Public Meetings - Butte Silver Bow, Montana

The Butte Silver Bow Council of Commissioners Committee of the Whole met on September 24, 2026 (the meeting was held on September 23, 2026) with 9 commissioners present and 3 excused. The meeting included public hearings on the Uptown Business Improvement District (BID) annual work plan and budget, and the Quarry Meadows major subdivision, along with consideration of several other communications and petitions. Public Comments & Testimony - Communication 2026-434 (BID Work Plan & Budget): A proponent from 2000 Roberts Avenue expressed full support for the BID's work plan and budget, stating it is "pretty sweet." No opponents spoke. - Communication 2026-450 (Quarry Meadows Subdivision): Multiple proponents testified. Michaela Hack (4635 South Wyoming Street) supported the subdivision but urged improvements to pedestrian safety, including standalone paths on South Arizona and Warren Avenues, and raised concerns about overflow parking during events at nearby fields. Another proponent from 2000 Roberts Avenue praised the project and the developer's track record. Wynne Randall, principal of Margaret Leary Elementary, supported the development and suggested using cash-in-lieu funds for a permanent walking path. No opponents spoke. Discussion Items - Uptown BID Annual Work Plan & Budget (Communication 2026-434): Director of Community Development Karen Burns explained the public hearing required by Montana law to review the BID's work plan and budget. An amendment to resolution 2024-61 was introduced to correct a decimal point error in the parking lot assessment table. No commissioner questions were raised. - Quarry Meadows Major Subdivision (Communication 2026-450): Staff planners Julia Crane and Joella Thomas presented a proposal by Jeffrey Properties LLC to create 66 residential lots on 17.4 acres near Margaret Leary Elementary School. Key details: lots range from 6,300–12,700 sq ft; public water and sewer; three access points; interior roads privately maintained by an HOA; sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and street lights required; parkland dedication satisfied by a cash-in-lieu payment of $118,523 based on 11% of land area; stormwater plan approved by Public Works; weed management plan required. Commissioners discussed snow storage, water pressure, stormwater maintenance enforcement, use of cash-in-lieu funds for park improvements (e.g., playground equipment at Margaret Leary), garbage collection (front pickup by McGree Trucking), interaction with the new zoning code (lots likely conform to new code; setback reduction expected), and financing of street lights (staff noted the council could require a special improvement district during developer ownership). Staff and applicant engineer Forrest Johnson responded: water modeling showed no pressure issues; stormwater maintenance can be compelled under Chapter 32; cash-in-lieu funds are held in trust and managed by Parks and Rec for improvements serving the neighborhood. - Other Communications: Several communications were acted upon or held in abeyance. Communications related to land sales, surplus property, street vacations, and bid openings were either placed on file, cross-referenced with other actions, or continued pending future meetings. Chairman Morgan noted there would be no meeting on September 30, 2026 due to the fifth Wednesday of the month. Key Outcomes - Communication 2026-434 (BID): Motion to place on file passed 9-0. - Communication 2026-450 (Quarry Meadows): Motion to place on file passed 9-0. - Communication 2026-411 (Mammoth Park sale): Placed on file and cross-referenced with Communication 2026-457 (9-1 vote). - Communication 2026-432 (vacant lot purchase): Placed on file and cross-referenced with Communication 2026-456 (9-0). - Communication 2026-438 (petition public hearing): Placed on file (9-0). - Communication 2026-440 (right-of-way purchase): Placed on file and cross-referenced with Communication 2026-458 (9-0). - Several communications held in abeyance pending future dates: Communications 2026-384, 2026-410, 2026-461, 2026-462, 2026-463, and Petitions 2026-01 and 2026-02. - The meeting adjourned following public comment (none offered).

The Judiciary Committee of Butte Silver-Bow, Montana met on September 24, 2026, to consider several agenda items including a moratorium on data center development, property sales, a business improvement district, and an interim zoning ordinance for hyperscale data centers. All commissioners (Shea, Thatcher, Callahan, Healy, Gerbrand) and County Attorney Umrufe were present. The meeting was called to order for September 23, 2026, but the recording timestamp indicates the meeting occurred on September 24, 2026. Discussion Items - Communication 2026-435 (Data Center Moratorium): Commissioner Shea requested the Council's concurrence to direct the county attorney to prepare a temporary moratorium on data center development approvals. A motion to hold the communication in abeyance passed with 5 votes in favor and 1 opposed. - Resolution 2026-54 (Business Improvement District 1): This resolution amended Resolution 2024-61 to correct the assessment table and method for the business improvement district. After a public hearing, the committee voted to move the resolution to final reading pending the public hearing. Motion passed unanimously. - Resolution 2026-60 (Sale to Patty and Chris Salmonson): The committee amended the resolution to correct the legal description and grantee names. The motion to move to final reading as amended passed unanimously. - Resolution 2026-61 (Sale to Paul Vinoy): Similar correction was made to strike language referencing community development and add the grantee name. Moved to final reading as amended, passed unanimously. - Resolution 2026-62 (PACE Program Repeal and Replacement): This resolution repeals Resolution 2024-04 and establishes a PACE program for Butte Silver-Bow. Moved to final reading, passed 6-0 (Commissioner Healy voted aye after initial call). - Council Bill 2026-03 (Hyperscale Data Center Interim Zoning Ordinance): County Attorney Umrufe presented the ordinance imposing a six-month moratorium on hyperscale data center approvals, with definitions intentionally left blank for public and committee input. Commissioners discussed the interplay with a related ballot initiative pending before the state Supreme Court. Commissioner Thatcher requested that commissioners who toured data center sites present findings to the committee. A motion to hold the bill in abeyance passed unanimously. - Claims: Two refund claims were approved: a $260 golf membership refund and a $100 demolition bond refund. Motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Communication 2026-435 (temporary moratorium on data center approvals) held in abeyance. - Resolutions 2026-54, 2026-60 (as amended), 2026-61 (as amended), and 2026-62 all moved to final reading for full council consideration. - Council Bill 2026-03 (interim zoning moratorium on hyperscale data centers) held in abeyance to allow further definition and coordination with the ad hoc committee report and ballot initiative. - Two financial claims approved. No public comments were recorded during the meeting.

The Butte-Silver Bow Public Works Committee met in the Courthouse Council Chamber to consider Communication 2026-454 from Commissioner Eric Mankins, District 9, requesting a no-parking zone on both sides of Washoe Road in front of the Butte Family YMCA and a 15 mph speed limit on that listed section of Washoe Road. Members present were Chair Eric Mankins, Trudy Healy, Russ O'Leary, and Dan Callahan. After discussion, the committee voted to forward the speed-limit recommendation to the Council and to refer the no-parking zone request to the Parking Commission for review. Note: the raw transcript opens by calling the meeting for September 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., while the supplied meeting date is September 24, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Colin Higgins, owner/operator of McKinsey River Pizza and a volunteer and past chair of the Butte Family YMCA board, expressed full support for the 15 mph speed limit. He cited the area's foot traffic, families, bicycles, Montana Dance Works nearby, and especially high traffic during swim meets, and said he already drives 15 to 20 mph through the area because children can suddenly run into the street. Discussion Items - Commissioner Mankins said YMCA director Stephanie Feist is in favor of the proposal and had good feedback, with suggestions including bullet points about proper traffic clearance and not delaying emergency services. He also stated that YMCA board members Paul Babb, Colin Higgins, and Jake Masters support the request. - Commissioner Mankins noted he has fielded calls about this section of road for the seven years he has served on the commission, and he reported that the YMCA is already asking members not to park on the street and plans to share supporting literature. - Public Works Director Neary said the speed-limit change would require Council approval, while the no-parking designation would have to go through the Parking Commission. He noted the YMCA parking lot is only about a quarter full and that no other businesses or people park on that street section. - Director Neary described the street as having two 12-foot driving lanes and two 8-foot shoulders, leaving no room for parking, and suggested yellow curb paint and signage would be sufficient. He stated that parking enforcement is not within his area. - Commissioner Callahan expressed support but cautioned that no-parking laws around town are often not enforced, so enforcement by the Parking Commission would be necessary. He observed that people park on the street during peak times because the YMCA's main parking lot is at the opposite end of the building from the entrance. - Commissioner O'Leary asked whether the no-parking restriction would apply only to the curved portion in front of the YMCA; Commissioner Mankins confirmed that it would apply to both sides of that curved section only. - Commissioner O'Leary also raised safety concerns about children playing near the street on the southeast end of the YMCA property. In response, Colin Higgins reported that YMCA board president Jake Masters' real estate group, Montana Realtors Association, is donating funds to build a fence around the grassy area and that the YMCA is looking for contractors. Key Outcomes - Commissioner Callahan moved to recommend changing the speed limit from Dewey to Hanson Road to 15 mph and to send the no-parking zone request to the Parking Commission, awaiting its response. Commissioner O'Leary seconded the motion. - The motion carried unanimously; the chair counted five affirmative votes to zero. - The speed-limit request will move forward to the Council, and the no-parking zone request will be reviewed by the Parking Commission and its director, Aguirre. - Commissioner Mankins said staff would report back to YMCA director Stephanie Feist and thanked Colin Higgins for attending.

The Finance and Budget Committee met on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, to review the expenditure list and a budget transfer. Commissioners Shea, O'Leary, O'Neal, and Thatcher were present; Commissioners Walker and Boyle were absent and excused. Discussion Items - Commissioner O'Neal asked about claim number 2032 and explained that MSU's Local Government Center had moved to a membership system rather than a per-consultation model, allowing more consultation on local government matters, including legal and procedural issues. - The committee reviewed the expenditure list as of September 23, 2026, in the amount of $895,667.95. - The committee also reviewed a budget transfer of $2,930 to the Health Department to cover legal fees. Key Outcomes - A motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve the expenditure list as of September 23, 2026, totaling $895,667.95. - No questions were raised on the $2,930 budget transfer. - The meeting adjourned after these items were handled.

The Butte-Silver Bow Zoning Board of Adjustment met on September 17, 2026, to consider four agenda items: approval of minutes, two short-term rental conditional use permits, one variance for a commercial storage development, and one conditional use permit for a Class B manufactured home. All items were approved unanimously by the board. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the July 2026 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered testimony for or against any agenda item during the public hearing portions. Discussion Items - Conditional Use Permit 26-17 (Short-Term Rental, 1948 Roberts Ave): Applicant Stephanie Dialba proposed a four-bedroom, one-bathroom short-term rental in an existing residence in the R1 zone. Staff presented conditions including business license, occupancy limits, and party prohibition. The applicant noted they have lived in Butte for two years and are improving the property. The board approved with conditions. - Conditional Use Permit 26-19 (Short-Term Rental, 40 North Lake Drive): Applicant Jeffrey Ferrari proposed a five-bedroom short-term rental with ample on-site parking (four garage spaces plus five driveway spaces). The property is adjacent to the Butte Country Club golf course. Ferrari noted past success with a similar rental on Skyway and that neighbors who initially opposed had become supportive. The board approved with conditions. - Variance 26-21 (Continental Drive Commercial Storage): Applicant Forrest J (representing the owner) requested a variance to allow a commercial storage unit development within 11 feet of the rear yard setback, instead of the required 22 feet. Staff identified unique hardships: a mapped floodplain, Northwestern Energy overhead transmission lines, and topographical constraints. The boundary shares an interstate easement, so no private property owners are impacted. The board approved the variance based on findings of hardship and no adverse public interest. - Conditional Use Permit 26-18 (Class B Manufactured Home in R3 Zone): Applicant Stephanie Marshall requested to place a new Class B single-wide manufactured home on a 6,000-square-foot lot in the R3 multifamily district. The neighborhood already contains similar manufactured homes. Marshall stated the home would allow her mother to retire affordably. The board approved, noting the home would improve the neighborhood. Key Outcomes - Approval of Conditional Use Permit 26-17 (1948 Roberts Ave STR) with staff conditions. Vote: unanimous. - Approval of Conditional Use Permit 26-19 (40 North Lake Drive STR) with staff conditions. Vote: unanimous. - Approval of Variance 26-21 (Continental Drive) allowing 11-foot rear setback. Vote: unanimous. - Approval of Conditional Use Permit 26-18 (Class B manufactured home) with conditions on landscaping and code compliance. Vote: unanimous. - The board also welcomed new member Mr. Nichols, who was observing the meeting.

The Butte Silver Bow Council of Commissioners met in regular session on September 17, 2026. Nine commissioners were present; Commissioners Walker, Healing, and Boyle were absent. The transcript begins with a September 16, 2026 call-to-order, while the timestamp provided for the meeting is September 17, 2026. The agenda included a public hearing on vacating part of Alabama Street, an Uptown Business Improvement District presentation, fire-service ballot questions, multiple land-sale and contract approvals, and four resolutions on final reading. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the September 2, 2026 regular meeting 9-0. - Approved the remaining consent agenda 9-0 after segregating Communications 2026-455, 2026-457, 2026-468, 2026-472, 2026-473, 2026-474, 2026-475, and 2026-477 for separate discussion. - Suspended rules to add Communications 2026-478 and 2026-479 to the agenda, 7-2. Public Comments & Testimony - Boulevard Fire Chief Ed Fisher opposed Option 2 on the fire-service ballot question, saying it would illegally remove elected fire district trustees, take away volunteer rights, and end a $200 pension for 20-year volunteers. He argued the county could lose 130 volunteer firefighters. - Centerville Fire Chief Mike Dodo, a 53-year veteran, said volunteers had saved paid firefighter jobs during past consolidation, criticized the Director of Fire Services, and warned that losing volunteers would raise ISO ratings and insurance costs. - Paul Quillsey, who identified himself as a fire chief, called the process sneaky and unacceptable. - Chad Silk, a study commission member speaking as a community member, welcomed a unified fire-service conversation but said not all listed benefits seemed logical or feasible; he urged fact-based decisions and noted health and safety investments for volunteers. - Roxanne Spohler asked the county to sell or transfer the Echo Drive property known as Mammoth Park back to her family, saying she would build one home and preserve the rest as green space in memory of her grandmother. Multiple neighbors supported her, and Ryan Underwood asked to buy the right-of-way under his driveway while also supporting Spohler. - Sasha Harris, granddaughter of Joanne Spohler, said the family donated the land for a park and asked for the right to buy it back and place a memorial on it. - Marilyn Patrick, Patrice Evans, Chuck Fisk, and Kelsey Wilson spoke in favor of preserving the property as a neighborhood green space or returning it to the family. - Evan Barrett commented on the REC Silicon sale, urging the commission to consider the full use of public land and to be cautious about AI-related development. Discussion Items - Alabama Street vacation: Land Records Coordinator Will O'Connor said the request would close a portion of Alabama Street that was platted but never developed as a street. Two opponents spoke against the vacation, and no proponent testified; the council took no vote at the hearing. - Civic Center Manager: Chief Executive Gallagher announced Crystal Carlson as the new Civic Center Manager and said she earned the job through the application process. The council noted Communication 2026-459 and placed it on file 9-0. - Uptown Business Improvement District: Shanna Adams presented the annual work plan and budget. The district's assessment budget is about $238,000 with about $185,000 from other sources. The plan includes wayfinding signs, 20 new garbage cans, 10 bike racks, 20,000 maps, tree funding, alley improvements, and a facade grant program of up to $5,000 or 25% of project costs, capped at $50,000. A public hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2026, and the council will be asked to pass a resolution on October 7, 2026. - Fire-service legal explanation: Commissioner Mankins requested a clear legal explanation of Option 2 for the fire departments. County Attorney Ann Ruth said a full written memorandum would be ready by the first week of October. The council referred Communication 2026-455 to the county attorney's office for a written response, 9-0. - Mammoth Park sale: The council approved the sale of the county-owned Mammoth Park parcel to Roxanne Spohler for $69,590.98. The price came from a Department of Revenue value of about $107,000 with discounts for topography, utilities, and related factors. The substitute motion to approve passed 7-2. - SHPO preservation economics study: Kate Hampton of the Montana State Historic Preservation Office said the state would pass through $28,970.28 in surplus Historic Preservation Fund money for a statewide preservation economics study spotlighting Butte-Silver Bow, with no local funding required. The council approved the agreement 9-0. - REC Silicon sale: Council approved the sale of 627.802 acres to REC Silicon as a buffer-zone purchase. REC counsel James Bowen said the land could provide future operational flexibility but is intended for a buffer. The substitute motion to concur in place on file passed with one dissenting vote. - Town Pump / Montana Connections: Council approved the Town Pump agreement for rail-park property at $2,000 per acre, totaling $20,628. Town Pump's Dan Sampson said construction is ready to begin and the site will expand rail and fuel distribution. After debate about council rules and committee referral, the substitute motion to approve passed 7-2. - BLDC marketing agreement: Council approved the $16,000 agreement with Butte Local Development Corp for business recruitment and marketing for Montana Connections TED and South TED, 6-3. - BioSquee lease extension: Council approved the amended lease extension with BioSquee for a county-owned 10,000-square-foot building, including a rent increase and possible reimbursement of approved electrical upgrades, 6-3. - Custom Construction amendment: Council approved Amendment No. 3 to Contract 2024-600 as amended to correct the year to 2026, 9-0. - Late-added agreements: Council approved Communication 2026-478, accepting a Montana Department of Transportation grant for the DUI court, and Communication 2026-479, an agreement with CivicPlus for ADA dock access and agenda/meeting management. Each passed with one dissenting vote. Key Outcomes - Referred the fire-service legal question to the county attorney for a written response by the first week of October (9-0). - Approved the sale of Mammoth Park to Roxanne Spohler for $69,590.98 (7-2). - Approved the REC Silicon purchase agreement on 627.802 acres. - Approved the Town Pump/Montana Connections agreement (7-2), BLDC marketing agreement (6-3), and BioSquee lease extension (6-3). - Approved the SHPO agreement and the corrected Custom Construction amendment (9-0 each). - Adopted Resolution 2026-55 (tourism BID assessment), Resolution 2026-56 (Prado Verde Estates minor subdivision), Resolution 2026-58 (SID lighting assessment), and Resolution 2026-59 (fire hydrant rental SIDs 401/402), each by 9-0. - Chief Executive Gallagher reported that work has begun in the Diggings East area and that a public meeting is planned for October.

The Butte Silver Bow Finance and Budget Committee met on September 17, 2026 (transcript indicates Wednesday, September 16, but the provided date is used per instruction). Commissioners present: Thatcher, O'Leary (listed as O'Larry), Shay, and Mankins. The meeting focused on approving the weekly expenditure list and reviewing several budget transfers across city departments. Discussion Items - Expenditure List Approval: A motion was made and seconded to approve the expenditure list totaling $336,082,595 (stated as "three three six and million, eighty two thousand five hundred ninety-five dollars"). The motion passed unanimously with all in favor. - Budget Transfers: Several budget transfers were presented and discussed, with no questions raised from commissioners: - URA (Urban Renewal Agency): $81,000 to address wayfinding costs, partnered with the Business Improvement District. - Health Department: - $2,450 for training and advertising for HIV prevention. - $13,048 (General Fund, Clerk and Recorder) for three laptop replacements and transfers for DocuSign agreements and a conference. - $103 (Health Department Family Services) for new sandwich board inserts for car seat clinics. - $800 (Health Department Family Services) for travel and hotels to Helena for chronic disease meetings. - $3,418 (Health Department) for four iPads, iPad covers, infrared thermometers, and test strips for restaurant kitchens (environmental health grant). - $13,603 (Health Department Family Services) for advertising for WIC City bus wrap. - All health department transfers noted as funded by a grant (account series 2270) with the grant period ending September 30, 2026. Key Outcomes - Vote: The expenditure list ($336,082,595) was approved unanimously. - No Vote on Budget Transfers: The transcript concludes before any motion or vote on the budget transfers; they were presented and discussed without additional questions. No decision was recorded in the available portion of the meeting.

The Butte Silver Bow Study Commission met on September 14, 2026, to finalize voter education materials, discuss public outreach, and address procurement procedures for printing a voter information booklet. Commissioners approved the August 10, 2026 minutes and made significant progress on FAQs and the voter education guide. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission unanimously approved the August 10, 2026 study commission meeting minutes (motion by Shaw, second by Dennehy). Discussion Items - Public Outreach Scheduling: Commissioners coordinated multiple speaking engagements: Wednesday at Perkins (noon) – McCormick and Dennehy; Party Line on September 21 (1:00 PM) – Seppen and Silk; Library First Friday on October 2 (noon) – Purdue Dolan; Exchange Club on October 6 – Dennehy and Shaw; Party Line on October 19 (1:00 PM) – Dennehy (tentative). Shaw noted the voter education packet will be mailed before ballots go out on October 9. - Voter Education Guide (Booklet): A 12-page full-color booklet costing $14,857.48 (from Park Street Printers) was reviewed. Commissioners debated procurement rules: the county attorney later clarified that quotes are required for purchases over $5,000. The guide was approved with amendments, including bolded language clarifying that remaining ballot questions take effect only if voters adopt the revised charter in Question 1. - Fire Services FAQ: Extensive revisions were made to align with ballot language: changed "paid" to "career" members; moved the status-quo option (maintain existing charter language) higher; added exceptions for Walkerville and Melrose; replaced "career" with "paid" per one commissioner’s concern about volunteer terminology; clarified that volunteers (not volunteer representatives) would select a liaison. - Neighborhood Councils FAQ: Approved as amended, with consistency changes from "community councils" to "neighborhood councils." - Reclamation and Environmental Services FAQ: Approved with amendments to clarify it is not a new department (answer: "No") and to strike the phrase "superfund." - Public Meeting / Streaming Event: Commissioners ultimately decided not to hold an additional streaming event, concluding that the mailed booklet, PSAs, and social media outreach (including FAQs) are sufficient. A potential full-page newspaper ad was discussed but not approved. Key Outcomes - Voter Education Guide Approved: Motion by Shaw, second by Seppen; voice vote (majority in favor, one nay). - FAQ 4 (Costs) Approved: Option C (text version) adopted as presented; a motion to amend by bolding one paragraph lacked a second. Voice vote (one nay). - FAQ 5 (Neighborhood Councils) Approved: Motion by Shaw, second by Dolan; voice vote (unanimous). - FAQ 6 (Reclamation & Environmental Services) Approved: Motion by Shaw, second by Dennehy, with amendments (first question reworded to "Is this a new department?" with answer "No"). Voice vote (unanimous). - Fire Services FAQ Approved: Motion by Seppen, second by Shaw, with all listed amendments. Voice vote (one nay). - Procurement Direction: Motion by Dennehy, second by Soak, directing Shanna Adams to obtain quotes from Park Street Printers and Pitt Printers, with Park Street given the opportunity to re-quote. Shanna authorized to select the lowest quote meeting parameters (color printing, two-week turnaround, mailing). Voice vote (unanimous). - Future Meetings: Two additional meetings scheduled: October 5, 2026 (before ballots mail) and October 26, 2026 (before the election). The commission recessed until further notice.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no content is available to summarize. No public comments, discussion items, or decisions were recorded.