Erik Dickson

This document, an Extreme Heat Toolkit, serves as a strategic implementation plan for Missoula. Developed collaboratively by Missoula County, the City of Missoula, and Climate Smart Missoula, it provides a comprehensive framework of tools and strategies to prepare for and respond to extreme heat events. The plan is organized into five key action tracks: Emergency Preparedness & Response, Community Health, Homes, Buildings, & Neighborhoods, Ecosystems, and Data, Outreach, & Education. Its overarching objective is to enhance the resilience of Missoula's communities, facilities, infrastructure, and ecosystems to ensure safety and well-being during periods of extreme heat.

The meeting included the approval of a consent agenda and updates to the commission's meeting schedule, specifically removing the Thursday administrative meeting starting in July. A resolution for a 4% cost of living increase for elected officials for fiscal year 2027 was approved. The Board also authorized an engagement letter with Udall Law Firm to represent Missoula County in Northwestern Energy's large new load tariff proceedings. Additionally, the Board approved two task orders with HDR Engineering: one for $350,000 for phase two water and sewer engineering services, and another for $30,000 to develop a risk and resilience plan and an emergency response plan to ensure compliance with EPA requirements.

The meeting included the review and approval of the consent agenda and discussions surrounding an award received by an adaptive trail. Additionally, the governing body approved the reappointment of current members and the appointment of a new member to the Missoula Aging Services Governing Board for three-year terms.

The board meeting included a proclamation in recognition of Juneteenth Independence Day. A major agenda item was the introduction of a draft resolution regarding feral horses in the Miller Creek area. The discussion addressed the distinction between wild and feral horses, public safety concerns regarding horse-vehicle interactions and territorial behavior, and zoological concerns about disease transmission to domesticated livestock. The resolution seeks to clarify the legal status of the horses and establish a process for capture and placement, while adhering to state law. The board opened a public hearing to accept community input on the proposed resolution, which will remain open for further comment.

The Missoula City-County Jail Diversion Master Plan proposes short and long-term policy and procedure changes to reduce the number of nonviolent arrestees and offenders in the Missoula County Detention Facility. It focuses on several key areas, including enhancing behavioral health services such as crisis intervention training, secure emergency detention beds, addiction services, and treatment courts; optimizing pre-sentencing processes related to warrants, bonding, and case processing through evidence-based risk assessments; and examining sentencing and post-sentencing options. The plan aims to balance public safety, reduce recidivism rates, and achieve cost savings for the City and County.