By Leanna Rodebaugh, Stevensville
History lesson:
May 31, 2019 RFP
A request for IT services sent out and bids closed on this date. Requested information should provide information in a SEALED ENVELOPE. (this is how legitimate bids are received as per council rules.) No bids received.
11/07/2019
Robert Underwood receives a quote from First Call Computer Solutions good for one month (12/04/2019). Fees included $2100 managed IT, and $4200 onboarding fees. The email address used for communication is brandon@townofstevensville.com
12/12/2019
Brandon E. Dewey, mayor of Stevensville, signed a contract with First Call Computer Solutions. No bids, no contracts presented to town council. Town council finalized budget for upcoming fiscal year. Contract co-signed by Jessica Stenberg FCCS
2/27/2020
Approval of Bi-Weekly Claims a. Claims #15681-15806 Council Member Michalson made a request to see the agreement from First Call. Council Member Vick made a Motion to fulfill that request. Mayor Dewey requested the Financial Officer to provide that information, as requested. Discussion continued after the Finance Officer provided the agreement of services to Council Member Michalson on First Call. The process was started before the budget was approved, and the agreement was included in the FY20 Budget, and signed after the FY20 Budget was approved. Council Member Vick made a motion to delay the approval of Claim #15796 until the March 12th meeting. The motion was seconded by Council Member Michalson. (from the Feb. 27 council meeting minutes)
2/28/2020
Mr. Michalson realizes Robert Underwood has not provided him with a copy of the First Call contract. What was provided is a quote from First Call Computer Solutions and not the contract. Bob asks for the contract itself and is told James Marble has the copy. Bob phones James Marble and asks for the contract. Mr. Michalson is able, finally, to connect in an accurate way with Robert Underwood, the town finance officer, who says he has located the master agreement with First Call and will have it ready for Bob on Monday. Monday, the contract is received and reviewed. At this time, Mr. Michalson realizes that this is an illegal contract and has violated, among other things, the purchasing policies of the town of Stevensville. He prepares an agenda item for the March 12 council meeting.
03/03/2020
Mr. Michalson prepares an agenda item concerning “the mayor’s violation of statutory authority to sign an unauthorized contract.” This agenda item is also signed by Dempsey Vick for the March 12 upcoming council meeting.
Michalson cites the town’s purchasing policy, Resolution 444 and various MCA codes.
03/12/2020
Sometime between the 03/04/2020 submission of Michalson’s agenda item and the publishing of the March 12 council meeting agenda, Mr. Vick has changed his mind about the validity of the agenda item he submitted with Michalson.
Vick now claims “fraud” because a page outlining the town’s purchasing policy is now missing from the documentation. Ms. Devlin concurs. These two council members submit an agenda item “Resolution 471 to suspend Michalson for unbecoming conduct.” Mr. Michalson’s original agenda item criticizing Mayor Dewey for his actions, is now missing from the agenda.
The motion to suspend Michalson is moved by acclaim to the top of the agenda.
Council Member Vick made a motion to withdraw Resolution 471 from the record. The motion was then seconded by Council Member Holcomb. Council Member Vick apologized to the people he represents and fellow Council Members, as this was not handled correctly as adults; this situation should have been handled at the lowest level possible. A week ago, he did feel that Mr. Michalson had “wronged” him; he will give him the benefit of the doubt; Mr. Vick believed that what he had highlighted in the packet is what he was signing to, not what was in the entire purchasing policy. The primary motion on the floor: Withdraw Resolution 471 from the Record. Vote was 3-1 with Devlin voting “no.”
And now you know the beginning of the story. Most of you know what happened next. A recall petition was granted by the county against Mayor Dewey for his unauthorized handling of the First Call Computer Solutions contact. BUT what Mayor Dewey tried to do to Mr. Bob Michalson was also a criminal act. This was an attempt to protect himself (the mayor) at the expense of another. If not criminal, then morally wrong and bordering on evil intent. To harm a good man’s reputation and integrity is not unheard of in political circles. It happens all the time on the state and national levels. Politicians will lower themselves to any depth to keep themselves in power. It is all about power and control. Soon you will be asked to give your opinion of the recall. It is a simple question. Do you approve of what the mayor deliberately did, and do you approve of such behavior from an elected official? Holding government accountable is the highest of goals. No one is above his constituents. No one is better than the citizens of the town they represent. Decisions made without public involvement is a form of dictatorship. There is no forgiveness for being above the law. Vote for the recall of the mayor and be proud of our whistle blowers.