Public Meetings - Butte Silver Bow, Montana

The Butte Silver Bow Ad Hoc Committee convened to assess the facts regarding the Sabi data center proposal, focusing primarily on industrial water availability, system capacity, discharge protocols, and economic implications. Presentations by City Water Plant Superintendent Jim Keenan and Committee Member Bob Morris detailed the separation of the industrial (Silver Lake) and potable water systems, confirming sufficient capacity and zero discharge plans for the proposed facility. The committee also addressed public concerns regarding water loss, economic benefits, and project transparency. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the previous week's meeting via unanimous motion. Public Comments & Testimony - Dan O'Neill expressed full support for the development, arguing that Butte must embrace new economic opportunities and highlighting the natural advantage of cooler ambient temperatures for cooling efficiency compared to warmer regions like Arizona. - Linda Trevena expressed opposition and concern regarding inconsistencies in presentation details, specifically questioning the lack of guaranteed diagrams from SABI, conflicting statements about discharge (from "none" to "hauled away"), and the need for clarity on potential pollutants. - John Sorich questioned whether the utility must guarantee specific water volumes for future growth and sought clarification on whether the 80-degree Fahrenheit threshold refers to outside air temperature or water temperature. - Stuart Parker clarified that the Bureau of Mines and Geology is not a consultant and cannot engage in direct communication with companies for financial gain, though they provide public geothermal information. - John Moodry and the Silver Bow High Conservation District expressed conditional support, emphasizing that while they do not oppose the development, the basin requires additional storage capacity to mitigate the consumptive nature of new users. - Evan Barrett expressed concern regarding the lack of specific data on direct job creation numbers (citing 20, 30, or 50 vs. 300) and stressed the need to be "real" about job numbers rather than relying on multipliers. - Tanya Gardy expressed concern about long-term economic risks, the disparity in property tax rates between the data center and residential homeowners, and the potential for billion-dollar corporations to litigate the county. - Gregory Secum questioned the threshold of water usage before environmental impacts become significant and raised a concern that AI data centers may globally displace more jobs than they create, reducing the net economic benefit. - Russell (Commissioner District 5) requested clarification on the seasonal profile of the 44,000 gallons per day usage to determine if the demand is concentrated in specific months. - Lila Klobacar expressed strong concern regarding the physical layout near Buxton, requesting detailed information on the placement of cooling towers and potential chemical treatment impacts on her property. Discussion Items - Jim Keenan presented the history, infrastructure, and capacity of the Silver Lake Water System, distinguishing it from the potable water system. He confirmed that the industrial system has direct flow rights of approximately 57 CFS (35.3 million gallons/day) and currently uses only about 10% of its capacity. He noted that the SABI project's projected usage (44,000 gallons/day) would not require drawing additional water from storage reservoirs during summer months. - Bob Morris presented on the proposed cooling technology, explaining the "closed-loop adiabatic" system which minimizes water use by relying on air cooling until ambient temperatures exceed 80°F. He clarified that water consumption is approximately 0.2% of the industrial system's capacity and results in zero liquid discharge, only evaporation. - Committee members and staff discussed the separation of systems, confirming that the proposed data center has no risk of cross-contamination with potable water due to the cross-connection control program. - Eric Gonder (Pre-treatment Coordinator) and Bill Andrini (Wastewater Treatment Plant) addressed wastewater, confirming that while the data center would connect to the municipal sewer for sanitary waste, any industrial waste or chemical blowdown would require a permit and would likely be removed via truck rather than discharged into the system. - SABI representatives (via Teams) clarified that they would not use solvent detergents, would truck any collected cleaning water off-site to a chemical treatment facility, and would not discharge industrial water into surface water or sewer lines without a permit. - Bob Morris and Andy Babb discussed the "Large Load Tariff," explaining that new large customers, including data centers, are responsible for their own transmission and substation upgrades, and that the tariff process is regulated to prevent cost-shifting to other ratepayers. - Bob Morris discussed the difference between the PJM capacity market (which saw price hikes due to data centers) and the Montana market, concluding that Montana's regulated planning and Western Resource Adequacy Program make similar price spikes unlikely. - Committee members assigned actions to research the Quincy area's chamber of commerce experience, environmental impacts (lighting/noise), and educational curriculum compatibility with the data center industry. Key Outcomes - Unanimous agreement that the Sabi data center's proposed water usage is negligible (approx. 44,000 gallons/day or 0.2% of capacity) and will not impact the potable water supply or require new storage withdrawals from Silver Lake or Storm Lake. - Confirmation that the proposed cooling system utilizes zero discharge technology, with any necessary maintenance water being collected and trucked off-site for third-party treatment. - Consensus that the industrial water system has sufficient capacity to accommodate the project and future economic development without reaching capacity limits. - Clarification that SABI is required to connect to the municipal sanitary sewer system for employee facilities but must segregate industrial lines if any industrial discharge occurs, subject to strict permitting. - Action items assigned to committee members to gather data on job creation specifics, economic impacts, and environmental concerns to be reported in the next meeting. - Meeting adjourned at 5:30 PM following public comments.

The January 26, 2026, Study Commission meeting convened to establish timelines for the preliminary report and advance deliberations on governance structure changes, specifically focusing on the Coroner's Office and Fire Services. The commission discussed the process for gathering public feedback, reviewing working group findings, and determining which proposals may advance to a ballot initiative in November 2026. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Approved the minutes from the January 12, 2026 meeting with a requested amendment correcting the phrase "commissions" to "council of commissioners" on page two. The motion to approve the corrected minutes (originally referring to the January 5th meeting in the transcript, but contextually the January 12th) carried unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Fire Advisory Discrepancy: Commissioners discussed a letter received from the Fire Advisory Committee on January 13, 2026. Ms. Dolan noted that volunteer board members expressed dissension, stating the letter was sent without their agreement or draft approval, lacked a date or letterhead, and was initiated solely by the chair. Ms. Shaw suggested drafting a rebuttal to address the issue formally. - Budget Transparency Arguments: Commissioner Silk argued that facts regarding budget allocation were being misrepresented, stating that an average of $253,000 had been spent on volunteers over the last four years for maintenance and PPE, countering the claim that the Director of Fire Services currently spends money unilaterally without filtering. Discussion Items Timeline and Process Confirmation The Chair clarified the commission's schedule: the preliminary report will be adopted by the end of February; public listening sessions regarding the report will occur in late February and March; a final report and ballot questions will be shaped between March and July. The Chair noted there will be no public hearing between the March and July adoption of the final report. Coroner Working Group Update - Proposed Options: The working group presented three options: (1) Keep the Coroner as a separate elected department with potential charter language reinforcing state law qualifications/accreditation; (2) Place the Coroner under the Sheriff as an employee; (3) Merge the roles into a Sheriff-Coroner position. - Commission Positions: - Support for Status Quo: Commissioners McCormick, Steppen, Denehy, and Dolan expressed support for Option 1 (keeping the Coroner as an elected position). Commissioner McCormick emphasized trust in the electorate to choose candidates with proper qualifications. - County Attorney Input: County Attorney Ruth confirmed that state law already mandates qualifications and continuing education, making charter additions redundant for the elected office. She noted that while the charter could include these, it is not necessary. - Recommendation: The commission agreed to keep the Coroner as an elected position (status quo) but recommended that the Council of Commissioners consider strengthening the administrative framework through ordinances rather than charter amendments. Fire Services Working Group Update The working group presented three options for ballot consideration regarding fire governance: - Option 1: Remove Volunteers from Charter. - Description: Volunteers become independent under state law, managing their own districts and funding. Assets and land ownership would be resolved through mutual aid and independent mechanisms. - Positions: - Voluntary Support: Ms. Dolan reported that volunteer leadership is "100% behind the removal of the volunteers from the charter" and understands the requirements, including the likelihood of needing to form special tax districts. - Fiscal Concerns: Commissioners Silk and Denehy raised concerns about the "heavy lift" of creating independent tax districts, the potential dissolution of smaller departments, and the risk of double taxation, though County Attorney Ruth clarified that services provided are distinct, potentially avoiding double taxation issues under current case law. - Litigation Risk: Commissioners Steppen and Ruth noted that litigation remains a risk regardless of the path, particularly regarding asset division. - Option 2: Unified Volunteer Fire Department. - Description: Creation of a single volunteer fire department in the charter, potentially consolidating districts. - Positions: County Attorney Ruth and Commissioner Steppen indicated this is legally complex and likely invalid if it implies two chiefs (one for volunteers, one for career). Ms. Dolan reported volunteers are not interested in this option, preferring autonomy or status quo. - Option 3: Affirm Director Authority + Volunteer Coordinator. - Description: Retain volunteers in the charter but affirm the Director of Fire Services' authority and create a "Volunteer Fire Coordinator" (a volunteer selected by the ranks) as a liaison. - Positions: - Status Quo Concerns: Ms. Dolan and Ms. Casey expressed skepticism, noting this may not solve underlying authority disputes and could be viewed as "status quo" with a minor title change. - Budget Clarity: Commissioner Casey suggested separating budget line items for volunteer divisions to improve transparency, which Commissioner Silk rebutted with data showing significant historical spending on volunteers. - General Deliberation: A debate ensued regarding the commission's role in defining specific costs and district boundaries for voters versus leaving those questions for the public process. Commissioner Silk advocated for Option 3 or a system where the Council of Commissioners retains flexibility through ordinances, expressing frustration that a group of volunteers opposes a structure voted on 30 years ago. Commissioner Steppen emphasized that public education on these complex issues is a prerequisite for ballot questions. Key Outcomes - Timeline Adherence: The commission reaffirmed its schedule to deliver a preliminary report by the end of February. - Coroner Decision: The commission determined not to recommend charter changes for the Coroner's office, agreeing to support the status quo (elected position) and defer recommendations on strengthening the role to the Council of Commissioners via ordinance. - Fire Services Next Steps: The commission adjourned without selecting specific ballot measures. - Commissioner Denehy and Silk recommended holding off for one week to review a new memo from the volunteers and digest the complex data. - The group will schedule follow-up discussions to clarify the specific implications of Option 1 (volunteer independence) and Option 3 (Coordinator role) before finalizing which options (including status quo) will be included in the preliminary report. - Correspondence: The letter from the Fire Advisory Committee and the volunteer memo received on January 13 will be attached to this week's minutes.

The Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners convened a regular meeting on January 21, 2026, to address urgent community matters, including the appointment of an interim Commissioner for District 10, infrastructure bidding, and significant public concerns regarding economic development and energy policy. The meeting featured robust public testimony focused on the potential impacts of a new data center, the noise and environmental concerns associated with the TranPAC Manufacturing project, and a strong public pushback against AI-powered surveillance cameras. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the January 7, 2026, regular meeting (10 yea, 0 nay). - Approved Section 2 of the consent agenda, comprising committee reports and communications A1-A4 and B1-B38, excluding three items segregated for further review: Communication 2026-12 (AI surveillance), Communication 2026-16 (Praxis Center update), and Communication 2026-22 (TranPAC land sale). Public Comments & Testimony - Mick Ringshock expressed strong support for the separation of large energy load rate classes, arguing that residential customers must be protected from the rising costs driven by data centers; he urged the Council to endorse a tariff system ensuring large consumers pay their proportionate share. - Holly Genson expressed opposition to the TranPAC project, citing concerns regarding noise levels (up to 120 decibels) and light pollution; she supported the need for rate controls and protective measures for residents in Buxton from potential data center impacts. - Jeff Gallus, on behalf of Rick McGregor, testified in strong support of McGregor as a candidate for District 10, highlighting McGregor's character and near-election victory. - Lila Klobacar expressed full opposition to the data center proposal, raising concerns about public health, environmental impact, water resources, and the sustainability of energy; she stated residents cannot afford the trade-offs of such development. - Clark Grant, Melody Rice, and others expressed explicit support for the appointment of Butch Gerbrandt to the vacated District 10 seat, citing his engineering background, history of renovating local properties, and civic engagement. - James Rose and an unnamed resident expressed support for James Madison as a District 10 candidate, highlighting his community involvement and home rehabilitation efforts. - Evan Barrett expressed full support for the letter to the Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding large load tariffs, viewing it as a necessary protection for citizens against rate hikes; he also urged that the TranPAC land sale be removed from the consent agenda for committee review due to noise pollution concerns. - Unnamed Commissioner (likely in testimony) expressed a stance of neutrality regarding the data center while advocating for sustainable development, emphasizing concerns about water usage from Silver Lake, fire suppression safety, home values, noise pollution, and heat island effects. - Adam Sammons expressed concern regarding radiation, water well impacts, and the lack of transparency on the data center's final plan and long-term effects. - Unnamed resident expressed full support for the data center to boost local trades but expressed strong opposition to AI-powered "Flock Safety" camera systems, characterizing them as invasive data harvesting tools and "overpriced and evil." - Ryan Prosek challenged the motivation behind rural data center developments, asking for a five-year "why" justification for targeting rural Montana over major urban centers, urging caution on AI surveillance. - Louis Pizanti expressed personal interest in the data center and questioned the lack of Environmental Impact Statements regarding server replacement cycles. Discussion Items - District 10 Interim Appointment: The Council conducted interviews with five candidates for the interim District 10 Commissioner seat (Harold Gerbrandt, Douglas Ingraham, James Madison, Ann Kish, and Brian McGregor). Following the interviews, the Council determined a tie between Harold Gerbrandt, James Madison, and Ann Kish for top vote-getters. A runoff vote was held between Madison and Kish for the second spot, resulting in a win for Madison. A final vote between Gerbrandt and Madison resulted in a 6-4 victory for Harold Gerbrandt. - Letter to PSC (Communication 2026-41): The Council deliberated on a letter drafted by Commissioner O'Leary requesting the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) to establish a separate rate classification for large energy loads (data centers) to protect residential ratepayers from cost surges. Several commissioners expressed support, noting that Virginia and Oregon have already implemented similar protections, and urging the PSC to prioritize citizen ratepayers over large commercial interests. - TranPAC Manufacturing Land Sale (Communication 2026-34): The Council debated the propriety of the purchase and sale agreement for a 6.89-acre parcel in Montana Connections Park. Public testimony and commissioner concerns were raised regarding the process transparency (lack of minutes from the TEID board) and noise pollution concerns. The project owner, Christian Euland, clarified that the facility produces virgin plastic profiles (not recyclers) and has no intention of operating high-noise shredding equipment on-site. However, due to the desire for more public information and a need to clarify legal safeguards, the Council moved to hold the item in committee. - AI Surveillance Cameras (Communication 2026-12): The Council considered a request to schedule a presentation on AI-powered "Flock Safety" camera systems. Due to strong public opposition regarding privacy and data harvesting, the Council voted to hold the item in the Committee of the Whole pending the presentation. - Praxis Center Update (Communication 2026-16): Discussion revealed that the proposed presenter, Ray Rogers, was unwilling to appear before the Council at this time. The item was noted on file. Key Outcomes - Commissioner Appointment: Harold Gerbrandt was appointed as the interim Commissioner for District 10, serving until the November 2026 election (Vote: 6-4). The Council plans to swear him in shortly after the meeting. - Energy Policy: Motion passed (10 yea, 0 nay) to authorize the Council Chairman to send a letter to the Montana Public Service Commission supporting the creation of a separate large load rate class to protect residential ratepayers from data center-induced rate hikes. - TranPAC Land Sale: Motion passed (10 yea, 0 nay) to hold Communication 2026-34 in the Committee of the Whole with instructions to amend the purchase and sale agreement to include language making the contract contingent upon the passage of the final Council resolution. - Surveillance Cameras: Motion passed (9 yea, 1 nay) to hold Communication 2026-12 in the Committee of the Whole pending a presentation on AI-powered surveillance systems. - Resolutions: - Resolution 2026-01: Passed (10 yea, 0 nay) to amend the budget to appropriate unanticipated DNRC grant revenue for remedial investigation and site planning at Father Sheehan Park. - Resolution 2025-72: Passed (10 yea, 0 nay) for final reading and passage. Note: A discrepancy exists in the transcript regarding the date of the meeting. The Clerk announced the date as January 21, 2026, multiple times, while the transcript header mentions January 22 in the system prompt and the discussion references the "January 7th" minutes of the "regular meeting" held the previous week, which is consistent with a January 21st meeting (Wednesday).

The Finance and Budget Committee convened on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, to review and approve the monthly expenditure list and a series of budget transfers. Commissioner O'Neill raised a query regarding a specific sewer line rerouting claim, which was clarified by Dr. Hassler. Dr. House noted minor respiratory discomfort but did not present further items. The committee reviewed public works budget adjustments concerning the Silver Lake water system, followed by a motion to adjourn. Consent Calendar - Expenditure List Approval: The committee unanimously approved the expenditure list totaling $1,146.80 (as stated in the transcript) via motion and second. Commissioner Boyle, Commissioner Shay, and Dr. House raised no additional questions or concerns. Budget Transfers - Public Works: Approval of a $25,000 transfer for legal services related to Silver Lake water rights. Commissioner O'Neill inquired about the necessity of legal services given existing water rights; the Chair clarified the funds are for feasibility analysis to transition the industrial system to a utility model based on per-gallon volumetric allotments. Commissioner Boyle noted this has been in development for several years. - County Attorney's Office: Approval of a $5,000 transfer to professional services to cover an outstanding invoice and anticipated future invoices before the budget year ends. - Weed Control: Approval of a $50 transfer to correct a calculation error regarding a previous transfer for printer purchases. - Health Department: - $145 transferred to cover the annual Kelly Create invoice for the RICO printer (FY 2026-2027). - $4,271 transferred to cover the cost of AMPHO for the 2026-2027 year. - Clerk and Recorder's Office: - $914 transferred to cover a $360 overage (likely a typo in transcript, stated as $914 total) from increased maintenance and licensing fees for ESNS. - $102 transferred to cover an overage from required background checks for a new employee. - $8,026 transferred to cover an overage from an increase in Tyler's contract and IDOC coding changes, as well as dues, noting the item was previously coded as $360. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were recorded in this meeting transcript. Discussion Items - Silver Lake Water Rights Feasibility: Dr. House and Commissioner O'Neill discussed the scope of the $25,000 legal transfer. The discussion confirmed the city is exploring restructuring the Silver Lake industrial water system from flow-based service agreements to a traditional utility model charging per gallon, a process described as being "in the works for several years." Key Outcomes - Motion Passed: Approved the expenditure list ($1,146.80). - Motion Passed: Approved all listed budget transfers (Public Works, County Attorney, Weed Control, Health Department, Clerk and Recorder). - Next Step: The meeting adjourned with no further directives or next steps recorded.

The Butte Silverbow Zoning Board of Adjustments convened a meeting on January 15, 2026 (transcribed January 16, 2026), with Vice Chair Michael McEwen presiding over four of the seven board members. Due to the absence of a full quorum, the Board noted that unanimous decisions were required to proceed with any agenda items. The meeting featured appeals regarding a non-conforming structure variance and special use applications for short-term rentals in the uptown condominium complex. Consent Calendar - No items listed under this category; Agenda Item 1 (Appeal 25-02) was deferred by the applicant, while Agenda Item 2 (Appeal 25-03) and Agenda Items 3 & 4 (Special Uses 25-24 and 25-25) proceeded as active discussion items. Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was recorded from community members for any of the three active agenda items (Appeals 25-03 and Special Uses 25-24/25). Discussion Items Appeal 25-03: Variance for Non-Conforming Structure (2000 Roberts Avenue) - Applicant Position: Ready S. Frost presented an appeal against the zoning officer's denial. The applicant expressed that the temporary structure erected was a mitigation effort for water intrusion, not active construction in violation of code, citing the ambiguity of "acts of construction" in the Montana Code. Frost stated they had removed the temporary structure (a tent with plastic and 2x4s) to abate water issues and requested the Board allow them to apply for a variance under the correct process. The applicant indicated a desire to construct an addition with a 5 to 6-foot setback to ensure drainage and fire resistance, though they noted the necessity of bearing points on existing foundation walls. - Staff Position: Aiden Denih (Staff) clarified that the Board is not adjudicating the merits of the construction project itself, as the project was in progress during the appeal filing, which is prohibited. The Board's role is to determine whether to uphold the applicant's appeal, which would grant them the opportunity to submit a variance application after the active construction violation has ceased. - Board Discussion: Board Member Lexi Murphy sought clarification on the process regarding the revised site plan and the history of the appeal. Planning Director Julia Crane confirmed that a variance is required to expand the non-conforming use and that the Board must vote to uphold the appeal to allow Mr. Frost to proceed with a new, compliant application. Special Use Applications 25-24 & 25-25: Short-Term Rentals (701 South Arizona St.) - Applicant Positions: - Matt Williams & Carrie Phelan (Unit 302): Expressed full commitment to reinvesting in uptown Butte and stated they are not from out of state. They expressed full support for the staff's conditions, including parking instructions and a prohibition on parties. - Allison Miles (Wonderland LLC, Unit 201): Expressed nervousness regarding potential neighborhood disruption and stated full support for staff conditions. She emphasized her unit's suitability due to its small footprint (872 sq ft), secure building nature, and lack of party potential. She expressed intent to hire local property management (Platinum Property Management) and noted she had already created amenities (historical info from the Historical Society) to enhance the guest experience. - Staff Position: Planning Staff presented a comparative analysis for both units, noting the property is in a CM zone with mixed residential/commercial/industrial neighbors. Staff identified specific recommendations: enforcing a "no parties" rule via hosting platforms, ensuring property address visibility, and providing detailed parking instructions in listings. Staff noted that while neighboring residents have historically expressed parking concerns, the proposed use, if compliant with residential code occupancy, should not significantly increase traffic. Key Outcomes - Appeal 25-03: The Board unanimously upheld the applicant's appeal. This decision does not approve the construction but grants Mr. Frost the opportunity to apply for a variance to resolve code challenges regarding the expansion of the non-conforming structure, provided he follows the established process. - Special Use 25-24 (Unit 302): The Board unanimously approved the special use application for a short-term rental, accepting the staff's proposed conditions regarding parking visibility, fire safety, and party restrictions. - Special Use 25-25 (Unit 201): The Board unanimously approved the special use application for a short-term rental, accepting the staff's proposed conditions. - Next Steps: Applicants 25-24 and 25-25 are to receive information from the planning department. Mr. Frost is informed to proceed with the variance application process following the Board's affirmation of the appeal. (Note: The meeting transcript dates the session as January 15, 2026, while the prompt metadata and title reference January 16, 2026). Discrepancy Note: The transcript explicitly states the meeting date as "Thursday, January fifteenth, twenty twenty-six." However, the prompt metadata indicates the meeting occurred on 2026-01-16. The summary title reflects the metadata date as requested, but the content reflects the transcript's stated date.

The Committee of the Whole meeting commenced on January 14, 2026, with a roll call indicating nine commissioners present and two absent (Commissioners O'Neal and Morgan). The session included public comment, a chair's report regarding an ad-hoc data center committee and the TBID grant cycle, and a review of seven communications, most of which were held in abeyance pending further information or absent presenters. Consent Calendar - Communication 2025-590: Approved motion to place on file regarding the sole-sourcing of Huber Materials for the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) following a public hearing held on January 7, 2026. Vote: 9 yay, 0 nay. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Lowell (Resident): Expressed full support for a proposed data center investment. He stated that the project would provide "some good quality jobs" for the community. He addressed concerns regarding utilities by noting that water usage is now a closed-loop system and power is managed by the Public Service Commission (PSC). He represented himself as a long-time community resident and parent of a 10-year-old son. Discussion Items - Chair's Report: Commissioner called attention to the ad-hoc committee on the data center in the archives (meeting Tuesdays at 4 p.m.), noting attendance by Commissioners Callahan and O'Leary. The Chair also opened the TBID grant cycle, stating it closes January 31st at 5 p.m. - Communications Held in Abeyance: - 2025-581 & 249 (Salmanson Property): Land purchase requests adjacent to their property at 17 Pillamore/Tillamore Street (transcripts vary on street name) from Butte Silver Bow; held pending Land Records recommendations. - 2025-546 (Data Center Questions): Request for answers regarding impacts of a potential data center; held in abeyance. - 2025-587 (Bill Kelly): Request to purchase partial parcel 0001904920 bordering property; held pending Land Records recommendation. - 2026-01 (Don People Sr. Renaming): Motion to rename the Readiness Center after Don People Sr.; held in abeyance due to Commissioner Morgan's desire to hear from speaker Evan Barrett, who is unwell. - 2026-05 (Commissioner Appointment): Request to appoint an interim replacement for Commissioner Bill Anderson in District 10 for the meeting on January 21, 2026; held open until the following Wednesday at noon. - 2026-10 (Water Main Project): Request to schedule bid opening for water main materials replacement on January 21, 2026; held in abeyance. - Public Comment (Off-Agenda): No additional comments were received. Key Outcomes - Vote Passed: Communication 2025-590 (Public Works) was placed on file with a unanimous vote of 9 yay, 0 nay. - Decisions: All other communications (2025-581, 2025-249, 2025-546, 2025-587, 2026-01, 2026-05, 2026-10) were continued/ held in abeyance. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following a successful motion to adjourn.

The City Commission held a study meeting to review charter amendments, specifically focusing on departmental structures for the Butte Civic Center, Parks and Recreation, and Reclamation. Commissioners debated the extent of charter detail versus leaving structural decisions to the Council of Commissioners to avoid micromanagement. The meeting concluded with a vote to include a new section for the Parks and Recreation department in the preliminary report and a decision to cancel the next scheduled meeting. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the meeting held on January 5th, 2026, via a motion by Ms. McCormick and a second by Ms. Shaw. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received on agenda items. Discussion Items Charter Language Clarification - Vice Chair Dennehy clarified that the Commission is not recommending a change in the form of government (which remains a chartered, consolidated city-county form). The recommendation is strictly a structural change to a city manager-commission structure, focusing on the number of commissions rather than altering the fundamental form. Commissioner Dennehy emphasized that defining the structure is what is being recommended to voters, while the form remains fixed by state statute. Butte Civic Center: Manager vs. Director & Charter Inclusion - Ms. Shaw reported that the Butte Civic Center currently has an advisory board but no specific charter or ordinance mandating its title (Manager or Director). The current manager is retiring early, and a successor is anticipated. - Ms. Casey expressed opposition to placing the Civic Center title in the charter, arguing it micromanages the future Council of Commissioners and removes their ability to reorganize departments. She noted that many departments (e.g., Planning, Historic Preservation) are not in the charter but have boards that supervise them. - Mr. Thielen expressed concern about charter specifics, agreeing with Ms. Casey that the charter should not limit the Council's ability to manage departments unless absolutely necessary. He noted he was previously undecided but now leans toward deferential approaches to council authority. - Ms. McCormick asked if the Council could rename a department if it were titled "Manager" in the charter. Mr. Enruth (Attorney) advised that the charter is superseding; if the charter specifies "Manager," the Council cannot unilaterally change it to "Director" without a charter amendment. He recommended either labeling positions explicitly in the charter or granting broad appointment authority to the Council in the charter. - Chair Brandle stated a preference against charter-specific placement for the Civic Center, citing its current status and the desire to allow the Council flexibility. However, she noted an exception for departments with in-perpetuity responsibilities (like Reclamation). - Mr. Stepin noted that the request from the Civic Center manager was to consider the title only, not necessarily to add it to the charter, and warned that adding it could hamstring future administrations or create issues if the building is repurposed. Recreation & Reclamation Departments - Ms. McCormick expressed strong support for both Reclamation and Parks and Recreation to be established as standalone departments in the charter, citing the Reclamation department's long-term Superfund obligations and Parks and Rec's significant responsibility and budget. - Ms. Casey expressed support for removing the reference to Parks and Recreation under Public Works but opposition to establishing it as a standalone department in the charter. She argued it should be left to the Council of Commissioners to structure as needed, noting it is currently functioning well. - Mr. Thielen stated he was leaning toward creating a somewhat vague charter that allows for specific ordinance-level details, expressing hesitation to add full departments to the charter unless necessary. - Ms. Shaw expressed opposition to codifying the Parks and Recreation department in the charter at this time, citing the complex interface with Reclamation and the potential for the department's responsibilities to grow in the future (e.g., inheriting Superfund maintenance). She preferred removing the department from the charter under Public Works or leaving it out entirely. - Mr. Enruth raised a procedural concern: removing a currently functioning department (like Parks and Rec) from the charter could create a temporary situation where the department "no longer exists" in the legal sense until the Council re-establishes it via ordinance. - Chair Brandle highlighted the public value of Parks and Recreation (trail systems, outdoor access) but remained open to the argument that the charter should be broad to avoid micromanagement, except for the Reclamation department due to its 30-year Superfund mandate. Key Outcomes - Motion Carried: The Commission voted to add Section 7.09 (Parks and Recreation Department) to their preliminary report for inclusion on the ballot. - Vote Tally: 6-2 - In Favor: McCormick, Shaw, Dennehy, Silk, Stepin, and Chair Brandle (after an initial procedural error where Casey and Thielen intended to vote nay but abstained due to hesitation). - Opposed: Casey and Thielen. (Note: The Chair initially voted nay but cast an additional affirmative vote as a tie-breaker after correcting the initial count; the motion passed 6-2 with the Chair voting 'aye' and Casey/Thielen voting 'nay'). - Meeting Status: The meeting scheduled for January 20th was cancelled by a motion from the Chair and second from Ms. Shaw. Commissioners agreed the time is better used by the working groups for finalizing the report. - Next Steps: The next meeting is rescheduled for January 26, 2026, to finalize working group recommendations (including Fire and Coroner updates) for the preliminary report. - Coroner Update: The working group remains stalled as the relevant County official has not responded to outreach. Commissioners noted that certification requirements are verified by the state, likely reported to the Clerk and Recorder's office. - Fire Department Update: Working groups have met with Chief Osborne and are scheduled to meet with volunteer chiefs and union leadership before reporting back.

The Butte Silver Bow Council of Commissioners convened a meeting of the whole on December 10, 2025, addressing public hearings regarding accessibility compliance, data center taxation inquiries, and land sales, alongside routine administrative items. The meeting featured significant debate regarding the proposed Data Center communications, resulting in a tie vote that was ultimately resolved by placing the item in the suspense file until January 14, 2026, to allow for further public engagement and digesting of information. Consent Calendar - Communication 2025-520: Placed on file and cross-referenced with 2025-582. Vote: 10 Yay, 0 Nay. - Communication 2025-249: Held in abeyance pending a report from the land sales committee. - Communication 2025-581: Approval of communication 2025-249 (Salmanson land purchase) held in abeyance pending the land sales committee report. Public Comments & Testimony - Evan Barrett (807 West Silver): Expressed deep concern regarding data center energy contracts and Northwestern Energy's transparency with the Public Service Commission (PSC) and FERC. He argued that the utility's opacity and the placement of coal strip shares outside PSC regulation threaten ratepayers. He urged the council to consider joining a lawsuit with the group "Butte Watchdogs for Social and Environmental Justice" to ensure a protective tariff is established. - Cassie Wick (Ability Montana): Expressed strong support for the ADA Transition Plan, emphasizing the need for a roadmap to remove barriers like broken sidewalks and safe crossings. - Lucy Galaris (Wheelchair user): Urged the council to adopt the plan to allow independence, noting that current infrastructure forces residents to rely on family for basic mobility. - Alice De Shea, Suzanne Nashby, Heather Raymond, Dave Hutchins, Bradenheir, and Clayton Elliott: All expressed support for the ADA Transition Plan, citing inclusivity, safety, and the benefits for aging residents and visitors. - Clayton Elliott (reading for Abigail St. Lawrence): Presented a position in support of the plan, recounting how a stroke made steep stairs and inaccessible buildings a daily barrier. - Melanie Ray Went & Jack Roscoe: Expressed support for the plan, with Ray Went highlighting the need for accessibility in historic venues like the Covelite Theater and Roscoe emphasizing the benefit for visitors and families. - Public Comment (Unidentified): Noted that while the plan is comprehensive, snow removal on sidewalks remains a critical, immediate barrier that needs enforcement focus. Discussion Items - ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan (Communication 2025-576): - Staff & Consultants: James O'Leary (ADA Coordinator) and John McGovern/Shelley Zuniga (WT Group) presented findings from an extensive audit. They explained that Title II requires a phased retrofit plan. They noted that while new construction must comply, existing sites require evaluation and prioritization. The total estimated cost for retrofitting all sites was approximately $34.9 million, with Phase 1-3 estimated at under $10 million. - Commissioner Callahan: Asked about liability for errors in new construction, noting that even new buildings sometimes fail compliance due to misunderstandings of standards or contractor errors. - Commissioner Healy: Raised a specific concern about an unpaved alley with gravel that sinks when wet, hindering a resident with a disabled son, and asked how the city should approach this. - Commissioner O'Leary: Inquired about the legal definitions of "technical infeasibility" and "undue burden," particularly regarding historic buildings and steep terrain. - Chief Executive Gallagher: Stated that the implementation will require a phased budget approach over 20 years, with immediate focus on "zero-dollar costs" (policy changes) and integrating larger projects into the capital improvement plan. - Commissioner Fisher: Advocated for keeping the data center communication on the agenda to allow for continued public debate, citing concerns about putting faith in Northwestern Energy's answers. - Data Center Taxation & Energy (Communication 2025-546): - Staff Response: Clarified that the 0.9% property tax rate is a state-mandated classification (Class 17), not a council-granted tax break. Revenue collected within the Montana Connections TED district can be used for local improvements or remitted to taxing jurisdictions via agreement. - Northwestern Energy Representation: Stated that imports are less than 25% of energy, and the company is generally in an exporting mode. They assured that costs associated with the Puget Sound/Avista coal strip share will not be passed to Montana ratepayers until needed. - Sarah Bordoon: Expressed concern and caution regarding the energy supply gap, the lack of binding protections for ratepayers in large load contracts, and the possibility that the 0.9% tax classification might not be necessary for a viable business. She questioned the logic of data centers needing to be physically close to local businesses. - Commissioner Callahan: Warned that Montana is an "energy island" with limited import capacity, citing a study that showed high costs during the polar plunge. - Procedural Debate: A tie vote (5-5) occurred on a motion to place the communication on file (failed) and a motion to hold in abeyance (failed). Commissioner Fisher suggested placing the item in the suspense file until January 14, 2026, to allow the community to digest the information and prevent the topic from being dismissed without a decision. Key Outcomes - Motion Passed: Communication 2025-520 placed on file (10-0). - Motion Passed: Communication 2025-546 (Data Center questions) placed in the suspense file until the January 14, 2026, Committee of the Whole meeting (7 Yay, 3 Nay). This keeps the item on the agenda for further consideration rather than closing it. - Motion Passed: Communication 2025-576 (ADA Plan) placed on file after the public hearing, with no further action required at this time as the hearing was concluded (10 Yay, 0 Nay). - Motion Failed: Multiple attempts to vote on placing 2025-546 on file or holding it in abeyance resulted in ties (5-5), leading to the compromise of the suspense file motion. - Procedural Resolution: The council decided to keep the data center communication active on the agenda until January to facilitate further public input and avoid premature closure of the topic.

The Council convened with a full complement of members, including Michelle Shea, Hattie Thatcher, Trudy Healy, and Dan Callahan, while Commissioner Tommy Walker was initially present to ensure a quorum but departed upon Callahan's confirmed attendance. The meeting addressed communications regarding tax deed land retention and a tax refund claim before adjourning with two successful motions and one hold action pending agenda corrections. Consent Calendar - Claim Approval: A motion was moved and seconded to approve a claim for Deluxe Enterprises in the amount of $4,633.76. The motion passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided testimony or comments during this session. Discussion Items - Communication 2025-486 (Lori Baker Patrick, Butte Silver Bow Treasurer): - Proposal: The Treasurer requested the Council direct the County Attorney to prepare a resolution authorizing the holding of unsold tax deed land (specifically two small parcels near the Arco site and Orphan Boy Mine) in city and county ownership due to compelling remediation interests in the area. - Speaker Positions: - Lori Baker Patrick: Stated the land is in a remediation area (partially owned by Arco and Butte Silver Bow) and argued it is in the best interest to hold the property until further remediation is completed to allow for future tax sale. - Commissioner Callahan: Expressed support for the retention, noting the property's location near the Orphan Boy Mine and Montana Tech, and stated it is in the best interest to keep the property. - Deliberation: Council members discussed a discrepancy where a second reading resolution was intended for this agenda item but was missing or mislabeled due to an agenda error (a resolution for gas masks for police appeared instead). It was noted that the correct resolution for the tax deed classification had been sent previously but was not attached for second reading. Key Outcomes - Motion to Hold: A motion was made, seconded, and passed to hold Communication 2025-486 pending the correction of the agenda error and the attachment of the proper resolution for final introduction. - Motion to Adjourn: Upon completion of the agenda items, a motion to adjourn was approved. - Attendance Discrepancy: The transcript initially listed Dan Callahan as absent with Tommy Walker sitting in, but Callahan entered later, prompting the correction that Walker is no longer needed.