Jeremy Keene, Director of Public Works & Mobility (PWM), presents. He provides an overview of the department's mission and guiding strategic plan, as well as the staff organization. Keene notes the proposed operating budget for FY26: an estimated revenue of $56,853,774 and proposed expenditures of $54,137,132. He also provides an overview of the proposed budget for the Community Investment Program (CIP), noting this is everything authorized from FY25 and for ongoing projects.
Keene provides the top priorities for each division of PWM: Administration, Planning & Engineering, Transportation, Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, Streets, Comm Shop, Traffic Services, and the Cemetery. See recording for details.
Councilor Stacie Anderson asks about the current record retention for the Cemetery. Keene responds that records go back to the early 1900s, but are all on paper. He notes the new software will allow them to scan these records and make them more accessible and searchable.
Brian Hensel, Deputy Director of Streets, presents. He begins with a request for new street sweepers. These machines help protect stormwater and ground water quality. The department hopes to shift funding to using the Road District funds, instead using federal funds for CIP projects.
Hensel also discusses the request for 4 full-time employee (FTE) street maintenance workers. He notes the use of green cones to encourage citizens to move their cars; the success of this new strategy has allowed more streets to be cleaned. He discusses how this has meant his staff has been short on time, and less work has been possible with paving for example. See recording for details.
Hensel presents on a request for a Traffic Services FTE, to help maintain roadways and expand the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. He also discusses the request for more equipment, noting the work for reader boards to notify commuters of closures and detours. Reader boards currently used around the city do not belong to the City of Missoula; they have been posted by Northwestern Energy or loaned by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). Hensel is request $68,000 from the Road District fund balance.
Hensel is also requesting a garbage truck for $60,000 from the Road District fund balance. He discusses how this would be helpful with the increase in urban camp cleanup. This truck can decrease fuel and equipment costs by replacing 3 tandem dump trucks. The current truck is old and has been in more use than anticipated by CPDI for the camp cleanups. Hensel is looking into finding another used truck as a replacement with these funds.
Councilor Gwen Jones asks about the use of the garbage truck for leaf cleanup and the process of truck usage. Hensel responds that the truck has been modified to dump leaf loads directly into the garbage truck.
Hensel also discusses his request for the inflationary increase for operations and maintenance--$124,039 ongoing funds. He talks about a request for a pull-behind mower for the cemetery. They are requesting $35,000 to replace an existing mower that is old. A new mower would decrease repair costs and improve turf appearance.
Councilor Amber Sherrill asks about further technology for electric vehicles with street sweepers or other machines. Hensel responds there are not many options in that area; cold temperatures impair EVs. He notes that Helena had an opportunity to use an EV, but have not been able to use it frequently due to breakdowns.
Sherrill also inquires about reader boards, wondering about access to those in emergency situations. Hensel responds that there is the ability to acquire them for Parks in time, but not in urgent situations. The boards acquired for the windstorm are in the process of being reimbursed by FEMA. Keene also notes that reader boards are not only for emergency, but also helpful for communication about road projects.
Councilor Stacie Anderson asks about the increase in potholes in the city, inquiring about the maintenance of streets correlating with lots of maintenance and manpower. Hensel concurs that maintenance is expensive and more manpower is needed to stay on top of pothole fixing. He notes that older streets and streets without stormwater drains are particularly susceptible to potholes. Anderson also asks about the clay soils near new building and development; she asks if requirements have been changed for new roads to offset future maintenance. Hensel defers to engineering, noting they could answer the specifications better. Anderson asks about funding for infrastructure, if the gas tax could have been used for infrastructure. Keene responds that the newer road building is changing, especially with updates to storm water drainage. He also notes that a local option gas tax would have helped pay for infrastructure. The department is shifting more of the gas tax funds into the streets budget.
Councilor Bob Campbell notes that the green cone program has made a difference.
Logan McInnis, Deputy Director of PWM for Utilities, presents. He begins with the request for 2 FTEs and a work vehicle for Wastewater Collections. This $70,000 one-time request, coupled with $232,860 ongoing funds would assist in offsetting the responsibilities of the urban camping cleanup and add an additional manager to reduce workload and ensure leadership.
McInnis also requests a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) for Wastewater. The request is for $36,000 one-time funds to allow the facilities mechanics to transport equipment more efficiently. He also discusses the request for a Utility Billing Software Replacement for the Water department. This $852,000 one-time request is for software implementation, and notes that it would payback within 7-8 years from savings. The software would provide more accurate and real-time information about water usage for citizens.
McInnis discusses the chlorine inflation ($40,000 ongoing funds) and the Clay Valve (CLA) valve replacement ($35,000 ongoing funds). He notes that the valves need to become part of a regular maintenance replacement schedule. He also talks about PFAS testing, which is federally mandated by the EPA. The department is requesting $90,000 ongoing funds.
McInnis requests an FTE for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) for Water. A recent retirement has left the division understaffed. He notes that SCADA is critical to running the water system.
McInnis discusses the requests related to leakage in the water system. He requests $240,000 for service line materials and $140,000 for leak detection and repair. See recording for details.
McInnis talks about a Utility Rate Study request, $200,000 one-time funds. The last rate study was done in 2018. This would allow the department to evaluate current methodologies and recommend other rate structures. See recording for details.
He also talks about Phase II of the Aquifer Sustainability Study. Phase I found the aquifer is pretty resilient, but dependent on water levels in the Clark Fork River. The next phase could allow them to forecast changes due to environmental changes and water demand.
Councilor Kristen Jordan asks about PFAS testing, and if there are conversations around 6 PPD as a stormwater contaminant. McInnis notes that 6 PPD comes from tires and is toxic to salmon. He notes that he has not yet heard about it being an issue in drinking water, but it is something that the department is tracking.
Councilor Amber Sherrill asks about leakage in service lines and if the department is able to detect how severe leaks are. McInnis responds that it is difficult to quantify the volume of a leak, and that it is also difficult to note where leaks are going. Water main replacements would make great progress in decreasing leakage. Current leakage estimates are 8,000 gallons per minute. Sherrill clarifies that leakage rates are estimated off number of leaks rather than volume. McInnis agrees.
Sherrill also asks about the billing software with the 7 to 8 year payback. She asks how long they anticipate the software lasting once implemented. McInnis responds that the department is excited about implementing the software chosen and that they anticipate it being very successful. See recording for details.
Council recesses for a short break.
Council returns at 10:05.
Rebecca Anciaux, Business & Finance Manager of PWM, presents. She begins with the revenues and expenses by fund anticipated for FY26. She notes that the Road District #1 Fund contains Administration, Engineering, Streets, and Cemetery. See recording for details.
Road District #1 has about $616,000 more in expenditures than revenues, but Anciaux notes that the fund balance should support the difference. She notes the revenues in the enterprise funds come from service charges. These enterprise funds, including Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater. have a significant difference between revenue and expenses, but revenue surplus goes into CIP programs that are cash funded. See recording and attached presentation for specific data.
Anciaux discusses the Transportation Planning Fund, which is mostly funded through grants. She commends the staff for utilizing community partners in funding as well. She also presents the Cemetery Fund, noting that revenue comes from service charges. This department is supported through the Road District as well. See recording for details.
Councilor Bob Campbell asks about the Road District Funds and where the expenditures exceed the revenues. She notes that this excess of $616,000 consists mostly of new requests. They expect the current fund balance of $1.3 million to support new requests. Public Works tries to reserve 7% of revenue as a minimum for the next fiscal year.
Jeremy Keene discusses the CIP item regarding facilities. He notes the fund balance reserve allows the department to manage one-time expenses. He begins by discussing the Broadway Building renovations, a project done over several years. The request for FY26 is $5.3 million. Keene discusses how this project as a CIP is a more economical approach. The building needs upgrades regarding heating, cooling, and electric as well as a need for more space. See recording for details.
Councilor Campbell inquires about the use of the facility long term in regards to 20 year financing. Keene responds that the work on this building is looking at a 20 year horizon, with forecasted staff growth and other needs for the space. Councilor Sherrill asks if the department would have to vacate the building during renovations. Keene responds that staff would be able to remain, but may need to shuffle around the space as renovations are completed.
Councilor Becerra notes that a facility on this side of town would signify a commitment to revitalizing this area of the city.
Ross Mollenhauer, Engineering Manager for PWM, discusses the CIP requests for Transportation. He notes what projects are currently under construction, what projects are anticipated in FY26, and what upcoming CIPs are on the horizon for FY27-30. He notes that transportation funding can be complex due to many funding sources. See recording for details.
Mollenhauer provides an overview of all funding for transportation--noting a request for $15.6 total in FY26, but that many of these funds are previously approved. See recording for details.
Councilor Jordan inquires about the gas tax that was voted in and later rescinded by the tax versus the gas tax represented in the presentation. Keene responds that a state-wide gas tax had previously existed that had an allocation for the City. In 2018, BARSA was passed, giving direct funding via a gas tax. BARSA had been graduated in. The rescinded gas tax was a local option passed by local voters that was rescinded by the state. Councilor Jordan also asks about River Road. Mollenhauer will present on that project momentarily. Councilor Jordan asks about the Eaton St completion project; noting frustration from constituents about sidewalks on both sides rather than other streets not having a singular sidewalk. Mollenhauer will address the question during the slide on Eaton St.
Mollenhauer provides an overview of current transportation construction projects and the timelines for completion. See recording for details.
Mollenhauer highlights about the upcoming Scott Street construction in July. The bridge will be fully shut down for a roundabout and restriping. He also notes the Orange/Cregg traffic signal project. This project will result in lane closures and will last from July to September.
Mollenhauer provides a list of projects for FY26 funding requests. He begins with England Blvd, a request for $191,002 developer reimbursement from Sxwtpqyen Impact Fees. The Wayside Horns project to improve railroad crossings has previously approved funds for $192,000 and has a request for $750,000 SID. The request for Eaton Street is a request for $1.5 million from the Gas Tax, a project that is intended to avoid further property assessments.
Mollenhauer presents on the Ivy Franklin Phase II request for $1 million from the gas tax. The Rodgers, Otis, Shakespeare, and Scott (ROSS) project is a request for $1 million from Transportation Impact Fees. This project would intend to work on sidewalks and streets around a new park site, and will also use property assessments. See recording for details.
Mollenhauer discusses the hazardous sidewalk project, a request for $50,000 from property assessments. He also covers the South Ave "Safe Streets for All" project, a request for $433,288 from SS4A Grant, Ft MSLA Park Bond, Transportation Impact Fees, and the County. This project has $2.1 million previously approved. He also talks about the intersection at Broadway and Toole, a request for $3.7 million. This project includes a request for a water main extension in conjunction with the project from MRA. See recording for details.
Mollenhauer presents on improvements in the Lower Miller Creek area. This request is for $4.7 million for SID/SIFDs and Transportation Impact Fees. See recording for details.
Councilor Anderson asks about the Miller Creek project, inquiring about the inclusion of a roundabout in the funding request as well as sidewalks on the east side of the street, where the developer is responsible for the west side. Mollenhauer is not certain on the specifics, but can confirm the developer is contributing to the project. He will respond with an answer later. Councilor Anderson would like further determination on if the funds will come from an SID or an SIFD.
Councilor Campbell asks about the extent of the SID district forming in the area. Mollenhauer responds that the borders of the district are still to be determined. Keene responds that there have been meetings with the neighborhood council about the preliminary boundary, noting a wider spread district would mean less in payments. Keene believes that there will be a balance between existing residents and future development.
Mollenhauer presents on River Road, a request for $200,000 from Transportation Impact Fees. This project has interest from MRA for collaboration in construction. PWM is requesting to fund design for this area while MRA does construction. He also presents on California Street, a request for $500,000 from the gas tax. Mollenhauer talks about the Lolo Street Bridge replacement, a request for $250,000 from the gas tax. The county has been working to find grants for this project. See recording for details.
Mollenhauer provides a quick overview of upcoming transportation projects for FY27-30. See recording for details.
Councilor Campbell asks about the Orange/Cregg Traffic Signal. He asks if any fiscal parameter changes happened to obtain a bid within budget. Mollenhauer responds that he believes there were changes regarding construction dates for flexibility with contractors. Councilor Campbell also asks for clarification on the Johnson Street updates from South to McDonald. Aaron Bowman responds that the area has a lot of redevelopment potential, noting that transit through the mall parking lot could be improved. Councilor Campbell asks if the area of Johnson from MRL to the roundabout is a public right-of-way. Bowman responds that this project would get this into the queue for right-of-way development.
Councilor Jordan asks about Eaton Street. Councilor Jordan also asks about the Neighbor ways Concepts for infrastructure. Keene responds that the department has looked at the Neighbor ways Concept and is implementing it in Curtis. Other areas have had a division between using Neighbor ways versus street parking. PWM has determined the best solution is sidewalks and traffic calming. See recording for details.
Councilor Farmer asks about the Broadway/California Street project, noting that many comments from the public feel that this project undoes the work of the Broadway diversion of traffic from four lanes. Keene responds that the roundabout at Toole/Broadway has been long contemplated, but funding was insufficient. He believes that the roundabout will be more intuitive and safer for bikes and pedestrians.
Councilor Campbell asks about the Safe Streets, asking about the funding from the Fort Missoula bond. Mollenhauer responds that this funding is already part of the project since initiation.
Councilor Vasecka asks about any discussion about sidewalks on Davis Street. Mollenhauer is not familiar with any discussion. Keene responds that Davis is on the list, but is a lower priority than Curtis and River Road.
Councilor Nugent asks about the use of greenways and bike lanes in lieu of parking, noting that feedback from residents is a lack of notice regarding these changes. He wants to know about the ability to have a greenway and the use of parking. Keene responds that the concept for greenways is a street that is traffic calmed, has complete sidewalks, is ADA accessible, and that has shared lanes for bikes and cars. He notes that different streets have different priorities, regarding parking or number of lanes. Keene also notes that the department does try to let people know about developments before they happen. See recording for details.
Councilor Sherrill talks about the vital communication around the closure of the Scott Street bridge. She notes the use of Waze and Google Maps for directions and how those can help divert traffic but can result in more traffic in nearby neighborhoods.
Logan McInnis presents on the Utilities CIPs. He provides a quick overview of projects anticipating completion this year, projects for FY26 and long-term projects. He provides a list of Water Distribution projects for FY26, with a total of $14.3 million in funding. He notes the FY26 Water Production improvements for $2.85 million. He notes the requests for the Rattlesnake Wilderness Lakes. The funding request for $100,000 is to decommission many dams and rebuild two of them. See recording for details.
McInnis discusses the West End Farms Park request for $1.75 million. He notes this area has growth and needs additional water supply. He then provides an overview of the request for water pump and building improvements. See recording for details.
McInnis discusses the SCADA improvements, a request for $250,000. The miscellaneous water improvements are a request for $830,000 for water meters and hydrants.
McInnis discusses the requests for Wastewater: PELS/Grit and Headworks Odor Control ($560,000), facility equipment replacement ($600,000), Poplar Farm harvest ($400,000) and Blower & Aeration ($50,000). He also presents on the Garden City Compost Phase II project, costing $10.1 million. He provides an overview of Wastewater Collections projects, highlighting the Clark Fork Sewer Crossing ($11 million), Sewer Main Rehabilitation ($800,000), Southpoint Step Decommissioning ($1.3 million), See recording for details.
Councilor Anderson asks about the Clark Fork Sewer Crossing, inquiring about the erosion in the area. She wants to know about the balance between finding grants and the urgency of the project. McInnis responds that the project is making good progress, but is not in full-on emergency mode. He feels confident that this will be completed in the next year or two.
McInnis presents on the Stormwater Improvements, totaling $43k. These include the High Park Preliminary Engineering Report, Stormwater improvements on Surface Projects, Pattee Creek Public Education, and the Lincolnwood/Lincoln Hills Stormwater PER. See recording for details.
Councilor Anderson asks about the aging infrastructure around the wastewater treatment plant and the lifecycle and capacity of the plant. McInnis responds that the facilities plan provided news that the water quality in the Clark Fork has improved. PWM is no longer projecting to need tertiary filtration at the plant. The facility is anticipated to meet projected needs. He does note the plant is aging and has projects that need maintenance. The facilities plan has helped determine what projects may be needed in the future. Mollenhauer notes that the facility plan will be presented to Council in the future.
Council recesses for lunch at 11:39 AM.
Council resumes at 1:00 PM. Councilor Melson not present.
Ellen Buchanan, Director of MRA, presents. She begins with a history of MRA and the strategic goals with which the Tax Increment Funding (TIF) projects align. She details the staffing of the department and shows a map of the 6 Urban Renewal Districts (URD) and their sunset timelines.
Buchanan details committed and bonded projects, revenue, and debt service for each URD. She discusses the strategy of examining funding streams, uncommitted balances and bonding capacities for each district. The URD II 9-year exit strategy has 6 years remaining. This includes projects for sidewalk and water main buildout, Bitterroot Trail lighting, and infrastructure improvements to Civic Stadium. She provides data on specific projects, including the MRL Trestle and housing projects. See recording and attached presentation for details.
Buchanan discusses URD III, which has many ambitious projects and a strong revenue stream from private investments. She notes some of the projects in this district, including the water network, the North MRL redevelopment, Transform Brooks, and the Kent Ave Greenway. See recording and attached presentation for details.
Buchanan presents on the Front Street URD. She discusses projects in this area, including housing projects, the proposed recreational ribbon at Caras Park, and ADA River Access at Caras Park. She touches on the Downtown SAM projects, which are funded by all URDs impacted: Front Street, Riverfront Triangle, and Hellgate. She also discusses the redevelopment plan for the former library block. See recording for details.
Buchanan discusses the Riverfront Triangle URD. She notes the committed funds for the Downtown SAM match. She also presents on aspirational projects in this URD, noting trail connections and development of the area. See recording for details.
Buchanan presents on the North Reserve-Scott Street URD, one of the newest districts. This district includes the Ravara project currently under construction. She details the layout of Ravara. See recording for details.
Buchanan presents the Hellgate URD. This district does not have much interest from the private sector at this time. The district includes a match for Downtown SAM and a project for a railroad quiet zone. See recording for details.
Buchanan notes projects from other departments for CIP requests, including work from Parks & Recreation and PWM. See recording and attached presentation for details.
Buchanan provides an update on communications, noting that MRA has engaged 855 community members. She also highlights upcoming outreach with the farmer's markets, Paddleheads, and public meetings. See recording for details.
Councilor Sherrill asks if the Kent St project regarding crossing across Brooks is complete. Buchanan responds that the improvements is to Russell Street. She notes that the infrastructure for the beacon is in place, but she is not sure if the lighting is up yet. She notes that another completion in the area is the four-way stop at Oxford. The original discussion about a roundabout in this area may be disruptive to local businesses. See recording for details.
Councilor Anderson asks about how various infrastructure helps with housing beyond just units built. Buchanan responds that TIF can be used in three ways to facilitate housing: investment in the public right-of-way and infrastructure for the housing, investment in Housing Authority housing, and investment in workforce housing. See recording for details.
Councilor Sherrill invites public to make comment with the remainder of the time.
Shawn Doherty comments on community development and future development with consideration of the impact of infrastructure decisions.
Carrie Schreiber comments on the Southgate Crossing Project.