Public Meetings - Butte Silver Bow, Montana

The Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting on November 12, 2025, focusing on property sales, data center proposals, and various budget amendments. The session included public testimony regarding the sale of the Business Development Center, concerns over the proposed SABI data center expansion, and updates on land sales and public works projects. While no final vote was taken on the data center site acquisition, the Council received extensive public comments and staff responses regarding environmental impacts, tax implications, and procedural speed. Consent Calendar - No motions to approve or deny the consent calendar were made or recorded in the transcript text provided. Public Comments & Testimony - Dan O'Neill (Tenant, Business Development Center): Expressed concern regarding the lack of communication and legal disclosure regarding the sale of the Business Development Center. He argued that the RFP lacked clarity on bidding formats and scoring matrices, stating he could not seriously consider investing time preparing a proposal without this information. Mr. O'Neill referenced specific Montana codes (7-2-4201(3) and 7-2-7-56) and urged the County Attorney to verify legal compliance. - Lewis Pizanti (Resident, Buxton/Montana Connections area): Stated that residents were inadequately notified about the proposed data center build. He expressed strong opposition to the lack of transparency regarding the building's footprint and location, citing concerns about property devaluation, noise, light pollution, and the absence of environmental or noise assessments. - Evan Barrett (Resident, Butte): Expressed caution and skepticism regarding the data center project. While not explicitly stating total opposition to the concept, he argued that the process was rushed and that the claim of "tax benefits" was misleading, stating clearly that the net tax for the county and schools would be zero for at least 15 years due to the TIFIT (Tax Increment Financial Improvement Tool) district status. He raised specific concerns about water usage inconsistencies (3 million gallons/day), power line impacts on utility bills, and the low tax structure. - Joel Wirth (Carpenters Union Representative): Expressed support for the data center project, stating that such facilities are built by union labor and would provide "life-changing wages" for workers in the region. - Rudy Frost (Homeowner, Butte): Expressed support for the project's potential to bring jobs, specifically noting the benefits to local trade unions. He offered a counter-proposal suggestion to use the "Pit" for water treatment and suggested the developer fund a power plant, expressing optimism for a win-win outcome through better negotiation. - Edward Banderob (Greeley Neighborhood Community Development Corp): Advocated for the creation of a mandated official channel for neighborhood community improvement councils and public oversight within the county charter, urging commissioners to attend a upcoming study commission meeting. Discussion Items - Butte Business Development Center (BDC) Sale (Comm 2025-518): - Commissioner Summary: Community Development Director Karen Burns reviewed two proposals received in response to the RFP, both offered at the $450,000 purchase price. She noted a review committee matrix was used to score them. - Proposal 1 (Mountain Heart Media): Michaela and Nathan Hack proposed purchasing the BDC to establish a shared community workspace/co-working space for small businesses and creatives. They pledged to maintain current tenants and invest $100,000 in cash on hand for immediate maintenance. They expressed a position of commitment to community networking and gradual rate adjustments to cover operating costs. - Proposal 2 (Urban Miners Collective): Jeff Riggs and Keith Waring (owners of 120,000 sq ft of downtown property) proposed a "buy and hold" strategy, emphasizing their experience renovating historic buildings. They pledged to honor all existing leases, implement a triple-net structure for maintenance pass-throughs, and utilize their staff for immediate repairs. They indicated they have significant cash reserves to cover operating losses for an extended period. - Council Action: The Council moved to refer both proposals back to the Community Development Department for a recommendation, pending further review. - SABE Data Center Proposal (Comm 2025-546): - Public Questions: Sarah Bordoon presented 17 questions collected from a community forum regarding the proposed SABI data center at Montana Connections. Key topics included noise/light pollution, water usage, wastewater handling, and the speed of the approval process. - Staff Response: County staff provided written responses clarifying that: - A 606.5-acre purchase and sale agreement with Horizon LLC (SABI) was entered into, extending the due diligence period to February 11, 2026. - Land price is set at $2,000 per acre. - No decision has been made to finalize the sale; a final resolution is required if the option is exercised. - Noise is regulated by the RM2 zoning ordinance (60 dB limit), though a public commenter questioned the sufficiency of these ordinances for 24/7 industrial data centers. - Water costs will be recovered from the user, and the Silver Lake Water System is separate from potable supplies. - Tax revenue from the project will be captured in the TIFD for 15-30 years, meaning no immediate tax increment for schools or general county funds. - The Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates power rates, and staff cited studies indicating increased load can put downward pressure on state-wide electricity prices. Key Outcomes - Motion Passed (9-0): Referral of BDC proposals (Mountain Heart Media and Urban Miners Collective) back to the Community Development Department for a formal recommendation to the Council. - Motion Passed (9-0): Placement of Communication 2025-518 (request for BDC presentation) on file. - Motion Passed (7-2): Communication 2025-542 (request by Will O'Connor to deny Steve Maloney's land purchase) held in abeyance. - Motion Passed (9-0): Communication 2025-494 (Fire Department budget amendment) placed on file. - Motion Passed (9-0): Communication 2025-503 (Sole sourcing of Sulzer parts) placed on file. - Motion Passed (9-0): Communication 2025-504 (Tree planting revenue comments) placed on file. - Held in Abeyance: Several communications regarding land sales (2025-249, 2025-460, 2025-520), bid openings (2025-536, 2025-537, 2025-538), and public hearings for utilities/parks were continued to future meetings or pending committee reports. Communication 2025-546 (Data Center Questions) was also held in abeyance for a later time.

The Judiciary Committee of the Butte Silverbow County Council of Commissioners convened on November 12, 2025, to deliberate on three primary items: the proposed regulatory framework for marijuana, the disposition of unsold tax deed land, and administrative claims. County Attorney Matt Enruth, appearing on behalf of the county attorney's office (noting he was absent the prior week due to illness), led discussions on the substantive agenda items. The committee focused on procedural workflow for ordinance adoption and resolved administrative financial matters before adjourning. Consent Calendar - Claims Approval: The committee approved three claims totaling $1,000 via unanimous motion: $400 to Mike Blastic (demo bond refund), $200 to Brianna Dudley (winter bazaar refund), and $400 to Karen Cobb (winter bazaar refund). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded during this session. Discussion Items - Communication 25-310 (Marijuana Ordinance): - County Attorney Enruth Proposal: Stated that the county attorney's office has completed an ordinance regulating medical and recreational marijuana sales. To avoid procedural irregularities regarding the drafting history, Enruth proposed that the committee "note and place it on file" and re-submit a "clean version" directly to the full Council for the required three readings and public hearing. He noted that Deputy County Attorney Sean Peterson had confirmed the ordinance is ready. - Commissioner Callahan: Asked if the item would go to the full council first before returning to the committee. The Chair clarified that the standard flow is full council - committee for readings - full council for final vote. - Commissioner Shea: Concerned about cross-references, asking if the current communication should be cross-referenced. Enruth clarified that cross-referencing would occur only upon final passage of the ordinance, a point agreed to by Enruth who noted Commissioner Morgan prefers extensive cross-referencing later. - Action: The committee moved to note Communication 25-310 and place it on file. - Communication 2025-486 (Tax Deed Land): - Background: Requested by Laurie Baker Patrick of Butte Silverbow Treasure, asking the County Attorney to prepare a resolution authorizing the City and County to retain ownership of unsold tax deed land parcels. - County Attorney Enruth: Disclosed that while he was out last week with the flu and strep, he believes the resolution is prepared but has not yet been submitted by Deputy County Attorney Sean Peterson. - Action: Enruth requested the item be held in advance until the document is submitted. The committee moved to hold the communication in abeyance. Key Outcomes - Vote on Communication 25-310: Motion to note Communication 25-310 and place it on file passed (Aye: All, Opposed: None). The committee agreed this action allows the County Attorney to resubmit a clean version to the Full Council for standard ordinance procedures (three readings, public hearing, final vote). - Vote on Communication 2025-486: Motion to hold Communication 2025-486 in abeyance passed. The item will be returned when the County Attorney's office submits the prepared resolution. - Vote on Claims: Motion to approve claims for Mike Blastic ($400), Brianna Dudley ($200), and Karen Cobb ($400) passed (Aye: All, Opposed: None). - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned immediately following the claims approval. Note on Timestamps: The transcript explicitly states the meeting was called for "November 12th, 2025," though the user prompt metadata references a date of "2025-11-13." The summary reflects the date spoken in the record (Nov 12).

The Study Commission convened on November 10, 2025, to deliberate on the structure, funding, and governance of the Butte Silver Bow Fire Department. The meeting featured extensive public testimony regarding the conflict between career and volunteer fire services, financial constraints under the state tax cap, and calls for charter modifications to clarify the authority of the Director of Fire Services. The commission voted to establish a specific working group to research legal precedents, equipment ownership, and fiscal implications before recommending changes to the public. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the meeting held on November 3, 2025, were moved, seconded, and unanimously approved following a discussion on the procedure for handling email correspondence (to be added as amendments rather than read into the record). - Correspondence: Updates regarding the ex-officio member and the handling of new emails from volunteer fire service representatives were noted for inclusion in the official record. Public Comments & Testimony - J.R. Richardson (Former Fire Coordinator): Expressed support for reviewing 1995-96 study commission minutes for historical context. He warned that the Fire Fund operates as a separate taxing jurisdiction approaching the state tax cap, lacking the flexibility to shift levies like other county funds, which could lead to expenditure reductions if new ballot measures increase costs. - Banner (Citizen Advocate): Expressed strong opposition to the current trajectory of fire department consolidation. He argued the issue is one of "top-down mandatory government versus bottom-up representative democracy" and that volunteer fire stations serve as vital neighborhood community centers. He opposed the elimination of volunteer districts and the demolition of halls, urging a direct survey of residents to decide between full municipal consolidation or a blending model. - Austin Perry (Public Servant): Expressed support for combination fire department models based on his professional experience. He argued that consolidation improves staffing, standardized equipment, and morale, though he noted historical fears of losing station identity that were overcome by unified leadership. - Mike Bern (Citizen): Expressed concern regarding the cost-effectiveness of maintaining a 30+ apparatus fleet, which he noted outnumbers that of Billings. He raised the issue of aging frontline equipment (some 30 years old) affecting both career and volunteer departments. - John Sorich (Former Commissioner): Expressed support for the need for volunteer services but acknowledged the necessity of charter changes. He also later expressed the position that 12 commissioners is too many and recommended a reduction to five elected commissioners plus one elected chief executive. - Jerry Ellison, J. (Citizen), Lee Sullivan, and Riley Hash (Fire Service Members): Expressed strong support for a unified command structure, a single Director of Fire Services, and standardized training to ensure mutual collaboration and firefighter safety. They argued that a lack of consistent standards leads to confusion on the fire ground. - Shane Worley (Battalion Chief, Career Fire): Expressed support for consolidating administrative control under the Director of Fire Services as defined in the current charter. He stated that introducing a "Fire Coordinator" position is unnecessary bureaucracy and that the root cause of disputes is conflicting language between the Charter and Ordinance, not the structure of volunteer vs. career personnel. - James Olette (Safety and Health Coordinator): Expressed concern regarding OSHA compliance (specifically respirator fit-testing) and the lack of clarity on indemnification for volunteer employees. He argued that the current tax fund structure, which blends rural and urban levies, creates fairness issues regarding who controls spending in specific districts and who holds liability. - J.R. Richardson (Follow-up): (No new comment, previous statement noted). - Great Neighborhood Community Development Corp (Citizen): Expressed support for a "bottom-up" government approach, arguing against a mayor-elected/appointed model. They advocated for elected council chairs and district-based commissioners. - Donovan Sargent (Racetrack Volunteer Fire Dept): Expressed the position that removing all language referencing volunteer fire departments from the Butte Silver Bow Charter is the necessary first step to allow volunteer districts to operate under state law, establish their own levies, and negotiate as equals with the career department. - Dan Olson (Former Commissioner): Expressed support for maintaining rural volunteer fire protection as separate from city fire departments. He argued that the costs of a fully career-staffed rural department are unaffordable and that volunteer departments in Montana generally operate well with state-mandated standards. Discussion Items - Charter Ambiguity and Authority: The commission discussed the conflicting mandates between the Butte Silver Bow Charter (which places the Director of Fire Services in charge of both career and volunteer departments) and State Law (Montana Code Annotated), which suggests rural volunteer districts operate autonomously under their trustees. Ms. Casey and others noted this conflict creates an environment where volunteers revert to state law when the Director asserts authority. - Anaconda-Deer Lodge Model: Ms. Dolan requested an opportunity to learn from the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County fire service structure regarding autonomy and consolidation. The Chair noted attempts to invite them have not yet succeeded. - Taxing Jurisdiction and Maps: Ms. Casey requested that GIS produce a map of the fire district boundaries described in the ordinance, noting that current "metes and bounds" descriptions are difficult to visualize and verify. - Pre-1977 Operations: The commission sought historical context on fire service operations prior to the 1977 consolidation. John Sorich and Donovan Banderab described a time when city and county fire districts were separate entities with separate funding and no cross-jurisdictional response, citing this as a source of past animosity due to "turf wars." - Financial Sustainability of Volunteers: Concerns were raised by Mr. Silk and Ms. Casey regarding the financial viability of volunteer departments if the charter removes them from the unified tax fund. It was noted that if volunteers must levy their own taxes, they must have sufficient revenue to fund operations, a data point currently unavailable due to past budgeting practices. - Equipment Ownership: The commission discussed the potential ownership status of equipment (grants, donations, county-owned) if volunteer language were removed from the charter. Mr. Worley confirmed that some equipment belongs to individual districts for mutual aid and wildland response, not the career department. - Training Officer Position: Shane Worley highlighted that the position of Assistant Chief/Training Officer has been mandated in the Charter yet unfunded since 1989, preventing standardized training and qualification verification for volunteer responders. Key Outcomes - Motion Carried: A motion was made by Mr. DeNehy and seconded by Ms. Casey to authorize a three-member working group comprised of Cindy Perdue Dolan, Ben Thielen, and Matt Steppen to research the fire department issues. - Work Group Mandate: The group is tasked with researching: - The legal implications of removing volunteer language from the Charter (including tax authority, double taxation, and funding). - Equipment ownership disputes. - The Anaconda-Deer Lodge charter model. - State Law (MCA) restrictions on volunteer services in Type 1 cities. - The 2001 Montana Supreme Court case (Eureka). - Revenue sources and taxing district definitions. - The 2024 Fire Department Master Plan recommendations. - Collaborative Structure: Ms. Casey and Mr. Silk were designated to "tag-team" with the working group to provide background information and research support. - Next Steps: The working group is to report findings back to the full commission, which will then deliberate on potential ballot language or charter amendments. The next commission meeting is scheduled for November 17, 2025, to discuss neighborhood councils. - Administrative Action: A letter from Director of Fire Services Zach Osborne (expressing a desire for clarity and consolidation) will be added to the meeting minutes via email correspondence.

The Butte Silver Bow Council of Commissioners held its regular meeting on November 5, 2025, with 11 commissioners present and Commissioner Healy absent. The meeting included standard approvals of minutes, public hearings on budget amendments and grants, the appointment of an interim coroner, discussion of several development agreements and land sales, and an emergency resolution to fund SNAP benefits. Key procedural discussions focused on adherence to policy for late applications and transparency in entity changes during property sales. Consent Calendar - The October 15, 2025 meeting minutes were approved unanimously (11 Aye, 0 Nay). - The general consent agenda (items A1-A4 and B1-B27) was approved, with specific items segregated for individual discussion: - Comm 2025-522 (DUI Court services) - Comm 2025-529 (Harrison Avenue South URD Development Agreement) - Comm 2025-531 (Crew Companies/Riley Global Solutions Property Amendment) - Comm 2025-542 (Steve Maloney land purchase request) - Comm 2025-544 (Carrolls land purchase) - Comm 2025-546 (Data center inquiry) Public Comments & Testimony - Ready Frost (2000 Roberts Avenue): Expressed support for the fire department budget amendment and support for sole-sourcing blower motor parts as a Montana business. - Ready Frost (2000 Roberts Avenue): Expressed support for the Skyline Park tree planting grant. Discussion Items Interim Coroner Interviews - Candidates Interviewed: Kimberly Buyers, Kelton Bills, Marcy Cameron, Kaylee Casebolt, Tessa Grimes, Kellyanne Hoven, and Curtis Winscott. Candidates Bonnie Kaufman, Michael Hanley, Kylie Reese, and Alex Michael Smith were absent. - Positions and Responses: - Marcy Cameron: Expressed strong confidence in her readiness, citing acting as deputy coroner since 1998, and proposed increasing transparency via FAQs to alleviate community confusion. She expressed support for maintaining strict confidentiality and tracking her own training logs to ensure compliance. - Kellyanne Hoven: Expressed her suitability based on 14 years as a registered nurse, highlighting experience with grieving families and end-of-life situations. She stated she would follow statutory training and is comfortable with 24/7 on-call demands. - Jason Parrish: Expressed readiness based on a background in emergency medicine, Army combat medic experience, and mortuary affairs training. He proposed utilizing IT security measures to protect confidential data and maintain a tight chain of custody. - Curtis Winscott: Expressed comfort with the role due to 10+ years in healthcare handling deaths. He stated he would follow regulations "to the T" and maintain confidentiality strictly on a need-to-know basis. - Other Candidates: Expressed basic understanding of duties involving law enforcement collaboration and evidence gathering. Tessa Grimes and Kelly Casebolt highlighted experience in social work or detention centers respectively. Kelton Bills, a correctional officer, expressed limited familiarity with specific training requirements but affirmed willingness to learn. - Outcome: Commissioners voted to narrow the field to Kellyanne Hoven and Jason Parrish (top two). A second vote was held to select the final interim appointee. Resolution 2025-67 (SNAP Benefits Emergency Proclamation) - Chief Executive Gallagher: Stated the resolution is necessary to support community members losing SNAP benefits, directing funds from reserves (equivalent to two mills, $183,974.00) to the food bank and Rescue Mission. He stated the measure is not a tax on taxpayers but a use of existing reserve funds. - Commissioner Shea: Expressed full support for the initiative, commending the leadership on focusing on food security and community wellness. Communication 2025-529 (Harrison Avenue South URD - TFF Enterprises Monteriors) - Commissioner O'Leary: Expressed strong opposition to approving the agreement due to the project being completed after the fact, arguing that it sets a negative precedent and violates standard application procedures where projects must be approved before work begins. - Director Burns: Stated that the project involved a difficult parcel and a miscommunication regarding the application timing; the developers relied on the assistance. She noted the URD board vetted the project as a one-time exception and that projects do not receive funds until completion. - Commissioner Fisher: Expressed support, emphasizing that the project is complete and beneficial, and argued against being negative when the community needs development. - Outcome: Commissioner O'Leary cast a no vote to uphold procedural standards; the motion passed 10 Aye, 1 Nay. Communication 2025-531 (Property Transfer - Crew Companies to Riley Global Solutions LLC) - Commissioner Shea: Expressed opposition to the last-minute entity switch, stating it undermines public transparency and proper procedure, and initially moved to deny the request. - Commissioner O'Leary: Expressed opposition, arguing that the public has a right to know the specific entity purchasing public land before a vote and that high expectations should be set for all business dealings. - Commissioner Boyle: Expressed support for the deal, arguing against throwing up roadblocks for businesses and assuming the entities are trustworthy. - Commissioner Thatcher: Expressed support for the deal, prioritizing development momentum over procedural perfection, provided the action is not illegal. - County Attorney Enruth: Stated that while selling to an LLC is legal and common, the specific contract was not assignable from the start; changing the buyer at the third reading creates a procedural gap regarding public vetting of the new LLC. - Outcome: After debate, the motion to concur (approve) passed with a vote of 9 Aye, 2 Nay (Commissioners Shea and O'Leary voted nay). Resolution 2025-64 was amended to reflect the actual purchaser (Riley Global Solutions LLC) and the amendment date. Other Segregated Items - Communication 2025-522: The council voted 11 Aye, 0 Nay to approve the agreement with CCCS for DUI court services at $2,200/month. - Communication 2025-542: The council voted 10 Aye, 1 Nay to hold the request in committee of the whole to allow Steve Maloney to speak, as he was currently in Ireland. - Communication 2025-544: The council voted 11 Aye, 0 Nay to approve the land sale to the Carrolls at the DOR assessed value of $1,329.00. - Communication 2025-546: The council voted 11 Aye, 0 Nay to refer the inquiry regarding data centers to the Montana Connections TED Board and hold the item in committee of the whole for a presentation on November 12. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2025-67: Approved unanimously (11 Aye) to appropriate $183,974.00 from reserve funds to support SNAP benefits. - Interim Coroner: Jason Parrish was appointed interim coroner (10 Aye for Parrish, 1 Nay for Hooven in the second round) to serve until the conclusion of the November 2026 election. - Development Agreements: Approved TFF Enterprises Monteriors agreement (10-1) and Riley Global Solutions land sale (9-2), with specific amendments to the resolution and policy discussions recorded. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned after all items were processed.

The October 27, 2025, meeting of the Butte Silver Bow Study Commission began with the Pledge of Allegiance and public comments, followed by the approval of October 20th minutes and scheduling deliberations for late November and December. Commissioners discussed the formation of subcommittees to draft language for potential ballot measures and engaged in a detailed debate comparing the current Chief Executive/Council form of government against a proposed City-County Manager form. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to include the City-County Manager option in the preliminary report and the formation of a subcommittee to research and draft the necessary charter language. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the October 20th, 2025, meeting with grammatical and spelling corrections only. The motion to approve carried unanimously with Mr. Thielen making the motion and Mr. Casey seconding it. Public Comments & Testimony - Karen Sargent: A professional emergency first responder with 30 years of experience who lives at 3021 Josephine Street. She expressed that while she respects individual firefighters, she has experienced "distrust, disrespect, and disdain" from the upper administration (officers, battalion chiefs, and fire chief) of the career Fire Department. She stated she was treated with nothing but respect by the commission and urged the body to remove specific sections of the fire department charter (7.03, subsections A, D, E, and F) to allow volunteer departments to operate under current state laws governing district establishment. She clarified this request is within the commission's scope and does not impact the form of government. Discussion Items - Schedule and Work Process: Commissioners established a timeline for deliberations, including sessions on the City Manager/Chief Executive (Nov 3), reduction of Commissioners (Nov 3/related), Fire Departments (Nov 10), Neighborhood Councils (Nov 17), Coroner/Superfund Coordinator (Dec 1), and Cleanup/Charter Walkthrough (Dec 8). Commissioners debated the method for drafting ballot language, agreeing that general deliberations should happen in the full body while specific language drafting and "workshopping" could be delegated to subcommittees working via email or private meetings to avoid quorum issues, provided all findings return to the full commission for a public vote. - Op-Ed and Survey Data: Mr. Steppen presented a draft op-ed regarding extending the timeline to gather more input. Ms. Adams reported the survey has received 419 responses (exceeding the statistically reliable sample of 375), with over 1,900 responses to open-ended questions and 60 handwritten comments from listening sessions. - Chief Executive vs. City-County Manager Deliberation: Commissioners debated the pros and cons of switching from an elected Chief Executive to a City-County Manager. - Support for City Manager (Ms. Casey, Mr. Selk, Ms. McCormick, Mr. Steppen): Speakers argued that a City Manager provides necessary "continuity" in long-term planning, which is currently threatened by the political turnover of elected Chiefs. They expressed concern that under the current system, department heads shift priorities every four years based on the Chief's agenda. They noted that survey data and department heads overwhelmingly support this change for efficiency and professional management. - Support for Chief Executive (Mr. Denehee, Mr. Thielen): Mr. Denehee, a self-described "traditionalist," argued that the current form maintains a crucial "balance of powers" where the executive branch is separate from and equal to the legislative branch, preventing the council from having unchecked control. He emphasized the democratic right of any 18-year-old citizen to run for the Chief position, contrasting this with the restricted eligibility of a professional manager. He expressed concern that a City Manager form could lead to an imbalance of power. Mr. Thielen initially expressed support for the change but questioned the role of the Mayor under a City Manager system and ultimately stated he was not ready to vote for the proposal on the ballot without further exploration of other options. - Procedural Concerns: Commissioners discussed the need for checks and balances in the removal of a City Manager, citing Bozeman's charter which requires a process and public hearing for removal, rather than serving "at the pleasure" of the council. They also discussed whether a Mayor should be elected, noting state law places the Mayor in the legislative branch, and debated the Mayor's potential role as a tiebreaker or ceremonial figurehead. - Comparisons to Other Municipalities: Mr. Shaw and Ms. Adams noted the difficulty in comparing Butte-Silver Bow to other municipalities due to its consolidated form and unique population size, while Mr. Denehee noted that Helena's open position pays between $175,000 and $205,000. Key Outcomes - Motion Carried unanimously: The commission moved to include the option of a City-County Manager form of government in the preliminary report to be sent to the public. Additionally, the commission voted to form a subcommittee to outline the duties, responsibilities, and specific charter language for this form of government. The subcommittee is to return their findings to the full commission for a vote. - Subcommittee Formation: Commissioners volunteered to serve on the subcommittee, with specific mentions of Mr. Denehee and Ms. Casey (who declined Saturday meetings). - Next Meeting: Scheduled for November 3rd to address the structure and number of City Commissioners. - Future Deliberations: A vote will occur later in the process to determine the final questions to be placed on the ballot among the three primary form-of-government questions (Chief vs. Manager, number of commissioners, districting vs. at-large) and additional cleanup language questions.

The October 23, 2025, meeting of the Butte-Silverbow Zoning Board of Adjustment convened to review three primary agenda items: Special Use Permit 25-18 for short-term rentals, Variance 25-10 for signage expansion, and Special Use Permit 25-16 for an event venue. The Board unanimously approved the first two items after hearing from staff and applicants, while the third item was postponed to the next meeting pending additional information on capacity and noise mitigation following mixed public testimony. Consent Calendar - None listed as routine; all items discussed required individual deliberation. Public Comments & Testimony - Steve Kiaowitz (Resident, 328 East Broadway): Expressed strong opposition to Special Use 25-16, citing fears of loud music noise near his residence and concerns regarding an Airbnb operation on a neighboring property potentially generating marijuana smoke and overcrowding during festivals. He argued the neighboring property is not a standard single-family home but an Airbnb-style setup. - Patrick Peck (Resident, 331 East Broadway): Stated he is "dead set against" the proposal due to historical noise issues during events like the Folk Festival and expressed concern that outdoor events lasting until 10:00 p.m. would disrupt his sleep. He also opposed angle parking, noting it impedes snow plowing. - Kate Peck (Resident, 331 East Broadway): Stressed the residential nature of the neighborhood and the concerns of retiree residents regarding noise, peace, and property value implications. - Josh Peck (Resident, 50 Chula Avenue): Expressed mixed views; while supporting community progress and new venues, he stood in opposition to this specific outdoor venue in a residential zone. He argued the location is unsuitable given the short three-month weather window for outdoor events and the lack of a municipal noise ordinance. He cited a personal incident where parking blocked neighbors' access during a previous event. - Jennifer Plute (Applicant Representative, Montana Knapp): Responded to opposition by acknowledging the need for a noise ordinance and agreeing that restrictions are necessary. She clarified that the venue would not host large-scale multi-day events like the Folk Festival and argued that on-street parking would remain accessible, unlike during major festivals when streets might be closed. Discussion Items - Special Use Permit 25-18 (608 West Galena Street): Staff recommended approval for Wolf and Bear LLC to operate short-term rentals in an existing multifamily building to填补 gaps between nursing contracts. Applicant Paul Durham confirmed support for all conditions, including occupancy limits and business licensing requirements. - Variance 25-10 (290 Holland Street): Staff recommended approval for SFP-C Limited Partnership to increase a wall sign from 47 sq ft to 83.5 sq ft at the Les Schwab Tire building. The applicant argued the unique corner lot with three street frontages created a visibility hardship. Board members agreed the variance was reasonable and consistent with the district. - Special Use Permit 25-16 (304 East Broadway): Discussion focused on the viability of an indoor-outdoor event venue. Key concerns raised by the Board included the lack of a noise ordinance, uncertainty regarding fire-code determined attendance limits (ambiguity on whether 50 or 500 people), and the short season for outdoor use. The Board noted a conflict for one member and determined that more detail was needed before a decision could be made. Key Outcomes - Approved: Special Use Permit 25-18 (100% vote in favor). Approved with conditions including building code compliance, specific business limitations, and occupancy caps as determined by Fire/Building Departments. - Approved: Variance 25-10 (100% vote in favor). Approved to allow an 83.5 sq ft wall sign, contingent on compliance with all other sign regulations and obtaining building permits. - Postponed: Special Use Permit 25-16. The motion was passed to stay the item until the next regularly scheduled zoning board meeting. The Board amended the motion to request the applicant and staff provide specific details on: projected number of attendees, a tentative operating schedule, and accommodations for outdoor bathrooms. The applicant was advised to consult with the Fire Chief regarding capacity estimates.

The Butte Silver Bow Council of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting on October 22, 2025, to receive updates on the Montana Pole Superfund site and the Blacktail Creek Remedial Design, address bid scheduling, and review land purchase requests. The meeting featured presentations from DEQ representatives Jacob Wheeling and Alex Ruzovich, who discussed the status, future scope, and challenges of ongoing environmental remediation projects within the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit (BIPSU). Consent Calendar - Bid Opening (Comm 25-471): The bid opening for the "Silver Lake Industrial Water System Improvement" was removed from tonight's agenda and rescheduled. A motion to place Communication 25-471 on file and cross-reference it with Communication 25-500 passed unanimously (10 yay, 0 nay). - Presentation Authorization (Comm 25-472): The communication requesting authorization for the Montana Pole and Blacktail Creek presentations was addressed after the fact; a motion to place Communication 25-472 on file passed unanimously (10 yay, 0 nay). - Deferred Items: Communications regarding land sales (Patty and Chris Salmanson; Marlowe and Nicole Carroll; Thomas Kanicke; Steve Maloney) and future public hearings (Fire Department budget, Sulzer parts sole sourcing, Skyland Park trees) were all placed in abeyance pending recommendations from the Land Sales Committee or scheduled hearings on November 5th. Public Comments & Testimony - Joe Griffin (Citizens Technical Environmental Committee President): Expressed full support for the DEQ's efforts and the council's request for Superfund updates. He invited commissioners to attend CTEC meetings for more information but did not state an opposition or specific stance against current progress. - Commissioner Thatcher: Expressed deep respect and well wishes to the family of the late David Bauer, acknowledging his legacy and service to the community regarding these environmental subjects. - Commissioner Fisher: Shared historical context and personal observations regarding the site's degradation (dead animals, dust) versus current remediation efforts. He voiced a concern regarding the perceived public priority of smaller, more scenic projects versus larger, more critical contamination zones (like Digging East), suggesting public perception drives project sequencing. Discussion Items - Montana Pole Superfund Site (Presented by Jacob Wheeling, DEQ Project Manager): - CAMU Status: The Corrective Action Management Unit (CAMU) is complete; DEQ will retain control of the CAMU and red parcels in perpetuity. The rest of the site is clean for recreational and light industrial use. - Vegetation Concerns: Commissioner Callahan expressed concern regarding vegetation washout risks following the 2023 storm. Mr. Wheeling responded that while vegetation has only had one growing season, they are confident it will improve, and plans are in place to water or hand-seed bare spots. - Groundwater & Water Treatment: The water treatment plant is projected to run in perpetuity unless Phase 5 (chemical oxidation of source areas under the freeway) is highly effective. Mr. Wheeling noted the settlement fund has $19 million, with operations funded by interest. - Future Redevelopment: Discussions touched on potential land transfer to Butte Silver Bow after CAMU closure and the impact of a new high-pressure gas pipeline on remediation opportunities for the abandoned gas line corridor. - Wildlife: Mr. Wheeling confirmed a herd of mule deer now inhabits the site, noting the recovery of wildlife compared to the "moonscape" of the 1980s. - Blacktail Creek Riparian Actions (Presented by Alex Ruzovich, DEQ): - Project Scope: The project involves dewatering, excavating 135,000 cubic yards of mine tailings and waste, and reconstructing the creek channel to restore a wetland ecosystem. - Sequencing: Construction of Blacktail Creek is dependent on the completion of upstream projects (Digging East, North Side Tailings, Buffalo Gulch) to prevent re-contamination. - Public Concerns: Commissioner O'Leary asked about visual screening for the drying pad near the interstate; DEQ confirmed traffic control and decontamination measures will be implemented. - Public Perception: Commissioner Fisher questioned why Blacktail Creek was prioritized over more visibly contaminated sites. Director Hassler explained it was chosen as a smaller, less technical project to test processes for larger, more complex future works. - Repository Selection: Director Hassler indicated the repository location is currently down to two options (Berkeley or Expanded Mine Waste Repository), with the citing committee finalizing the transport mechanism. Key Outcomes - Motion Passed: Placed Communication 25-471 (Bid Opening for Silver Lake System) on file and cross-referenced with 25-500. Vote: 10-0. - Motion Passed: Placed Communication 25-472 (Authorization for Superfund Presentations) on file. Vote: 10-0. - Action Items: - DEQ will send plume maps for the Montana Pole site and the Blacktail Creek presentation materials to the commissioners. - DEQ will coordinate a site tour for the commissioners upon request. - Land sales communications (2025-249, 25-437, 25-460, etc.) remain in abeyance. - Bid opening for Silver Lake Industrial Water System is rescheduled for November 5, 2025. - Public hearings for Fire Budget, Sulzer parts, and Skyland Park trees are scheduled for November 5, 2025. - Meeting Adjourned: No further public comments were received, and the meeting adjourned.

The Judiciary Committee meeting convened on October 22, 2025, with Commissioners Hattie Thatcher, Trudy Healy, Callahan, Shea, and Chairman Shay present (Commissioners Anderson and Mainkins absent). The committee addressed communications regarding marijuana regulation and tax deed land, which were both held in abeyance due to missing information or procedural uncertainty. The committee voted to move Resolution 2025-64 regarding property transfer for final reading and approved a tax assignment redemption claim before adjourning. Consent Calendar - The committee did not vote on the standard consent calendar items in this transcript section, as the first two agenda items were held in abeyance before any consent actions were taken. Discussion Items - Communication 2025-310 (Marijuana Ordinance): Commissioner Thatcher noted that County Attorney Matt Enruth was absent, making it impossible to proceed. The committee voted to hold the request for a new ordinance regulating medical and recreational marijuana in abeyance. - Communication 2025-486 (Tax Deed Land): Commissioner Thatcher and Commissioner Healy expressed confusion regarding the specific action required to authorize the approval of unsold tax deed land held by the city and county. Following a cross-reference discussion regarding previous procedures, the committee voted to hold the request in abeyance pending further clarification. - Resolution 2025-64 (Property Transfer to Riley Global Solutions LLC): Chairwoman Shay reported that the company is a heavy equipment firm relocating to the area. When asked if the matter was time-sensitive, the Chair indicated uncertainty but noted the item would require a full council final reading. The committee voted to move the resolution to final reading and requested a staff report for the following week. Commissioners noted that the original July communication was processed on the consent agenda without segregation. - Tax Assignment Redemption (Terry Lee Boyle): The committee reviewed a claim for redemption in the amount of $5,899.16. Chairman Shay clarified that redemption fees are not refunded. The committee voted to approve the claim as presented. Key Outcomes - Motion to Hold (Mar 310): Passed unanimously to hold Communication 2025-310 in abeyance. - Motion to Hold (Tax Deed 486): Passed unanimously to hold Communication 2025-486 in abeyance. - Motion to Final Reading (Res 2025-64): Passed unanimously to move Resolution 2025-64 to final reading; staff report to be prepared for the following week. - Motion to Approve Redemption: Passed unanimously to approve the claim of $5,899.16 for Terry Lee Boyle. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following the approval of the redemption claim.

The October 20, 2025, meeting of the Local Government Study Commission focused on clarifying legal constraints for ballot questions, approving an updated project timeline, and receiving expert testimony on auditing procedures. The commission addressed public concerns regarding the definition of forensic audits, the role of neighborhood councils, and the logistical challenges of charter revision. Key updates included legal advice confirming that while only three questions related to the "form of government" may appear on the ballot, other charter modifications are not limited in number but should be streamlined for practicality. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the October 6, 2025, meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Ex-Council Commissioner: A former commissioner (identity not explicitly stated in transcript) expressed strong opposition to a "hidden top-down director" agenda, asserting that the only person advocating for a dictatorial government approach was the individual who previously requested a proper public hearing rather than a listening session regarding boundary 261 on Grand Avenue. - Karen Sargent: Representing herself as a nationally certified emergency first responder and firefighter with 30 years of experience, she expressed full support for striking all references to volunteer firefighters from the Butte Silverbow charter. She argued that the current charter unfairly reflects a "high level of disrespect and disdain" toward qualified volunteers who have been ignored regarding their credentials. - Ed Bandrov (Greeley Neighborhood Community Development Corporation): On behalf of 447 petition signatories, he expressed full support for the implementation of a "Greeley Neighborhood Community Improvement Council" system as a fundamental priority. He argued that the current lack of a bottom-up structure prevents true public participation and cited a 2016 survey suggesting 89% community support (based on a 500-person sample). He opposed the idea of a single district-wide council, advocating instead for neighborhood-specific councils that coordinate with commissioners rather than voting on them. Discussion Items - Ballot Question Limits (County Attorney Enruth): Mr. Enruth clarified that Montana statute limits ballot questions directly related to the "form of government" to exactly three options (e.g., number of commissioners, term lengths, government type). However, he stated that modifications to the charter not directly related to form (e.g., creating a coroner position, stylistic changes, HR departments) are not legally limited to three questions, though he recommended limiting these "general" questions to five to eight items to ensure voter clarity and meet deadlines. - Forensic Audit Definition (Mr. Woy): CPA Jim Woy, a 40-year veteran of auditing, expressed strong opposition to the term "forensic audit" in the context of general fiscal review. He clarified that forensic audits are legally defined as specialized examinations triggered only by allegations of fraud, embezzlement, or non-compliance, intended for use in court. He advised that the commission should instead utilize AI-driven software for broad fiscal data analysis to find anomalies without the implication of misconduct. - Audit Transparency (Ms. Hasler): County Auditor Karen Hasler confirmed that all financial data is currently public via the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and weekly expenditure lists. She explained that while the charter permits audits, the commission cannot currently mandate a "forensic audit" via the charter; such language would need to be added to the charter and enacted by the Council of Commissioners. She noted that standard audits already include an opinion on compliance and negative assurance on internal controls, but do not form an opinion on general fund internal controls unless a specific deficiency is found. - Community Council Structure: Ms. Dolan expressed concern that the proposed hierarchy of neighborhood councils feeding into a "Greater Butte Silverbow Community Council" would create unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. She suggested a simpler model where neighborhood councils provide direct input to commissioners. Commissioner Brandle expressed support for the concept but noted the need to prioritize structural government changes first, pending the new legal clarity on ballot limits. - Timeline Adjustments: The commission discussed moving the adoption of the preliminary report from November to January 2026 to allow for deeper deliberation. They agreed to a proposed schedule ending with a final report in June/July 2026, with a vote to approve the timeline. Key Outcomes - Timeline Approval: The commission voted to adopt the amended timeline, setting the preliminary report adoption for January 2026 and the final report for late June/July 2026. - Strategic Direction: The commission agreed to limit the number of ballot questions to approximately five to eight total items (including the three form-of-government questions) based on legal advice, to ensure clarity and avoid dilution of key issues. - Terminology Shift: The commission accepted the guidance from Mr. Woy and Ms. Hasler to remove the term "forensic audit" from their considerations, opting instead to explore the use of advanced audit software for transparency and fiscal impact analysis. The commission intends to recommend to the Council of Commissioners that they investigate these software solutions. - Next Steps: The commission will prioritize deliberating specific topics (e.g., City Manager vs. Chief Executive) meeting-by-meeting to maintain focus and will reach out to Missoula and Helena for case studies on community council efficacy.