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2026-09-23 - City Commission Administrative Meeting

Summary

Built from the official minutes (version submitted for approval; approval not confirmed) and the posted agenda. No video is posted. Meeting ran 5:00 to 6:47 PM with all members present; no votes are taken at administrative meetings.

  • Helena Citizens Council presented transportation recommendations favoring active transportation.
  • Staff briefed three items: records fees, land use plan amendments and the strategic plan.
  • City Manager reported water main breaks after Crosstown Connector valve work, that all director positions are filled, and that the Front Street project should finish by year end.
  • Visit Helena TBID reported two state tourism awards.
  • A Listening Session with the Commission was announced for September 30 at 5:00 PM at Headwaters Crafthouse.

Long Range Transportation Plan

  • Anne Hausrath presented; David Knoepke noted a coming 30-day review of the draft and a Pedestrian Mobility Plan.

Public Records Request Fees

  • Dannai Clayborn outlined the free first hour, $25 an hour cap and possible $5 filing fee.

Helena Forward Land Use Plan Amendments

  • Chris Brink and Ellie Ray briefed the map correction and data updates.

Strategic Plan Implementation

  • Quarterly update by City Manager Lake.

Crosstown Connector Water Project

  • Water main breaks tied to valve replacement; Rigby asked for more detail.

Other business

  • Reed asked about the Broadway water main timeline and the DeFord parking lot (stormwater approval was the only required approval); Gustafson asked about the Montana Avenue Grade Separation open house (still in environmental review) and congratulated Family Promise on its new shelter. One unnamed commenter asked about the DeFord Trail.

Agenda

Citizens Council LRTP recommendations; department reports on public-information-request fees, Helena Forward land use plan updates and strategic plan implementation.

Sources