Katie Cunningham

The City Commission meeting agenda for January 20, 2026, includes several routine items for approval via the Consent Agenda, such as the approval of minutes from January 6, 2026, ratification of expenditures for the period of December 18, 2025, through December 31, 2025, and approval of various contracts and final payments for construction projects like the Mansfield Theater Seating Project and storm drainage crossings. The agenda also features multiple public hearings regarding the Business Improvement District (BID) FY 2026 Budget Amendment, declaring property at 816 3rd Avenue South a nuisance, a lease agreement with the Boys and Girls Club for a community garden, establishing new Police Department Fingerprint Fees, and setting a future hearing for parking system ordinance and fee resolutions. New Business includes the acceptance or denial of the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Audit Reports, and the appointment of a Municipal Court Judge for Department A.

Key discussions included the status of Park Maintenance District projects, noting ongoing data entry for the Productive Parks system and ordering of new equipment for Aim High. Grant updates covered approval for the Northwestern Madison Grant for the Kingsbridge project and preparation of applications for Gibson Pond repairs and River's Edge Trail caboose decking replacement. The Park and Recreation Director position is slated to reopen in January 2026. The Adopt a Park program is progressing, with 24 parks now adopted and new Little Free Libraries added. A bid was received for the former Recreation Center, scheduling a Public Hearing for December 16, 2025. The RRP-Matrix engagement involved interviews and gathering community feedback, with the first of five mini polls forthcoming. A full assessment of City tennis courts was completed with the USTA, whose recommendations are pending. New Business involved recommending Valerie Scheevel and Victoria Hunt for appointment to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board. The Board recommended approving lease renewals for the Great Falls Saddle Club and The Boys and Girls Club of Cascade County, both expiring December 31, 2025. Discussions also covered the swearing-in ceremony for new elected officials and the Raise a Pint Fundraising Event scheduled for February 23, 2026. Public comment addressed rumors regarding the elimination of the softball program, which staff confirmed would not occur.

The Board addressed conflict disclosures where members acknowledged knowing the applicant but stated it would not influence their decisions. The primary action involved a public hearing for a variance request concerning a reduced side yard setback (from fifteen feet to six feet) for the construction of a single-family residence at 2716 Park Garden Lane. The variance was sought to accommodate a single-level home design due to the owners' medical needs, which created an unnecessary hardship under literal enforcement of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) setbacks. Staff recommended approval, citing that granting the variance would not harm the public interest or the neighborhood character, and the applicant presented supporting information, including a letter from the adjacent neighbor. The Board unanimously approved the variance request for a six-foot side yard setback. Communications included an update regarding pending state legislation that will eventually dissolve the Board of Adjustment, altering future appeal processes.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance establishing a quorum. Key discussions included a presentation and dialogue with the Great Falls Development Alliance regarding their operations, processes, and data centers. The Council received a Neighborhood Watch report detailing recent crime statistics such as assaults, burglaries, and vehicle thefts. Updates were provided on the Council Facebook Page engagement metrics. Other business included a request from the West Great Falls Flood Control and Drainage District to post a 'MEET & GREET' flyer on the Council's Facebook page. Agenda suggestions for future meetings included Neighborhood Council 2 Elections, and members were reminded about an upcoming Swearing-In Ceremony.

The meeting included committee reports detailing updates from the Downtown Development Partnership regarding new regulations, ongoing speaker system issues, a submitted grant application for alley lighting, and review of downtown parking deficits. The Brownfield Committee reported on narrowing down six potential projects. The Downtown Safety Alliance discussed ongoing metrics from the 2021 Safety Plan and noted progress by the Growth Policy group. New business focused on reviewing preliminary plans for an Electric City Bike Park proposed for a section of Hurd Park/Elks Riverside Park, with funding coordination through the Peoples' Park and Rec Foundation. Additionally, an update was provided on the Baatz Building supportive housing project, noting the successful completion of investor review.