Public Meetings - Butte Silver Bow, Montana

The Butte Silver Bow Council of Commissioners met as a Committee of the Whole on the evening of September 10, 2025. The meeting began with roll call (three commissioners excused: Morgan, Mankins, O'Neill), a prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chair noted Commissioner Morgan's absence due to shoulder surgery and offered thoughts for the country. The council then reviewed and voted on several communications, primarily routine approvals and filings, and deferred a few items pending further recommendations. Consent Calendar - Communication 2025-370 (budget presentation) and 2025-371 (public hearing on Metro Sewer user rate) were each placed on file by motion, each passing 9-0. - Communication 2025-372 (public hearing on solid waste rate increase) and 2025-373 (public hearing for FY2026 budget adoption) were similarly placed on file, each passing 9-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Henry Seaton, representing the ACLU of Montana, attempted to comment on Communication 2025-374 regarding urban camping. The chair deferred his comment to the upcoming judiciary committee meeting, so no public comment was taken on that item during this meeting. - No other public comments were made on items not on the agenda. Discussion Items - Communication 2025-249 (land sale adjacent to 17 Tullomore Street): Held in abeyance pending a recommendation from land sales. - Communication 2025-386 (library annual report presentation): Held in abeyance until the scheduled presentation on September 17, 2025. - Communication 2025-394 (request to clarify law enforcement policy on parking garage recreation): Commissioner Callahan reported ongoing discussions with insurance agents; held in abeyance for two more weeks before a decision. - Communication 2025-427 (land purchase request for yard space at 1006 Maryland Avenue): Held in abeyance pending land sales recommendation. - Communication 2025-437 (land sale to estate of William Lahood): Also held in abeyance pending land sales recommendation. Key Outcomes - All votes on motions to place communications on file passed unanimously (9-0). - Multiple land sale requests and a policy clarification request were deferred for further review. - The meeting adjourned after a motion to adjourn was seconded and passed by voice vote. }

The Butte-Silver Bow Judiciary Committee met on September 11, 2025, under Chair Michelle Shea. Commissioners present: Michelle Shea, Hattie Thatcher, Dan Callahan, Trudy Healy, and Bill Anderson. Commissioner Eric Makins was excused. The committee discussed two communications: a resolution to expand the Solid Waste Special District and a proposal to address urban camping. One claim was approved. Consent Calendar - Claim for Casey Johnston: Approved unanimously. Refund of $35 for a variance no longer needed per the planning director. Discussion Items - Communication 2025-310 – Solid Waste Special District Expansion: This resolution intended to alter the boundaries of the Solid Waste Special District to include the Homestake Meadows 2 subdivision. The protest deadline was August 25, 2025, and the Clerk and Recorder received no protests from the 57 affected properties. The committee voted to move Resolution 2025-3-1 to final reading. - Communication 2025-374 – Urban Camping Ordinance: Commissioner Trudy Healy presented a proposal to prohibit unauthorized camping in front of homes, schools, parks, and businesses. She cited 85 police calls in one neighborhood near Emma Park over the past year. Parks and Recreation Director Sean Frederickson described recent camp clearouts at Father Sheehan Park, noting that parks employees lack enforcement authority and that most campers comply when asked to leave. Sheriff Lester explained enforcement challenges, including the lack of a law against homelessness, limited jail capacity, and the difficulty of fining indigent individuals. He noted that case management funding was cut in 2017, leaving about 400 individuals without support. Bozeman and Missoula have faced similar issues without clear solutions. The committee discussed potential sanctions such as warnings, citations, and trespass orders, but acknowledged the cycle of displacement. No formal action was taken on the ordinance. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2025-3-1 (Solid Waste Special District expansion) was moved to final reading on a unanimous vote. - Claim for Casey Johnston was approved unanimously. - The committee agreed to adjourn and reconvene after the full council meeting to continue discussion on the urban camping ordinance.

The Public Works Committee met on September 11, 2025, with members Russell O'Leary, Trudy Healy, and Bill Boyle present; Dan Callahan absent; and Josh O'Neill and Eric Mankins absent. The meeting reviewed two previously held communications. Discussion Items - Communication 2024-554: Michelle Shea, District 2 Commissioner, requested a status update and committee review of the conditions of the walking trail tunnel under Harrison Avenue South at Dickies Barbecue. No update was available due to Director Neary's absence. The item was held for two weeks pending an update. - Communication 2025-295: Russell Larry, District 5 Commissioner, informed the committee about concerns regarding roadside trash and landfill covered load requirements. The committee discussed plans for a cleanup along Iron Street, with Commissioner Callahan continuing to investigate. The item was held until September 24, 2025, pending a report from Director Neary. Key Outcomes - Both communications were held without action: one for two weeks pending an update from Director Neary, the other until September 24, 2025. - The committee adjourned with a motion carried unanimously.

The Finance and Budget Committee of Butte Silver Bow met on September 10, 2025, with Chair Thatcher presiding. Present were Commissioners Thatcher, Boyle, Shea, and O'Leary. Commissioners O'Neill and Walker were absent and excused. The committee reviewed and approved the regular and emergency expenditure lists, discussed budget transfers, and adjourned. Discussion Items - Expenditure List (Regular): The committee reviewed the regular expenditure list totaling $2,316,673.76. Director Hassler noted that the property and equipment liability insurance payment to MMIA amounted to approximately $819,000, allocated across multiple funds based on asset value. - Emergency Expenditure List: Director Hassler explained that the emergency list ($1,298.40) covered travel advances for 911 dispatch employees to attend a conference. The advances were delayed due to an unfilled administrative position in law enforcement offices; the training is scheduled for the following Wednesday, and the advances were needed before travel. - Budget Transfers: Three budget transfers were presented: 1. General Fund – Superintendent of Schools: Decrease of $550 for travel and increase of $550 for training services for a conference. 2. Health Department: $3,000 transferred from other purchase services to travel to cover Bill Devils' behavioral health specialist travel for fiscal year 2026. 3. Health Department: $2,332 transferred to professional services to cover disk training provided by Western Staff Services of Helena. No votes were taken on the budget transfers; the committee acknowledged them and moved to adjourn. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Regular Expenditure List: Passed 4-0 (moved and seconded) approving $2,316,673.76 for September 10, 2025. - Motion to Approve Emergency Expenditure List: Passed 4-0 approving $1,298.40 for September 10, 2025. - The meeting was adjourned after no further questions or comments.

The Butte Silver Bow Local Study Commission met on September 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM (with adjustments discussed) to continue its review of the county charter. Key actions included approving minutes from August 25, 2025, approving the public hearing notice for September 29, 2025, and receiving updates on public outreach and survey results. The commission also heard public comments from Edward Banderob on neighborhood improvement councils and transparency. Public Comments & Testimony - Edward Banderob presented two proposals. First, he recommended adding a new section (3.03.02) to the Charter outlining commissioner responsibilities to coordinate neighborhood improvement projects, including forming neighborhood community improvement councils that would select delegates to a Greater Butte Silver Bow Community Council. He argued this would create official channels for community input and reduce spontaneous public outcry. Second, he recommended using the term "chair of the council of commissioners" instead of "mayor" to reflect the city-county government structure. He emphasized transparency and checks and balances. - Commissioner Cindy Dolan questioned whether additional layers of bureaucracy would be created. Banderob disagreed, citing the Greeley neighborhood plan that sat for 15 years with little implementation, and noted that the proposed councils would be voluntary and cost-free to the government. Commissioner Dan Dennehy supported the idea of putting neighborhood councils on the ballot for voters to decide. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes: The commission approved the minutes of August 25, 2025, with corrections (spelling and grammar only). Motion by Shaw, second by Dennehy, passed unanimously. - Correspondence and Updates: New ex-officio members Annie and McKenzie were introduced. Commissioner Dennehy noted they will help with templates and moving into the next phase of drafting ballot language. - Public Hearing Notice: The commission discussed the public hearing scheduled for September 29, 2025. After confusion about dates, it was confirmed the notice would be published on September 11 and 18, meeting the 7-day requirement. The start time was changed from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM to accommodate working citizens. The language was amended to: "All interested individuals are invited to attend and provide input on the review of the Butte Silver Bow charter, including suggestions for potential amendments." The motion to approve the notice as amended passed (Thielen motion, Shaw second, all in favor). - Public Outreach Update: Shana Adams presented a summary of open houses and survey results. As of the meeting, 157 people had completed the community-wide survey. Two remaining open houses are scheduled: September 11 at Montana Tech (noon-1:30 PM) and September 16 in Ramsey (5:30-7:30 PM). The format will include a brief presentation by commissioners at each. Commissioner Cindy Shaw noted that the survey QR code was included in water bills, which reached many residents. - Survey Cutoff Date: The commission decided to keep the survey open until the end of October to allow more responses, with the option to modify the survey later if needed. - Other Business: The commission discussed the Kiwanis lunch meeting (September 17), the KBMF radio hour opportunity for interviews, and the party line radio appearance scheduled for September 24. Commissioner Dolan noted a conflict with the September 11 open house due to the 9/11 ceremony at Stodden Park. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The August 25, 2025 minutes were approved with minor corrections. - Public Hearing Notice Approved: The notice for the September 29, 2025 public hearing (5:30 PM) was approved as amended. The notice will be published on September 11 and 18. - Survey Extended: The community survey will remain open until the end of October 2025. - Next Open Houses: Scheduled for September 11 (Montana Tech) and September 16 (Ramsey). Commissioners were reminded to attend and provide a brief overview presentation. - Next Regular Meeting: The commission will meet on September 24, 2025, for its regular party line session.

Note on date discrepancy: The meeting was called to order on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, per the transcript, but the instruction specifies the meeting took place on September 4, 2025. This summary uses the instructed date. The Butte Silver Bow Council of Commissioners met in regular session with 11 commissioners present and one absent (Commissioner Healy). The meeting opened with a prayer and pledge led by Commissioner Walker, followed by public comment, approval of prior minutes, the chief executive's report, consent agenda actions, and consideration of two segregated communications. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the August 20, 2025 regular meeting minutes (11-0 vote). - Approved the consent agenda (Section A, items 1–4; Section B, items 1–15) with the exclusion of items 13 and 14 (Communication Nos. 2025-448 and 2025-449), which were segregated for discussion (11-0 vote). Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Frost (speaker, name given) offered public comment on Communication No. 2025-448 (item 13 on the agenda). No other public comments were made on agenda items or on items not on the agenda. Chief Executive's Report - Chief Executive Gallagher thanked commissioners for passing the 2025-2026 budget the previous night. - He reported attending a ribbon cutting for Dr. Hull with the Great Falls Clinic, noting that Dr. Hull represents close to 4,000 patients in Southwest Montana and that his continued presence in Butte is vital for local health services. Discussion Items - Communication No. 2025-448 (Contract with Timothy M. Dick, PC for legal services): County Attorney Enruth explained that the contract was already in place before he took office. Attorney Mark Vasovich originally held the contract, which covers representation of the Department of Public Health and Human Services in dependent neglect (DN) cases (children removed from homes due to neglect or immediate danger). The contract extends through next summer, and Timothy Dick is taking over to finish the contract while the county works to bring the position in-house. The contract's start date is July 2024, left unchanged to allow for federal funding reimbursements. Motion to concur and place on file passed 11-0. - Communication No. 2025-449 (Interlocal agreement with Beaverhead County): County Attorney Enruth described the agreement as allowing case transfers between his office and the Beaverhead County Attorney's Office due to interoffice conflicts. Both he and the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorney (Morgan Smith) are newly elected, creating overlapping conflicts with prior clients. Beaverhead County Attorney Skye Jones agreed to handle some of these cases. A statutory interlocal agreement is required. Motion to concur and place on file passed 11-0. - Ordinances and Resolutions: Council Bill No. 2025-03 and Ordinance No. 2025-03 were noted. No further action was taken. - Calendar and Other Meetings: The commissioners noted the dates and times of upcoming events. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (11-0) on each item. - The consent agenda was approved with two items segregated for separate votes. - Both Communication Nos. 2025-448 and 2025-449 were concurred and placed on file. - The meeting adjourned without further business.

The Butte-Silver Bow Economic Development Committee met on September 4, 2025 (though the raw transcription indicates the meeting was called to order on September 3rd, creating a date discrepancy). Commissioners O'Neal and Healy were excused. The sole agenda item was an update from the Butte Local Development Corporation (BLDC), presented by its president, Kelly. Discussion Items - BLDC Report and Updates: Kelly reported on several activities since the last meeting: - Rural Economies Grant: BLDC received a $25,000 award from the Montana Department of Commerce for wayfinding signage planning from the interstate at South Montana Street up to Uptown Butte. The planning will use a historic brown and copper color scheme. Implementation will require additional funding. - Business Recruitment: Kayla, BLDC’s business recruitment director, attended a site selector event in Chicago and learned that a company she met in June is interested in locating in Connections Park. Kayla will leave BLDC on September 15 to join Butte-Silver Bow in Kristen Rosa’s former position. BLDC has posted a marketing/business recruitment position on Indeed. - New Staff: BLDC has hired a new loan officer and a new business advisor for the Small Business Development Center. - Membership Drive: The annual summer-to-summer membership drive has about two months remaining. - Strategic Plan: Version four of the 2026–2031 strategic plan is being refined with a consultant; rollout expected by the end of this year or early next year. - Headwaters Tech Hub: BLDC is a member of the consortium. A Tech Hub Summit is scheduled for September 10–12. Kelly will serve on a panel about economic development partnerships for photonics companies. - New Capacity Grants: The Montana Department of Commerce will release new capacity grants in early 2026 (note: the source says “first of the new year”, which is 2026). The grants cannot fund personnel but can cover hardware, software, branding, and consulting fees. - Apex Accelerator: A government contracting event in August drew 20 attendees, including Water and Environmental Technologies in Butte, which credited Apex with helping secure contracts. - National Brownfields Conference: Kelly attended in Chicago and highlighted the program’s role in turning blight into economic opportunity. - Southwest Montana Community Health: BLDC met with the CEO and CFO about potential assistance; a new brand rollout is upcoming. - Questions and Comments from Commissioners: - A commissioner asked if the wayfinding grant was part of the plan presented earlier by Director Burns; Kelly confirmed. - A commissioner noted progress on the new plaza (Chipotle and Planet Fitness are expected to open in November) and asked about other businesses; Kelly had no further updates. - A commissioner asked about the old Plaza Mall; Kelly had no definitive timeline but noted businesses are being relocated. - A commissioner asked about “Highway 55, the pharmacy thing” – Kelly clarified it is “Farm 406,” a Montana-based pharmacy that will operate a drive-through and offer delivery, and will be a compounding pharmacy – a rarity in Montana. Another commissioner confirmed this benefit. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The committee received the BLDC report and adjourned on a motion. The next meeting is expected in one month. Note: The raw transcription opens with “September 3rd,” but the user-provided timestamp for the meeting is 2025-09-04 00:30:27+00:00. This summary uses the user-provided date, acknowledging the discrepancy.

The Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners met on September 2, 2025, to adopt a series of resolutions establishing the method of levying voted mills for various districts as required by recent Montana legislation, and to adopt the final budget for fiscal year 2026. A significant debate arose over a last-minute amendment to add $25,000 to the council's professional services budget for independent legal counsel. Routine Resolutions: Levying Voted Mills (Items 1-5) - Resolution 2025-36: Establishing method of levying voted mills for 15-90 Search and Rescue. Passed 7-0. - Resolution 2025-37: Establishing method of levying voted mills for Melrose Volunteer Fire District. Passed 7-0. - Resolution 2025-38: Establishing method of levying voted mills for Mosquito Control District. Passed 7-0. - Resolution 2025-39: Establishing method of levying voted mills for Wise River Fire District. Passed 7-0. - Resolution 2025-40: Establishing method of levying voted mills for Mile High Conservation District. Passed 7-0. Discussion Item: Budget Adoption with Amendment for Independent Legal Counsel - Commissioner O'Leary proposed amending Resolution 2025-41 (final budget adoption) to increase line 350 (professional services) for the council from $2,000 to $27,000, drawing $25,000 from reserves. He argued this would provide the council with budget authority to retain independent legal counsel when needed, as permitted by the charter (Section 3.03(c)), and would avoid future political considerations tied to specific issues. - Budget Director Hassler explained the process: the amendment would require rebalancing the resource and requirement schedule, reducing general fund reserves by $25,000 while staying within the 370-mill levy. - County Attorney Ann Ruth confirmed the charter allows the council to hire outside counsel, and that the county already occasionally seeks outside legal advice on specialized matters (e.g., superfund). - Commissioner Thatcher opposed the amendment on procedural grounds, noting the budget had been available for two months and the last-minute change allowed no public comment. She suggested using the unanticipated expenditure process later, which includes a public hearing. - Commissioner Fisher initially supported the idea but changed his mind, agreeing the timing was inappropriate; he also noted only six commissioners were present and felt uncomfortable making such a decision with partial attendance. - Commissioner Shea supported the amendment, emphasizing the value of independent legal review and noting that similar last-minute amendments have occurred before. - Commissioner Anderson asked about the process for hiring outside counsel without the amendment; County Attorney Ruth confirmed the council could still hire counsel and later seek budget amendment. - The motion to adopt the budget as amended (with the additional $25,000) passed 4-3. The meeting was then adjourned to allow Director Hassler to formally revise the budget documents. Key Outcomes - Resolutions 2025-36 through 2025-40 all passed unanimously (7-0). - Resolution 2025-41 (final budget) was adopted as amended, with a 4-3 vote, adding $25,000 to the council's professional services budget for independent legal counsel. - The meeting was recessed for Director Hassler to update the budget documents before final adjournment.

The Butte-Silver Bow Planning Board held a working session on August 28, 2025, at 5:39 PM to discuss the zoning ordinance update (GENAMD 25-1), which proposes to repeal and replace Title 17 of the Butte-Silver Bow Municipal Code. The board reviewed public comments submitted during the process, focusing on suburban and rural related comments. Due to time constraints, the board deferred discussion of non-conforming uses and other topics to a subsequent meeting. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board approved the minutes from the July 31, 2025 meeting unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was taken as this was a working session, but the board considered over 109 pages of written public comments, including a petition from the drive-in theater. Comments from Chris and Jana Sherrill, Mike and Jennifer Flannick, James Ayers, and Gail Hunt were highlighted for the suburban/rural bucket. Discussion Items The board and staff, led by Director Crane, discussed the following topics related to suburban and rural zones: - Agricultural Livestock: Commenters requested allowing agricultural livestock as an accessory use in rural residential and suburban residential zones. Staff noted a cross-reference with Animal Control regarding animal quantities. The board agreed to further research appropriate thresholds for animal numbers based on lot size, with input from commenter Mike Flanick's suggested tiered system (1-10 acres, 11-20 acres, etc., up to 100+ acres for agricultural use). No decision was made; staff will research and return with recommendations. - Passive Recreation (Hunting and Camping): The Sherrill family identified inconsistencies in definitions allowing hunting in suburban zones and camping as passive recreation. Staff clarified that hunting in urban areas was never intended, and camping (including commercial RV parks) may not be appropriate in residential zones. The board concurred with staff to modify definitions to restrict hunting in suburban zones and to study appropriate locations for camping, with emphasis on proximity to services and avoiding residential areas. - Electric Fences: Commenters raised concerns about prohibiting electric fences in suburban/rural areas. Staff proposed allowing electric fences for specific purposes (e.g., keeping livestock in) but not as perimeter fencing along front or side property lines, with labeling requirements. The board agreed this was a reasonable balance. - RV Parks and Campgrounds: A commenter sought to prohibit RV parks in suburban residential zones. Staff noted the economic value of RV parks near interstate exits and suggested possibly allowing them in commercial or mixed-use zones adjacent to suburban areas, with use conditions such as distance buffers. The board deferred to staff for further analysis. - Traditional Neighborhood Overlay: Staff explained that a traditional neighborhood overlay in suburban zones could allow higher density and small-scale commercial uses (e.g., in Buffalo Estate subdivision). The board acknowledged the concept but took no action. - Sidewalk Ramp Access: Commenters raised ADA ramp requirements. Staff clarified that federal ADA standards apply to new developments and that the county's ADA coordinator ensures compliance. The board noted this is already required. - Unzoned Land and Commercial/Industrial Development: Mike Flanick proposed requiring a zoning application for commercial or industrial development on unzoned land. The board discussed legal implications, potential unintended consequences, and the need for further study. Staff will consult with the county attorney. - Rural Centers and Agricultural Zones: Staff reviewed Flanick's suggestions to redefine rural centers (e.g., Rocker as part of urban area), use conservation easement overlays, and establish tiered rural residential lot sizes (1-5, 5-10, 10-99 acres). The board found these reasonable for further consideration. - Other Topics: Staff addressed editorial suggestions, including adding "light" to industrial impact statements to protect the drive-in theater, and ensuring development standards for rural lots are less prescriptive. The board agreed to incorporate these into the redline draft. Key Outcomes - The board directed staff to research and propose code modifications on livestock thresholds, camping locations, electric fence conditions, and unzoned land zoning requirements. - Staff will redline the code sections discussed and present recommendations at the next working session. - The board postponed discussion of non-conforming uses, landscaping, lighting, signage, short-term rentals, and urban zone comments to the next meeting. - The next working session was scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2025. Meetings will likely occur every two weeks to move the process forward. - The meeting concluded at approximately 6:45 PM.