Commission approves boiler contract, $7M bond, theater lease and county generator permit

Helena City Commission on July 21 approved four separate items affecting city infrastructure, finance, arts programming and a county facility, voting 5-0 on each.

The commission voted to award the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) boiler installation contract to Tri County Mechanical and Electrical. Director Leland told the commission the project replaces 30-year-old boilers that heat the plant’s digesters so anaerobic processes can function. Staff recommended awarding the installation; the staff presentation named a recommended award amount of $23,031,603. The motion recorded at the meeting read $231,603. The commission voted 5-0 (Commissioners Shurtleff, Dean, Reid, Logan and Mayor Collins voting aye). The record shows the award was approved, and the discrepancy between the staff recommendation and the motion language was noted in the meeting record.

The commission also approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of $7,000,000 in general obligation bonds, series 2025. Controller Eliza Salonga said the final bid was awarded to Piper Sandler at a purchase price of $7,372,147.40 with a true interest rate of 3.7872 percent; the bonds will mature on July 1, 2045 and the first interest payment is due Jan. 1, 2026. The resolution passed 5-0.

A 10-year lease with Broadwater Productions Inc. for the Grand Street Theatre at 325 North Park Avenue was approved. Facilities Manager Johnston and public speakers representing Grand Street Theatre described nearly five decades of partnership with the city and recent capital investments, including a $250,000 HVAC upgrade and remodeled bathrooms. Board member Dan White and Managing Director Danielle Weinman said Grand Street’s year-round programming brings cultural activity and, they said, a reported $4,000,000 in annual economic impact to Helena and Lewis and Clark County. The lease was approved 5-0.

The commission also approved an exclusive right-of-way use permit allowing Lewis and Clark County to install a larger backup generator at the Purview Center. Planner/Director Kanakki said the installation would occupy 119 square feet of public right-of-way; staff recommended approval with an annual fee of $76.31. That permit passed 5-0.

Votes at the meeting were recorded with Commissioner Shurtleff, Commissioner Dean, Commissioner Reid, Commissioner Logan and Mayor Collins voting aye on the listed items. No public comments opposed these particular measures during the meeting.