[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6488229,"mediaKeyId","5681246-0f8790bd682df3ac77f4b75dcaee8df7","parentId",5681246,"title","Missoula issues proclamations recognizing Service Dog Month and International Overdose Awareness Day","audioSeconds",406,"startMs",164000,"endMs",570000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681246-0f8790bd682df3ac77f4b75dcaee8df7&start=164&end=570","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681246-0f8790bd682df3ac77f4b75dcaee8df7/thumbnail_164000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6488229/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Missoula-issues-proclamations-recognizing-Service-Dog-Month-and-International-Overdose-Awareness-Day","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6488229-8eac55d3f28f64ab01b1ffcff9d39a53/orig.mp4?Expires=1770410363&Signature=J4faZmo-KXWjYLekb1u59br4dMJnQ51e45fd~jCZVrBoXAEgcy3tPlKqa0QS6~ITcJTpDxpLDYMgUUC625HJa1tSW1knkm7aybjmy7rZoD3zk-WLj1u-tYNd6L-TjiACkjGFY0MScHWu8KAdin6IvEZ~1U6541iPlCBrhF60w6bdqNQVMUTfyX~eM0CbegnY8E-SqUtAEmYJzsfwi6MOt4mP2mgZvk3BkqSNrsCkEK2LX1Bg6~sAn2UP3pJjXaW7tn2MJx274iL7HxE9I5h54Tqmw91sKIDaSDKPlknqGf5jEScnlbp9eh3FGra2a61KWrxs4L7mmASMQaEjLP1xMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Missoula, NY","date","2025-08-26T03:57:07Z","article","Mayor Andrea Davis read two proclamations at the start of the Aug. 25 council meeting: one recognizing September 2025 as Service Dog Month and another recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day (observed Aug. 31). The proclamations highlighted local inclusion and harm‑reduction strategies.

Kristen Newman, a service‑dog handler, spoke in support of the proclamation and described training and access experiences with her service dog, Poppy. \"Missoula is one of the most respectful, understanding, and inclusive communities that I have experienced as a service animal handler,\" Newman said, adding that Montana’s state policy permits access for dogs still in training in some contexts and that community support had aided her training efforts.

The overdose awareness proclamation noted that more than 185 Missoula County residents have died from drug overdoses since February 2014 and called attention to harm‑reduction measures such as naloxone access, fentanyl test strips and recovery services. Mayor Davis thanked Missoula Public Health and the department’s substance‑use prevention program for their work; Leah Fitch Bridal of Missoula Public Health had requested the proclamation but was not present.

Both proclamations were ceremonial recognitions and did not require council action beyond the reading and acknowledgement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Missoula City Council Meeting August 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Mayor Andrea Davis read proclamations recognizing September as Service Dog Month and International Overdose Awareness Day (observed Aug. 31); service‑dog handlers and public health staff addressed council.","taxTitle","Missoula, Missoula County, Montana","taxId",4050,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6488235,"Council renews Downtown Business Improvement District assessments for FY2026",239,2729000,2968000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681246-0f8790bd682df3ac77f4b75dcaee8df7&start=2729&end=2968","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681246-0f8790bd682df3ac77f4b75dcaee8df7/thumbnail_2729000.jpg","/articles/6488235/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Council-renews-Downtown-Business-Improvement-District-assessments-for-FY2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6488235-29df5743cbc4fed1bfc800c046d362c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770410363&Signature=XPa7eyf33RVbgPF7OeGHJd6Gp4w50X0q41pZecsb1lNnhgvvyGzJOptjezm2TAUs6zbmikfBMWMsmTbd9aax1Tz4yVv7uaI2eREuqwr7DgzBSdpWhsQUcMmEyqJYvGsEzdhgCHX6bUkk-Iv6dkRaUsRggmA2k9P~-aoShvjTIWklfKPn2~X9ok297mqtNr02VXVeQKIpntHlrWvB9Nk2UJzp2u7IVk1o2WEZsW4Nsr772UGTczZ4j7Jixi8niv4UvcGaxLty93RZA0Z3xHB2f94F4E9O6B2hFFOSIBBV1oyD-3PLvA5eA6TUHH9Z968A8fS2BmUBmJ3qOy8m1jItrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Missoula City Council on Aug. 25 adopted a resolution levying assessments of $475,462.21 for the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) for fiscal year 2026. The BID assessment funds services such as additional garbage collection, seasonal cleanup, snow removal and other maintenance intended to keep downtown public spaces tidy.

City Clerk Claire Trimble told council the BID was last renewed previously on a 10‑year cycle and that apportionments had been calculated according to statute. Trimble said the city and county also contribute their shares. Councilor questions focused on the original protest period and how property owners may object to assessments; Trimble said there had been an opportunity to protest historically and that a small number of property owners had protested when the district was created and subsequently when it was renewed.

Councilor Arlene Becerra moved the resolution; Councilor Vazika (Kelzer Vazika) said she would support the measure but encouraged property owners who object to use the statutory protest process. A member of the public who identified herself as Kyla Tripp commented online opposing the Paisley Park annexation item (a separate consent agenda item) and raised a separate concern about school capacity; the clerk and council discussed that the annexation and rezoning referral was on the consent agenda and would be heard later in the land‑use committee.

The BID resolution passed by roll call, 10-0. Trimble directed those wanting details to the Downtown Missoula Partnership’s annual report for a breakdown of BID services and expenditures.

Next steps: assessments will be sent to the county for collection on the tax rolls and the Downtown Missoula Partnership will continue to administer BID programs under contract.","The Missoula City Council approved a 10‑year renewal of assessments for the Downtown Business Improvement District, levying $475,462.21 for fiscal year 2026; councilors discussed protest procedures and impacts on property owners.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6488239,"Council adopts updated wastewater rules by reference after health board approval",361,1299000,1660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681246-0f8790bd682df3ac77f4b75dcaee8df7&start=1299&end=1660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681246-0f8790bd682df3ac77f4b75dcaee8df7/thumbnail_1299000.jpg","/articles/6488239/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Council-adopts-updated-wastewater-rules-by-reference-after-health-board-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6488239-0b40ad1a4a218c366cbc8ecdab19cc01/orig.mp4?Expires=1770410363&Signature=gE-pAUCYX-kLjIm~Wt1yyyA0kyMM250PZY-RZtJN4Wj6pzaf~dP7P0niPlmOexArkhQ4cp4rbW3Fquv~JundIGnz76d6lrwf93sATWnbTypcbo5Y8QUg1xc4e7VZ~Alp~A92ze9lgkeaknod3AZ4tqAPJsjPck8Gd9~lmk2ZWttD1zG1~k9gW66TxDOybEGj-EMx-BV3x8DO1oeMRJNMPISpUUg9aen12e0izDGpVWXUqcmaHupWARxhripFOnrkq6XCO6vrv2NfkTE3pTOJGMqmdw9l0PkGbnx21VH9a8WluwF8ROfkT8u0slkU6o6szMxuesWpnPvjLYqN8Uuzxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Missoula City Council on Aug. 25 voted 10-0 to revise Missoula Municipal Code Chapter 8.02 by incorporating the Missoula City‑County Health Board’s updated Regulation 1 concerning wastewater treatment and disposal systems.

Charlie Shane, environmental health manager and sanitarian with Missoula Public Health, presented the update, saying it aligns local code with recent changes to Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) rules that permit new on‑site wastewater treatment systems in engineered fill in specific circumstances. Shane explained that local regulation must be \"no less stringent\" than state standards and described the DEQ design and approval criteria now required for systems located in fill: engineered design reports approved before placement, additional soil testing, fill placed and compacted in lifts to meet stability criteria, certification and as‑built documentation within 90 days prior to final approval, and explicit prohibitions on using fill to overcome required horizontal or vertical setbacks such as steep slopes, floodplains, bedrock or high groundwater.

Shane told council the Board of Health approved the revised Regulation 1 on April 17, 2025, and that county commissioners adopted the change by resolution on Aug. 7, 2025. He said Missoula’s local interlocal agreement requires both the city council and county commissioners to adopt health board recommendations by reference. Shane described the revision as largely reorganizational (moving discussion of systems in fill into a design/location section) and said the update clarifies that systems in fill must meet DEQ criteria.

Councilors asked questions about who submits engineered designs, whether installers create the fill, and whether the change primarily affects county parcels outside city limits. Shane said proposed fill must be submitted by an engineer and approved by the health department, that engineered designs and certification will be required, and that the change is expected to apply mostly outside city limits where on‑site systems are more common.

No members of the public spoke at the hearing. The ordinance replaces the older text of Regulation 1 in the municipal code and instructs staff to file updated documents; the city clerk confirmed legal documents and proposed changes were attached to the agenda for the public record.","Missoula City Council adopted an ordinance incorporating the Missoula City‑County Health Board’s updated Regulation 1 (wastewater treatment and disposal systems), allowing new on‑site wastewater systems in engineered \"fill\" under DEQ criteria; the county previously approved the change.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6488242,"Council approves assessments and interfund loan to fund completed curb, gutter and sidewalk projects",476,588000,1064000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681246-0f8790bd682df3ac77f4b75dcaee8df7&start=588&end=1064","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681246-0f8790bd682df3ac77f4b75dcaee8df7/thumbnail_588000.jpg","/articles/6488242/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Council-approves-assessments-and-interfund-loan-to-fund-completed-curb-gutter-and-sidewalk-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6488242-5600fe9885b0ecb74b1d120032b0fcab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770410363&Signature=PjUa6Xpq96GxIikl0xTRXInFURzC6CxZJDDuKR7tW4C7hb-B3pPf-bf-AYSOFu~Vre~xkE6sJ4GGmxYOZYHYRCPDUmH-SWdqIWG~0WERipdDCFa83A8TdRdbXhSoGqWrbYbBT3zVHT2NJDpG2m~e526V0sGd3fWnFD6AUymH8gOWq-PMzwkyuB8GOwGmBvD-2j4Wv~iFeZzLYBgEEsJzNn5BdflfodFB0FBeapdXmetwNXWXhmYiXASmW9TmNZspyYTwsSA9DJkjIDV5mOOoEh~v31lCqC5Vq064clNjxHeRo4aDoUA9lqAilSvNXIdyAohLqBgPJjZNivEDJvERsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Missoula City Council on Aug. 25 approved two related measures to finalize financing for completed curb, gutter and sidewalk projects: (1) a resolution creating a special assessment district and levying assessments of $335,361.47 for 43 parcels tied to several right‑of‑way improvement projects; and (2) an authorization for an interfund loan and issuance of city warrants to finance 2024 curb and sidewalk construction projects.

City Clerk Claire Trimble and Finance Director Lee Griffin explained that the levied assessments reimburse the city for homeowner shares of previously completed improvements across multiple projects (including Wharton–Turner and Ivy Franklin Phase 1 right‑of‑way work) and that property owners were notified in advance and given a public hearing opportunity. Trimble told council staff received no pre‑hearing protests on the parcels gathered for this action.

Trimble and Griffin described the interfund loan as an uncommon but legally permissible financing mechanism under state code. According to Trimble, the city worked with bond counsel and municipal finance advisors to secure a favorable interest rate on an internal interfund loan mechanism called \"warrants,\" reducing closing costs that would be typical in the commercial bond market.

There were minimal public comments. One online commenter asked whether the financing would increase taxes; staff did not identify a tax increase tied to the warrants but noted the assessment levy collects property owner shares for completed work. Both measures passed by roll call vote, with councilors recording unanimous yes votes.

Key figures and documents cited during the meeting included a map of the 43 parcels attached to the agenda, the assessment total of $335,361.47 for item 5.1, and the interfund loan motion for item 5.2. The council also asked questions about the projects and thanked staff for providing visuals and for the finance department’s work to minimize costs.

Next steps: the city will submit the assessments to the county for collection on tax rolls and will issue warrants under the interfund loan authorization to finance the 2024 curb and sidewalk projects; staff will handle related administrative steps and inform affected property owners.","Missoula City Council approved a resolution levying assessments totaling $335,361.47 for completed curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements and authorized an interfund loan via city warrants to finance the 2024 projects; both measures passed unanimously.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6488245,"Missoula council approves 15 mph school speed zone on Phillips Street for extended hours",5322,3252000,8574000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681246-0f8790bd682df3ac77f4b75dcaee8df7&start=3252&end=8574","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681246-0f8790bd682df3ac77f4b75dcaee8df7/thumbnail_3252000.jpg","/articles/6488245/Missoula/Missoula-County/Montana/Missoula-council-approves-15-mph-school-speed-zone-on-Phillips-Street-for-extended-hours","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6488245-00bd61874f0224e69a30cec7bd49eefd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770410363&Signature=F9EV1~9aDqzyGwDzO-ccrUd3tl5UVCIsRdzRVPuDFTvQaNtj9uaB3C~p4q-SjWwZtaBWUOHdyr80glHcBdDgQdYRnbGn~8xT~WQpITu-FOuuTCB-jHqh5eHsp~DbGbHoKrDzwYFrqFOmhlW-Epcrdm9CemLMsSs4N8a2L99lUFclrhzQi~rKprx04-kyvfp9ibkgmxOVo482ZmUWSd9aOnRRbyOYrXDVAfk1KHQ8V5LmiG5q3yIrhSzulcdKoacHM-9cf8EMaBIvJHVnEiZ-PqD4tm3w-hgvT7KHijzDSIzTulMoRFJLs19VJqusdik7RpShAL6oZzBGu-TCm5hU0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Missoula City Council on Aug. 25 approved a resolution establishing a school speed zone on Phillips Street between Burton Street and Scott Street with a posted limit of 15 miles per hour from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The measure, which passed 10-0 after extended public comment and council debate, follows a traffic engineering study prepared by the city’s Public Works and Mobility Department and several interim safety steps already installed in the corridor, including refreshed pavement markings, delineators, temporary curb “bulb-outs,” and rapid rectangular flashing beacons at a prioritized crossing. Public Works Director Jeremy Keane told the council staff had also secured grant funding for street art at the Hawthorne intersection and coordinated tree trimming and police enforcement to improve safety.

Councilors and staff said the action responds to a series of crashes and near misses around Lowell Elementary and Westside Park and is meant to be part of an ongoing three-part approach of engineering, education and enforcement. Keane said the city had completed a multi-faceted response over recent months and would continue to evaluate results. \"Traffic safety really relies on the three E's, which is engineering, education, and enforcement,\" Keane said.

Ryan Gelt, the city traffic engineer, summarized the technical basis for the proposal and the city’s recommendations. He said data collection included daytime traffic counts and crash history from 2020–2024 and that the engineering study recommended speed-zone signage for the corridor; staff additionally recommended the lowered 15 mph limit — lower than the department’s initial 20 mph recommendation — after council members and community speakers pressed for a more protective limit. Gelt emphasized that some treatments already in place, such as the Scott–Phillips roundabout and temporary beacon trailers, are intended to change driver behavior and that the city will continue monitoring speeds, volumes and crossing behavior.

Community members and parents urged faster action. \"Teachers, students and families see the risk every day, and the fear it causes our children is real and preventable,\" Lowell parent Nicole Guay told the council, urging a permanent 15 mph limit and permanent flashing beacons at Shakespeare. Guay recounted that her daughter had been struck in the area earlier in the year and said more protective measures were needed immediately.

The council debated alternatives, including keeping the staff-recommended 20 mph limit or adopting a 24/7 lower limit. City Attorney Ryan Sudbury advised council that state law requires a traffic and engineering study to support lowered urban speed limits and that adopting a 15 mph limit without a study conclusion showing it is warranted could expose enforcement to legal challenge; Sudbury nonetheless said the council could direct staff to perform further analysis if it chose. After amendments and votes, council approved the 15 mph zone for 6 a.m.–11 p.m. daily and directed staff to monitor implementation.

City staff told the council they will continue to collect speed and volume data, make morning observations during school drop-off, coordinate with Missoula Police Department on enforcement priorities, and review whether permanent hardware (for example, fixed beacons instead of trailers) should be installed at Shakespeare or Hawthorne based on observed pedestrian crossing patterns.

What happens next: the city will install regulatory signs reflecting the new limit, continue enforcement coordination with police, and monitor speed, volume and crash data to evaluate whether additional engineering or enforcement is needed.

The vote was 10 in favor, none opposed.","After months of complaints, engineering study and debate, the Missoula City Council established a 15 mph school speed zone on Phillips Street between Burton and Scott to apply daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; staff will monitor and evaluate effectiveness.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Missoula issues proclamations recognizing Service Dog Month and International Overdose Awareness Day

Council renews Downtown Business Improvement District assessments for FY2026

Council adopts updated wastewater rules by reference after health board approval

Council approves assessments and interfund loan to fund completed curb, gutter and sidewalk projects

Missoula council approves 15 mph school speed zone on Phillips Street for extended hours