Missoula meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Budget committee approves sewer bond, rejects six funding cuts

The Missoula Budget and Finance Committee approved a $1,107,000 sewer system revenue bond and rejected six amendments to cut funding for various programs at its Aug. 12 meeting. The committee also defeated an amendment to fund an ADA coordinator and tabled an organic parks study.

Budget and Finance Committee

The committee voted 11-0 to approve the sewer bond. Six amendments proposed by Councilor Campbell to cut funding for MEP, the Poverello Center, digital communications, and personnel/training were each defeated 1-10. An amendment to fund an ADA coordinator failed 3-6. An organic parks study amendment was tabled pending further information.

Public Works and Mobility Committee

The committee approved three items unanimously (11-0): an agreement with Montana Rail Link to remove Spruce and Pine Street railroad crossings, a professional services agreement with Morrison-Maierle for corrosion control at the wastewater plant not to exceed $142,800, and Change Order No. 3 with Prospect Construction for $164,682.59 with a budget increase of $150,000.

Other recent meetings

The Historic Preservation Commission approved June 3, 2026 minutes as submitted. No other decisions were made; the meeting focused on public comment about proposed federal changes to Section 106, a report on neighborhood histories, and staff updates.

The City Council meeting scheduled for Aug. 10 was an agenda only; minutes have not yet been published. The agenda included adoption of the FY2027 budget, levies for Park District 1 and Road District 1, fee schedules, and a property purchase for Fire Station #6.

Coming up

• **City Council Meeting, Aug. 17 (today):** Public hearings and votes on FY2027 budget, Capital Improvement Program, assessments for Park District 1 ($12,137,137) and Road District 1 ($11,478,322), Tourism Business Improvement District assessment of $4 per occupied room night, and accounts payable of $2,380,057.96.
• **Parks and Recreation Board, Aug. 18:** Site visit and grand opening of North Duncan Trailhead and Reservoir Loop Trail at Rattlesnake Reservoir Park Preserve. No business items.
• **Climate, Conservation and Parks Committee, Aug. 19:** Vote on $120,304 agreement with CXT for a pre-fabricated bathroom unit at Park on North Scott Street.
• **Budget and Finance Committee, Aug. 19:** Confirm Racquel Rausch to Tourism Business Improvement District, term expiring Dec. 1, 2028.
• **Public Safety, Health and Operations Committee, Aug. 19:** Informational update on wildfire preparedness and incident management.
• **Police Commission, Aug. 20:** Public hearings on citizen complaints and officer discipline appeals, followed by a closed session.

Several other meetings are scheduled with procedural-only agendas, including the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, Transportation Policy Coordinating Committee, City Planning Commission, and Missoula Redevelopment Agency Board.

Missoula committee approves land purchase for new Fire Station #6

The Missoula Public Safety, Health and Operations Committee voted 11-0 on July 29 to authorize the purchase of up to 2.0 acres at 2010 South 3rd Street for a new Fire Station #6, at a cost not to exceed $2,352,040. The purchase is scheduled for final approval by the City Council at its Aug. 10 meeting.

Fire station land purchase

The committee’s decision clears the way for the city to acquire the property for the new station. The item will be considered by the full City Council on Aug. 10 as part of its consent agenda. In a separate action, the committee referred proposed amendments to the city’s e-bike and electric mobility device code to staff for further analysis and draft language.

Budget and finance

The Budget and Finance Committee voted 11-0 on July 29 to set public hearings for Aug. 10 and Aug. 17 on the Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget, which includes a 3.8% property tax and assessment increase. The hearings will also cover related resolutions. The committee heard a presentation from Mayor Davis on the budget.

Public works and mobility

The Public Works and Mobility Committee approved several items on July 29, all by 10-0 votes:

• A $293,009.83 contract with 3 Rivers Landworks, LLC for stormwater system construction at Missoula Development Park.
• An interlocal agreement with Powell, Mineral, Missoula, Granite counties and Butte-Silver Bow for the Parks to Passes RAISE planning grant.
• A second addendum to the 2023 interlocal agreement with Missoula County for stormwater improvements at the development park.

Other recent meetings

The City Council met on July 27 with agenda items including water and sewer loan program changes, a new water service line replacement rebate program, and approvals of over $3.2 million in accounts payable. Minutes have not yet been published.

The Housing, Redevelopment, and Community Programs Committee heard a presentation on the 2026 Missoula Renter Survey from the Front Step Community Land Trust and the Missoula Tenants Union on July 29. No votes were taken.

The Historic Preservation Commission approved its June 3 minutes on Aug. 5. No other substantive decisions were made.

No City Council meeting was held on Aug. 3.

Coming up

The City Council meets Aug. 10 (today) to adopt the FY2027 budget and Capital Improvement Program, levy $12,137,137 for Park District 1 and $11,478,322 for Road District 1, adopt fee schedules for parks, fire, public works, and impact fees, vacate right-of-way on Dixon Avenue, and authorize the Fire Station #6 land purchase.

The Affordable Housing Resident Oversight Committee meets Aug. 11 to vote on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Policy and Procedures, its own charter and bylaws, and a Reserve Balance Application.

The Parks and Recreation Board meets Aug. 11 to consider adopting updated bylaws for the Conservation Lands Advisory Committee.

The Budget and Finance Committee meets Aug. 12 to consider a $1,107,000 sewer system revenue bond and several proposed FY27 budget amendments, including a freeze on personnel funding and cuts to training budgets.

The Public Works and Mobility Committee meets Aug. 12 to vote on a track removal agreement with Montana Rail Link for Spruce and Pine Streets, a corrosion control contract for the wastewater plant, and a change order for water and sewer improvements.

Missoula committees approve $2.35M land purchase for Fire Station #6, stormwater repairs, and clean power agreement

A Missoula City Council committee authorized the purchase of up to 2.0 acres at 2010 South 3rd Street for a new Fire Station #6, at a cost not to exceed $2,352,040. The Public Safety, Health and Operations Committee approved the acquisition on an 11-0 vote on July 29, 2026.

Fire Station #6 land and e-bike referral

The Public Safety, Health and Operations Committee's July 29 meeting also included a proposal to amend the city's e-bike and electric mobility device code. That item was referred to staff for further analysis and draft language. No vote was taken on the e-bike amendments.

Stormwater repairs and regional trail planning

The Public Works and Mobility Committee, meeting July 29, approved three items on 10-0 votes:

• A $293,009.83 contract with 3 Rivers Landworks, LLC for stormwater system construction at Missoula Development Park.
• Authorization for the Mayor to sign the Second Addendum to the 2023 Interlocal Agreement with Missoula County for Missoula Development Park stormwater improvements.
• An Interlocal Agreement with Powell, Mineral, Missoula, and Granite counties and Butte-Silver Bow for the Parks to Passes RAISE planning grant.

The committee also approved minutes from its July 22, 2026 meeting.

Green Power agreement and Parks Board reappointments

The Climate, Conservation and Parks Committee, meeting July 22, authorized the Mayor to sign the Green Power Program Lead Community Agreement for a voluntary clean electricity resource in Montana. The vote was 9-0.

The committee also reappointed three members to the Parks and Recreation Board, each on 9-0 votes: Tyler Albrethsen as Regular Member, Derek Kanwischer as Alternate 1, and Sam Duncan as Alternate 2. The committee approved its June 17, 2026 meeting minutes.

City Council agenda for July 27

The July 27 City Council meeting agenda included a public hearing and second reading on ordinances amending Chapters 3.17 and 3.18 of the Missoula Municipal Code and establishing Chapter 3.15 for a Water Service Line Replacement Rebate Program. The consent agenda listed ratification of accounts payable totaling $1,132,340.73 (July 21) and $2,103,523.24 (July 28), the Green Power Program Lead Community Agreement, a contract with Morrison-Maierle for replacement of PLC 600/700 at the Wastewater Treatment Plant not to exceed $102,800, and setting a public hearing for August 24, 2026 on a Wildflower Apartments property tax exemption request. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed.

Budget and Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee met July 22 and July 29 to review the Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget presented by Andrea Davis. The committee considered a motion to set public hearings on August 10 and August 17, 2026 for resolutions related to the FY2027 budget, the Community Improvement Program, fee increases including Impact Fees and the Permissive Medical Levy, and work plans for several special districts. Minutes have not yet been published.

Renter survey presentation

The Housing, Redevelopment, and Community Programs Committee met July 29 to hear a presentation by the Front Step Community Land Trust and the Missoula Tenants Union on findings from the 2026 Missoula Renter Survey. No votes or decisions were scheduled; the presentation was informational only.

Other meetings

The Missoula Civic Television Advisory Commission met July 20 to approve June 15, 2026 minutes, review its current programming schedule, and identify items for MCAT to record or televise. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board and the City Council both had July 20 agendas with no substantive items listed.

Coming up

• **August 5, 2026 — Historic Preservation Commission:** 6:00 PM in Council Chambers or via Teams. Agenda includes introduction of new member Zac Campbell and a presentation of Missoula Neighborhoods Reports by Dr. Sophia Etier.
• **August 10, 2026 — Budget public hearings:** Scheduled dates for FY2027 budget resolutions, fee increases, and district work plans.
• **August 11, 2026 — Missoula Parking Commission:** No agenda items listed as of this report.
• **August 17, 2026 — Budget public hearings and MCAT Advisory Commission:** Second scheduled budget hearing date; MCAT commission next meeting.

Missoula roundup: Public Works panel OKs $102,800 wastewater plant upgrade; council agendas target cannabis licenses and park contract

Missoula's Public Works and Mobility Committee unanimously approved a $102,800 professional services agreement for wastewater treatment plant upgrades and adopted a resolution vacating a 60-foot right-of-way on Dixon Avenue at its July 15 meeting. That meeting is the only one from the past two weeks with official minutes published; other city bodies met on agendas only, with outcomes not yet finalized.

Decided: Public Works and Mobility Committee

The committee voted 10-0 to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with Morrison-Maierle to replace PLC 600 and 700 at the wastewater treatment plant, at a cost of up to $102,800. Members also voted 10-0 to adopt a resolution vacating a 60-foot right-of-way on Dixon Avenue and set a public hearing on the matter for August 10. The committee approved its July 8 minutes unanimously.

City Council agendas (outcomes pending)

The City Council's July 6 agenda included a public hearing on Ordinance 3748 to prohibit new retail adult-use cannabis dispensary licenses pending a review of regulations as part of the Uniform Development Code Project. The consent agenda listed ratifying accounts payable of $2,275,556.97 for checks dated June 30, 2026, and $3,814,555.94 for checks dated July 7, 2026. A report from the Lower Rattlesnake Neighborhood Council Leadership Team was also scheduled.

The July 13 council agenda listed a construction contract for the Park on North Scott and street improvements totaling $2,254,381.01, a professional services agreement with TischlerBise, Inc. for annexation policy guidance at $150,000, accounts payable of $2,662,242.20 for checks dated July 14, 2026, and an $89,595 agreement with HDR for downtown CIPP sewer lining. A public hearing was set for July 27, 2026, on ordinances reforming water and sewer loan programs and establishing a water service line replacement rebate.

Committee and board agendas

The Land Use and Planning Committee on July 8 was scheduled to consider a resolution amending Title 22 to allow wider driveways for single-family homes with three-car garages, interview Zachary Campbell for the Historic Preservation Commission (term ending Dec. 31, 2026), and discuss referring a Missoula Outdoor Lighting Ordinance amendment for Dark Sky Community designation.

The Public Works and Mobility Committee's July 8 agenda included the $89,595 HDR sewer lining agreement, reappointments of Heather McMilin (architect) and Jack Moffett (electrician) to the Building Code Board of Appeals, and an amendment to a marketing agreement with Service Line Warranties of America to offer sewer line insurance at no city cost.

The Cemetery Board on July 9 was set to discuss the Scott Street Project and review the FY26 Annual Report and fourth-quarter revenue and expenditure reports. The Parks and Recreation Board on July 14 considered a letter of support for the FY27 budget request, a Marshal Mountain update, and a Master Fee Schedule update.

The Budget and Finance Committee on July 15 reviewed referral impact fee recommendations prepared by Eric Hallstrom. The City Planning Commission received an informational presentation on the Reserve to Scott 2026 Master Plan. The Conservation Lands Advisory Committee on July 16 conducted a site tour of the Duncan Trail and discussed new infrastructure related to the Rattlesnake Dam Removal project.

The Missoula Parking Commission (July 14) and Missoula Redevelopment Agency (July 16) agendas contained no substantive items.

Coming up

• **July 20** — Missoula Civic Television Advisory Commission reviews the current programming schedule and identifies items for MCAT to record or televise.
• **July 22** — Public Works and Mobility Committee considers a right-of-way vacation for a cul-de-sac on Expo Parkway and may set an August 10 public hearing.
• **July 22** — Climate, Conservation and Parks Committee considers reappointing Tyler Albrethsen, Derek Kanwischer, and Sam Duncan to the Parks and Recreation Board and approving a Green Power Program Lead Community Agreement.
• **July 22** — Budget and Finance Committee reviews the FY2027 Executive Budget presented by Andrea Davis and considers setting public hearings August 10 and August 17 for budget resolutions, fee increases, and special district work plans.

Missoula council set to review $2.25M park contract; recent meeting minutes not yet published

Missoula's City Council is scheduled to consider a $2,254,381.01 construction contract for the Park on North Scott Street and street improvements at its July 13 meeting — the largest dollar item on any current agenda. Minutes from recent committee and council meetings have not yet been published, so outcomes of items scheduled over the past two weeks are not yet confirmed.

Recent meetings: agendas only, no minutes yet

All recent meetings between June 29 and July 9, 2026, are listed as agenda-only with minutes not yet published. What follows reflects what was scheduled, not confirmed decisions.

City Council — July 6. The agenda included a public hearing and vote on Ordinance 3748, which would prohibit new retail adult-use cannabis dispensary business licenses pending a review of regulations through the Uniform Development Code Project. The consent agenda listed ratifying accounts payable of $2,275,556.97 for checks dated June 30, 2026, and $3,814,555.94 for checks dated July 7, 2026. A report from the Lower Rattlesnake Neighborhood Council Leadership Team was also scheduled.

Land Use and Planning Committee — July 8. Items included a resolution to amend Title 22 to allow wider driveways for single-family homes with three-car garages, an interview of Zachary Campbell for the Historic Preservation Commission (term ending Dec. 31, 2026), a referral of a Missoula Outdoor Lighting Ordinance amendment for Dark Sky Community designation, and an update on the Our Missoula implementation plan.

Public Works and Mobility Committee — July 8. The committee was scheduled to vote on a professional services agreement with HDR for CIPP sewer lining in the downtown area at $89,595, set a public hearing for July 27, 2026, on ordinances reforming water/sewer loan programs and establishing a water service line replacement rebate, consider an amendment to a marketing agreement with Service Line Warranties of America for sewer line insurance at no city cost, and consider reappointments of Heather McMilin (architect) and Jack Moffett (electrician) to the Building Code Board of Appeals.

Cemetery Board — July 9. The board was scheduled to approve April 2, 2026, meeting minutes, discuss the Scott Street Project, and review the FY26 Annual Report along with 4th Quarter FY26 revenue and expenditure reports.

June 29. No City Council meeting was scheduled.

Coming up

• **July 13 — City Council Meeting.** Agenda includes the $2,254,381.01 construction contract for the Park on North Scott Street and street improvements, a $150,000 professional services agreement with TischlerBise, Inc. for annexation policy guidance, accounts payable of $2,662,242.20 for checks dated July 14, 2026, the $89,595 HDR agreement for downtown CIPP sewer lining, and setting a public hearing for July 27, 2026, on water and sewer line program ordinances.

• **July 14 — Parks and Recreation Board.** Items include a letter of support for the FY27 budget request, a Marshal Mountain update, and a Master Fee Schedule update.

• **July 15 — Budget and Finance Committee.** Will review referral impact fee recommendations and a study prepared by Eric Hallstrom, and approve minutes from June 24, 2026. Held at City Council Chambers, 140 W Pine, or via Microsoft Teams.

• **July 15 — City Planning Commission.** Informational presentation on the Reserve to Scott 2026 Master Plan.

• **July 15 — Public Works and Mobility Committee.** Will consider vacating 60 feet of Dixon Avenue right-of-way between Brooks Street and Paxson Street, and replacement of PLC 600 and 700 at the Wastewater Treatment Plant up to $102,800.

• **July 16 — Conservation Lands Advisory Committee.** On-site tour at Duncan Drive Trailhead to discuss new infrastructure including a kiosk, signage, native plantings, and an interpretative kiosk related to the Rattlesnake Dam Removal project.

• **July 14 — Missoula Parking Commission** and **July 16 — Missoula Redevelopment Agency Board.** Both agendas contain only procedural boilerplate with no listed decisions or discussions. **July 20** has no City Council meeting scheduled.

MRA approves FY27 budget and River Road design; council set to vote on cannabis dispensary license ban

The Missoula Redevelopment Agency Board approved its preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 2027 and authorized design funding for the River Road Improvement Project, while the City Council prepares to vote this week on a proposed ban on new retail cannabis dispensary licenses.

MRA Board: FY27 budget and River Road improvements

On June 25, the MRA Board approved the FY27 preliminary budget on a 7-0 vote. The board also approved a $99,450 design agreement with IMEG Consultants for the River Road Improvement Project, along with TIF funding for the project and $2,486 to Public Works & Mobility to oversee it — each passing 7-0.

The board approved $100,000 in FY27 Urban Renewal District funding for the Missoula Economic Partnership (7-0) and approved minutes from its April 16 and May 8 meetings, both 7-0.

City Council: public hearings set for trail park, land use

The June 22 City Council meeting was agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. Scheduled items included public hearings on a $130,000 acquisition of 28 acres along the Milwaukee Rail Corridor for a future trail park and on a land use plan amendment for the Reserve to Scott 2026 Master Plan area.

The agenda also listed a $366,391 contract with Pine Cove Consulting for security camera upgrades at SPLASH MT, Currents, MOBASH Skatepark, and Fort Missoula; a $150,000 CDBG-CV grant to Neighborworks Montana for Bonnie's Place Resident Owned Community; approval of $3,488,138.61 in accounts payable; a two-year renewal of the MFPE wastewater operators union contract; and permitting software purchase. Because minutes are not yet published, outcomes for these items are not confirmed.

Budget and Finance Committee: informational only

The committee met June 24 and received budget presentations from the Parking Commission, Parks & Recreation, and Public Works & Mobility. No votes were taken on budget requests. The only action was approving minutes from June 17, 2026, as submitted.

Community Forum: heat mapping presentation

A June 25 public forum included a presentation on Missoula Community Heat Mapping, neighborhood council reports, staff reports from Kalina Pritchard, a City Council Liaison Report for Ward 2, and a public comment period for non-agenda items. Minutes are not yet published.

No City Council meeting was scheduled for June 29.

Coming up

• **July 6 — City Council Meeting:** Public hearing and vote on Ordinance 3748 to prohibit new retail adult-use cannabis dispensary business licenses pending a regulatory review under the Uniform Development Code Project. Consent agenda includes ratifying accounts payable of $2,275,556.97 (checks dated June 30) and $3,814,555.94 (checks dated July 7). The Lower Rattlesnake Neighborhood Council Leadership Team will give a report.

• **July 8 — Land Use and Planning Committee:** Consideration of a resolution to amend Title 22 to allow wider driveways for single-family homes with three-car garages; interview of Zachary Campbell for the Historic Preservation Commission (term ending Dec. 31, 2026); discussion of referring a Missoula Outdoor Lighting Ordinance amendment for Dark Sky Community designation to staff; and an update on the Our Missoula implementation plan.

• **July 8 — Public Works and Mobility Committee:** Vote on a $89,595 professional services agreement with HDR for CIPP sewer lining in the downtown area; setting a July 27 public hearing on ordinances reforming water/sewer loan programs and establishing a water service line replacement rebate; an amendment to a marketing agreement with Service Line Warranties of America for sewer line insurance at no city cost; and reappointments of Heather McMilin (architect) and Jack Moffett (electrician) to the Building Code Board of Appeals.

• **July 16 — MRA Board:** No substantive items listed on the agenda.

Missoula Redevelopment Agency approves FY27 budget and River Road project, other city business looms

The Missoula Redevelopment Agency Board unanimously approved its preliminary Fiscal Year 2027 budget and a package of funding for the River Road Improvement Project during a meeting on June 25. The votes were among the most significant actions taken by a city board in the past two weeks, as several other meetings were informational or procedural in nature.

Redevelopment board advances budget and River Road work

The MRA Board voted 7-0 to adopt the FY27 preliminary budget. It also approved a $99,450 design agreement with IMEG Consultants for the River Road Improvement Project, tax increment financing for the project, and an additional $2,486 for Public Works & Mobility to oversee the work. Separately, the board approved $100,000 in Urban Renewal District funding for the Missoula Economic Partnership and accepted minutes from two previous meetings.

City Council agenda: Trail park land acquisition, camera upgrades

The City Council is scheduled to hold public hearings on a proposed $130,000 acquisition of 28 acres along the historic Milwaukee Rail Corridor for a future trail park, as well as a land use plan amendment for the Reserve to Scott 2026 Master Plan area. The agenda for the June 22 meeting, which has not yet released minutes, also includes a $366,391 contract with Pine Cove Consulting to upgrade security cameras at SPLASH MT, Currents, MOBASH Skatepark, and Fort Missoula, and a $150,000 state grant award to Neighborworks Montana for the Bonnie’s Place Resident Owned Community housing project. Routine business items list approval of more than $3.4 million in accounts payable and a two-year renewal of the wastewater operators union contract.

Budget committee reviews department requests

The Budget and Finance Committee heard departmental presentations from the Parking Commission, Parks & Recreation, and Public Works & Mobility on June 24. No votes were taken on budget requests; the committee only approved the minutes from its June 17 meeting.

Community forum hosted heat mapping talk

A public forum on June 25 included a presentation on Missoula Community Heat Mapping, along with neighborhood council reports, staff reports, and a public comment period for non-agenda items. No official decisions were made.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings were included in the provided data for the next two weeks.