Staff is looking for direction on the desired level of security for the new City Hall building. The direction is influenced by the relevant legal framework, specifically Montana Code Annotated 45-8-356(7), and is tied to the first recommendation outlined in the CGL report.
Staff will also be presenting an update on the 4 CGL recommendations, project updates and timeline, construction budget and historic tax credits.
 

The presentation will encompass three main components: an overview of security options for the new City Hall, responses to the four recommendations from the draft CGL report on court security in the new city hall building, and updates on the construction, budget, and historic tax credits associated with the project.

1. Security Options for New City Hall:
We will present an analysis of security options for the new City Hall building, ranging from thorough screening and bag X-rays to minimal or no additional security measures other than those put into the design of the project. The aim is to offer the City Council a thorough understanding of the pros and cons associated with each option, considering factors such as efficiency, public perception, and cost implications. The decision on the security measures for the new City Hall is linked to Montana Code Annotated 45-8-356(7). It is essential for us to align our approach with the legal restrictions outlined in this code. Therefore, any guidance or preferences you can provide within the context of this legal framework will greatly assist us in making informed decisions. Additionally, the first recommendation put forth in the CGL report ties into the security level.

2. Response to CGL Report Recommendations on Court Security:
We will report on the four recommendations outlined in the draft CGL report on court security. This section of the presentation will cover specific recommendations by CGL and how they align with our overall security approach for the new City Hall.

3. Project Updates - Construction, Budget, and Historic Tax Credits:
This part of the presentation will involve providing updates on the construction progress, budget status, and the utilization of historic tax credits for the new City Hall project.

Montana Code Annotated 45-8-356
Where Concealed Weapon May Be Carried -- Exceptions
45-8-356. Where concealed weapon may be carried -- exceptions. A person with a current and valid permit issued pursuant to 45-8-321 or 45-8-312 or recognized pursuant to 45-8-329 may not be prohibited or restricted from exercising that permit anywhere in the state, except:
(1) in a correctional, detention, or treatment facility operated by or contracted with the department of corrections or a secure treatment facility operated by the department of public health and human services;
(2) in a detention facility or secure area of a law enforcement facility owned and operated by a city or county;
(3) at or beyond a security screening checkpoint regulated by the transportation security administration in a publicly owned, commercial airport;
(4) in a building owned and occupied by the United States;
(5) on a military reservation owned and managed by the United States;
(6) on private property where the owner of the property or the person who possesses or is in control of the property, including a tenant or lessee of the property, expressly prohibits firearms;
(7) within a courtroom or an area of a courthouse in use by court personnel pursuant to an order of a justice of the peace or judge; or
(8) in a school building as determined by a school board pursuant to 45-8-361.
 

City of Billings, City of Billings Employees, Judges, Public

Staff is looking for general direction from city council on security level for the new city hall.

Level of security implemented will fiscally impact the general fund budget.