[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6139134,"mediaKeyId","5581441-d98324fd1406763452993b06e42df7a6","parentId",5581441,"title","Study Commission endorses regular newspaper column, considers paid notices and physical outreach","audioSeconds",384,"startMs",2622000,"endMs",3006000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5581441-d98324fd1406763452993b06e42df7a6&start=2622&end=3006","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5581441-d98324fd1406763452993b06e42df7a6/thumbnail_2622000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6139134/Granite-County/Montana/Study-Commission-endorses-regular-newspaper-column-considers-paid-notices-and-physical-outreach","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139134-946afcf30478c6e0c6f86ca27ac7f23d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773566187&Signature=khEwqZsiu5GgPNHmjrJy2ZjLGkcmOe40HPFcBJVoQHSxAyWOFnlETDHpK4uGIi512ZS~oP4pe0Dkr06vVLZ~5ZZFA8YEtxsv9OgZceDZ-V2XBnjfVlVSh7Z-PMGSuq8vLoAMKEtTnxjWDlc4c~H69uCcsSnuA4yVvnN3UE3EaejZgPx3jfcvwRwXo61WHx6wib-KctPjzoNkKvIDzKo-hfGgF6ED2xh5hP6cNJ~xg25IwPrWlheUiGz-~y0vsf0VC~vacCdmQPbITYQYzSKrKgpPFWX68eQSdF3HvmHSA-AhFdsSOpvOHtiDssB-jU~OBnajy2kZeQygSJkFlyO~PA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Granite County, MT","date","2025-08-13T17:37:14Z","article","The Granite County Study Commission discussed ways to increase public awareness of its work and agreed in principle to publish a monthly column in the local newspaper, with a suggested limit of 500 words.

\"I kinda like that idea of a column limited to 500 words,\" one member said, noting the column could carry meeting notices and summaries. The managing editor of the local paper had reportedly agreed to a regular column; commissioners said a monthly cadence could help notify the public in advance about upcoming meetings and topics.

Members also discussed whether to purchase paid public notices and to distribute printed flyers at public locations such as the post office. \"The column might be an economical way of doing that,\" a member said. Commissioners asked for a report back with details on cost, format, and timing before finalizing any spending decision.

Next steps: The member leading the outreach effort will return to the commission with specific pricing, publication schedule and suggested text length for the column and with recommendations about whether to use paid public notices or printed flyers.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Granite Study Commission Meeting 8/7/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Members agreed in principle to a monthly 500-word column in the local newspaper, discussed potential use of paid public notices and flyers, and asked the column details be returned to the commission with costs.","taxTitle","Granite County , Montana","taxId",79639,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6139139,"Commissioners discuss survey, Daniels County procedures and missing training minutes; plan follow-up with consultant",690,2940000,3630000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5581441-d98324fd1406763452993b06e42df7a6&start=2940&end=3630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5581441-d98324fd1406763452993b06e42df7a6/thumbnail_2940000.jpg","/articles/6139139/Granite-County/Montana/Commissioners-discuss-survey-Daniels-County-procedures-and-missing-training-minutes-plan-follow-up-with-consultant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139139-13e20534787d20f46a60ef9f4c0cf777/orig.mp4?Expires=1773566187&Signature=XkdCo1URrcWw7Yw8ZR1dAHvwMHwG4kd1fLjtNZOOLPWHJyGC1QtelBMagirn5WLAw96RypYC2PqoYOMBpeXYiEkdtuwP2CfTTOVyLAwigNzmsuAWySPsouLeilZyYQKPoeAK4cxIDs54MWyHbk7DsmFwHE5Sugrs32CKf6QAnb3aBLjtgypWj-BzPn17z4WBo2l9j~Kd4lSCz3QTRY6l5NyNuX4-CQO84BdZTtt-DW~McYUSGrTtca1GE7BJHFGBrozTYWMyADhPYA3HWpHlP6StPtC4hsA-TTSsF-gTbMZ9raDwPux2fO53JbAfEK2xHLDmnS8CCm6NqmdqBYjh4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Study Commission members discussed the group\u0000survey, referenced Daniels County procedures as a model, and raised concerns about missing minutes and recordings from a prior Dan Clark training session they said took place for the town and county.

Commissioners said the prior training by Dan Clark (identified in materials as \"MSU Dan Clark\") had substantive discussion and that questions and answers from that session would be useful as the Study Commission develops its own questionnaire. \"I think maybe we should... look into the exact minutes that we've taken corresponding agenda. Put the link up for Dan Clark discussion, and then we should watch it,\" one member said. Members agreed to contact Dan Clark with clarifying questions and to circulate any draft communications to the full commission.

Members repeatedly said they had difficulty locating minutes or recordings related to the training and requested staff check whether recordings and minutes were posted. Several members said the training and a related meeting had been open to the public and that recording files should therefore be available. Attendees noted that some people who attended the Dan Clark session took minutes and that someone had a recording, but the Study Commission could not find the materials on the town or county websites.

Survey and questionnaire: Members said prior survey drafts from earlier study efforts were too broad and lengthy and recommended shortening the questionnaire and using prior drafts as a template. One member proposed fitting key questions on a single page to improve response rates. Commissioners agreed to \"do homework\" before the next meeting to produce a pared-down draft to discuss and voted to table specific survey questions until the next meeting.

Ex officio role: Blanche clarified the ex officio role described to the commission: no voting power, assistance with logistics, communications, contacts to departments and officials, and coordination of records and resources.

Next steps: Staff and commissioners will (1) search for and share recordings or minutes from the Dan Clark session and other prior meetings; (2) circulate a draft short questionnaire to commissioners in advance of the next meeting; and (3) prepare a draft communication to Dan Clark with questions for clarification.","The Study Commission reviewed survey logistics and new-business material from Daniels County as a model, raised concerns about missing training minutes from a Dan Clark session, and agreed to assemble and circulate documents and questions before the next meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6139144,"Study Commission to investigate Zoom hosting, budget and agenda hyperlinking for better public access",984,1630000,2614000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5581441-d98324fd1406763452993b06e42df7a6&start=1630&end=2614","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5581441-d98324fd1406763452993b06e42df7a6/thumbnail_1630000.jpg","/articles/6139144/Granite-County/Montana/Study-Commission-to-investigate-Zoom-hosting-budget-and-agenda-hyperlinking-for-better-public-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139144-595e71ad900a60d6963d45e60236dbfd/orig.mp4?Expires=1773566187&Signature=I2NB9zFOBaoxcHWf~x079Kfd634jpBNECXOgyzsUSg4T6QB3Mr5UZiTR2hWtF3GKIY4Z6UWyVeU9e6dzf5zP2aGSQskn-sez6JP7-ZzYRdTKP3NTr8zf2I3VWSbtwGjPUmuAlp-uN6Rslo-xZo0ynhEDVLeiwrwVui0YjPigkiYV~uF1YtFBi8Kp1slpPBeIThF-AkHot-hpliM2vXrlXDXuk3kSIAbKuwp~xf8TVpeUTTdtDwLTbKUvZIiLBpheh9uFO0Q~MOzKRGcvIXBU9ZXdcz8pdQ3OGCvEva1EC3HpHxX9LJBXysQlxuWfn5J43oj1EfBjG22vG0UyycIjxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Granite County Study Commission voted to investigate whether it can use the county or commission Zoom account, or a free alternative, to host remote meeting participation and reduce costs for the Study Commission.

\"I motion that we look into whether or not we can use the commission or courthouse Zoom account, or if we can use a free option instead of making our payment,\" a member said. The motion was seconded and the members present voted in favor. Members noted the county-level accounts are typically paid per host and that the free Zoom plan limits meetings to 45 minutes. One commissioner said a paid plan offering unlimited time and up to 100 participants was roughly $159 per host annually; the speaker suggested the commission might need only one paid host account.

Members asked staff to check whether the commissioners' office or courthouse maintains a shared Zoom account the Study Commission could use and to report back with billing responsibility and technical options. \"So specifically looking into if we can use the commission account or the courthouse account,\" a member said.

Budget context: The commission discussed a single line item for supplies and an expenditure to date of $13.59, leaving $10,004.06 in the Study Commission budget per materials distributed at the meeting. Members asked that budget documents and links be appended to agendas so attendees and the public can review contracts, motions, and financials in advance.

Hyperlinking and public materials: Members emphasized posting agendas with hyperlinks to relevant documents (draft minutes, contracts, proposed motions, budget spreadsheets) so both in-person and remote attendees can follow along. One member showed an example from another jurisdiction and said hyperlinking improves transparency and public engagement.

Next steps: Commissioners directed staff to: (1) check with commissioners' office about account access; (2) report on the cost and billing responsibility for a Zoom host account or other platform; and (3) ensure future agendas include hyperlinks to supporting documents when available.","Commissioners voted to investigate using the county's Zoom account or a free option, discussed costs and host-account limits, and emphasized making agendas hyperlink-rich so the public can access supporting documents online.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6139149,"Granite County study commissioners pick courthouse as preferred meeting site, set fallback to elections office",713,865000,1578000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5581441-d98324fd1406763452993b06e42df7a6&start=865&end=1578","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5581441-d98324fd1406763452993b06e42df7a6/thumbnail_865000.jpg","/articles/6139149/Granite-County/Montana/Granite-County-study-commissioners-pick-courthouse-as-preferred-meeting-site-set-fallback-to-elections-office","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139149-2fa69167ae078a122dc839773759cdbb/orig.mp4?Expires=1773566187&Signature=E4VA1~~KAWNuM-oZyctei0Wxme4X3d~Z5LtMKqm6QpKSuOLTT~0qgcBGeHLRxEw~foUvtLuXVSjcflcwTea6OupbLUcMbR9dUtU7ynAU4pfELPuoQnkMbRJuKUYQ8wQMaEV5eGFvDAY1c~cRu4gz470ygqvdhFxq8LFUbHzTnreU1QhSNA8ZEDI9VvkLQenBo1vo4OvmPGGbf49fYIEPrfHSozKqPeS2KOHkli8sysQlpFXvE6pmWpBsG-EVOvShUqmTKhDzSlbq-gyQQZmaO~or02b3mAekajSKvjjOxi3ogy7xGLcdbRh95iQmdD3NGzaMmEOcKG9cmvKzohtewA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","With two members present, the Granite County Study Commission voted to ask the county commission to allow the Study Commission to hold in-person meetings in the commissioners\u0000office and to use the elections office as a fallback if that request is denied.

The motion was moved by Brian Sutton and seconded; the commissioners present voted in favor. \"So I would make a motion to have Blanche present, the commission Office as our meeting location at the next commission meeting,\" Sutton said. After discussion about accessibility and remote capability, a second speaker amended the motion to add the elections office as the alternate. \"And if not approved by the commission, use the Election Office as our official location,\" the amender said. The motion was seconded and the commissioners present responded \"All in favor. I. I. Out of 2, if you add 3, then we've got 2. Unanimous.\"

Why it matters: Members said holding in-person meetings in a government space with Wi-Fi and remote capability would increase accessibility and attendance. Speakers raised concerns about library availability, stair access to the courtroom, and the need for remote (Zoom) hosting for people who travel. One member suggested Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. to avoid conflicts with court and planning-board hearings that were cited as reasons Thursday was problematic.

Discussion and context: Commissioners discussed alternatives if the commissioners\u0000office cannot be used, including the elections office on the main floor (less stair-climbing) or a downstairs room that might be accessible by elevator. The topic was treated as continued business: commissioners agreed that Blanche would present the location request to the county commission and report back.

The transcript shows the commission proceeded with the location motion despite an acknowledged lack of the full three-member body; members characterized the gathering as a work session but nonetheless made and recorded the motion and vote.

Next steps: Blanche, identified in the meeting as the Study Commission\u0000ex officio, agreed to take the request to the county commission and to check on availability of the elections office and other accessible rooms. Commissioners said they will finalize meeting date and time (members expressed a preference for Wednesdays at 6 p.m.) at the next meeting when more members may be present.

Votes at a glance: Motion to request the commissioners\u0000office as Study Commission meeting location, with fallback to the elections office if denied — moved by Brian Sutton; second stated on the record; tally: yes 2, no 0, abstain 0, absent 1; outcome: approved by the members present.","Members of the Granite County Study Commission agreed to ask the county commission to allow use of the commissioners\u0000office for future in-person meetings and designated the elections office as the alternate location if the request is denied; the panel also agreed to prefer Wednesday evenings for meetings.","actionData","errors"]

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Study Commission endorses regular newspaper column, considers paid notices and physical outreach

Commissioners discuss survey, Daniels County procedures and missing training minutes; plan follow-up with consultant

Study Commission to investigate Zoom hosting, budget and agenda hyperlinking for better public access

Granite County study commissioners pick courthouse as preferred meeting site, set fallback to elections office