Public Meetings - Butte Silver Bow, Montana

The Judiciary Committee of the Butte Silver-Bow Council of Commissioners met on September 10, 2026 (per official record; the transcript notes the meeting was called to order on September 9). All seven commissioners were present along with Deputy County Attorney Brian Dunlap. The committee addressed three resolutions, a set of claims, and a communication concerning a potential moratorium on data center development. Consent Calendar - Resolution 2026-54: A resolution amending Resolution2024-6-1 to correct the assessment table for Business Improvement District No. 1. The committee voted to hold the resolution in advance (pending further action). Motion passed unanimously. - Resolution2026-55: A resolution establishing assessments for the Special Tourism Business Improvement District No.1 for fiscal year2026. Commissioner Thatcher moved to amend the resolution (striking line10 on page4). The amended resolution was moved to final reading and passed unanimously. - Resolution2026-56: Granting conditional approval of the Prado Verde Estates Minor Subdivision. The committee moved the resolution to final reading and passed unanimously. - Claims: Four refund requests were approved unanimously: Daniel Chades ($200 for demolition bond at 929 South Arizona), Joe Kerry ($200 for demo bond at1040 Utah), Martin Saluso ($1,000 for sidewalk replacement bond in front of the M.M.), and Michael O'Connor ($100 for removal of sheds at300 Holland Street). Commissioner Healy asked whether uptown businesses are responsible for sidewalks; staff clarified the refund is for a contractor bond. Discussion Items - Communication2026-435: Commissioner Michelle Shea requested that the county attorney draft a temporary moratorium on data center development approvals. Deputy County Attorney Dunlap reported that County Attorney Enruth is working on a draft expected by Friday and will be ready for the next meeting. Planning Director Crane explained the legal framework for an interim zoning ordinance under Montana Code Annotated §76-23-06 and §76-23-04, noting it would apply countywide, last six months (extendable up to two one-year extensions with two-thirds vote), and must lead to permanent regulations. She stated the current draft zoning ordinance (published June25,2025) already includes definitions and performance measures for data centers, which could be removed and handled separately to avoid delaying the overall zoning update. Community and Economic Development Director Burns cautioned that the language must be narrow to avoid unintended impacts on other economic development, citing Missoula's interim zoning experience where definitions inadvertently hindered a health center expansion. She noted two companies are currently considering investment in the community. Public commentor Evan Barrett asked for clarity on the process; Crane confirmed the draft zoning document is publicly available. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously to hold Communication2026-435 in abeyance (i.e., postpone action until the county attorney's draft is available for review). No other votes were taken on this item. The meeting adjourned after the vote on the abeyance.

Public Works Committee Meeting - September 9, 2026\n\nThe Public Works Committee met on September 9, 2026, in the Courthouse Council Chamber, chaired by Commissioner Mankins. Two communications were considered: a petition to vacate a portion of Berlin Street right-of-way and a proposal to designate Crescent Street as a one-way street.\n\n Discussion Items\n- Communication 2026-368 – Vacate Berlin Street right-of-way: Land Records Coordinator Will O'Connor presented a petition from property owner Jeff Hoffman to vacate a 60-foot by 100-foot undeveloped portion of Berlin Street adjacent to Hoffman's property. Hoffman stated he has maintained the area and wants to fence, landscape, and plant grass to control weeds. The committee discussed the process: petition review by county attorney, referral to public works committee, then a public hearing, followed by judiciary committee and full council vote. Commissioner O'Leary moved to advance to the next stage (public hearing).\n- Communication 2026-444 – Crescent Street one-way designation: Public Works Director Mark Neary originally proposed making Crescent Street one-way southbound, but after Commissioner Gerbrandt suggested northbound for safety (since adjacent streets are southbound), Neary agreed to northbound. Commissioner O'Leary inspected the street and concurred. Discussion ensued on whether a public hearing is required; Neary stated public works can designate it without a hearing.\n\n Key Outcomes\n- Motion to advance Berlin Street vacation to a public hearing: Commissioner O'Leary moved, seconded by Commissioner Healy. The motion passed without opposition (all in favor, none opposed).\n- Motion to approve Crescent Street as a one-way northbound street: Commissioner O'Leary moved, seconded by Commissioner Healy. The motion passed, directing public works to implement northbound one-way signage. The meeting then adjourned.

The Finance and Budget Committee met on September 10, 2026, to review and approve the expenditure list. Commissioners Walker, Boyle, Shea, O'Neill, and Thatcher were present; Commissioner O'Leary was absent and excused. The meeting was called to order by the chair. Discussion Items - The committee reviewed the expenditure list totaling $480,974.19. Commissioner O'Neill inquired about line item 728 for inmate meals, noting the monthly cost of $79,069. The meals are provided by CCCS at $5.50 for breakfast and $6.50 for lunch and dinner. Commissioner O'Neill expressed satisfaction with the pricing. Key Outcomes - The committee approved the expenditure list for September 10, 2026, in the amount of $480,974.19 by a vote of 5-0. - The meeting was adjourned following the vote.

The Council of Commissioners held a regular meeting on September 3, 2026, with 11 commissioners present and one absent (Commissioner Fisher). The meeting included public comments on multiple agenda items, approval of the FY2027 final budget with a 9–2 vote, and a unanimous decision to refer a temporary moratorium on data center development to the judiciary committee. Several other resolutions and agenda items were also addressed. Public Comments & Testimony - Zoe Axel (West Broadway and Crescent Street) expressed support for making Crescent Street a one-way street, citing safety concerns for emergency vehicles due to parking on both sides. - Anna Nugent (Mercury Street) opposed vacating the Alabama Street right-of-way, arguing it is a public asset and that the public continues to use the path despite signs discouraging access. She urged the council to preserve the open space. - Unnamed speaker (Mercury Street) also opposed the Alabama Street vacation, stating the petitioner can develop the lot without the right-of-way and that noxious weed control is the owner's responsibility. - Stacey Henderson (Western Avenue) opposed adoption of the FY2027 final budget, citing lack of accountability in her son's death investigation and requesting that the budget include measures for oversight and corrective action. - Brian Bigelow (Granite Street) supported a temporary moratorium on data center development, citing concerns about AI, job loss, surveillance, and environmental impacts. - Connie Thompson (Kenyon Street, District 4) supported the moratorium, urging caution and allowing time for research before approvals. - Joel Wir (2416 South Main, union representative for Carpenters Union) opposed the moratorium, pointing to construction jobs that data centers would bring. - Julie Crowley (2901 Harvard Avenue) supported the moratorium, citing data security breaches and lack of AI regulation. - Jessica Jones (800 block Granite Street) supported the moratorium, referencing Butte's mining history and potential environmental harm, and noted that AI can be used to create child pornography legally. - Jesse Gonzalez (District 9) supported the moratorium, raising concerns about water, power, utility rates, and the need for a framework. He referenced Missoula County's interim moratorium. - Curse Astoria (Trudy Healy's district) supported the moratorium, citing unknown impacts on children's future, water, and the environment. - Evan Barrett (807 West Silver Street) supported the moratorium and urged the council to consider settling a related initiative petition case to allow a ballot vote. He noted the initiative is under appeal. - Unnamed speaker (2000 Roberts Avenue, carpenter) opposed the moratorium, advocating for direct regulation instead of a pause. - Elena Moore (2620 St. Anne's) supported the moratorium, emphasizing the need for reflection and regulation before making long-term decisions. - Alison Anderson (District 9) spoke during the public hearing on the FY2027 budget, opposing approval due to insufficient accountability and service standards. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of August 19, 2026 (11–0). - Approved Section 2 consent agenda (committee reports 1–4 and communications 1–20) with the exception of items 8 (2026-438), 14 (2026-444), and 19 (2026-449), which were segregated for separate discussion (11–0). Discussion Items - Petition 2026-02 (Berlin Street vacation): Referred to the Public Works Committee (11–0) after a staff report by Will O'Connor. - Communication 2026-438 (Alabama Street right-of-way public hearing): Held in committee of the whole pending a public hearing scheduled for September 16, 2026 (11–0). - Communication 2026-444 (Crescent Street one-way designation): Referred to the Public Works Committee (11–0) after concerns about the proposed south-only direction were raised by Commissioner Gerbrand. - Communication 2026-449 (Prado Verde Estates Minor Subdivision): The preliminary plat for a two-lot residential subdivision off Terra Verde Drive was approved (11–0) following a detailed presentation by Planning Director Crane and Planner Joella Thomas on the subdivision process, conditions, and staff recommendations. - Communication 2026-435 (Data center moratorium request): Commissioner Shea's request to direct the county attorney to prepare a temporary moratorium was concurred and referred to the Judiciary Committee (11–0). Discussion included definitions, scope, and comparisons with Missoula County's approach. Key Outcomes - FY2027 Final Budget (Resolution 2026-36): Approved 9–2, with Commissioners Callahan and one other voting no. Commissioner Callahan cited concerns about insurance rate increases and percentage-based raises widening the wage gap. - Large Taxpayer Reserve Fund (Resolution 2026-35): Established for FY2027 pursuant to Senate Bill 117, adding 0.45 mills (about $1.29 per year for a median home) with the option to opt out annually. Passed 11–0. - Other budget resolutions (2026-37 through 2026-57): Passed unanimously (11–0) after suspension of rules, covering levies, rates for solid waste, stormwater, street maintenance, fire districts, sewer, school districts, and salaries. - Metro Sewer rate increase (3%): Public hearing held; the increase will result in an additional $10.88 annually per single-family unit. The resolution was later passed as part of the budget package. - Public hearing on Alabama Street right-of-way vacation: Scheduled for September 16, 2026, pending further discussion. - Data center moratorium: Referred to Judiciary Committee to draft an interim zoning ordinance with a possible duration of up to 2.5 years.

The Finance and Budget Committee of Butte-Silver Bow, Montana, met on September 3, 2026, to consider the approval of the expenditure list. Commissioners present included Thatcher, O'Neill, Larry, Boyle, Shea, and Walker. The meeting was brief, with a single action item. Consent Calendar - The committee reviewed and unanimously approved the expenditure list as of September 2, 2026, in the amount of $981,910.77. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve expenditure list: Made and seconded; passed by voice vote (all aye). - Adjournment: Motion carried unanimously.

The Economic Development Committee met on September 3, 2026, per the meeting timestamp, and was called to order at 6:36 PM. No agenda or minutes were available. The transcript states the meeting date as "September Second, two thousand twenty six," which conflicts with the provided timestamp of 2026-09-03 00:27:10+00:00; this summary uses the provided timestamp. The committee acknowledged that Kelly Sullivan, a regular attendee, was on vacation and expressed hope that she was having a nice time. Members were asked if they had anything to discuss, and no committee member raised an item. Attendance & Opening - Committee members present, including Commissioner O'Leary and Butch Gerbrand. - Kelly Sullivan was absent (on vacation). Discussion Items - No discussion items were raised by committee members. Key Outcomes - Commissioner O'Leary moved to adjourn, and Butch Gerbrand seconded the motion. - The motion to adjourn passed unanimously by voice vote (Aye/Aye).

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary of discussions, decisions, or public comments can be generated.

The Butte Silver Bow Planning Board met on August 27, 2026, to consider two subdivision applications and receive an update on the comprehensive zoning ordinance rewrite. The board unanimously approved the preliminary plat for Quarry Meadows Major Subdivision (66 lots) and Preto Verde Minor Subdivision (2 lots), and heard a presentation on the progress of the new zoning code, with a final public comment period and working meeting scheduled. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board approved the minutes from May 28, 2026, with two minor corrections (changing "Ramsey can't cancel" to "council" and "open entertainment" to "outdoor entertainment"). Motion by Mike McLeod, second by Bart Riley; unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Proponents for Quarry Meadows: Three speakers expressed support. Jim Fisher (District 6 Commissioner) stated the advantages of the subdivision outweigh opposition. Alan Gilda (2001 Four Mile View Road) expressed support but raised concerns about access for children walking to school and lighting, and asked about parking for the adjacent soccer fields. Michaela Hack (4635 South Wyoming Street) supported pedestrian safety improvements but requested dedicated walking paths to reduce congestion and traffic danger near Margaret Larry Elementary. - Opposition: No opponents spoke. The board noted receiving a letter of opposition from Diana Housel. Discussion Items Quarry Meadows Major Subdivision (SDP-26-2) - Staff Presentation (Joella Thomas): The application proposes creating 66 residential lots from 21 existing parcels and one right-of-way on approximately 17.4 acres (note: the agenda summary stated 16.55 acres – a discrepancy in the record). Lots range from 6,300 to 12,719 sq ft, with three new interior roads, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and stormwater management. Staff recommends approval subject to 20 conditions, including construction of high-visibility crosswalks with rectangular rapid flashing beacons across Four Mile Road at Warren Avenue and South Arizona, and street lighting at all intersections. - Board Questions: Mark Garf asked about access from Four Mile Road – the developer explained keeping access off Arizona, Warren, and Phyllis to avoid congestion near the school. Garf also questioned the stormwater pond design; the developer noted it meets regulations and infiltration rates are high, though Garf pressed whether greener alternatives were considered. Josh O'Neal emphasized that cost considerations affect affordability for future homeowners. Margot Enns sought clarification on the use of “affordable housing” – Director Crane responded that no designated affordable units are in the plan, but increasing supply contributes to overall affordability. - Public Hearing: Opened for proponents only (see Public Comments). Closed with no opponents. - Vote: Motion by Mike McLeod to recommend approval with conditions, seconded by Josh O'Neal. Unanimous aye. Preto Verde Minor Subdivision (SDP-26-3) - Staff Presentation: A proposal to split a 3.476-acre parcel (12 217 Terra Verde Drive) into two residential lots – Tract 1 (1.54 acres) and Tract 2 (1.93 acres). Both lots will have individual wells and septic, accessed via Terra Verde Drive. No new roads. The property is in the R1S (suburban) zone; no floodplain or water features. Conditions include weed management plan and bond, fire sprinklers, and utility easements. - Board Action: No public comment required for minor subdivisions. Motion by a board member (name not transcribed) to adopt staff findings and recommend approval with conditions, seconded by Mark Garf. Unanimous. Zoning Ordinance Update (Title 17 Repeal and Replace) - Staff Presentation (Director Crane): The new zoning code is about 92% complete, with final elements (historic overlay, building types, terminology) pending. Key updates based on the July 5, 2026 public comment period (143 comments) include: - Revised zoning map: Incorporation of SM (Suburban Mix) and UE (Uptown Edge) districts; Ramsey area rezoned to low-density residential with a small local commercial buffer, responding to resident concerns. - Use table reduced from 145 to 88 uses, with performance-based conditions. - Landscaping requirements for tree cover, buffering, and stormwater retention. - Updated extractive industry provisions triggered within one mile of homes/businesses. - New development types for phased construction and brownfield redevelopment. - Historic overlay zone language in progress, coordinating with the Historic Preservation Commission. - Timeline: Final public comment period August 31 – September 6, 2026; integration of adjustments September 7–17; working meeting with board September 15; public hearing September 24; then to Council of Commissioners in October, with adoption targeted by December 2 and effective January 2, 2027. - Board Comments: Chair Steitzer commended staff for balancing community needs and public input. Mark Garf asked when the updated draft map and redline code would be available – Director Crane responded by Monday noon. The board agreed to hold a working meeting on September 15 to review the outstanding historic overlay provisions. Key Outcomes - Quarry Meadows Preliminary Plat: Approved unanimously (all members present) subject to 20 conditions. The plat is valid for three years; final plat must conform to subdivision regulations. - Preto Verde Preliminary Plat: Approved unanimously subject to conditions. - Zoning Update: No vote taken. A working meeting scheduled for September 15, 2026, to review final historic overlay language. The next regular meeting for public hearing on the draft code is September 24, 2026. - Meeting Adjourned: Motion to adjourn passed.

The Butte Silver Bow Council of Commissioners met on August 27, 2026, for a Committee of the Whole meeting. Commissioner Boyle was excused. The meeting included public hearings on the fiscal year 2027 budget, Metro Sewer rates, and the Tourism Improvement District (TBID); a bid opening; a presentation from the public library; and several communications, including a discussion on community enrichment complaints. Public Hearings - Communication 2026-366 (Budget adoption): Finance Director Karen Hassler presented the final FY27 budget of $168,269,621, a reduction of 9.55 mills from FY26 to 360.45 mills. No public comment was offered. The public hearing remains open until the adoption vote on September 2, 2026. - Communication 2026-367 (Metro Sewer rates): A continuation of the public hearing to establish user rates, with no public comment. The hearing remains open. - Communication 2026-413 (TBID budget and work plan): Kelly Hazlitt, TBID executive secretary, clarified that the proposed $2 assessment aligns with other Montana cities and that property tax relief is $740. No public comment was received, and the public hearing was closed. Bid Openings - Communication 2026-409 (CIPP for Metro Sewer): Two bids were received: Stittu Form ($545,743) and Vortex Services ($522,995). The project covers 9,025 feet of pipe. A motion to refer the bids back to Public Works for recommendation passed 11-0. Presentations - Butte Silver Bow Public Library Annual Report: Director Steph Johnson reported a gate count of 60,000, 557 programs, 73,000 physical items, and 78,979 digital items. Collection budgets for libraries serving populations over 25,000 show Butte at $2 per capita (compared to Billings, Missoula, Flathead, Bozeman). Facility upgrades include an LED lighting system and high-efficiency boiler, returning 15% of the utilities budget; a solar project is expected to save 11–14% annually. The South Branch reopened at the Don Peoples Complex. Commissioners praised the library's services. Motion to file the communication passed 11-0. Discussion Items - Communication 2026-410 (Legal review of parking services contracts): Commissioner Russell Leary reported receiving a response from the county attorney's office and plans to introduce a new communication for clarifications. A motion to hold the item in committee of the whole passed 11-0. - Communication 2026-417 (Community enrichment complaint by Rich Ruggles): Director David Geary reported that since March 2026, the department received 497 complaints (excluding parking), with 136 active cases. He described enforcement challenges, including due process requirements and repeat violations. Ms. Ruggles spoke about ongoing neighborhood blight, including abandoned vehicles and uncut weeds, and expressed frustration with the response time. Commissioner Callahan suggested stricter ordinances. After discussion, a motion to place the communication on file passed 10-1. - Communication 2026-424 (Emergency agreement with USDA Forest Service): Revised agreement approved. Motion to concur and file passed 11-0. Key Outcomes - The budget public hearing (2026-366) and Metro Sewer rate hearing (2026-367) remain open until the September 2 adoption vote. - Bid opening 2026-409 was referred to Public Works for further recommendation. - Library annual report (2026-381), TBID hearing (2026-413), and emergency agreement (2026-424) were placed on file. - Parking services contract review (2026-410) was held in committee of the whole for further action. - Community enrichment complaint (2026-417) was placed on file with a note that the department may present a demonstration of the GovWell software to the council. - Land sale requests (2026-384, 2026-411) were held in abeyance pending land sales committee reports.