Helena, City of

This document outlines the City of Helena's Storm Water Management Program (SWMP), which is designed to ensure compliance with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality's General Permit for Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s). The program focuses on reducing the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable through the implementation of six minimum control measures: Public Education and Outreach, Public Involvement and Participation, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, Construction Site Storm Water Management, Post-Construction Site Storm Water Management, and Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping. It also includes provisions for training, monitoring, recording, and evaluation to protect water quality.

This document outlines the 2025 WWTP Facility Plan, focusing on approximately $40M in needed improvements to secondary treatment and solids handling facilities. The plan details a phased approach to balance future rate increases and available infrastructure funding. Key components include a reduced Phase 2 scope costing $23.5M for oxidation ditches, clarifiers, and UV disinfection, with Phases 3 and 4 contingent on future growth and funding. Funding strategies involve a $21.6M State Revolving Fund loan and applications for $2.5M in grants, with an estimated $60 rate increase spread over three years to generate $1.34M annually for debt service and operations.

The agenda for this meeting included public comment periods, review of unfinished business such as priority items for the March Commission Presentation concerning the Art Walk and Fire Safety Open House, and discussions regarding Boulevard Trees and the Garden Tour. New business involved considering priority items for the March Commission Presentation related to Neighborhood Parties. The committee also addressed proposals and scheduling for the next agenda.

This document outlines proposed major projects for the City of Helena Open Lands Division for Calendar Year 2026. It defines criteria for major projects, focusing on trail construction, usage changes, removal/rerouting, significant public interest, and substantial costs. The plan details recommendations for Deford Trail Improvements, Oakes Street Park Trail Relocation, Nob Hill Park Trail System Improvements, and North Benton Trail Improvements, providing current situations, specific recommendations, and estimated budgets for each.

Key discussions during the meeting included the consideration of new appointees, Dean Barta and Richard Sloan, followed by officer reports from the Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer, focusing on community input into the City Budget and Budget Committee discussions. Unfinished business involved consideration of updates to the HCC Bylaws regarding the regular meeting time and other revisions, including a review of survey results. New business focused on considering a minor expenditure for Art Walk Registration, determining HCC Priorities for the upcoming FY27 City Budget Development, and considering a Draft Recommendation to the Commission concerning City of Helena Policy when Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions are present within City Limits. Reports were also presented regarding various Commission/Board meetings.