Missoula City Council Budget and Finance Committee Minutes

-
Council Chambers (in person) or TEAMS (virtually)
Attend in person: City Council Chambers, 140 W Pine, Missoula MT
Members present:
  • Stacie Anderson, 
  • Mirtha Becerra, 
  • Daniel Carlino, 
  • John P. Contos, 
  • Sierra Farmer, 
  • Gwen Jones, 
  • Kristen Jordan, 
  • Mike Nugent, 
  • Jennifer Savage, 
  • Amber Sherrill, 
  • Sandra Vasecka, 
  • and Heidi West 

1.

  

1.1

  

1.2

  

2.

  

Public comment was called for. Matts Larson offered public comment regarding use of TIF and MRA funds.

3.

  

Claire Trimble presented this information and what the assessment involved, which were only 4 residences, as all other residences' billed had been resolved.

Public comment called for and Matts Larson offered a comment regarding hiring an arborist. 

Onto consent agenda.

  • Moved by: Stacie Anderson

    Adopt a resolution levying a special assessment and tax upon property for annual sidewalk snow removal assessments to reimburse the city for removal of snow performed in winter 2022-2023 in the total amount of $1085.00 pursuant to sections 12.16.030 and 12.16.040 Missoula Municipal Code. 

    AYES: (9)Stacie Anderson, Mirtha Becerra, Daniel Carlino, Gwen Jones, Kristen Jordan, Mike Nugent, Jennifer Savage, Amber Sherrill, and Heidi West
    NAYS: (2)John P. Contos, and Sandra Vasecka
    ABSENT: (1)Sierra Farmer
    Vote results: Approved (9 to 2)

Claire Trimble presented this information and what the assessment involved, which were only 7 residences, as all other residences' billed had been resolved.

Public comment called for and Matts Larson offered a comment regarding hiring an arborist.

Onto Consent Agenda.

  • Moved by: Stacie Anderson

    Adopt a resolution levying a special assessment and tax upon property for annual weed assessments to reimburse the city for hazardous vegetation and nuisance weed cut orders performed in FY2023 totalling $2,704.25 pursuant to section 7-22-4101 Montana Code Annotated and section 8.40.040 Missoula Municipal Code.

    AYES: (10)Mirtha Becerra, Daniel Carlino, John P. Contos, Gwen Jones, Kristen Jordan, Mike Nugent, Jennifer Savage, Amber Sherrill, Heidi West, and Stacie Anderson
    NAYS: (1)Sandra Vasecka
    ABSENT: (1)Sierra Farmer
    Vote results: Approved (10 to 1)

Each of the scheduled departments shared their presentations and answered questions as posed.  To view each of the presentations and hear all discussion, please refer to the published recording of this meeting on the City of Missoula website and view the presentations, which are attached to the agenda for the meeting.

Time Stamp on Video Recording of Meeting - 26:18 

This was presented by Leigh Griffing, Finance Director.  Please see the attached presentation and video recording of the meeting for the full details of ARPA funding received and how the funds have been spent to this point.

Questions were posed by councilors and addressed by Leigh. 

Time Stamp on Video Recording of Meeting - 35:14

Mayor Jordan Hess and Dale Bickell presented this information.  Please see the attached presentation and the video recording of the meeting for specific details covered. 

Questions from councilors were addressed. 

Time Stamp on Video Recording of Meeting - 01:11

Public comment was called for on the items already covered by Leigh Griffing and the Mayor and Dale Bickell.

Haven Seagraves made public comment about how the houselessness is affecting the City and how something needs to be done, as it is affecting the safety of the city.

Ms. Pulley made comments regarding the budget request for encampments and cleanup and funding. 

Matts Larson offered comment about providing references for the costs of things, and where these numbers come from.

Allen Ault, candidate for Ward 4, City Council. Commented on the comparison of ourselves to other cities and how it should be them comparing themselves to us.  Stated the City should live within its means and shouldn't be overspending. 

Chris Kennedy offered comment about accepting the amendments offered by Daniel Carlino and Sandra Vasecka.  Wondering if full-detail budget reports could be made available. 

Robert Dunlop made comment about businesses are paying more in taxes then that expense is going to trickle down to us. As Missoulians, he stated we are used to having certain things, but those things may not be affordable right now.  The culprit is spending.  Until spending is under control, taxes will not be under control. 

Time Stamp on Video Recording of Meeting for Amendment - 01:25

Sandra Vasecka thanked everyone for coming down for comment and thanked the Mayor for other items that would have been amendments, but had been funded in the budget.  Please see the video recording for full details of information presented by Sandra in support of the amendment and discussion amongst the councilors.  

Public comment was called for.

Allen Ault commented on accepting this amendment.  

  • Moved by: Sandra Vasecka

    Approve City Council "Remove Funding for 100% Clean Electricity Implementation Projects and Renewable Rate Option" amendment to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.

    AYES: (2)John P. Contos, and Sandra Vasecka
    NAYS: (9)Daniel Carlino, Gwen Jones, Kristen Jordan, Mike Nugent, Jennifer Savage, Amber Sherrill, Heidi West, Stacie Anderson, and Mirtha Becerra
    ABSENT: (1)Sierra Farmer
    Vote results: Failed (2 to 9)

Time Stamp on Video Recording for Amendment - 01:33

Please see the video recording for full details of information presented by Daniel Carlino in support of the amendment and discussion amongst the councilors and questions were asked. 

No public comment.

A friendly amendment was offered to adjust the amendment to $21700 and agreed to.

  • Moved by: Daniel Carlino

    Approve City Council "Herbicide Free, McCormick Pilot Program" amendment to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.

    AYES: (8)Gwen Jones, Kristen Jordan, Jennifer Savage, Amber Sherrill, Heidi West, Stacie Anderson, Mirtha Becerra, and Daniel Carlino
    NAYS: (3)John P. Contos, Mike Nugent, and Sandra Vasecka
    ABSENT: (1)Sierra Farmer
    Vote results: Approved (8 to 3)

Time Stamp on Video Recording for Amendment - 01:56

Please see the video recording for full details of information presented by Daniel Carlino in support of the amendment and discussion amongst the councilors and questions were asked. Ellen Buchanan answered questions from the group.

Public Comment was called for. 

Allen Ault offered comment about MRA and TIF.

Chris Kennedy offered comment on MRA.

  • Moved by: Daniel Carlino

    Approve City Council "Redistribute $711,083 from the Missoula Redevelopment Agency back to the City, County and Schools" amendment to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.

    AYES: (4)Kristen Jordan, Sandra Vasecka, Daniel Carlino, and John P. Contos
    NAYS: (6)Gwen Jones, Mike Nugent, Jennifer Savage, Heidi West, Stacie Anderson, and Mirtha Becerra
    ABSENT: (2)Amber Sherrill, and Sierra Farmer
    Vote results: Failed (4 to 6)

Sierra Farmer joined the meeting.

Time Stamp on Video Recording for Amendment - 02:21

Please see the video recording for full details of information presented by Sandra Vasecka in support of the amendment. Mike Nugent requested to table this motion.

No public comment was offered.

Tabled motion vote was taken and passed and the motion is tabled.

  • Moved by: Sandra Vasecka

    Approve City Council "Rescind Funding for Legislative and Lobbying Program" amendment to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.

  • Amendment:
    Moved by: Mike Nugent

    Agree to table item 3.3.6 Vasecka Amendment - Rescind Legislative and Lobbying Program

    AYES: (9)Heidi West, Mirtha Becerra, Gwen Jones, Stacie Anderson, Sierra Farmer, Jennifer Savage, Daniel Carlino, Mike Nugent, and Kristen Jordan
    NAYS: (2)John P. Contos, and Sandra Vasecka
    ABSENT: (1)Amber Sherrill
    Vote results: Approved (9 to 2)

Time Stamp on Video Recording:  02:26

Please see the video recording for full details of information presented by Daniel Carlino in support of the amendment and discussion amongst the councilors and questions that were asked. Staff answered questions as posed.  Mike Nugent made the motion to table this amendment at this time.

No public comment.

Motion to table was passed.

  • Moved by: Daniel Carlino

    Approve City Council "15 Pallet Shelters and 1 Bathroom Station" amendment to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.

  • Amendment:
    Moved by: Mike Nugent

    Agree to table item 3.3.7 Carlino Amendment - Pallet Shelters and Bathrooms

    AYES: (10)Heidi West, Mirtha Becerra, Gwen Jones, Stacie Anderson, John P. Contos, Sandra Vasecka, Sierra Farmer, Jennifer Savage, Daniel Carlino, and Mike Nugent
    ABSENT: (2)Amber Sherrill, and Kristen Jordan
    Vote results: Approved (10 to 0)

Time Stamp on Video Recording for Amendment - 02:27

Please see the video recording for full details of information presented by Sandra Vasecka in support of the amendment and staff answered questions as posed. 

Public comment was called for and Allen Ault offered comment, stating he felt this is government overreach.  Matt's Larson offered comment regarding how Bozeman was operating a program this year and his views on vacation rentals.

  • Moved by: Sandra Vasecka

    Approve City Council "Rescind Funding for Granicus Host Compliance Software" amendment to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.

    AYES: (2)John P. Contos, and Sandra Vasecka
    NAYS: (9)Stacie Anderson, Mirtha Becerra, Daniel Carlino, Sierra Farmer, Gwen Jones, Kristen Jordan, Mike Nugent, Jennifer Savage, and Heidi West
    ABSENT: (1)Amber Sherrill
    Vote results: Failed (2 to 9)

Time Stamp on Video Recording for Amendment - 02:55

Please see the video recording for full details of information presented by Sandra Vasecka in support of the amendment. Staff provided pertinent information. Discussion was had amongst the councilors and questions were asked. 

Motion was withdrawn after discussion of what this role covered for the City and the Community.

  • Moved by: Sandra Vasecka

    Approve City Council "Discontinue Funding of the Community Engagement Specialist" amendment to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.

Time Stamp on Video Recording for Amendment - 

Please see the video recording for full details of information presented by Sandra Vasecka in support of the amendment and discussion amongst the councilors and questions were asked. 

Mike Nugent made a motion to table this motion.

No public comment. 

  • Moved by: Sandra Vasecka

    Approve City Council "Increase City Council Salary by 5.73% to account for COLA" amendment to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.

  • Amendment:
    Moved by: Mike Nugent

    Agree to table item 3.3.10 Vasecka Amendment - Council Salary Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

    AYES: (10)Heidi West, Mirtha Becerra, Gwen Jones, Stacie Anderson, John P. Contos, Sandra Vasecka, Sierra Farmer, Daniel Carlino, Mike Nugent, and Kristen Jordan
    ABSENT: (2)Amber Sherrill, and Jennifer Savage
    Vote results: Approved (10 to 0)

Time Stamp on Video Recording for Amendment - 03:18

Please see the video recording for full details of information presented by Sandra Vasecka in support of the amendment and discussion amongst the councilors and questions were asked. Staff answered questions posed.

Public comment was called for.

Allen Ault made comment regarding rescinding the funding and revisit next year and to think of the tax payers.

Robert Dunlap commented on the fact he feels that is a good idea and to keep going.

Matts Larson offered comment that this does not need to be funded this significantly when compared with affordable housing funding.

Mirtha Becerra called the question.

Matts Larson offered more public comment regarding why people do not involve themselves in this process.

  • Moved by: Sandra Vasecka

    Approve City Council "Rescind Fundings for Justice, Equity, Diversion, and Inclusion Program" amendment to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.

    AYES: (3)Heidi West, John P. Contos, and Sandra Vasecka
    NAYS: (7)Stacie Anderson, Mirtha Becerra, Daniel Carlino, Sierra Farmer, Gwen Jones, Kristen Jordan, and Mike Nugent
    ABSENT: (2)Amber Sherrill, and Jennifer Savage
    Vote results: Failed (3 to 7)
  • Amendment:
    Moved by: Mirtha Becerra

    Motion to Call the Question.

    AYES: (9)Heidi West, Mirtha Becerra, Gwen Jones, Stacie Anderson, John P. Contos, Sandra Vasecka, Sierra Farmer, Mike Nugent, and Kristen Jordan
    NAYS: (1)Daniel Carlino
    ABSENT: (2)Amber Sherrill, and Jennifer Savage
    Vote results: Approved (9 to 1)

Time Stamp on Video Recording for Amendment - 03:33

Please see the video recording for full details of information presented by Sandra Vasecka in support of the amendment and discussion amongst the councilors and questions were asked. Staff discussed the benefits of being a part of the MLCT, including the ability to get some of the City's insurances.

Sandra Vasecka withdrew the motion.

  • Moved by: Sandra Vasecka

    Approve City Council "Rescind Funding for MLCT Annual Dues Increase" amendment to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.

Time Stamp on Video Recording for Amendment - 03:45

Please see the video recording for full details of information presented by Sandra Vasecka in support of the amendment and discussion amongst the councilors and questions were asked. 

Daniel Carlino offered a friendly amendment to instead fund this through the Urban Encampment Funds from Road District#1, along with the City Council donation. Jeremy Keene stated that this would be very helpful for them, but did have some concerns about funding from the Urban Encampment Fund, as those funds are already being used for services and it would then decrease those services.

Sandra Vasecka made the motion to table at this time.

Public comment called for and Matts Larson offered comment on how this could have been funded through MRA or another way.

  • Moved by: Sandra Vasecka

    Approve City Council "One (1) Additional Street Maintenance FTE, One (1) Pick Up Plow, and One (1) Granule Deicer Spreader" amendment to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.

  • Amendment:
    Moved by: Sandra Vasecka

    Agree to table item 3.3.13 Vasecka Amendment - Rescind MLCT (Montana League of Cities and Towns) Increase.

    AYES: (9)Mirtha Becerra, Gwen Jones, Stacie Anderson, John P. Contos, Sandra Vasecka, Sierra Farmer, Daniel Carlino, Mike Nugent, and Kristen Jordan
    ABSENT: (3)Heidi West, Amber Sherrill, and Jennifer Savage
    Vote results: Approved (9 to 0)

Time Stamp on Video Recording: 04:11

This amendment is being discussed again from last week, for a changed amount of $20,000, to help with the maintenance program.  Jeremy Keene summarized the information he provided to Council on the questions posed from last week.  

Public comment called for and Matts Larsion commented on asking for these funds from MRA. 

  • Moved by: Daniel Carlino

    Approve City Council Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan, Quick-Build Amendment to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget. - For $20,000.

    AYES: (3)Mirtha Becerra, Daniel Carlino, and Kristen Jordan
    NAYS: (6)John P. Contos, Sierra Farmer, Gwen Jones, Mike Nugent, Sandra Vasecka, and Stacie Anderson
    ABSENT: (3)Heidi West, Amber Sherrill, and Jennifer Savage
    Vote results: Failed (3 to 6)

4.

  

Meeting adjourned at 5:41

No Item Selected