Community Forum Minutes

Meeting #:

Date:

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Time:

6:00 P.m. - 7:30 P.m.

Location:

Council Chambers (in person) or TEAMS (virtually)

Attend in person: City Council Chambers, 140 W Pine, Missoula MT

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During the meeting, please remember to 1) Be recognized by the moderator before speaking, 2) Turn on your microphone. 3) State your name. 4) Speak clearly, 4-5 inches away from your microphone.

1.

Administrative business

1.1

Call to Order

Neighborhoods Member Present: Grant Creek, Craig Van Bockel - Lewis & Clark, Colleen Biehl - Lower Rattlesnake, Robert Schultz - Miller Creek, Lee Boman - Northside/Westside, Timmothy Garrison - Riverfront, Eva Dunn-Froebig - S.39th, Dave Bell - Franklin to the Fort, Jenny Mish - University District, Jennifer Copley

Members Absent: 

1.2

Roll call by neighborhood council

Neighborhoods Present: Grant Creek, Craig Van Bockel - Lewis & Clark, Colleen Biehl - Lower Rattlesnake, Robert Schultz - Miller Creek, Lee Boman - Northside/Westside, Timmothy Garrison - Riverfront, Eva Dunn-Froebig - S.39th, Dave Bell - Franklin to the Fort, Jenny Mish - University District, Jennifer Copley

Neighborhoods Absent: Captain John Mullan, Farviews/Pattee Canyon, Heart of Missoula, River Road, Rose Park, Moose Can Gully, Southgate Triangle, Upper Rattlesnake, Two Rivers

Others Present: Marc Hendrickson, Mike Nugent, Kalina Pritchard, Kelly Elam

1.3

Determination of quorum

A quorum was present.

1.4

Approval of minutes

Robert Schultz moved to approve the minutes.  Timmothy Garrison seconded the motion.  The motion was approved on a voice vote.

2.

Public comment on non-agenda items from audience

None

3.

Presentations

3.1

Ward Redistricting - Marc Hendrickson, City Planner/GIS

Marc Hendrickson, City Planning/GIS gave a presentation on the Ward Redistricting process. Every two years the ward boundaries are re-evaluated based by population, building permits and the 2020 Census data.

He presented the current wards and neighborhood council boundaries.  Ward 2 is the fastest growing area due to multi family dwellings. He gave an overview of the estimated city population and the misalignment of growing wards. The new map and the neighborhood shift changes will make the population more even and gives City Council members a better representation. He showed the proposed ward population and the future growth perspective.  The new changes will go to the Committee of the Whole on March 6, 2023 and City Council will hold a public hearing on March 13, 2023. There were questions and comments.  There is more information on the City website page at www.engagemissoula.com

  

4.

Neighborhood project funds

4.1

Neighborhood Grants Update - Kalina Pritchard

Kalina said the grants are in the process of being scored and the committee will meet in March.  The awarded grants will be presented to Community Forum at the end of March, and a quorum is needed.

5.

Special events - None

6.

Reports

6.1

Staff Reports - Kalina Pritchard

The neighborhood cleanup is scheduled on April 9, 2023, the day after earth day. Republic Services and Parks & Recreation will be helping with the event and a form will be sent out so we know which neighborhoods are interested.

The Local Government academy is going on now and March 16 will be the final session. MCAT is recording all the sessions and they will be available to the public shortly after. Kalina will send the recorded video's to the Community Forum representatives to share with the Leadership Team members.  

6.2

Neighborhood Council reports - All neighborhoods

Franklin to the Fort, Jenny Mish said they met and a general meeting is scheduled on April 5.  They are interested in the April cleanup.

Grant Creek, Craig,  no report.

Lewis & Clark, Colleen Biehl said they will meet on March 1, and they are finishing their grant projects.

Lower Rattlesnake, Robert Schultz said they met in January as a Meet and Greet at the Ragsdale Dance Studio. The owner of Ragsdale would like to see a community center, but their isn't any funding for it. The leadership team will meet on March 28, 2023.

Miller Creek, Lee Boman said they met on Tuesday and had a presentation from the school system, and they are looking forward to the cleanup. 

Northside/Westside, Timmothy Garrison said they met and are waiting for the grant results. They will be meeting at Burns Street Bistro. The Northside Greenway project is approved.

Riverfront, Eva Dunn-Froebig said they have a lot going on and they meet regularly. They are planning a general meeting in March located at the Missoula International school and are looking for opportunities to engage with the community.

S.39th, Dave Bell said they are looking for people to join the Leadership Team and they are looking forward to the cleanup.

University District, Jennifer Copley said they didn't meet in January. They are working with the City Parks & Recreation to get exercise equipment at Bonner Park. They are looking into the entry sign to the UD Neighborhood.

6.3

City Council liaison report - Mike Nugent, Ward 4

Alderman Mike Nugent, Ward 4 said he is filling in for Gwen Jones tonight.  He said the Council is discussing the Growth Plan, rehab plan on the NSWS Ped Bridge, and approving water main projects. 

Q&A

Orange Street under path mural is getting tagged.  Is there data on crime in that area? No.

Kalina said she can ask someone from P.D. to come and give a presentation on crime in Missoula.

Kalina said she would like to activate the LT officers for CF, and will discuss it at the next CF meeting.  

7.

Adjourn

The meeting adjourned at  6:55 p.m.