Public Meetings - Butte Silver Bow, Montana

The Public Works Committee met on August 14, 2025 to discuss Communication 2025-297 from Commissioner Leary regarding roadside trash and covered load requirements for landfills. Commissioners deliberated on signage, education, and enforcement strategies. The item was held on the agenda for further discussion, and a culvert issue was noted for a future meeting. Discussion Items - Communication 2025-297 (Roadside Trash & Covered Loads): Commissioner Leary reported speaking with an Iron Street property owner who supports signage, and suggested Director Neary contact the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) about placing signs on on-ramps for next summer. Commissioner Healy noted that a young man had cleaned up garbage and tires around an alley rally, improving the area. Commissioner Callahan expressed support for signs but also recommended additional education efforts, such as including information in water bills. Chairman O'Neill emphasized that litter is a year-round problem and pushed for timely signage. - Culvert Issue: Commissioner Healy asked about a previously discussed culvert, but it was not on the agenda. Director Neary acknowledged the omission, and the committee agreed to add it to the next meeting's agenda. Key Outcomes - Motion to Hold Item: Commissioner O'Leary moved to keep Communication 2025-297 on the agenda for the next committee meeting, allowing further offline discussions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Healy and passed unanimously (all in favor, none opposed). - Culvert on Future Agenda: The committee confirmed that the culvert matter will be included on the next Public Works Committee agenda.

The Finance and Budget Committee met on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, to review and approve expenditure lists for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The meeting was called to order by the chair and adjourned after unanimous approvals. Consent Calendar - Fiscal Year 2025 Expenditure List: A motion was made and seconded to approve the expenditure list as of August 13, 2025. All commissioners present (Shay, Boyle, Walker, O’Neill) voted in favor; the motion passed unanimously. - Fiscal Year 2026 Expenditure List: A separate motion was made and seconded to approve the fiscal year 2026 expenditure list. All commissioners voted in favor; the motion passed unanimously. Discussion Items - No questions or discussion were raised regarding the expenditure lists or budget transfers. Each commissioner confirmed they had no concerns. Key Outcomes - Approved the expenditure list for fiscal year 2025. - Approved the expenditure list for fiscal year 2026. - After confirming no additional questions or comments, the committee adjourned.

The Butte Silver Bow Council of Commissioners met on August 7, 2025, to discuss the fiscal year 2026 budget, personnel requests, property sales, and community concerns. The meeting included a public comment period, a detailed budget presentation by the Finance Director, and several votes on consent agenda items. Consent Calendar - Approved regular meeting minutes of July 16, 2025 (10-0 vote). - Approved consent agenda items A1-4 (excluding A4) and B1-31 (excluding B26 and B30) with friendly amendments. Public Comments & Testimony - Pam La Kraust (3189 South Rocker Road) and Teresa Duffy (2991 Hecla) spoke on behalf of non-union administrative assistants in the County Attorney's office, requesting a $3.25/hour raise. They cited increased workload (felonies doubled from 200 to 400 per year), low pay compared to surrounding counties, and exposure to traumatic material. They provided handouts. - Mike Clegg (124 Rampart) supported the raise, noting the staff's role as first contacts for abuse victims and the public, and their consistent professionalism. - Holly Joe Saul (420 South Idaho) requested a noise ordinance for Butte, citing excessive vehicle noise, lack of mufflers, and inability of police to respond due to no ordinance. - Terry Street (548 South Colorado) echoed the call for a noise ordinance, describing disruptive motorcycle noise late at night. Discussion Items - Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation: Director Karen Hassler presented the preliminary budget totaling $168.7 million (down 6.36% from FY2025) due to completion of ARPA projects. Key points: 3% cost-of-living adjustment included for wages and benefits; tax-supported funds increased by $2.7 million; certified property values decreased 9.1%; new tiered tax rates (HB231/SB542) for dwellings under $400,000 at 0.76%, $400k-$1.5M at 1.1%, over $1.5M at 1.89%. Centrally assessed properties increased, offsetting some residential burden. Metro sewer fees proposed to increase 3%, solid waste collection 20% ($21.30 annually). Final budget adoption scheduled for August 27, 2025. - Staffing Changes: Additions included a 0.25 FTE receptionist floater, 1.0 FTE community-based care coordinator, 0.42 FTE disease intervention specialist (grant-funded). Reductions included 0.5 health educators (grant-funded). The County Attorney requested reclassification of a clerk to legal assistant to address workload. - Sale of Unit A Modular Home (2025-416): Director Karen Burns presented the sale of a modular home built by Highlands College with ARPA funds. Two prior RFPs failed to attract buyers; a buyer has been identified. Council approved the sale (10-0 vote). - RFP for Business Development Center (2025-420): Director Burns proposed issuing an RFP to sell 305 West Mercury (BDC), noting it is a financial drain, with deferred maintenance and a market value of $450,000. Council voted to refer the item to the Committee of the Whole to ensure the RFP is publicly available (10-0 vote). - Solid Waste Special District Boundary (2025-31): Commissioner Shea moved to refer the resolution back to the Judiciary Committee because the protest period for Homestake Meadows subdivision had not yet closed (10-0 vote). Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda with amendments (10-0). - Approved sale of modular home Unit A to Highlands College's identified buyer (10-0). - Referred RFP for Business Development Center to Committee of the Whole (10-0). - Referred Solid Waste Special District boundary resolution back to Judiciary Committee (10-0). - Budget adoption timeline: public hearing next week, final adoption by August 27, 2025. - Personnel raises for non-union administrative assistants: Chief Executive recommended following the existing reclassification process through HR, not direct council action.

The Butte Silver Bow City Commission met on August 7, 2025, to review and approve expenditure lists for fiscal year 2026. Commissioners discussed several line items, including a discretionary payment for Montana Tech banners, a liability insurance assessment, a claim for soil sampling, a subscription for social media archiving, and a power bill for the public pool. The meeting concluded with unanimous approval of two expenditure lists and adjournment. Discussion Items - Banners for Montana Tech: Commissioner Walker questioned why the city was paying for banners for Montana Tech. Staff explained that the expense came from the chief executive's discretionary budget. - MMIA Liability Assessment: Commissioner Shea asked about the MMIA (Montana Municipal Insurance Authority) liability assessment, which covers liability and property insurance. Staff clarified that the cost is allocated based on property and liability values across various funds. - Claim for Soil Sampling (Claim 485, page 87): Commissioner Shea requested to see an invoice for Pace Analytical Services for soil sampling and inquired about existing contracts. Staff noted that contracts for work were on the agenda for later discussion with Director Hassler. - Claim for Personal Property Damage (Claim 345, page 89): Commissioner Shea asked about a claim from the Residential Mandals Abatement Program (RMAP). Staff explained that a worker fell through a ceiling, causing contamination and damage to a homeowner's belongings, leading to the claim. - Civic Plus Subscription (Claim 728, page 64): Commissioner O'Leary asked about a subscription to Civic Plus for social media archiving. Staff stated it was a new module ordered by a special projects coordinator and the chief executive to retain government communications on social media. - Pool Power Bill (Claim 739, page 77): Commissioner O'Leary asked whether the $19,151.09 power bill for the pool was typical. Staff said they would check past records and provide that information later. Key Outcomes - First Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the finance and budget expenditure list as of August 6, 2025, in the amount of $183,081.55. The motion passed 6-0. - Second Motion: A motion was made and seconded to approve the expenditure lists as of August 6, 2025, for fiscal year 2026, in the amount of $2,225,637.87. The motion passed unanimously. - No budget transfers were presented. - The meeting adjourned after the motions.

The Economic Development Committee met briefly on August 7, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. Present were Eric Mankins, Trudy Healy, Tommy Walker, and Russell O'Leary; absent were Josh O'Neill and Bill Anderson. The committee's representative from BLDC, Kelly Sullivan, was out of town at a Brownsfield convention. With no agenda items to discuss, the committee moved to adjourn.

The Butte-Silver Bow Historic Preservation Commission held a regular meeting on August 5, 2025, to approve minutes, hear staff reports, conduct a public hearing on a brownfields cleanup project at the Hanson Steam Plant, review two design certificates of appropriateness, determine the eligibility of a property at 310 Wharton Street, and discuss the ongoing zoning ordinance update. Consent Calendar - Approval of July 1, 2025, Meeting Minutes: Moved and seconded, approved unanimously by voice vote. - Rescheduling September 2025 Meeting: Moved and seconded to move the September meeting from the first Tuesday to September 9, 2025, approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments on any agenda items before the meeting. Discussion Items - Staff and Member Reports: Kate announced a fundraiser for Engine 25 at the Butte Civic Center on August 16, 12–6 PM, and a hike through history at the West Side Reservoir on August 28 at 9 AM. A brown bag lunch talk by Kira Ryan on the Henry Seabin/Steven Ranch will occur August 27 at noon at the archives. Kate requested moving the September meeting to the 9th, which was approved. - Butte Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program: Kate reported receiving 34 letters of intent for the grant program, which has approximately $749,862 in funding. A committee will review letters to select applicants for the second phase. Some projects may require review by the HPC. - Hanson Steam Plant Brownfields Public Hearing: Carrie Taylor, Melissa Wanamaker, and Marcus from Wet presented a proposal to clean up contaminated soils (arsenic, lead, barium, petroleum) at the historic Hanson Steam Plant (1 Hanson Road). The chosen alternative (Alternative 3) involves targeted excavation to three feet inside the building and perimeter, and 12 inches in high-use exterior areas, with clean fill replacement. Asbestos and lead paint abatement will be handled separately by the owners. Cleanup is expected to start in October 2025. The project is in a 30-day community comment period ending August 13, 2025. Commissioners expressed support for the project. Chair noted it is a key piece of history and applauded the presenters. - Design Review COA – Wilhelm's Flower Shop (135 West Broadway): Kate summarized a project to restore the exterior, including repairing 14 original wood-frame windows by replacing glass and weatherproofing, using URA funds. Diane Hall, the owner, and her contractor were present. The masonry repair (brick repointing and cleaning) will be a future project. Commissioner Bobby Staffer asked about the storefront and brick cleaning. The motion to approve the design review as presented was made, seconded, and passed unanimously by voice vote. - Design Review COA – Sign at 53 East Park Street: John WhiteSoul presented a proposal for an internally lit sign for a tattoo shop. The sign will be 18 inches wide, 5 feet 6 inches tall, with hand-sculpted foam letters painted white with reflective beading, a black smalt background from Anaconda smelter, and LED halo lighting. The sign will be suspended from the balcony. Commissioner Russell O'Leary moved to approve; seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote. - Determination of Eligibility – 310 Wharton Street: Kate presented research on the single-family home, built circa 1919. The house has been vacant for over 30 years and has some original windows and a craftsman-style door. The family had intended to restore it as a dream home but health issues prevented occupancy. Kate found no historical significance besides a former resident, Gordon Boston, who went missing in action during WWII, but concluded the property is not individually eligible for the National Register. Commissioner Steve Hinnick moved to agree with the determination; seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote. Kate noted she has discussed salvaging the door and windows with the owners. - Zoning Ordinance Update Review: Chair noted that the new zoning ordinance includes building typology images and design guidelines. The public comment period originally closed August 8 but may extend through August. Commissioners were encouraged to review the draft and submit individual comments via the city's zoning update webpage or through the commission. It was clarified that HPC will not be merged with zoning but may provide input on design guidelines. Key Outcomes - Approved the July 1, 2025 meeting minutes. - Approved rescheduling the September 2025 meeting to September 9, 2025. - Approved the design review COA for Wilhelm's Flower Shop (135 West Broadway) for window restoration. - Approved the design review COA for a sign at 53 East Park Street (tattoo parlor). - Determined that 310 Wharton Street is not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, clearing the way for a demolition permit. Salvage of the door and windows was recommended. - Supported the Hanson Steam Plant brownfields cleanup project (Alternative 3). The 30-day community comment period ends August 13, 2025. - Encouraged individual commissioners to submit comments on the proposed zoning ordinance update before the extended deadline.

The Butte Silver Bow Study Commission convened on August 4, 2025, to discuss risk management strategies related to volunteer fire departments, approve minutes, and plan public outreach efforts including open houses and a community survey. The meeting featured a presentation by Safety and Health Coordinator James Olet on the legal and safety implications of including volunteer fire departments under the consolidated government charter. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Minutes Approval: The commission reviewed minutes from July 14 (meeting not held) and July 28 (discussion of public outreach plan). Commissioner Mary McCormick proposed amendments to the July 28 minutes to capture key agreements: (1) no tables or stations at open house, commissioners will mingle; (2) survey questions should be general; (3) survey should include fire service structure. After debate, the commission voted to hold both sets of minutes in abeyance until the next meeting, pending final revisions from the clerk. - Risk Management Presentation: James Olet, Butte Silver Bow Safety and Health Coordinator, presented on risk implications of charter inclusion of volunteer fire departments. He cited NFPA and FEMA statistics on firefighter injuries and fatalities, emphasizing that most are preventable. Olet argued that the charter language ("there shall be a fire department") and ordinances create an employer-employee relationship, making the city-county liable for volunteer safety. He noted conflicting interpretations between charter provisions and state law (1979 law that consolidation does not affect volunteer departments). Olet advocated for clarifying whether volunteer fire departments are truly a department or separate entities. - Liability and Workers' Compensation: Representatives from Montana State Fund and Marsh McLennan answered questions. They confirmed that volunteers are covered under the city-county's workers' compensation policy via a volunteer endorsement, but liability for individual officials is outside workers' comp scope. The underwriter noted that Butte Silver Bow's inclusion of both paid and volunteer departments is unique. - Public Outreach Plan: Shauna Adams presented the schedule for five public open houses (Aug 12 Melrose, Aug 14 Butte Brewing, Aug 28 Emergency Operations Center, Sep 11 Montana Tech, Sep 16 Ramsey School). The community survey will soft launch late this week, with a hard launch Aug 12. Commissioners debated survey questions: Chad Silk proposed three specific questions about fire service preference (volunteer vs. career, tax willingness, structure). Others preferred open-ended questions to avoid leading respondents. The commission agreed to use Adams' revised open-ended questions. - Op-Ed and Meeting Schedule: The commission approved an op-ed with updated listening session dates. Meeting dates for September were discussed; a formal public hearing is set for September 29. A motion passed to hold the September 11 open house at Montana Tech from noon to 1:30 PM. Key Outcomes - Minutes Held in Abeyance: Motion passed (all in favor) to hold approval of July 14 and July 28 minutes until the next meeting, pending clerk's revisions based on McCormick's amendments. - Survey Questions: The commission directed Shauna Adams to finalize the survey using broad, open-ended questions; the specific fire service questions proposed by Chad Silk were not adopted. - Open House Schedule: Five open houses confirmed; the September 11 event at Montana Tech Student Union Building (noon–1:30 PM) approved via motion. - Next Steps: Commissioners will review draft display boards; the survey will be distributed at open houses and online; an Anaconda Deer Lodge presentation will be rescheduled. The next regular meeting is expected in September (date TBD).

The Butte-Silver Bow Planning Board held a public hearing on July 31, 2025, to receive public comment on the proposed comprehensive zoning code rewrite. The meeting featured a detailed presentation by Director Julia Crane, followed by extensive public testimony and board discussion. No votes were taken; the board is to deliberate further at a working meeting on August 28, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Brian Curry (914 Lewis Street): Expressed concern that the drive-in theater would be lost under the new zoning; urged protections for the drive-in and opposed industrial noise. - Mike Flannick (Ramsey): Supported the code update but urged consideration of county culture, protection of residential neighborhoods near industrial areas, and called for removing the rural center district for Rocker. - Mick Ringsack (3310 Hannibal): Commended staff but asked for simpler code; emphasized the drive-in's historical value, citing 600–1,000 people per day at the intersection and a petition with 1,000 signatures, many from out of town. - Jim Cavich (2835 White Boulevard): Praised the planning department's forward thinking and noted the drive-in's importance to the community. - James Jones (1647 Hancock): Local historian stressed the drive-in's historical significance and urged protection. - Holly Hansen (drive-in operator): Said the family has operated the drive-in for 47–48 years; noted that the draft code does not define a drive-in theater and that Table 151 would make it non-conforming; asked for protection for all properties in the RM2/HI zone. - Elaine Jonart (drive-in owner): Stated that on one June night, 171 cars were present, 51 from out of town; quoted the draft code's intent not to encourage survival of nonconformities; proposed that new industrial businesses be required to follow the same rules as data centers (visual screening, noise reduction, dark sky compliance). - Jen Sanson (drive-in operator): Emphasized the drive-in's role in storytelling and the importance of dark skies for image quality; urged board to help preserve the business. - Chris Sherrill (101 Maud S Canyon): Expressed concern that the proposed change from R1S to suburban residential would eliminate the allowance for horses/livestock; also noted contradictions in urban camping provisions. - Darien McCracken (822 Emma Street): Criticized the county for undervaluing the drive-in's historical significance; cited the loss of a drive-in in Lewistown due to industrial zoning. - Janice Cheryl (101 Maud S Canyon): Appreciated staff efforts but raised concerns about passive recreation definitions allowing hunting and unregulated camping in residential zones; also called for better sidewalk accessibility. - Jennifer Curry (914 Lewis): Expressed fear that the zoning update would bring more pot shops and bars; said the drive-in is a safe place for her son. Presentation and Discussion - Director Julia Crane presented the zoning code rewrite, explaining that it updates the 1970s-era code to align with the 2021 Comprehensive Plan. Key changes include: new zoning districts based on place types, form-based building standards, mixed-use allowances, reduced parking requirements, improved landscaping and sign regulations, environmental design and hazard mitigation (including wildfire and flood), and streamlined administrative procedures. - The code aims to reduce the need for variances by providing clearer standards and more flexibility for adaptive reuse. - The public comment period extends through August 8, 2025, with an additional open house on August 4, 2025, and a working meeting on August 28, 2025. Board Questions and Discussion - Chairman Steitzer clarified that the non-conformity language in the proposed code (Chapter 13) is similar to the existing code but adds flexibility for maintenance, expansion, and accessibility improvements. - Member O'Neill expressed concern about the loss of horse allowances in suburban residential areas and stressed the need to protect legacy properties. - Member Jackshaw asked about a future zoning map; Director Crane stated that the comprehensive plan place types map is the current guide and a detailed map will come later. - Member Sulser emphasized the importance of considering the county's unique mix of city and county land, and the need to address historical structures and existing businesses. She also suggested hyperlinking the draft document. - Member Garf asked about the wildland-urban interface overlay and whether the draft ensures hunting is not permitted in residential zones. Director Crane confirmed that hunting would not be allowed in residential areas. - Member Enns inquired about requiring renewable energy for data centers; Director Crane noted that may be constrained by state law but could be pursued. - Member Riley asked about protecting the drive-in from adjacent development; Director Crane explained that specific use conditions (light, noise mitigation) could be added to the new industrial zone. Key Outcomes - No formal action was taken; the board will hold a working meeting on August 28, 2025, to consider public comments and refine the draft. - The public comment period remains open until August 8, 2025; an additional open house is scheduled for August 4, 2025 (noon and 6 p.m.) at the Archives Auditorium. - The board expressed interest in developing a "legacy provision" to protect existing businesses and property uses, such as the drive-in and horse properties, as the code moves forward.