Journal of Proceedings

Missoula City Council

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Council Chambers (in person) or TEAMS (virtually)
Attend in person: City Council Chambers, 140 W Pine, Missoula MT
Members Present:
  • Stacie Anderson, 
  • Bob Campbell, 
  • Betsy Craske, 
  • Sierra Farmer, 
  • Gwen Jones, 
  • Kristen Jordan, 
  • Sean McCoy, 
  • Eric Melson, 
  • Mike Nugent, 
  • and Amber Sherrill 
Members Absent:
  • Mirtha Becerra 
  • and Daniel Carlino 
Administration Present:
  • Mayor Andrea Davis, 
  • Ryan Sudbury, City Attorney, 
  • and Claire Trimble, City Clerk 

1.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

  

The meeting of the Missoula City Council was called to order by Mayor Andrea Davis at 6:00 PM.

2.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

  

3.
ANNOUNCE CHANGES TO COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDAS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP APPROVALS

  

4.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS

  

4.1
Neighborhood Council Updates

  

4.1.1
Northside Westside Leadership Team Report

This item has attachments.  

Derek Kanwischer gave the Northside Westside update, they hope to rename the pedestrian bridge after Bob Oakes.

4.2
Proclamation - Homeless Persons' Memorial Day
Andrea Davis

This item has attachments.  

5.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

  
  • Beth Judy commenting on the zoning code, speaking to the importance of mature street trees that may need a more significant setback than is allotted in much of the zoning code. 
  • Karl Spitzmacher addressed the deceit at 1975 Broadway and 1110 West Broadway. 
  • Gwen Hoppe thanked Dan Carlino for taking up difficult causes. She also spoke on the Midtown development, specifically that there doesn't seem to be room for citizen involvement for this. She would appreciate maps showing maxed out building options under the zoning code. 
  • Katie Thompson also commented on Midtown Commons, saying that staff don't seem to have answers to many questions, she wishes the park was larger and that there was more affordable housing. She asked for more paper-based resources on the new zoning code. 
  • Travis Mateer noted that the bridge near the Poverello Center is being removed for roughly the same cost it was to install. 

6.
PUBLIC HEARINGS

  

6.1
Planning Fee Schedule Amendment
Kirsten Hands

This item has attachments.  

Kirsten Hands gave the staff presentation. 

No public gave comment. 

  • Moved by:Alderperson Sherrill

    Adopt a resolution of the Missoula City Council Amending the Planning Fee Schedule, Exhibit B of Resolution 8887, adding a resubmittal fee, technology fee, hazardous vegetation fee and snow and ice removal fee.

    AYES: (9)Alderperson Anderson, Alderperson Craske, Alderperson Farmer, Alderperson Jones, Alderperson Jordan, Alderperson McCoy, Alderperson Melson, Alderperson Nugent, and Alderperson Sherrill
    NAYS: (1)Alderperson Campbell
    ABSENT: (2)Alderperson Becerra, and Alderperson Carlino
    Vote result: Approved (9 to 1)

7.
NEW BUSINESS

  

8.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

  

9.
CONSENT AGENDA

  

Public Comment 

  • Kurt McGrane voiced opposition to the conditional use permit at 5425 Gharret Street, noting the 55-decibel hum and location of the tower on the lot. 
  • AYES: (10)Alderperson Anderson, Alderperson Campbell, Alderperson Craske, Alderperson Farmer, Alderperson Jones, Alderperson Jordan, Alderperson McCoy, Alderperson Melson, Alderperson Nugent, and Alderperson Sherrill
    ABSENT: (2)Alderperson Becerra, and Alderperson Carlino
    Vote result: Approved (10 to 0)

9.1
Accounts Payable (claims) for checks dated December 16, 2025

This item has attachments.  

  • Approve accounts payable (claims) for checks dated December 16, 2025, in the amount of $3,544,203.93.

    Vote result: Approved

9.2
Amendments to the Our Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan

This item has attachments.  

  • Set a public hearing for January 12, 2026, to review amendments to the Our Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan.

    Vote result: Approved

9.3
Our Missoula Project – Adoption of the Unified Development Code & Zoning Map
Jen Gress

This item has attachments.  

  • Set a public hearing for January 12, 2026, to review the City of Missoula Unified Development Code – Title 22, and the City of Missoula Zoning Map. [First Reading and Preliminary Adoption]

    Vote result: Approved

9.4
Amended Collective Bargaining Agreement with Garden City Compost Teamsters
Angela Simonson

This item has attachments.  

  • Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign an amended CBA with Garden City Compost Teamsters to add Cemetery staff.

    Vote result: Approved

9.6
Conditional Use Permit Request for Wireless Communication Facility at 5425 Gharrett Street
Zoe Walters

This item has attachments.  

  • Set a public hearing on January 5th, 2026, for the Wireless Communication Facility conditional use request located at 5425 Gharrett Street and refer this item to the Land Use and Planning Committee for presentation and discussion on December 17th, 2025. [First reading] 

    Vote result: Approved

9.7
Resolution Establishing Municipal Planning Commission
Jen Gress

This item has attachments.  

  • Adopt a resolution establishing a Municipal Planning Commission for the City of Missoula, Montana, subject to MCA 76-25 (Montana Land Use and Planning Act).

    Vote result: Approved

9.8
Great Northern Well Pump Replacement Project
Autumn Lauer

This item has attachments.  

  • Authorize the Mayor to sign the City/ Valley Irrigation construction contract for the Great Northern Well Pump Replacement project.

    Vote result: Approved

9.9
Dixon Well Pump Replacement Project
Autumn Lauer

This item has attachments.  

  • Authorize the Mayor to sign the City/Valley Irrigation construction contract for the Dixon Well Pump Replacement Project.

    Vote result: Approved

9.10
West End Farms Park Test Well
Andy Schultz

This item has attachments.  

  • Authorize the Mayor to sign the Professional Services Agreement with RPA.

    Vote result: Approved

9.11
Wastewater Phase 2 Solar Array
Andy Schultz

This item has attachments.  

  • Authorize the Mayor to sign Amendment No. 3 to the Master Energy Performance Contract with McKinstry Essention, LLC to design and construct the Wastewater Phase 2 Solar Array at a cost not to exceed $786,995.

    Vote result: Approved

9.12
Construction Agreement with Jackson Contractor Group for the Broadway Building Solar Photovoltaic System
Andy Schultz

This item has attachments.  

  • Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a Construction Agreement with Jackson Contractor Group for the Broadway Building Solar Photovoltaic System for a cost not to exceed $410,813.00.

    Vote result: Approved

9.5
Resolution to Transfer Modular Bathrooms to Missoula County
Eric Hallstrom

This item has attachments.  

  • City Council adopt a resolution to declare the modular bathrooms used at the Johnson Street emergency shelter as surplus and to declare the City’s intent to transfer the property to Missoula County.

    AYES: (9)Alderperson Campbell, Alderperson Craske, Alderperson Farmer, Alderperson Jones, Alderperson McCoy, Alderperson Melson, Alderperson Sherrill, Alderperson Nugent, and Alderperson Anderson
    NAYS: (1)Alderperson Jordan
    ABSENT: (2)Alderperson Becerra, and Alderperson Carlino
    Vote result: Approved (9 to 1)

10.
REGULAR BUSINESS

  

10.1
Committee Reports

  

10.1.1
Budget and Finance (BF) committee report

  

10.1.2
Climate, Conservation and Parks (CCP) committee report

  

10.1.3
Committee of the Whole (COW) committee report

  

10.1.4
Housing, Redevelopment, and Community Programs (HRCP) committee report

  

10.1.5
Land Use and Planning (LUP) committee report

  

10.1.6
Public Safety, Health and Operations (PSHO) committee report

  

10.1.7
Public Works and Mobility (PWM) committee report

  
10.1.7.1
Minutes from December 10, 2025
This item has attachments.  
10.1.7.2
Downtown Safety Access & Mobility Professional Services Agreement Amendment #3 with DJ&A
Megan McMeekin
This item has attachments.  

Megan McMeekin gave a staff update that the contract update is to allow DJ&A to move forward with moving from a 30% design level to 100% design. 

Council Questions

  • Councilor Jordan asked if there was more information regarding stormwater upgrades, she is concerned that these plans exclude stormwater updates. Megan McMeekin indicated that while the current design is at the 30% level and there is still work to be done, voting on the current plans does not necessarily preclude future stormwater upgrades. They are coordinating efforts to address utility improvements within the project area.
  • Councilor Campbell focused on whether curb extensions and bulb-outs are still included in the plan, the scope of Patty Street improvements, and the handling of contingency funding for cost overruns. McMeekin confirmed that curb extensions and bulb-outs are included, Patty Street improvements are limited to enhancing the trail connection, and cost overruns are due to additional enhancements beyond the grant agreement, which are now being scaled back. 
  • Councilor Jones asked about the original priorities of the grant application for the Downtown SAM project, noting that stormwater was not initially included. It was noted that the stormwater discussion emerged during the 30% design phase, and the project's primary focus was on transportation-related improvements such as converting streets, enhancing bicycle facilities, and improving sidewalk amenities.

Public Comment

  • Danielle Petri proposed limiting the area to the Hip Strip south of the bridge to reduce costs. 
  • Owen Kelly expressed concerns about the Downtown SAM project's plan to narrow Higgins Avenue, stating that it was decided without sufficient public input. He believe this change will harm downtown businesses by reducing accessibility and parking, and potentially push traffic into residential areas. Kelly also mentioned that many business owners oppose the project but are reluctant to speak out due to fear of harming their relationship with city officials.
  • John Wolverton supported the Downtown SAM project, emphasizing its alignment with the long-term vision for revitalizing downtown Missoula as outlined in the Downtown Master Plan. He highlighted the project's goals to improve safety, accessibility, and mobility, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists, and noted the importance of continuous revitalization efforts.

Council Comments

  • Councilor Jordan will vote against this aspect, despite being in favor of the project, due to the lack of clarity regarding stormwater. 
  • Councilor Melson noted his relationship with DJ&A and that he will be abstaining. 
  • Councilor Campbell stated he will be voting against due to ongoing concerns with the Higgins Diet, the ADA ramp, business feedback, parking, and increased reliance on MRA funding. 
  • Councilor McCoy supported the amendment, emphasizing the importance of moving forward with the engineering phase to ensure the project progresses. They acknowledged the valid concerns but stressed the need to fulfill the grant requirements and continue the project.
  • Councilor Jones supported the project, highlighting the significant safety, accessibility, and mobility improvements it would bring to downtown Missoula. She emphasized the importance of the $24 million grant and the need to make the budget work despite cost challenges.
  • Councilor Nugent expressed a need for more information on intersection designs and bicycle traffic counts. He supported the amendment to move forward with the design phase but indicated they might oppose the project if the final designs are unsatisfactory.
  • Moved by:Alderperson Farmer

    [Passed in Committee] Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign Contract Amendment #3 to the Professional Services Agreement with DJ&A for tasks related to the Final Engineering Services at a cost not to exceed $2,470,940.

    AYES: (7)Alderperson Craske, Alderperson Farmer, Alderperson Jones, Alderperson McCoy, Alderperson Nugent, Alderperson Sherrill, and Alderperson Anderson
    NAYS: (2)Alderperson Jordan, and Alderperson Campbell
    ABSTAIN: (1)Alderperson Melson
    ABSENT: (2)Alderperson Becerra, and Alderperson Carlino
    Vote result: Approved (7 to 2)

10.2
Informational Reports

  

11.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

  
  • Danielle noted that business owners she speaks with feel like giving comment are a waste of time, the working group can feel like checking the box. 

12.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR

  

  • She recognized the service of outgoing council members Sierra Farmer and Daniel Carlino, thanking them for their public service and contributions.

  • The mayor honored Detective Guy Baker for his retirement after 35.5 years of service with the Missoula Police Department, highlighting his contributions and the legacy of law enforcement service in his family.

  • She noted that this was the last City Council meeting of 2025 and mentioned that the next meeting would be on January 5th, 2026, with new council members and the mayor being sworn in that morning.

  • She also mentioned an upcoming committee meeting focused on land use and planning scheduled for Wednesday.

13.
GENERAL COMMENTS OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

  

14.
ADJOURNMENT

  

The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

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