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Madame Clerk, would you please call the roll. City attorney doctor. Here. City manager, like, here. Commissioner Reed. Here. Commissioner Rigby. Here. Commissioner Gustafson. Here. Commissioner Logan. Here. Mayor Dean. Here.

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First up on our agenda, we have board and committee at states.

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I am recommending the following citizen board appointments.

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First to the Helena Housing Authority, the reappointment of Brook,

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close-lane to a second to your term as a resident representative member of the Helena Housing Authority

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with the term expiring on August 1st, 2028.

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The appointment of Tim Burton to a first five-year term as a housing commissioner of the

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Helena Housing Authority with the term expiring on August 1, 2021 for the Helena Public

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Arts Committee, the appointment of Miles O'Reilly to an interim term as member at large of the

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Helena Public Arts Committee, the interim term will expire on December 31, 2021, and on the

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first four-year term as a representative of owner or manager of a property within the district

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of the tourism business improvement district with a term expiring on June 30th, 2030,

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any questions, comments, discussions from the commission.

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All right, is there any public comment on the Board of Pointments?

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Okay, seeing no public comment, I will entertain a motion.

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Mayor Dean.

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Yes, Mr. Rigby.

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I will entertain or I will make the motion, my computer is not loading.

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So I will make the motion to approve the board appointments.

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Second, it's been moved and seconded.

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Seeing no additional discussion, Madam Clerk, could you please call the roll?

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Commissioner Reed.

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Commissioner Rigby.

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Commissioner Gustafson.

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Commissioner Logan.

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The motion carries five to zero.

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All right.

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We move on to proclamations.

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City of Hell in a Proclamation, whereas Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 marks 988 day, an annual

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day of action dedicated to spreading awareness of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline

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and emphasizing the importance of mental health support.

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And whereas the 2026 theme is 988 reasons, your reason is reason enough, reminding our community

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that whatever someone is facing, big or small, the reason for seeking support is reason enough to

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call or text 988 or chat 988 lifeline.org. And whereas a day of action encourages all

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city of Helena residents to engage in discussions with friends and loved ones about mental health.

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And whereas city of Helena residents can participate in 988 day activities, including a 988

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tech to scavenger hunt, trainings, and support groups focusing on family support, youth, veterans,

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and more. And whereas, increasing awareness of 98-8-day helps ensure more people know

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that compassionate support is available whenever they need it. And whereas, 98-8-day provides

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another crucial step in the right direction to build a safer and more supportive community.

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Now, therefore, I, Emily K. Dean, mayor of the City of Helena, do hereby proclaim September

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8th, 2026, as 988 in the City of Helena, and encourage all residents to learn about

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the 98 suicide and Christ of Slyfeline, support suicide prevention efforts, and help

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spread the message that help is available by calling texting 98 or chatting through the 98

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And we have a couple of representatives from the Behavioral Health Advisory,

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Wilson Clerk County Behavioral Health Advisory Council.

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Please go ahead.

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Hi, my name is Aaron Olson.

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Thank you, Mayor Dean, and thank you to the commission.

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This has been a long time coming.

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They're so proud and I am so proud as a representative of the LAC2, except this proclamation.

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Nineteate has been an amazing program and it is saving lives across the nation.

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That's a big thanks to John Tab and Carl Rossen for keeping that message moving forward.

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And our county and state officials for keeping this moving.

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Ms. Jessica has some stuff she would like to share and she's been really pushing for this to get through.

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So thank you all for your time.

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really appreciate it. Thank you.

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Is it green?

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Perfect. So thanks a lot. I just wanted to

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say a few words. By spreading this message today, we are shining a light on this resource

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that's available 24, 7. Any time anywhere someone called this number does not matter

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their age or their need, no crisis is too small. So we appreciate working together to get

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us out there into the community, it just shows that we all have a role to play and spreading

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the awareness.

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We have a TikTok toast scavenger hunt that is posted on the Liz and Clark Suicide Prevention

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website.

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We'll also be having hosted various locations around town and that's going on throughout

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the month of September, which is National Suicide Prevention Month.

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Also, at Public Health, we keep a variety of stickers and magnets thanks to the state.

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They created an art contest with students from around Montana and this beautiful mountain design is featured on these, so if anyone needs stickers, posters, anything for their place at business, they are welcome to come by public health and pick those up.

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So thank you. Thank you for your time. Appreciate that.

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Thank you, Jessica.

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And commissioners, we're going to step down, present the proclamation and take a photo.

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And I will note that Councillor Gustafson is our current representative on the

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behavioral health local advisory committee and I'm very much

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appreciate for her bringing this proclamation forward today.

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All right, we will-

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Local move along to communications and proposals from commissioners, any thoughts from commissioners? Yes, commissioner read.

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Thank you, Mayor Dean. Just briefly, I want to say congratulations to the school district for the start of another great year.

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To the students, parents, educators, teachers, kids, everyone, great weekend of sports, all throughout our community.

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And thank you very much for everyone who made it a good first week. Yes, commissioner, thank you.

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Thank you, Mayor Dean.

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Just a little, if everyone could bear with me,

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I just got a little short story.

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Was in the backcountry in Glacier a couple of weeks ago.

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And just, you know, he gets permits

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and you get your camps spot and so we're just sitting around

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and met this guy and he's from the Midwest

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and he said he comes to Montana since 1988

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and I told him I was from Helena.

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And he said he is a musician

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and he played music last week

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And he just really, and I didn't, I didn't tell him I was obviously, I don't go to the back country to tell people in the city commissioner.

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And it's kind of reason why I go there.

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But anyway, he just could not get over every time he comes to the city,

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how great the people are, how friendly they are, and then how clean our city is.

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He's like, sometimes I have to look for the, he said, and I quote,

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sometimes I have to look and like, is that a paper cup?

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Nope, it's not.

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He was just very impressed that how clean and wonderful everyone from the city of Helleness and so that was super cool to hear and I just want to pass that along everybody so citizens and staff great job and yes helleness, great place to live. So thank you.

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Nice, thanks to both of you. Any other thoughts from commissioners.

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Okay, we'll move along to report of the city attorney.

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Mayor Commissioners, I have nothing to report, but I do have a question for Commissioner

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Rigby.

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Who was the musician?

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Is the question?

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Didn't ask him if I could use his name, but his first name was Bill, so he was at 10

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miles last Thursday.

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So Google and you will find out,

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okay, report of the city manager.

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Thank you, Mayor.

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being good evening, everyone, quite a few announcements this evening, so bear with me as well.

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Labor Day is upcoming next Monday, our city offices will be closed as well as transit, municipal

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county, and transfer station as well. Sorry, municipal court.

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Long-range transportation plan and the special events surveys close today. We did extend both

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of those deadlines for you to give a little bit more time since we had such great feedback.

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And in update on special events, we do for C coming up with some amendments to that code.

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I believe looking at city attorney next few weeks, we're looking at having a draft.

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Maybe next month for the commission.

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All right, moving on transfer stations, some updates there.

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They are now accepting cooking oil.

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They have also, you may notice, have moved some recyclable containers outside at the entrance of the transfer station.

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so you can now donate your recyclables without having to go fully into the transfer station.

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And it sounds like there's also going to be a paint exchange later this month as well.

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On that note, I'd like to thank public works for leading an excursion up the red mountain

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flume a few weeks ago. Staff and commissioners were able to attend. I know personally for

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myself, it was just a great overview of all the great work that our public work steam does.

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Their current project was a project to replace some aging infrastructure by bearing some pipe to eliminate some of the water loss that happens there and really increasing that reliability for a Helen is drinking water.

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Moving on to IT, some of you are aware we've been going through a phone transition, so much of our system is moving from hard phones to soft phones that has not been without its tribulations, so special shout out to our county IT team who have been navigating that very well.

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In the meantime, I know some members of the public have been having a hard time getting a hold of us,

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so we appreciate your patience. We are working hard to make sure that we're getting those issues resolved.

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But in the meantime, if you are having issues getting a hold of us, please just send us an email or send us a public comment to our public comment for them.

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Municipal court is changing some of their hours, so new hours for open court starting tomorrow, September 1st.

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Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, check in will now be at 9.15 with appearances starting at 9.30.

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I did want to remind the commission that our Employee Appreciation Luncheon is next Wednesday's September 9,

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starting at 11 a.m. at the Civic Center. You are all invited to attend if you are able.

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And next, I would like to turn it over to Director Ryan from the BID. They've been doing some great efforts toward our graffiti removal efforts across the city.

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So we wanted to take a chance to highlight that.

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Mr. Ryan.

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Thank you.

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Good evening, Mayor and commission.

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My name is Alicia Ryan.

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I'm the executive director of the Helen of Business Improvement District.

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And we thought we'd bring you just a glimmer of good news.

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That's what we all need, right?

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So my very capable colleague, Abigail Dolan,

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comprised some graffiti statistics for us.

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The BID, I don't know if you know it, but we contract every year for graffiti removal for the district.

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I wanted to let you know about it as well as we try to let our businesses know about it and have also encouraged parks department to call us if they need us for any graffiti removal.

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We have an increase in the number of what they call slap tags, little stickers on walls and

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Lampose and that kind of thing.

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That's kind of high.

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But those are easily removed.

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Fliers that are posted taped on again, those same walls and Lampose are also up.

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but I think the most encouraging thing and that little bit of hope is the number of instances

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where businesses, size of businesses, sidewalks have been defaced by spray paint is declining.

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So that's a good thing because this is also the hardest substance to remove.

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Clean slate does a great job, especially on historic surfaces, and that is down from 2024

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since when this report was first compiled.

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So we had to tell them to go easy this past week.

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We didn't want them destroying or taking away any of the chalk up Helena artwork downtown

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and they respected that.

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They did a good job.

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So, just wanted to bring you a little bit of good news that spray painting is down and let's hope I haven't jinxed it tonight.

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Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Ryan. Thank you, Director Ryan. We appreciate all the work of you and your team.

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All right. Lastly, we have a spirit of Helena Award presentation this evening. This is for the month of July.

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As you were recall, this is a award that we do jointly with the Chamber of Commerce to really honor individuals who exemplify the values character and community spirit that make Helena exceptional.

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to your point commissioner Rigby. We have a lot of great folks here in our community. It really celebrates residents who go above and beyond service to others. So we would like to take a moment to honor John Murdy. Before he comes up, I'd like to call Kelly Ashton from the Chamber to say a few words as well.

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Good

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evening everybody. This is our second spirit of Helena Award and one of the things I love most about this award is that it recognizes people who make our community stronger, not because they have to but because they genuinely care.

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The award celebrates the leadership, the service and integrity to improving life for others and there may be few people who embody those qualities more completely than John Murray.

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If you've spent any time downtown, chances are you've seen John.

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He's the first person who raises his hand when people need help and he always seems to

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end up with the jobs that nobody else is eager to do.

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Whether he's working at 10-mile Creek Brewery or at the Hawthorne, keeping our downtown

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clean, cleaning up after events at the Murna Lawyer, or tackling the countless tasks that

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never appear on anyone's job description, John shows up and he gets things done.

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I've had the privilege of seeing that commitment firsthand through my work at the Chamber of Commerce.

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John is a constant present at our downtown Chamber and community events.

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He's always willing to help, always willing to pitch in, and always looking for ways to make Helen a better.

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One of my favorite examples of John's community-minded thinking was his idea to place QR code stickers around in our downtown businesses

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that helped connect people directly to our community events calendar.

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It was such a simple, but powerful idea, helping visitors and residents alike discover what's

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happening in Helena that day and encouraging them to get involved in our community.

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But that's John.

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He's always thinking about how to connect people to support local business and make Helena

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an even more welcoming place.

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Communities need people like John Merdy, the ones who work quietly in the background, making

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sure things run smoothly, they take care of their neighbors and they help create the sense

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community that has always made Helen a special. John, thank you for your ideas, for your generosity,

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your support, and your unwavering dedication to Helena. You make this community better every single

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day and we are all fortunate to benefit from your kindness and service. Congratulations on being

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our July spirit of Helen Award recipient. Thank you, Ms. Asham, and I'd like to take a moment also

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to recognize Abigail Dolan from B.I.D. as well. Thank you so much for nominating John for the

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award. And I'd like to give you a few moments as well to say a few words if you'd like.

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Hello. I'm Abigail Dolan. I'm the program manager of B.I.D. I was one of the people that nominated

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John, however, it wasn't just me. I had six different business owners approached me asking me to nominate

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John, as soon as the award went live.

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So I think that speaks to how many business owners

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and people of downtown just like really love and respect

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John.

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And this is the message that they all came together

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to write.

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John Merdy is a selfless walking Helena history book

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who embodies what the spirit of Helena award immunaries.

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Always the first volunteer at any downtown event.

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He intentionally chooses the task no one else desires.

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He has official jobs, swamper,

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for 10-mile creek brewery in Hawthorne,

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and deez the trash for a BID,

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includes a theater after shows at the Merinole Way.

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Beyond those, he quietly handles

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what no one else has designed to him,

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sorting recyclables from downtown trash,

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saving at least a ton from the dump.

216
00:19:22,970 --> 00:19:25,110
Weeding neglected corners, cleaning dogways

217
00:19:25,110 --> 00:19:26,590
from sidewalks and parks,

218
00:19:27,090 --> 00:19:29,230
tending to readers Ali and 100 others small,

219
00:19:29,230 --> 00:19:31,770
but mighty tasks that keep all in a running smoothly.

220
00:19:32,910 --> 00:19:35,310
John leads by silent action and integrity.

221
00:19:36,010 --> 00:19:38,410
He never asks what he might gain from a task.

222
00:19:38,650 --> 00:19:40,910
He only asks how it will benefit his neighbor.

223
00:19:41,550 --> 00:19:44,050
He knows almost every service worker by name

224
00:19:44,050 --> 00:19:45,350
and checks in on them often.

225
00:19:46,510 --> 00:19:48,430
He doughnates more than half of his paycheck

226
00:19:48,430 --> 00:19:50,550
to sustain the flower program downtown

227
00:19:51,110 --> 00:19:52,970
and help nonprofits in their mission.

228
00:19:53,690 --> 00:19:55,870
Most of the time, you'll find him in the back of the room,

229
00:19:55,930 --> 00:19:58,710
shifting his weight, watching to make sure everyone else

230
00:19:58,710 --> 00:20:00,650
is having a good time.

231
00:20:01,010 --> 00:20:03,290
Once a worker invited him to the ballet,

232
00:20:03,890 --> 00:20:06,230
out of the gratitude for his kindness,

233
00:20:06,950 --> 00:20:08,390
touch that someone was returning it.

234
00:20:08,390 --> 00:20:11,830
He showed up in a tutu to make sure everyone smiled

235
00:20:11,830 --> 00:20:15,050
and reminded them that life doesn't have to be so serious.

236
00:20:15,930 --> 00:20:17,890
He also will never turn down the opportunity

237
00:20:17,890 --> 00:20:20,930
to dawn the big foot costume to make kids laugh

238
00:20:20,930 --> 00:20:21,950
at life on the couch.

239
00:20:23,130 --> 00:20:24,690
He can try the patience of some.

240
00:20:24,710 --> 00:20:26,970
He's not known to win any speed races,

241
00:20:26,970 --> 00:20:31,830
But John Murdy has watched buildings rise, be remodeled, and come down again.

242
00:20:32,330 --> 00:20:38,210
He's more than likely Helena's best expert on the pre-imposed effect of urban renewal.

243
00:20:38,970 --> 00:20:43,970
He knows that slow and steady wins the race, and that doing a job right means not rushing at all.

244
00:20:44,670 --> 00:20:46,170
All John wants to do his help.

245
00:20:46,810 --> 00:20:50,870
Helena can't function without city managers and commissioners that make the big decisions,

246
00:20:51,410 --> 00:20:55,890
but it also can't function without the people who were quietly in the background, largely unnoticed.

247
00:20:55,890 --> 00:21:02,030
down town, and I might not fully realize I get, but we really couldn't do it without John.

248
00:21:02,530 --> 00:21:02,990
Thanks.

249
00:21:03,210 --> 00:21:04,330
Thank you, Mr. Olon.

250
00:21:05,630 --> 00:21:09,890
I'll now turn it over to commissioners if there's any comments before we call on Mr. Murdy-up.

251
00:21:11,490 --> 00:21:11,970
Commissioners.

252
00:21:12,130 --> 00:21:12,810
Mr. Gustafson?

253
00:21:13,070 --> 00:21:13,830
You can think this off.

254
00:21:14,190 --> 00:21:14,450
Okay.

255
00:21:14,890 --> 00:21:18,270
Well, just briefly because I know John maybe doesn't love the attention.

256
00:21:19,890 --> 00:21:21,850
But I had the pleasure of working with John,

257
00:21:21,850 --> 00:21:27,070
And my first job after college when I moved back to Helena at the Panhandler, a lot of people

258
00:21:27,070 --> 00:21:31,650
are nodding, they know the Panhandler, and I was just doing the math, 19 years ago.

259
00:21:32,450 --> 00:21:37,590
And I really learned a lot about customer service, and how to be a member of the community

260
00:21:37,590 --> 00:21:42,330
John really welcomed everyone into the store with so great at knowing, you know, not where

261
00:21:42,330 --> 00:21:46,950
the labored cheese slicers were, but also what someone might really need that day.

262
00:21:47,430 --> 00:21:50,790
So I learned a lot from John almost 20 years ago, and I'm glad that he's still such

263
00:21:50,790 --> 00:21:54,090
strong influence on our downtown community. So thank you, John.

264
00:21:56,860 --> 00:22:01,640
Yes, Commissioner Reed. Thank you, Mayor Dean, and I can't make eye contact. There we go.

265
00:22:01,760 --> 00:22:07,040
I'm going to lean over here so I can see John again, not to to go on too long, because I think it

266
00:22:07,040 --> 00:22:11,120
was really well set already, but John probably doesn't remember me coming into the panhandler

267
00:22:11,120 --> 00:22:16,080
when I first moved here in 2013, but I needed a gift from my mother-in-law, and I was struggling,

268
00:22:16,440 --> 00:22:21,000
and he was so nice, and it struck me as, wow, this is the kind of place I moved to, and I never

269
00:22:21,000 --> 00:22:25,960
forgot it. And now I think John is as much a part of Helena as the power block and the

270
00:22:25,960 --> 00:22:29,900
Gulch itself, and I am very grateful for him and everything he does for our community.

271
00:22:32,160 --> 00:22:53,180
Thank you, Mayor Dean. Thank you for everything else you do, John. You're always there. Everyone knows you there. But we know you don't want us to know you're there. So you do a great job. And I think that's what Bill was talking about in the backcountry on how great everybody is in hell and on and everything that you do for us. So thank you very much. Well deserved.

272
00:22:54,420 --> 00:23:02,880
Yeah, Mayor Dean, thank you, John, thanks for your service to Helen and this is a very well deserved award.

273
00:23:04,980 --> 00:23:12,260
And, John, I think, well, I'm not going to repeat anything, but your, I think everyone is always struck by your humility

274
00:23:12,820 --> 00:23:24,000
and your just ability to kind of get in and do it all and yet it's, you know, have no interest in any of the accolades

275
00:23:24,000 --> 00:23:35,880
or anything else, I mean, you are very much, probably one of the most recognizable people in Helena by far, and I don't know that that's not why you do any of this.

276
00:23:36,060 --> 00:23:47,080
And we really appreciate everything that you do to make our community function like it does, and I think you are just the epitome of why this award exists, and we're so excited to celebrate you tonight.

277
00:23:47,880 --> 00:23:54,700
So with that, if you want to come up, you don't have to say if you were, but if you'd like to, we'd love to hear from you.

278
00:24:14,120 --> 00:24:20,860
I think it might be on. Is it green? Okay. Well, thank you. I'm not sure what else to do.

279
00:24:21,900 --> 00:24:30,080
We appreciate you. I appreciate Helena. I appreciate everybody. I see people every day that, yeah,

280
00:24:34,020 --> 00:24:35,060
they're very nice to me.

281
00:24:35,060 --> 00:24:44,920
Yes, and I always appreciate the customers, I always appreciate this, people just, I just, yeah, thank you, Kim.

282
00:24:45,380 --> 00:24:46,240
Thank you, John.

283
00:25:02,510 --> 00:25:02,510
All

284
00:25:06,640 --> 00:25:10,840
right,

285
00:25:20,880 --> 00:25:23,180
everybody get in there.

286
00:25:24,240 --> 00:25:24,420
Perfect.

287
00:25:25,440 --> 00:25:26,060
Are they looking?

288
00:25:27,820 --> 00:25:28,620
Hi, yo.

289
00:25:29,400 --> 00:25:29,800
Good job.

290
00:25:57,510 --> 00:26:03,350
Okay. Next on our agenda, we have communications from the Helena Citizens Council.

291
00:26:06,500 --> 00:26:06,980
Check, hyper.

292
00:26:10,050 --> 00:26:14,010
Good evening, Mary and commissioners. For the record, my name's Ben Kiper. I'm the chair of the Helena Citizens Council.

293
00:26:15,050 --> 00:26:20,710
We met last Thursday and we passed a recommendation regarding the long range transportation plan.

294
00:26:21,990 --> 00:26:24,790
Since that was passed on Thursday, I don't know if you've gotten that yet.

295
00:26:25,490 --> 00:26:30,690
But if we could do a five to ten minute presentation at one of the upcoming admin meetings that would be appreciated.

296
00:26:31,750 --> 00:26:44,890
Other than that, we are trying to drive, turn out to the next listening session regarding the budget and our next meeting will be the fourth Thursday of September at 530.

297
00:26:45,730 --> 00:26:48,870
Unless there's any questions, wraps up my report.

298
00:26:49,450 --> 00:26:50,070
Thank you, Chair Kaper.

299
00:26:50,270 --> 00:26:52,810
And we did, I think I saw the email come in this afternoon.

300
00:26:53,150 --> 00:26:53,350
Perfect.

301
00:26:54,970 --> 00:26:57,270
Okay. Any questions or comments for Chair Kaper?

302
00:26:57,370 --> 00:26:58,050
Councillor Guestison.

303
00:26:58,990 --> 00:27:02,230
Not sure the process, but I'd be in some sort of having them presented at the admin meeting.

304
00:27:03,630 --> 00:27:05,510
I see it. Manager Lake is writing it down.

305
00:27:05,530 --> 00:27:06,870
So I'm sure we'll have an update later.

306
00:27:07,770 --> 00:27:10,070
All right. If I may just let me know when that's going to be.

307
00:27:10,190 --> 00:27:11,350
And I can get the people there.

308
00:27:11,750 --> 00:27:13,450
Excellent. We'll have staff get in touch with you.

309
00:27:13,470 --> 00:27:13,990
All right. Thank you.

310
00:27:13,990 --> 00:27:21,590
anything spent. Okay, we'll go ahead and move along to our regular items.

311
00:27:24,000 --> 00:27:25,060
Actually, not regular

312
00:27:25,060 --> 00:27:30,920
items. We have no regular items. We'll move on to public hearings. So item A of our public

313
00:27:30,920 --> 00:27:35,140
hearings consider resolution specifying the assessment option for the special urban forest

314
00:27:35,140 --> 00:27:41,700
management district. For fiscal year, 2027 and living assess all property within the district.

315
00:27:43,040 --> 00:27:45,280
Our Parks Director, Doug Smith.

316
00:27:48,750 --> 00:27:50,510
Good evening Mayor, commissioners.

317
00:27:50,830 --> 00:27:55,450
We're here before you for the third time, over the past 30 days,

318
00:27:56,270 --> 00:27:58,390
for the commission to consider a resolution,

319
00:27:59,770 --> 00:28:02,710
specifying the assessment option for the special urban forest

320
00:28:02,710 --> 00:28:05,890
management district for fiscal year 2027,

321
00:28:07,250 --> 00:28:10,430
and levy and assess on all properties within the district.

322
00:28:11,610 --> 00:28:17,510
We've come before the commission previously in an administrative meeting on Wednesday, August 12th.

323
00:28:17,630 --> 00:28:20,430
And once again, Monday, August 17th.

324
00:28:21,530 --> 00:28:31,530
We're here today with staff recommendation to recommend move to approve a resolution specifying the assessment option for the special urban forestry management district.

325
00:28:32,210 --> 00:28:37,990
For fiscal year 2027, and Levy and assessed on all property within the district.

326
00:28:40,740 --> 00:28:44,840
Okay, questions or comments for the director.

327
00:28:47,790 --> 00:28:48,270
Yeah, go ahead.

328
00:28:48,470 --> 00:28:49,230
Commissioner Nessipsen.

329
00:28:49,630 --> 00:28:50,610
Thank you, Mayor Dean.

330
00:28:51,570 --> 00:28:53,410
And I know that I third time on this.

331
00:28:53,570 --> 00:28:58,110
So I just want to say again, I think that this is an important program for the city of

332
00:28:58,110 --> 00:28:58,310
Helena.

333
00:28:58,390 --> 00:29:02,770
Your team does great work both managing the current canopy and replacing the canopy as it

334
00:29:02,770 --> 00:29:03,270
needs it.

335
00:29:03,290 --> 00:29:06,530
I think having green spaces is key to a livable city.

336
00:29:06,710 --> 00:29:07,610
So thank you for this.

337
00:29:07,710 --> 00:29:12,030
And thank you to the citizens for putting this district in place in 2023.

338
00:29:12,030 --> 00:29:13,990
I think it's a good service to our community.

339
00:29:14,270 --> 00:29:14,810
So thanks.

340
00:29:17,140 --> 00:29:18,300
Yes, Commissioner Rigby.

341
00:29:18,580 --> 00:29:19,180
Thank you, Mayor Dean.

342
00:29:19,520 --> 00:29:20,980
I just for clarification.

343
00:29:21,760 --> 00:29:25,480
From the on the, sorry, I didn't see it earlier until just now.

344
00:29:26,320 --> 00:29:29,540
But the, there's five, six, six, six,

345
00:29:29,920 --> 00:29:32,960
50 in the present situation and then in the resolution.

346
00:29:33,240 --> 00:29:36,000
It says five hundred and fifty six,

347
00:29:36,240 --> 00:29:37,340
six hundred and fifty.

348
00:29:37,460 --> 00:29:38,660
Just wanted to make sure.

349
00:29:39,660 --> 00:29:40,920
The number in the resolution was right.

350
00:29:43,980 --> 00:29:46,700
I'm going to have to defer to the finance department.

351
00:29:47,760 --> 00:29:47,880
Sorry.

352
00:29:49,480 --> 00:29:51,280
I talked about the last time and I forgot.

353
00:29:51,440 --> 00:29:53,340
Yes, so I think you weren't here.

354
00:29:57,660 --> 00:29:58,080
Mr. Clean.

355
00:29:58,660 --> 00:29:58,700
Yes.

356
00:29:59,080 --> 00:29:59,980
I believe the...

357
00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:07,740
I don't think we updated it in the memo after we came to the conclusion. We can increase it as much as we anticipated.

358
00:30:09,520 --> 00:30:26,640
So in the just for everyone's education in the resolution we have annual assessment, current fiscal year twenty six thirty nine dollars proposed F or twenty seven forty dollars and seventeen cents that reflects that one dollar and seventeen cents increase.

359
00:30:27,220 --> 00:30:28,340
That's limited.

360
00:30:29,960 --> 00:30:31,720
Based on how the district was created.

361
00:30:32,500 --> 00:30:33,340
Mayor that is correct.

362
00:30:34,580 --> 00:30:35,620
All right.

363
00:30:35,740 --> 00:30:37,240
Seeing no additional comments.

364
00:30:37,380 --> 00:30:39,200
Is there any public comment on this item?

365
00:30:40,120 --> 00:30:40,980
Any public comment?

366
00:30:45,190 --> 00:30:46,150
Any public comment?

367
00:30:48,840 --> 00:30:50,300
Okay, seeing no public comment?

368
00:30:50,820 --> 00:30:51,840
Any additional discussion?

369
00:30:53,100 --> 00:30:54,240
Okay, seeing no additional discussion.

370
00:30:54,360 --> 00:30:55,340
I'll entertain a motion.

371
00:30:55,660 --> 00:30:55,940
Mayor Dean.

372
00:30:55,940 --> 00:30:56,540
Commissioner Read.

373
00:30:56,960 --> 00:31:02,280
I move to approve a resolution specifying the assessment option for a special urban forest management district.

374
00:31:02,760 --> 00:31:07,560
For fiscal year 2027 and Levy and assess on all property within the district.

375
00:31:10,510 --> 00:31:15,470
It's been moved and seconded, so you know additional discussion, Madam Quirk, could you please call the roll?

376
00:31:16,730 --> 00:31:17,170
Commissioner Reed.

377
00:31:18,390 --> 00:31:18,990
Commissioner Reakley.

378
00:31:19,890 --> 00:31:20,630
Commissioner Gustafson.

379
00:31:21,470 --> 00:31:21,850
Commissioner Logan.

380
00:31:22,270 --> 00:31:22,610
All right.

381
00:31:22,790 --> 00:31:23,210
Mayor Dean.

382
00:31:24,130 --> 00:31:25,650
The motion carries five to zero.

383
00:31:26,370 --> 00:31:26,630
Okay.

384
00:31:26,850 --> 00:31:33,250
Item B. Consider a resolution establishing a new large taxpayer reserve fund.

385
00:31:33,550 --> 00:31:35,530
Two, three, eight, miss McLean.

386
00:31:38,880 --> 00:31:39,680
Good evening, Mayor.

387
00:31:39,680 --> 00:31:45,180
So, this resolution is to establish the large taxpayer reserve fund.

388
00:31:45,640 --> 00:31:49,880
This is related to Senate Bill 111,

389
00:31:50,000 --> 00:31:51,900
that passed in the last legislature.

390
00:31:52,720 --> 00:31:57,780
This allows us to assess an additional 10% of all other classes

391
00:31:57,780 --> 00:32:01,740
in addition to the 40% of newly taxable property that we are

392
00:32:01,740 --> 00:32:09,020
other wise able to levy and putting this money aside allows us to plan for the future.

393
00:32:09,080 --> 00:32:16,120
It's a reserve fund so if one of the large taxpayers in the 20% is the definition of a large

394
00:32:16,120 --> 00:32:20,940
taxpayer in the city of Helena where to seize operations or have a significant decrease

395
00:32:20,940 --> 00:32:26,320
in taxable value, this would give us some options, there are specific situations in which

396
00:32:26,320 --> 00:32:31,360
that money can be used and it can also be used if we were required to pay the department

397
00:32:32,360 --> 00:32:37,800
revenue for any technology, enhancing the assessment of newly taxable property, and with that,

398
00:32:37,920 --> 00:32:38,680
I'll stand for questions.

399
00:32:40,660 --> 00:32:44,560
Any questions or comments, or I'm just going to claim yes, Mr. Guests have sent.

400
00:32:44,940 --> 00:32:46,080
Thank you, Mayor Dean.

401
00:32:46,640 --> 00:32:50,760
It's not in this piece of the packet, but I saw later in the packet that for this year,

402
00:32:50,860 --> 00:32:54,120
the contribution is $8,000 and change.

403
00:32:54,300 --> 00:32:54,740
Is that correct?

404
00:32:55,320 --> 00:32:55,460
Okay.

405
00:32:55,460 --> 00:32:56,720
Yes, Mayor Krisher, that is correct.

406
00:32:56,720 --> 00:33:00,500
And then does that automatically carry over every year?

407
00:33:00,560 --> 00:33:03,280
And then we do the same, like once we create this fund,

408
00:33:03,540 --> 00:33:05,900
does the same percentage go in every year and it grows?

409
00:33:06,060 --> 00:33:08,940
Or how do I maybe we don't know that since this is new?

410
00:33:09,420 --> 00:33:14,220
Mayor Commissioner, so it's 10% of the newly taxable property for each year.

411
00:33:14,380 --> 00:33:16,000
So this year it came out to that.

412
00:33:16,000 --> 00:33:17,180
I think it's 8784.

413
00:33:17,400 --> 00:33:19,620
And then next year when we get our newly certified values,

414
00:33:19,720 --> 00:33:21,940
we would do that calculation of the 10% again.

415
00:33:26,420 --> 00:33:26,840
Okay.

416
00:33:27,960 --> 00:33:29,460
No additional questions.

417
00:33:29,660 --> 00:33:31,440
Is there any public comment on this?

418
00:33:31,440 --> 00:33:32,240
I'm going to have a question.

419
00:33:32,640 --> 00:33:32,740
Yep.

420
00:33:33,760 --> 00:33:34,560
Just had a curiosity.

421
00:33:34,820 --> 00:33:37,320
Do we have to level this?

422
00:33:38,520 --> 00:33:40,460
Mayor, commissioners, we do not have to.

423
00:33:40,700 --> 00:33:41,360
It is optional.

424
00:33:42,420 --> 00:33:44,520
But staff recommends it just to plan for the future.

425
00:33:44,680 --> 00:33:47,500
Because if we don't do it, then if one of those situations,

426
00:33:48,560 --> 00:33:50,160
where it happened, one of those triggering events,

427
00:33:50,560 --> 00:33:52,800
then we have to find that money in our regular budget.

428
00:33:52,860 --> 00:33:54,780
And we don't have anything set aside for it.

429
00:33:54,780 --> 00:34:01,560
Okay. Thank you. Yep. And I wonder, Ms. McLean, just to, this is new. Yes. And this is as a

430
00:34:01,560 --> 00:34:17,700
result of SB 1117. Yeah, 1117. So we are not, we would normally get 100% of the newly taxable values.

431
00:34:18,700 --> 00:34:29,460
We are now only getting 75%, but the missing 25%, it's 10% of that that is going into this

432
00:34:29,460 --> 00:34:29,660
fund.

433
00:34:29,860 --> 00:34:30,380
Is that accurate?

434
00:34:31,180 --> 00:34:31,660
Mayor Commissioner.

435
00:34:32,080 --> 00:34:43,220
So it's 75% of certain class of properties and then it's 40% of classes 1, 2, and 4,

436
00:34:43,220 --> 00:34:48,700
And this allows us to take 10% more on those classes one, two, and four instead of 40 would be 50.

437
00:34:49,040 --> 00:34:54,790
Yeah, kind of. Okay. So we're still not necessarily. We're not realizing what we use to, but this

438
00:34:56,680 --> 00:35:04,660
is a potential backstop, you know, should we have not that would fix it, but should there be, you know,

439
00:35:05,140 --> 00:35:08,900
something happens. Merry Christmas, that's great. Okay, great.

440
00:35:08,900 --> 00:35:16,960
All right, so seeing no additional questions, is there any public comment?

441
00:35:18,560 --> 00:35:19,740
Any public comment?

442
00:35:23,680 --> 00:35:26,980
Okay, seeing no public comment, any further commission discussion?

443
00:35:29,200 --> 00:35:31,100
Okay, seeing none, I'll entertain a motion.

444
00:35:33,130 --> 00:35:33,570
Merdeen?

445
00:35:33,690 --> 00:35:34,610
Yes, Commissioner Rigby.

446
00:35:34,930 --> 00:35:41,190
I move to approve a resolution specifying the creation of a government large tax payer reserve

447
00:35:41,190 --> 00:35:46,510
Fund 2, 3, 8, 8, 4, fiscal year 2027.

448
00:35:50,570 --> 00:35:51,390
So second.

449
00:35:51,870 --> 00:35:54,150
It's been moved and seconded.

450
00:35:54,350 --> 00:35:56,410
Seeing no additional discussion, Madam Quirk,

451
00:35:56,510 --> 00:35:57,490
would you please call the roll.

452
00:35:57,850 --> 00:35:58,210
Commissioner Reed.

453
00:35:59,450 --> 00:36:00,170
Commissioner Rigby.

454
00:36:00,250 --> 00:36:00,430
Hi.

455
00:36:01,070 --> 00:36:01,850
Commissioner Gustafson.

456
00:36:02,130 --> 00:36:02,150
Hi.

457
00:36:02,710 --> 00:36:03,150
Commissioner Logan.

458
00:36:03,310 --> 00:36:03,670
Hi.

459
00:36:03,910 --> 00:36:04,350
Mayor Dean.

460
00:36:05,230 --> 00:36:06,610
The motion carries five to zero.

461
00:36:07,150 --> 00:36:09,050
OK, item C, consider a resolution

462
00:36:09,050 --> 00:36:11,490
providing for the annual tax levian mills

463
00:36:11,490 --> 00:36:14,050
for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026

464
00:36:14,050 --> 00:36:16,970
and ending June 30th, 2027, Ms. McLean.

465
00:36:18,090 --> 00:36:19,590
Thank you, Mayor commissioners.

466
00:36:20,550 --> 00:36:25,690
This resolution is just just set the mills for the tax year, 2026.

467
00:36:26,630 --> 00:36:31,250
The proposed mills are all listed there as we discussed last time.

468
00:36:31,610 --> 00:36:36,030
They are calculated based on the requirements of the Department of Administration.

469
00:36:37,250 --> 00:36:40,570
If you have any questions, I will take those now.

470
00:36:40,570 --> 00:36:42,910
Okay, questions for Ms. McLean.

471
00:36:46,190 --> 00:36:48,990
All right, seeing no questions or comments,

472
00:36:49,170 --> 00:36:51,170
is there any public comment on this item?

473
00:36:52,030 --> 00:36:52,990
Any public comment?

474
00:36:58,450 --> 00:37:00,150
Okay, seeing no public comment,

475
00:37:00,650 --> 00:37:02,410
I will entertain a motion.

476
00:37:02,750 --> 00:37:03,050
Where do you?

477
00:37:03,050 --> 00:37:03,890
Yes, Commissioner Logan.

478
00:37:04,250 --> 00:37:05,630
I'd move to approve a resolution

479
00:37:05,630 --> 00:37:08,110
providing for the annual tax levian mills

480
00:37:08,110 --> 00:37:11,270
for the fiscal year, beginning July 12, 26,

481
00:37:12,390 --> 00:37:14,510
and ending June 30, 20, 27.

482
00:37:16,630 --> 00:37:18,770
Second, it's been moved and seconded.

483
00:37:18,770 --> 00:37:21,270
Seeing no additional discussion, Madam Clerk,

484
00:37:21,370 --> 00:37:23,630
Err, yeah, Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

485
00:37:23,930 --> 00:37:24,510
Commissioner Reed.

486
00:37:24,810 --> 00:37:24,990
Bye.

487
00:37:25,510 --> 00:37:26,070
Commissioner Reed, be.

488
00:37:26,390 --> 00:37:26,550
Aye.

489
00:37:26,890 --> 00:37:27,810
Commissioner Gustafson.

490
00:37:28,090 --> 00:37:28,250
Aye.

491
00:37:28,710 --> 00:37:29,250
Commissioner Logan.

492
00:37:29,610 --> 00:37:29,730
Aye.

493
00:37:30,000 --> 00:37:38,400
Mayor Dean, aye, motion carries 5 to 0. All right. And for the most exciting item of the night, we will item

494
00:37:38,400 --> 00:37:44,440
deconsider resolution adopting final budgets, budget authorities, and appropriations for fiscal year,

495
00:37:44,500 --> 00:37:52,720
beginning July 1226, and ending June 30, 2027, and setting the salary for the municipal court judge.

496
00:37:54,080 --> 00:38:00,000
Ms. McLean is going to present and then when she is done presenting before we go to questions or comments,

497
00:38:00,920 --> 00:38:10,200
I'm going to look to city attorney doctor to talk about what the process is if there are any amendments on this item.

498
00:38:10,980 --> 00:38:12,640
So with that, Ms. McLean, please go ahead.

499
00:38:13,320 --> 00:38:15,140
Thank you, Mayor commissioners.

500
00:38:15,240 --> 00:38:20,040
So as you know, as we've been talking about all along, there have been some budget challenges this year

501
00:38:20,040 --> 00:38:25,500
And while certified values came in slightly above where we expected as you can see in the packet,

502
00:38:25,820 --> 00:38:32,560
we only anticipate about $10,000 more than we had initially budgeted for that in the preliminary budget.

503
00:38:33,200 --> 00:38:36,380
And as you notice here, there are some expense increases.

504
00:38:37,800 --> 00:38:42,900
Some are like the transfer out to the taxpayer reserve fund that will come out of our

505
00:38:42,900 --> 00:38:48,580
assessed values. So that's not a huge increase, but then there are also just some

506
00:38:48,580 --> 00:38:53,320
projects that we didn't anticipate or that we're missed in the carryover projects.

507
00:38:53,480 --> 00:38:59,300
So this is re-budgeting some of those values, and so there are quite a few increases.

508
00:38:59,800 --> 00:39:12,440
So the total increase is approximately $1.3 million, and then a small revenue increase if there are any questions.

509
00:39:12,620 --> 00:39:13,740
I will take those now.

510
00:39:13,740 --> 00:39:20,160
Okay, we will first go to City Dr. and then we'll come to the commission.

511
00:39:21,180 --> 00:39:23,440
Mayor commissioners, thank you.

512
00:39:24,560 --> 00:39:26,940
I'd just like to go through a budget amendment procedures.

513
00:39:27,320 --> 00:39:32,520
There are a couple of you that are new and of course this hasn't happened for a year.

514
00:39:32,820 --> 00:39:36,140
So it's always good to have updates on how this happens.

515
00:39:36,520 --> 00:39:43,440
I'm just going to go through at a very high level overview of how the budget amendment procedures

516
00:39:43,440 --> 00:39:52,960
go for motions and amendments to that motion. You would just starting with the basic first motion

517
00:39:52,960 --> 00:39:59,460
would be moved to approve the resolution adopting the final budgets. You'll need a second for

518
00:39:59,460 --> 00:40:07,560
that and then discussion before you vote on that if there are desired amendments any one of you

519
00:40:07,560 --> 00:40:12,600
then would have to move to amend the budget at that point. There is a document in front of you

520
00:40:12,600 --> 00:40:19,420
And I'm mostly going through this, but maybe adding a few comments also.

521
00:40:20,460 --> 00:40:27,380
So if you desire to amend that original motion before the vote is taken on that motion,

522
00:40:27,820 --> 00:40:30,740
you would present your emotion at your motion.

523
00:40:31,040 --> 00:40:36,940
And as you can see there, you would move to amend fiscal year 27 budget to reflect a change

524
00:40:36,940 --> 00:40:43,200
to reduce a certain fund by a dollar amount and increase another fund by the same amount.

525
00:40:43,460 --> 00:40:46,100
So you're moving money from one place to another.

526
00:40:46,300 --> 00:40:50,300
Obviously, you have to know where you're taking it from and to where you're putting it.

527
00:40:50,340 --> 00:40:51,600
So that should go in the motion.

528
00:40:52,300 --> 00:40:54,960
That needs a second and a discussion on it.

529
00:40:55,280 --> 00:40:58,220
If you look, then there is an optional friendly amendment.

530
00:40:58,300 --> 00:41:06,480
If there's an intention to amend that motion, you would have to offer an amended motion,

531
00:41:06,480 --> 00:41:12,720
or offer a motion to amend that motion and that would also need to be seconded.

532
00:41:13,120 --> 00:41:21,480
So let's just for an example, someone moves to move $20,000 from streets fund,

533
00:41:21,660 --> 00:41:24,700
which you shouldn't do, because you can't take money from that.

534
00:41:25,700 --> 00:41:31,620
So, and put it somewhere else, and you desire to do it over my objection.

535
00:41:31,620 --> 00:41:38,240
here you would have to get a second to that and then you might discuss it. If someone wants

536
00:41:38,240 --> 00:41:45,200
to move to a friendly amendment to that and say I'd like to take instead of from streets

537
00:41:45,200 --> 00:41:50,240
because you can't do that from streets and move it to somewhere else there has to be a second

538
00:41:50,240 --> 00:41:57,160
on that. Each time we deal with an amendment it'll be the the most recent one first and then we'll

539
00:41:57,160 --> 00:42:05,260
backward to deal with those amendments. So every amendment proposed thereafter until they're all done,

540
00:42:05,800 --> 00:42:12,580
we'll have to be dealt in that way. So I'm giving you a limit as to how many amendments.

541
00:42:12,780 --> 00:42:17,940
I'm just kidding, that's not my authority. I wish it were, but you do have to go through all of your

542
00:42:17,940 --> 00:42:25,920
amendments first and then at the end you'll vote on the resolution adopting the final budget as amended

543
00:42:25,920 --> 00:42:33,920
if there are any of the motions to amend that are that carry, if all of them fail,

544
00:42:34,400 --> 00:42:38,740
you can go back to the original motion and pass it as presented by the department,

545
00:42:39,700 --> 00:42:44,260
but if there are any motions to amend that are carried, those then would have to,

546
00:42:44,580 --> 00:42:52,740
the budget overall would have to be adopted as amended. So that's really, that's a really broad

547
00:42:52,740 --> 00:42:57,360
overview and the devils and the details obviously, but I'll be here to answer any questions

548
00:42:57,360 --> 00:43:03,140
as we go along and I'll try to keep track along with City Clerk on where we are.

549
00:43:04,260 --> 00:43:09,700
And if you're just going to pass the budget as presented, then we'll be able to go home

550
00:43:09,700 --> 00:43:10,100
earlier.

551
00:43:10,960 --> 00:43:11,660
There we go.

552
00:43:12,400 --> 00:43:13,200
That's all I have.

553
00:43:13,380 --> 00:43:13,600
Great.

554
00:43:13,700 --> 00:43:15,100
Thank you, City Attorney Doctor.

555
00:43:15,400 --> 00:43:19,300
So we will go to questions and comments from the commission.

556
00:43:19,780 --> 00:43:20,380
Our dean.

557
00:43:20,560 --> 00:43:21,340
Yes, Christian Logan.

558
00:43:21,340 --> 00:43:42,600
So, hypothetically, if this is amended and then a, and seconded, there's discussion, and there's a friendly amendment, and it's seconded, we vote on that friendly amendment, do we need to go back to the original amendment, or is that kind of gone by the wayside?

559
00:43:43,320 --> 00:43:57,520
Mayor Commissioner Logan in your hypothetical if you pass the amendment, you'd have to go back to the original motion to adopt the final budget as amended.

560
00:43:57,660 --> 00:43:58,880
Did I miss something?

561
00:43:59,040 --> 00:44:00,600
Yeah, I didn't ask the question well.

562
00:44:00,960 --> 00:44:09,700
So do we have to go back to the original amendment or do we carry on with them with the friendly amendment and go from there?

563
00:44:11,080 --> 00:44:16,940
Mayor Commissioner Logan, it depends if the friendly amendment

564
00:44:16,940 --> 00:44:22,320
swallows up the original amendment, then yes, then no you wouldn't have to, but if it

565
00:44:22,320 --> 00:44:26,680
doesn't, yes, you'd have to deal with every amendment as they go along.

566
00:44:27,900 --> 00:44:32,650
Thank you. All right. Yes, Christian rugby.

567
00:44:32,650 --> 00:44:42,630
Head to questions on the expense increase for the 53,000 on credit card fees and the 125,000 for

568
00:44:43,590 --> 00:44:44,870
Contractet services

569
00:44:47,060 --> 00:44:55,960
Sure mayor commissioners, so the $53,000 in credit card fees is because one of our vendors didn't bill us for a part of fiscal year 26

570
00:44:55,960 --> 00:44:59,540
And so it caused an unexpected expense in fiscal year 27

571
00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:11,140
So, that's just a pay for that. And then the accounting contract of services, as we are without a director, we have hired a consultant to help us with our year end reporting requirements.

572
00:45:12,560 --> 00:45:21,460
Great. Thank you. So, the, I guess the 53 wasn't budgeted in the prior budget, or we're going to carry it over or?

573
00:45:22,360 --> 00:45:32,600
So it was budgeted in fiscal year 26, but typically we don't carry over operating expenses, and so it wasn't involved in the carryover process, and so we just re-budget it that amount.

574
00:45:33,060 --> 00:45:33,160
Gotcha.

575
00:45:33,800 --> 00:45:34,160
Thank you.

576
00:45:34,640 --> 00:45:44,020
So when you're saying re-budgeted, it's read carryover since it wasn't actually in our carryover process earlier.

577
00:45:44,020 --> 00:45:48,980
Bear Commissioners, technically yes, really it's just coming out of cash.

578
00:45:49,380 --> 00:45:49,460
Okay.

579
00:45:49,680 --> 00:45:50,720
Thank you.

580
00:45:52,680 --> 00:45:53,440
Mr. Gussison.

581
00:45:53,980 --> 00:45:54,600
Thank you, Mayor Dean.

582
00:45:55,400 --> 00:45:57,460
This is probably a dumb question.

583
00:45:57,760 --> 00:46:00,620
So when we look at these changes from the preliminary budget,

584
00:46:00,640 --> 00:46:06,780
and we have the increase of 1.3 million dollars in expenses,

585
00:46:07,460 --> 00:46:12,460
and then only the $10,000 increase in certified values,

586
00:46:12,980 --> 00:46:28,800
Can you, and I know some of these have different plate, you know, like the fire station is going from one to the other, or what was just brought up is essentially cash as being used, but where are all the other differences being made in these, where's the cash coming from for these expense increases?

587
00:46:29,820 --> 00:46:33,980
Sure, Mayor Christmas, it's just coming out of our cash balances, so our cash reserves.

588
00:46:33,980 --> 00:46:42,340
Okay, and if it wasn't used for these expenses, sorry, if all of a family, then it would go into our reserve fund or contingency fund.

589
00:46:42,660 --> 00:46:43,380
That's correct.

590
00:46:43,760 --> 00:46:50,400
So then, do you know, and it's probably in the packet, but I was struggling to find it, the...

591
00:46:50,400 --> 00:46:57,920
Those final numbers on the reserve fund and the contingency fund, because those are two funds, right?

592
00:46:59,740 --> 00:47:00,940
Where would I find those?

593
00:47:01,160 --> 00:47:03,000
Or when do we know those final numbers?

594
00:47:03,000 --> 00:47:04,520
Thank you, Mayor Krisher.

595
00:47:04,800 --> 00:47:10,080
So though the contingency fund, what was adopted in my understanding is that it happens after

596
00:47:10,080 --> 00:47:14,320
our audited financials are done, and so that's an ongoing process right now.

597
00:47:14,880 --> 00:47:16,540
So, probably December or time frame.

598
00:47:18,480 --> 00:47:20,880
Other questions or comments from the commission?

599
00:47:27,340 --> 00:47:29,740
Any additional discussion from the commission?

600
00:47:32,080 --> 00:47:32,360
Krisher.

601
00:47:50,770 --> 00:47:53,390
Do not have a finance director.

602
00:47:54,290 --> 00:47:54,530
Sure.

603
00:47:54,810 --> 00:47:55,410
Thank you, Mayor Krisher.

604
00:47:55,410 --> 00:48:03,630
So it will probably we will have some vacancy savings from the vacancy, but we did have to pay out the prior

605
00:48:03,630 --> 00:48:09,590
Prime Minister actor there, Crolls, which was quite expensive, and so we'll come out quite to a net zero impact.

606
00:48:09,750 --> 00:48:12,410
So we're just planning ahead in case it ends up costing more.

607
00:48:14,210 --> 00:48:14,410
Thank you.

608
00:48:16,050 --> 00:48:16,570
Right.

609
00:48:16,570 --> 00:48:18,490
Any other discussion?

610
00:48:21,290 --> 00:48:27,130
Before we move on, I just want to take a moment to thank our staff, particularly Ms. McLean,

611
00:48:28,170 --> 00:48:37,310
because I know that you have taken on a great load in the last month, and you've stepped up just really an incredible way.

612
00:48:37,330 --> 00:48:41,490
So we're very grateful to you, and to the rest of our department staff.

613
00:48:42,390 --> 00:48:44,150
This is a very long process.

614
00:48:44,550 --> 00:48:51,470
This was one of the most challenging budgets in a very long time.

615
00:48:51,970 --> 00:49:04,190
A few months ago, I was in the office and former Mayor Jim Smith was in there and I was talking to him about the challenges that this budget has presented and he said,

616
00:49:04,190 --> 00:49:07,990
And I haven't heard of it being that rough since the late 80s.

617
00:49:08,150 --> 00:49:10,330
And so that gives you, it's anecdotal,

618
00:49:10,430 --> 00:49:14,750
but it gives you an idea that why we have had to approach

619
00:49:14,750 --> 00:49:22,330
this budget this year, with such a sober lens,

620
00:49:23,370 --> 00:49:28,690
and be really, really thoughtful about how we would move forward,

621
00:49:28,750 --> 00:49:32,910
change the legislation, and have precipitated a lot of other challenges,

622
00:49:32,910 --> 00:49:36,790
every community in the state is going through this.

623
00:49:37,270 --> 00:49:41,450
I just read an article the other week about how the city of Dylan

624
00:49:41,450 --> 00:49:46,210
did not have enough cash on hand to pay their general fund

625
00:49:46,210 --> 00:49:47,450
funded employees.

626
00:49:49,630 --> 00:49:52,910
So this is a very challenging time for municipalities in Montana

627
00:49:52,910 --> 00:49:57,070
and I am very grateful that we have this staff that we do.

628
00:49:57,470 --> 00:50:01,290
They come at things from such a creative mindset

629
00:50:01,290 --> 00:50:09,370
and really try to find ways to continue to align to our strategic plan and move the ball forward

630
00:50:09,370 --> 00:50:16,270
while also grappling with the realities of what municipal budgets in Montana currently are.

631
00:50:16,910 --> 00:50:23,370
I think if you read through this budget, you'll see a lot of continued investments in infrastructure

632
00:50:23,370 --> 00:50:31,770
and the basics, so you'll see a lot of water, wastewater, streets, ADA, ramp improvements,

633
00:50:33,010 --> 00:50:37,130
really trying to do the nuts and bolts well right now.

634
00:50:37,450 --> 00:50:43,490
It doesn't mean that we do not want to continue to pursue and will continue to pursue

635
00:50:43,490 --> 00:50:47,610
other creative and innovative funding mechanisms,

636
00:50:48,190 --> 00:50:57,670
But all the more reason why we have been so bullish over the years in acquiring grants that, you know, are not guaranteed.

637
00:50:57,970 --> 00:51:09,390
But it's critically important if we want to get some of this big stuff done, because the way the law works right now, there is barely room to keep up with wage inflation, much less.

638
00:51:10,390 --> 00:51:18,470
really the needs that our community currently has so very grateful to our staff, very grateful

639
00:51:18,470 --> 00:51:19,130
to the community.

640
00:51:19,450 --> 00:51:26,970
This is, you know, we're more or less like a four to six-month process and here we are.

641
00:51:27,450 --> 00:51:34,550
And I'm looking forward to getting this fiscal year off to a good start and getting

642
00:51:34,550 --> 00:51:37,850
someone's on the board with the resources that we have.

643
00:51:41,950 --> 00:51:46,470
So with that, is there any public comment on this item?

644
00:51:47,730 --> 00:51:48,910
Any public comment?

645
00:51:53,030 --> 00:51:54,030
Any public comment?

646
00:51:56,660 --> 00:52:00,280
Okay, saying no public comment, any additional discussion from the commission?

647
00:52:04,080 --> 00:52:04,280
Okay.

648
00:52:04,620 --> 00:52:06,460
I will entertain a motion.

649
00:52:09,460 --> 00:52:10,020
Mayor Dean?

650
00:52:10,320 --> 00:52:10,520
Yes.

651
00:52:10,640 --> 00:52:11,220
Commissioner Logan.

652
00:52:14,430 --> 00:52:15,130
Excuse me.

653
00:52:15,230 --> 00:52:16,410
I think I'm on the wrong page.

654
00:52:16,970 --> 00:52:17,730
So hang on just one.

655
00:52:18,550 --> 00:52:21,930
I don't, I can do it, me or D. Go for it.

656
00:52:22,750 --> 00:52:29,930
I moved to approve a resolution adopting the final budgets, budget authorities and appropriations for fiscal year beginning.

657
00:52:30,000 --> 00:52:36,740
July 1st, 2026, and ending June 30th, 2027, and setting the salary for the municipal court judge.

658
00:52:37,180 --> 00:52:37,440
Second.

659
00:52:39,840 --> 00:52:42,780
It's been moved and seconded, additional discussion.

660
00:52:43,480 --> 00:52:45,000
Mayor Dean, Commissioner Readin.

661
00:52:45,380 --> 00:52:49,300
I moved to amend FY27 budget to reflect the following changes.

662
00:52:50,520 --> 00:52:52,020
I don't think I'm reducing anything.

663
00:52:53,380 --> 00:53:01,520
I moved to provide $10,000 to the how-and-a-simfinity, $1,000 to the how-and-a-simfinity.

664
00:53:01,520 --> 00:53:09,500
on run and $750 to the state capital, banned from cash reserves also in the general fund, based

665
00:53:09,500 --> 00:53:18,920
on the request that we heard about in May for a total of $11,750 and briefly, you know,

666
00:53:18,960 --> 00:53:24,140
we just heard about the $10,000 increase in revenue and I understand we have other expenses

667
00:53:24,140 --> 00:53:28,880
that have come in and I've heard a lot of conversation about the process or lack thereof.

668
00:53:28,880 --> 00:53:34,400
It's my opinion that whether or not we'd like the process, it's been the way we've done it for quite some time

669
00:53:35,140 --> 00:53:41,980
Specifically in the case of the sunrun this would be the 12th year in a row since they began and if we're going to change the process

670
00:53:41,980 --> 00:53:49,480
Then I think we should do that consciously and clearly from now and I would like to look at how we can be a good partner

671
00:53:49,480 --> 00:53:52,260
to some of these events that are so impactful to our community

672
00:53:53,340 --> 00:53:57,040
Whether it's by department or as a city and

673
00:53:57,040 --> 00:54:01,240
specific example that might be looking into city wide event insurance.

674
00:54:01,580 --> 00:54:06,300
I've heard that but silver boat does this, and it makes events much less expensive.

675
00:54:07,160 --> 00:54:11,020
So I think we have options moving forward if we would like to support some of these events

676
00:54:11,020 --> 00:54:15,520
in our community, and not have to do appropriations out of our budget each year.

677
00:54:15,620 --> 00:54:19,960
I'm very comfortable with looking at different ways to do it, but for now, I would like to

678
00:54:19,960 --> 00:54:29,780
to amend the F.I. 27 budget to award $11,750,000 from cash reserves to the Helen of

679
00:54:29,780 --> 00:54:31,940
Symphony of Sunrun and State Capital Plant.

680
00:54:34,440 --> 00:54:36,340
The comments from the commission.

681
00:54:40,450 --> 00:54:47,490
I might just have a point of discussion. So I don't know if

682
00:54:47,490 --> 00:54:53,690
this is well known, but under May I don't think there was a second yet on that.

683
00:54:53,690 --> 00:54:58,370
There wasn't, but I was just going to have a couple of comments and, well, folks are

684
00:54:58,370 --> 00:55:00,090
mulling over seconding.

685
00:55:00,910 --> 00:55:07,910
I, that under our current bylaws, the mayor cannot make motions or second, whether you

686
00:55:07,910 --> 00:55:08,970
want to or not.

687
00:55:09,970 --> 00:55:12,930
A couple of comments on Commissioner Reeds amendments.

688
00:55:17,100 --> 00:55:22,480
I'm supportive of the allocation to the symphony.

689
00:55:22,480 --> 00:55:28,880
The last time this came up, I feel more comfortable with $5,000 of appropriation.

690
00:55:29,360 --> 00:55:36,360
We've done $10,000 one year before, and that was last year towards the end of our general fund savings.

691
00:55:37,000 --> 00:55:42,560
And so I would just ask Commissioner Reed if she would consider the $5,000.

692
00:55:43,040 --> 00:55:46,760
I am supportive of the $1,000 for the Sunrun.

693
00:55:48,300 --> 00:56:08,840
In terms of the state capital band, I believe that we actually through, well, maybe I'll look to the city manager, because I know they're participation in our, in the 250th anniversary of the Constitution prison and opportunity for us to be supportive.

694
00:56:10,980 --> 00:56:17,080
Yes, thank you, Mayor Gain and Commission, we do have that line item now in the parks budget for events.

695
00:56:17,380 --> 00:56:17,880
Okay.

696
00:56:21,240 --> 00:56:21,500
Merdy.

697
00:56:22,060 --> 00:56:22,320
Yes.

698
00:56:22,860 --> 00:56:23,960
I could make comment.

699
00:56:24,280 --> 00:56:24,760
Go ahead.

700
00:56:25,440 --> 00:56:29,240
I will not support the amendment.

701
00:56:30,420 --> 00:56:34,320
I understand, you know, that's the way things have always been on a few of these.

702
00:56:34,320 --> 00:56:35,520
I volunteer at the Symphony.

703
00:56:36,020 --> 00:56:37,160
I run the Sun Run.

704
00:56:37,160 --> 00:56:49,340
But sometimes it's a, sometimes it'd be a detrimental thing, you know, that's just the way we've always done it, but sometimes it doesn't mean it's always been done the right way.

705
00:56:49,540 --> 00:57:06,440
So I would really like to see a process in that, you know, we can make it fair for everybody across the board to have an equal opportunity to, you know, try to get some of these event funds to have more events in our community and see where we can build some more events in the community.

706
00:57:06,440 --> 00:57:08,600
So, thank you.

707
00:57:10,070 --> 00:57:15,370
Mayor Dean, could I amend my amendment or withdraw my amendment and restate it?

708
00:57:16,550 --> 00:57:17,970
I'm going to look to the city attorney.

709
00:57:18,910 --> 00:57:23,430
Mayor, Commissioner Reed, you can amend your own amendment.

710
00:57:24,930 --> 00:57:26,390
So, yes, there's no second.

711
00:57:26,710 --> 00:57:28,050
Since there's not even a second.

712
00:57:28,050 --> 00:57:30,510
Okay, I'm going to put her back out there for a second.

713
00:57:30,510 --> 00:57:38,730
Mayor Dean, I move to amend the FY27 budget to reflect the following changes.

714
00:57:40,770 --> 00:57:46,530
$5,000 from cash reserves to the Helena Symphony and $1,000 to the Helena Sunrun.

715
00:57:56,110 --> 00:57:56,890
Is there a second?

716
00:57:58,950 --> 00:58:06,490
Okay, sing no second. The motion to amend fails. Is there additional discussion?

717
00:58:10,530 --> 00:58:17,550
I would just add, or echo, Commissioner Rigby's comments, I think when this, the ask

718
00:58:17,550 --> 00:58:25,250
came up for 10,000, a few meetings back, I think there was some reservation, or at least

719
00:58:25,250 --> 00:58:38,400
three of us about lack of process and not anyone else getting a shot at this and I'm kind

720
00:58:38,400 --> 00:58:48,820
uncomfortable from that angle and and we've been the commission over the past five

721
00:58:48,820 --> 00:58:54,020
six years has been very supportive of the non-profit community to the tune of

722
00:58:54,020 --> 00:59:01,480
millions when you think back to CARES and ARPA funding and we we've made

723
00:59:01,480 --> 00:59:04,240
allocations to the symphony.

724
00:59:04,900 --> 00:59:08,100
Oh, I think it was an April of $25,

725
00:59:09,160 --> 00:59:13,820
a $35,000 award for a feasibility study

726
00:59:15,000 --> 00:59:17,340
on the property on Jackson Street.

727
00:59:18,400 --> 00:59:21,640
And so I think we've been pretty generous.

728
00:59:23,880 --> 00:59:28,800
And I guess I'm looking forward to,

729
00:59:28,800 --> 00:59:41,020
You know, if an organization has an ask, has an ask that other organizations should be able to have that similar ask as well.

730
00:59:41,620 --> 00:59:42,420
So, thank you.

731
00:59:45,920 --> 00:59:52,990
And maybe this is a question for the City Manager, Ms. McLean, correct me.

732
00:59:53,290 --> 00:59:57,610
That $20,000 for a Hellenari community foundation is still available here.

733
00:59:57,990 --> 00:59:58,950
Mayor Dana Commission, yes.

734
00:59:59,070 --> 00:59:59,430
Okay, correct.

735
01:00:00,780 --> 01:00:06,240
In which it's a city grant program where any non-profit could apply.

736
01:00:06,700 --> 01:00:08,160
Mayor Dean and Commission Yes, that is correct.

737
01:00:11,780 --> 01:00:14,980
Okay. Any additional comments or questions?

738
01:00:17,410 --> 01:00:19,250
Mayor Dean? Yes, Commissioner Guestison.

739
01:00:19,750 --> 01:00:21,070
Thank you.

740
01:00:21,770 --> 01:00:24,950
I do not have an amendment, so I'll just put that out there right now.

741
01:00:25,190 --> 01:00:29,370
Comments, I was gone. I was out of town for when we adopted the preliminary budget.

742
01:00:29,590 --> 01:00:33,810
And so I was debating about if I wanted to say anything about this budget.

743
01:00:33,810 --> 01:00:38,550
know that I'm here for adopting the final budget and I think a lot has been said so I'll echo

744
01:00:38,550 --> 01:00:43,630
the thanks and the hard work that staff did putting this budget together. I know it is a long process

745
01:00:43,630 --> 01:00:48,250
and was just talking to some of my fellow commissioners that we're about to start all over again.

746
01:00:48,450 --> 01:00:56,930
So that's in some ways we learn and then we can keep doing, I'll make a poor analogy but often

747
01:00:56,930 --> 01:01:01,190
at the end of the growing season I'm always sad to put my garden away but then I remember it's just

748
01:01:01,190 --> 01:01:07,190
months before I can start all over again. So these things are a process. I do want to call

749
01:01:07,190 --> 01:01:14,130
out in this budget and the cover pieces were just so well written, but overall revenue is

750
01:01:14,130 --> 01:01:21,770
being down 10% and that the general fund really only has a 1% increase and so how staff manages

751
01:01:21,770 --> 01:01:26,530
that in the priorities for this year and I want to acknowledge that one of the priorities was to

752
01:01:26,530 --> 01:01:31,430
the employer of choice and I think that is a big deal to do a cola and to change the

753
01:01:31,430 --> 01:01:37,110
step program and so I think that's investing in the people that serve the city so that

754
01:01:37,110 --> 01:01:42,690
they can serve the residents and so I hope those changes will help with of course retention

755
01:01:42,690 --> 01:01:47,430
and recruitment and morale at the city so they can continue the great team can continue

756
01:01:47,430 --> 01:01:50,990
to provide great service and so I think that's worth acknowledging that that's where we

757
01:01:50,990 --> 01:01:56,510
put and I've been thinking about what I have changed but I do want to acknowledge that

758
01:01:56,510 --> 01:02:00,910
There's no real discretionary spending this year, and so I think the team again, as we have

759
01:02:00,910 --> 01:02:04,910
these conversations, some of these dollars are really small amounts that seem like they'd

760
01:02:04,910 --> 01:02:09,710
be easy to do, but I think it's worth acknowledging that there's not a lot of extra.

761
01:02:11,370 --> 01:02:15,950
And I think I'll end there, because I think everyone else has said it.

762
01:02:16,030 --> 01:02:16,970
So thank you.

763
01:02:18,010 --> 01:02:18,610
Thank you.

764
01:02:18,830 --> 01:02:19,370
Mayor Dean.

765
01:02:19,470 --> 01:02:20,170
Yes, Commissioner Logan.

766
01:02:20,390 --> 01:02:20,790
Thank you.

767
01:02:20,850 --> 01:02:27,810
I'd like to echo your comments as well as Commissioner Gustafson's in thanks for

768
01:02:27,810 --> 01:02:34,090
Ms. McLean, thank you for stepping in to a role they may not have anticipated and doing

769
01:02:34,090 --> 01:02:43,070
a really good job of it and to all of our directors for their work and the city manager don't

770
01:02:43,070 --> 01:02:51,570
let me forget that for all their work beginning quite some time ago and carrying us through

771
01:02:51,570 --> 01:02:57,790
the spring and to this point it's probably our most well it's it is our most important job

772
01:02:57,790 --> 01:03:05,170
job as members of the commission and staff, and so thank you all very much.

773
01:03:07,380 --> 01:03:08,540
Yes, Commissioner McKee.

774
01:03:08,700 --> 01:03:10,340
Now to say thank you, everybody, too.

775
01:03:10,640 --> 01:03:13,660
Obviously, I was there with you guys, so I don't know what goes into it.

776
01:03:13,660 --> 01:03:18,400
I do it with my day job now, too, across the state, and everybody's going to celebrate

777
01:03:18,400 --> 01:03:20,920
here in a few hours, because their budgets will be done.

778
01:03:21,860 --> 01:03:25,300
And we can all be happy and move on and have operations.

779
01:03:25,300 --> 01:03:32,660
I think you have to have it turned in in six months, so we'll see in six months to start talking about it again.

780
01:03:33,460 --> 01:03:41,220
But I guess also I want to touch on, you know, this list of changes, even as we go through the budget and we try to be perfect.

781
01:03:41,380 --> 01:03:45,280
And everything we do, the staff's always has to adapt.

782
01:03:45,720 --> 01:03:49,720
We're running a 365, 24, 7 operation, things change.

783
01:03:49,720 --> 01:03:58,200
I mean, I, you know, a $53,000 miss on a credit card fee that we weren't charged, there's nobody's fault, but that's a, that's a, that's a big number.

784
01:04:00,160 --> 01:04:16,420
Staff retirees, we have to make up for those costs, and having extra increased revenue is great, but I think that doesn't mean that we should not pay attention to increased costs across the board.

785
01:04:16,420 --> 01:04:23,080
I look at gas prices, that trickles it into everything, so just being cognizant of the budget

786
01:04:23,080 --> 01:04:28,460
and what it goes into to adapt on the fly, it takes a lot from everybody, so thank you.

787
01:04:30,830 --> 01:04:31,430
Commissioner Reed.

788
01:04:31,730 --> 01:04:36,370
Thank you, Mayor Dean, just briefly echoing the thanks to everybody for putting this together

789
01:04:36,370 --> 01:04:38,090
to Ms. McLean for stepping in.

790
01:04:38,730 --> 01:04:43,970
I do look forward to beginning discussions again, and as I say every year, like a broken record,

791
01:04:43,970 --> 01:04:54,950
I very much believe in a budget that reflects our priorities and our values and I hope we can have some good conversations in the upcoming year about what that looks like. Thank you

792
01:04:54,950 --> 01:04:59,970
All right, so with that we have a motion and it has been seconded

793
01:05:01,410 --> 01:05:05,970
And there is no further discussion, so Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll?

794
01:05:07,890 --> 01:05:08,410
I

795
01:05:08,410 --> 01:05:09,330
I

796
01:05:09,330 --> 01:05:09,970
Commissioner Rigby

797
01:05:11,840 --> 01:05:15,080
Sorry, I didn't get a chance to ask this is for just the

798
01:05:15,080 --> 01:05:18,720
This is just the budget with the second.

799
01:05:18,720 --> 01:05:18,940
Okay.

800
01:05:19,180 --> 01:05:19,720
No amendments.

801
01:05:20,020 --> 01:05:20,380
No amendments.

802
01:05:22,400 --> 01:05:23,360
Commissioner Gustafson.

803
01:05:23,820 --> 01:05:23,840
Aye.

804
01:05:24,140 --> 01:05:24,780
Commissioner Logan.

805
01:05:25,660 --> 01:05:26,140
Mayor Dean.

806
01:05:26,460 --> 01:05:26,500
Aye.

807
01:05:27,000 --> 01:05:28,600
The motion carries five to zero.

808
01:05:29,480 --> 01:05:30,080
All right.

809
01:05:32,080 --> 01:05:37,820
That brings us to the end of our agenda.

810
01:05:39,540 --> 01:05:44,900
So with that, is there any general public comment on any item not discussed in it?

811
01:05:44,900 --> 01:05:48,260
tonight's agenda. Any general public comment?

812
01:05:51,940 --> 01:05:55,560
Okay, seeing no additional public comment. Any

813
01:05:55,560 --> 01:05:56,760
final thoughts from the commission?

814
01:06:00,130 --> 01:06:04,030
Thank you. I, as now that we're done with this budget,

815
01:06:04,150 --> 01:06:08,570
we're moving on to the next. I would love to have a session. This is for the city manager to

816
01:06:08,570 --> 01:06:14,010
do, to talk about transit. I know that was an area when we were putting together the budget,

817
01:06:14,130 --> 01:06:19,090
then need some hard decision making for the next year. So, we'd love to see that on a future

818
01:06:19,090 --> 01:06:23,290
agenda of possible. Thank you, Mayor Dianne Commission. Does anyone disagree with that?

819
01:06:23,370 --> 01:06:31,070
I'm like a mission. No, I think one comment I might just add. So I know the I think hopefully

820
01:06:31,070 --> 01:06:37,330
lots of folks in the community are paying attention to the information the city and the MPO,

821
01:06:37,330 --> 01:06:44,670
Metropolitan Planning Organization have been putting out. The LRTP draft will be out this, I think like

822
01:06:44,670 --> 01:06:54,890
month. I'm trying to look around. Okay, he must be in his office, but I think within that there

823
01:06:54,890 --> 01:07:07,130
is an entire section and consideration about transit and potential funding options, including

824
01:07:07,130 --> 01:07:13,510
districts and otherwise. So I think that my only feedback would be, I hope that we can time

825
01:07:13,510 --> 01:07:18,110
it with some of that information because there's so much that has gone into that long-range

826
01:07:18,110 --> 01:07:23,890
transportation plan so far and a lot of analysis and so I think if we compare that with

827
01:07:23,890 --> 01:07:27,570
this conversation, I think that would be great.

828
01:07:29,110 --> 01:07:29,250
Okay.

829
01:07:30,340 --> 01:07:33,620
Awesome. So, with that, this meeting is adjourned.