City attorney raises concern about repeated public accusations; city manager gives updates on library system, joint meeting and splash pad

The city attorney reported that an individual has been walking around Belgrade and Bozeman wearing a sandwich board making public allegations about the attorney and others. The attorney said he handles municipal civil matters and is not involved in the employment dispute the individual alleges; he told the council the claims are false, said online groups had amplified the messages, and warned he may take action if the conduct continues while expressing concern about potential mental‑health factors.

City Manager Cardwell reported staff are installing the meeting video system (Swagit) in the new library and hope to move council and board meetings there by late July or August. He said a joint workshop with the City of Bozeman is planned for June 30 at the new library; the session will be a workshop with no official decisions expected.

Cardwell also gave a status update on the splash pad: a critical pump/filter assembly failed last season and replacement parts were hard to source; staff said the replacement arrived from Boise and is being installed but activation may be delayed by Northwestern Energy power work in the area. He emphasized the pump is safety‑critical (manages chlorine levels) and that staff prioritized safety over opening the amenity early.

Cardwell highlighted recent branding work on street signs and thanked public‑works staff for progress on replacing and improving signage. He also invited council members to suggest dates to tour a new HRDC facility and noted upcoming parks and transit discussions.