Missoula Open Space Advisory Committee elects chair, vice chair and approves minutes

The Missoula Open Space Advisory Committee approved the minutes from its previous meeting and elected Daniel to serve as chair and Anne as vice chair in voice votes during the committee’s meeting (date not specified).

Committee members voted to approve the minutes after a motion and second; the vote was taken by voice and the chair declared the motion approved. Later in the meeting, members nominated officers for one-year terms. Daniel was nominated for chair and Anne was nominated for vice chair. A motion to elect both officers was seconded and approved by a voice vote with no opposition recorded.

The committee discussed the formal duties of the chair and vice chair before voting. Zach, a project lead on the PROS update for Parks and Recreation, described the vice chair’s role as the person who “simply is just to step in when the chair is not available” and explained that the chair’s responsibilities include running meetings, facilitating discussion and motions, and writing a summary letter to city council after committee recommendations.

Members also reviewed limits imposed by Montana public meetings law. Zach and other staff advised that chairs may suggest agenda items but that action items must be published in advance; the committee discussed that individual members may meet with staff to review draft letters but that meetings of a quorum outside a properly noticed meeting can create legal problems.

The committee said it will continue its regular schedule of business and workshopping on the PROS update at upcoming meetings.

Ending: Staff will circulate materials ahead of the next meeting so members have time to review draft documents and homework items related to the PROS plan and open‑space vetting process.