adapt trainings to meet the needs for skilled positions across priority industries in Montana. The grant was issued by the Department of Labor & Industry using federal pandemic recovery dollars following the unanimous bipartisan recommendation of the state’s ARPA Economic Transformation and Stabilization and Workforce Development Advisory Commission. “Employers of jobs requiring specialized skills across Montana need workers,” Montana Department of Labor & Industry Commissioner Laurie Esau said. “This investment will be a shot in the arm for Montana’s economy and strengthen our workforce in key industries across the state.” “The lifeblood of any business is its employees,” Montana Department of Commerce Director Scott Osterman said. “This program can be adapted to industry and market needs, delivered virtually or in-person, thereby allowing private and public entities the ability to meet the needs of workers and employers swiftly and efficiently.” Funding from the grant will support program set-up, coordination, promotion, training delivery, course fees, instruction, and case management support. Funds will be directed towards industry-specific training programs and institutions with a demonstrated ability to attract enrollees and employer commitments. “Accelerate Montana is excited to work with employers, education and training institutions, and key stakeholders statewide to connect Montanans with skilled training programs and wide-ranging career opportunities,” Paul Gladen, Director of Accelerate Montana, said. For more information on the rapid retraining programs, and to receive details of an upcoming informational session on February 24 visit: https://www.acceleratemt.com/rtp-montana-summit .

Brynley Fitzgerald of Montana Western was selected the Erck Hotels/Frontier Conference’s Women’s Basketball Player of the Week. Fitzgerald is a 5-foot-11 junior forward from Dillon, Mont. (RV) Montana Western went 1-1 for the week. The Bulldogs lost in overtime to No. 16 University of Providence 72-66 and on the road, downed MSU-Northern 75-62. Fitzgerald averaged 29.5 points, seven rebounds, three steals and 2.5 assists per game. She was 19 of 35 (8 of 16, 3-pt) from the field and 13 of 14 from the free throw line. Also nominated; N’Dea Flye of Rocky Mountain College, L’Tia Lawrence of MSU- Northern, Emilee Maldonado of the University of Providence, Jamie Pickens of Carroll College and Tavia Rooney of Montana Tech.

Sarah Pfister, owner of Badger Archery, will speak to Rotarians and guests at noon Wednesday, February 16, 2022. She will provide information about her business and what’s going on in the archery world. Visitors are welcome. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary should come at noon to be a guest for lunch. The Club meets in the Guild Hall of St. James Episcopal Church, 203 East Glendale St. For more information, email John O’Brien at john@highpeaksfcu.com or Tina Giem at tgiem@barretthospital.org .

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation has announced a generous program to support Montana public libraries with Summer Reading Programming. Starting in March, any Montana public library will be able to apply for a grant from the Town Pump Foundation to receive $1,000 to support their summer reading efforts for 2022. The Town Pump Foundation is committed to improving the education of Montana children and has supported a variety of Montana public library summer reading programs throughout the years. They decided to take the support a step further with the Summer Reading Library Grant because of how important this program is for making sure kids continue to learn, read, and explore outside of school. “Reading is a fundamental skill and a gateway to success in life,” Bill McGladdery, Town Pump Foundation Director, says. “At Town Pump, we understand the benefits to readers that a summer reading program can have, including encouraging life-long reading habits and stimulating interest in the library. Reading exercises the brain over the summer, provides a great summer activity, and helps to strengthen a child’s reading skills.” These grants will be immensely helpful to many Montana libraries, especially the smaller libraries in rural communities that often have to be creative and innovative on shoestring budgets. "In the past we’ve relied in generous donations from business and community members for summer reading activities. However, in Summer 2021, we were fortunate enough to receive one of the Town Pump grants, which made planning summer reading a lot simpler,” Carly Vauthier, Assistant Library Director from the Harlem Public Library, said. “That money helped us purchase materials and supplies. We were able to put on a wide variety of programs, and I felt like we had more flexibility to publicize and get kids and community members excited about literacy.” “We are so appreciative of Town Pump’s generosity and support of public libraries,” Jennie Stapp, Montana State Librarian said. “These grants will have such positive outcomes for not only our libraries, but our communities all across the state.” To find out more about Summer Reading programs in public libraries, please contact Amelea Kim, Lifelong Learning Librarian at the Montana State Library at akim@mt.gov or 406-444-0224. You can also visit the Summer Reading webpage at https://msl.mt.gov/libraries/lifelonglearning/summerreading/ About the Montana State Library The Montana State Library (MSL) helps all organizations, communities, and Montanans thrive through excellent library resources and services. For more information about the Montana State Library, visit http://msl.mt.gov .

The community is invited to a special online event on Tuesday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m. to support the teacher education program in the Blackfeet community of Montana. Blackfeet Community College is a Tribal College partnered with the University of Montana Western to fill a critical need for Native teachers and significantly benefit Native students. You will hear directly from graduates and current teacher candidates as well as school leaders from Browning, Montana, as they explain the importance of this program. Pat Armstrong, a Blackfeet leader, educator, and musician, will be the auctioneer and Lona Running Wolf, a Blackfeet education and cultural leader and UMW faculty member, will be the event’s moderator. Pat and Lona will provide an engaging, educational, and inspiring perspective on the teacher education program as well as highlighting the cultural significance of items on auction through traditional storytelling. Auction items include hide drums and bags, leather concho belts, beaded earrings and accessories, a buffalo hide, a painting by renowned artist Sammy Jo Bird and more, including a multi-day hiking/fishing experience in Montana. We hope you will come away inspired by this wonderful program and possibly with a one of a kind Blackfeet keepsake. To view the event or participate in the auction, please visit https://tinyurl.com/TribalFutures . For more information, please email UMW Professor of Education, Dr. Vikki Howard: vikki.howard@umwestern.edu .

(UMW press release) The Montana Western Bulldogs (17-12, 6-8) took down the MSU-Northern Lights (18-11, 6-8) on the road, 77-72. The Bulldogs shot 60 percent from the field in the first half; MSU-Northern shot 41 percent. Montana Western led 35-31 at the half. Montana Western led most of the second half, but the Lights cut the Bulldogs' lead to three with under two minutes left in play. The Lights struggled to get a shot to fall, and with the Bulldogs in the double bonus, the Lights couldn't catch up. "I'm just really proud of this team," coach Mike Larsen said. "They have an unbelievable belief in one another. To find a win on the road takes so much heart, effort and a ton of love for each other! Go Dawgs!" Inside the Box Score MSU-Northern scored 19 points on 15 offensive rebounds; the Bulldogs only scored four points on three offensive rebounds. The Bulldogs went 19-24 from the foul line; the Lights were 8-8. Jamal Stephenson led the Bulldogs with a season-high 29 points. Montana Western's Max Clark grabbed six rebounds. Tanner Haverfield and Colter Miller each had two assists for the Bulldogs. Mascio McCadney led the Lights with 17 points. Please check the website regularly for up-to-date schedules​. All Bulldog Athletics home events can be streamed at www.bulldogsports.com/watch