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.