Missoula City Council Parks and Conservation Committee Minutes

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ZOOM Webinar
Members present:
  • Stacie Anderson, 
  • Mirtha Becerra, 
  • John P. Contos, 
  • Heather Harp, 
  • Jordan Hess, 
  • Gwen Jones, 
  • Julie Merritt, 
  • Jesse Ramos, 
  • Amber Sherrill (chair), 
  • Sandra Vasecka, 
  • Bryan von Lossberg, 
  • and Heidi West
Others present:
  • Staff Present: Corena Maurer, Donna Gaukler, Morgan Valliant, Jim Nugent

    Others Present: Amy Ragsdale, Mike Sweet


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3.

  

Mr. Ramos moved to approve the appointment of David Westfall to the Park Board.

Mr. von Lossberg joined the meeting.

  • Moved by: Jesse Ramos

    Confirm the Mayor’s appointment of David Westfall to fill a vacated term on the Parks & Recreation Board for a term beginning immediately and expiring on April 30, 2023.

    AYES: (9)Mirtha Becerra, Jordan Hess, Gwen Jones, Julie Merritt, Jesse Ramos, Amber Sherrill, John Contos, Sandra Vasecka, and Bryan von Lossberg
    ABSENT: (3)Stacie Anderson, Heather Harp, and Heidi West
    Vote results: Approved (9 to 0)

Ms. Gaukler introduced herself and gave some background on the project.

Ms. Anderson joined the meeting.

Ms. West joined the meeting. 

Ms. Gaukler talked about the various uses of the building.

Amy Ragsdale introduced her self and discussed some of her experience with dance. Ms. Ragsdale is very excited about this possibility.

Mike Sweet gave some background information on himself and how he has been involved in the planning for a possible community center. As a contractor he is very supportive of MMW. 

Ms. Sherrill asked about the spaces that are currently in use for community centers.

Ms. Gaukler talked about how we are currently turning user groups away because we have no where to place them.

Mr. Ramos asked for more information on funding for the project.

Mr. Ramos asked for more clarification on the costs estimate.

Ms. Gaukler stated the the costs are at a very rough estimate.

Mr. von Lossberg made the recommended motion.

Mr. von Lossberg spoke in favor of the motion.

Ms. Harp joined the meeting.

Ms. Merritt recalls a survey that made an indoor space like this one a high priority in the community.

Ms. Jones states she has sat in a lot of community center meetings in the last 6 years and believes this project is solid and she fully supports it.

Ms. Anderson thinks having a space where people can congregate during a smoke event is extremely important. 

Ms. Gaukler gave some clarification on the request per Ms. Anderson.

Ms. Becerra also stated Climate Change has made an indoor space like this so important.

Mr. Ramos has concerns with future funding and will not be supporting the motion.

 

  • Moved by: Bryan von Lossberg

    Approve the contract with MMW Architects for architectural design services for a community center in McCormick Park in the amount of $119,888.00 and authorize the Mayor to sign.

    AYES: (10)Stacie Anderson, Mirtha Becerra, John Contos, Heather Harp, Jordan Hess, Gwen Jones, Julie Merritt, Amber Sherrill, Bryan von Lossberg, and Heidi West
    NAYS: (2)Jesse Ramos, and Sandra Vasecka
    Vote results: Approved (10 to 2)

Mr. Valliant shared an outline of the staffing plan for the Conservation and Stewardship levy.

Ms. Merritt made the recommended motion.

Ms. Harp asked for clarification on the Maintenance Worker positions.

  • Moved by: Julie Merritt

    approve and authorize the Mayor to direct staff to proceed with hiring the Seasonal Conservation Lands Maintenance Worker in FY21 and recognizing this position will be in the FY22 baseline and funded by the Conservation and Stewardship Mill Levy.

    AYES: (12)Stacie Anderson, Mirtha Becerra, Heather Harp, Jordan Hess, Gwen Jones, Julie Merritt, Jesse Ramos, Heidi West, Amber Sherrill, John Contos, Sandra Vasecka, and Bryan von Lossberg
    Vote results: Approved (12 to 0)

11:25 – 11:40 – Anne Iverson Interview


11:40 - 11:45 – Discussion


11:45 - 12:00 – Kit H Fischer Interview


12:00 – 12:05 – Discussion

Ms. Iverson was interviewed by the committee with Zoom video.

Kit Fischer was interviewed by the committee with Zoom video.

  • appoint ___ and ___ to the Open Space Advisory Committee for terms beginning immediately and ending on December 31, 2024.

    Vote results:

4.

  

The meeting was adjourned at 12:09pm.

Submitted by: Corena Maurer

City of Missoula Parks & Recreation