Jessie Hogg

The committee held a meeting to address administrative business and committee items. Key actions included the confirmation of an appointment to the Police Commission and the scheduling of a public hearing regarding the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG 2025) application and a corresponding Memorandum of Understanding with Missoula County.

The committee meeting addressed several key business items, including the confirmation of a reappointment to the Downtown Business Improvement District and an interview for a position on the Missoula Civic Television Advisory Commission. Financial discussions focused on a preliminary budget request to add a full-time employee for the Water Utility Service Line Crew to improve operational safety and efficiency. Additionally, the committee adopted resolutions authorizing the issuance of various bonds, including a Water System Revenue Bond, a Special Road District Bond, and multiple SRF Bonds through the DNRC Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Program.

The committee received an informational presentation from the Zootown Arts Community Center (ZACC). Discussions covered the organization's background, its role in the local art community, and an overview of current programming, including youth and elder outreach initiatives. The presentation also addressed the historic preservation of the Studebaker Building, detailing the status of restoration efforts, the use of grant funding, and the projected costs involved. Committee members inquired about program accessibility, the integration of ZACC into the broader cultural plan, and strategies for supporting emerging artists.

The committee held an informational session regarding the preliminary issuance of floodplain maps for the Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers. Discussion topics included updates to mapping data, changes to levee mapping and jurisdictional boundaries, and the technical requirements for the upcoming appeal period. Additionally, the committee reviewed the project timeline and strategies for public outreach to property owners, realtors, and lenders regarding the map updates.

The committee reviewed and approved a professional services agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. to provide construction administration, surveying, and materials testing for the Lamoreux STEP and Maloney Ranch STEP decommissioning projects. This work, which involves transitioning from community septic systems to traditional gravity sewer mains, was authorized in an amount not to exceed $126,861.00.