Butte Silver Bow Study Commission Meeting - September 8, 2025
Butte Silver Bow Study Commission Meeting - September 8, 2025
The Butte Silver Bow Local Study Commission met on September 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM (with adjustments discussed) to continue its review of the county charter. Key actions included approving minutes from August 25, 2025, approving the public hearing notice for September 29, 2025, and receiving updates on public outreach and survey results. The commission also heard public comments from Edward Banderob on neighborhood improvement councils and transparency.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Edward Banderob presented two proposals. First, he recommended adding a new section (3.03.02) to the Charter outlining commissioner responsibilities to coordinate neighborhood improvement projects, including forming neighborhood community improvement councils that would select delegates to a Greater Butte Silver Bow Community Council. He argued this would create official channels for community input and reduce spontaneous public outcry. Second, he recommended using the term "chair of the council of commissioners" instead of "mayor" to reflect the city-county government structure. He emphasized transparency and checks and balances.
- Commissioner Cindy Dolan questioned whether additional layers of bureaucracy would be created. Banderob disagreed, citing the Greeley neighborhood plan that sat for 15 years with little implementation, and noted that the proposed councils would be voluntary and cost-free to the government. Commissioner Dan Dennehy supported the idea of putting neighborhood councils on the ballot for voters to decide.
Discussion Items
- Approval of Minutes: The commission approved the minutes of August 25, 2025, with corrections (spelling and grammar only). Motion by Shaw, second by Dennehy, passed unanimously.
- Correspondence and Updates: New ex-officio members Annie and McKenzie were introduced. Commissioner Dennehy noted they will help with templates and moving into the next phase of drafting ballot language.
- Public Hearing Notice: The commission discussed the public hearing scheduled for September 29, 2025. After confusion about dates, it was confirmed the notice would be published on September 11 and 18, meeting the 7-day requirement. The start time was changed from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM to accommodate working citizens. The language was amended to: "All interested individuals are invited to attend and provide input on the review of the Butte Silver Bow charter, including suggestions for potential amendments." The motion to approve the notice as amended passed (Thielen motion, Shaw second, all in favor).
- Public Outreach Update: Shana Adams presented a summary of open houses and survey results. As of the meeting, 157 people had completed the community-wide survey. Two remaining open houses are scheduled: September 11 at Montana Tech (noon-1:30 PM) and September 16 in Ramsey (5:30-7:30 PM). The format will include a brief presentation by commissioners at each. Commissioner Cindy Shaw noted that the survey QR code was included in water bills, which reached many residents.
- Survey Cutoff Date: The commission decided to keep the survey open until the end of October to allow more responses, with the option to modify the survey later if needed.
- Other Business: The commission discussed the Kiwanis lunch meeting (September 17), the KBMF radio hour opportunity for interviews, and the party line radio appearance scheduled for September 24. Commissioner Dolan noted a conflict with the September 11 open house due to the 9/11 ceremony at Stodden Park.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes Approved: The August 25, 2025 minutes were approved with minor corrections.
- Public Hearing Notice Approved: The notice for the September 29, 2025 public hearing (5:30 PM) was approved as amended. The notice will be published on September 11 and 18.
- Survey Extended: The community survey will remain open until the end of October 2025.
- Next Open Houses: Scheduled for September 11 (Montana Tech) and September 16 (Ramsey). Commissioners were reminded to attend and provide a brief overview presentation.
- Next Regular Meeting: The commission will meet on September 24, 2025, for its regular party line session.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, I'd like to call the September eighth meeting of the Beats of Rebo Study Commission. If we can have a roll call, um, but before that, we have two new members for our ex officio, Annie and McKinsey, and I'd like to let them introduce themselves, and then they'll take our roll call, please. I I'm McKenzie Christensen. Hi, I'm Annie. I work in the Chief's office as well as McKenzie. Um, and we're here to help you guys. And if you guys have any changes of the current minutes of how they've been going, just let us know. We'll try and do it to the best ability of how you guys are looking for it. Okay. So roll call. Okay, Raylan Brandle. Lori Casey. Here. Dan Denigy? Here. Mary McCormick. Excuse. Cindy Purdue Dolan. Here. Cindy Shaw. Present. Chad Silk. Here. Matt Steppen. He's excused. Ben Thielen. Hello. He's here. Thank you. Let's have our pledge of allegiance and prayer, please. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God. Indivisible with liberty and mighty God, we implore you to make the policy slide if you make decisions which are briefly back on the social community. Reference public comment on any item on the agenda. Item nine Anu Business. Several comments were made by the Council of Commissioners, Commissioners when appearing before this body, indicating that if you are going to be recommended going to full-time commissioners, you should include additional Commissioner responsibilities in the Charter. Therefore, we the Greeley Neighborhood Community Development Corporation Inc. would like to rem recommend that in addition to the current stated powers and duties you consider adding under 3.03. Then insert a new section 3.03.02 responsibilities. Coordinate and facilitate the formation, approval, funding, and implementation of neighborhood improvement projects in all neighborhoods within his or her district, improvement projects to include but not limited to infrastructure, safety, enrichment, enhancement, development, economic and land use, other services, coordinate an annual district, neighborhood community improvement council assembly to select a district delegate to the Greater Butte Silver Bowl, Butte Silver Bowl Community Council. Respectfully submitted for your consideration and action. Thank you, Mr. Banderob. Moving on to public comment on anything not on the agenda but within the jurisdiction of the study commission. I got a comment. Please bear with me, I'll get a little case of the vertical. Our Edward Banderob 2601 Grand Avenue Butte. Public comment on any item not on the agenda. Transparency and checks and balances. In that transparency is one of the concerns listed on your open house poster board.
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