Helena commission approves ADA ramp contract and two downtown TIF grants; appoints parks board member and tables Symphony funding

The Helena City Commission voted 3–0 on several routine and downtown-development items, including the appointment of Michael Higgins to the City–County Parks Board, an extension of the Shopko Minor Subdivision preliminary plat, award of the FY26 ADA ramp contract, and two tax-increment financing reimbursements for downtown redevelopment. The commission also tabled a requested allocation of former consolidated URA funds to the Helena Symphony until Commissioner Reid can participate.

Appointment and consent - The commission approved the mayor’s appointment of Michael Higgins to a first term on the City–County Parks Board (Higgins is listed as a Helena School District representative). The motion carried 3–0. - The consent agenda, which included claims and a request to extend the Shopko Minor Subdivision preliminary plat from March 2025 to March 2028 (certificate of survey 3171732), was approved 3–0.

ADA ramp contract - The commission awarded the Transportation Systems FY26 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramp project contract to All Around Construction for an amount not to exceed $350,000. Transportation Director Kanopke said the annual ADA ramp program coincides with the city’s mill-and-overlay work and identifies ramp construction locations across the city, including sections of 11th Street and Henderson. The motion carried 3–0.

Downtown TIF disbursements - Stockman Financial Corporation (Stockman Bank) requested assistance for demolition activities at 1020 North Last Chance Gulch. Senior Planner Ellie Ray told the commission the demolition and associated excavation to access and cap a water service line would cost $63,850; the applicant requested 50% of eligible costs ($31,925). Ray also said the bank’s predevelopment costs to date exceed $2,100,000. The commission approved a resolution to distribute downtown urban renewal district tax-increment financing (TIF) funds to Stockman Financial Corporation for those demolition costs; vote 3–0. - Stornella (Strinella) Square LLC (owner of the Tracy Block building at 316 Fuller Avenue) requested 50% reimbursement for historic-facade work. Ray said the total cost is $40,646 and the TIF request is $20,323. The commission approved a resolution to distribute downtown TIF funds for the façade improvements; vote 3–0.

Helena Symphony feasibility study (tabled) - Director Brink presented a staff recommendation to allocate $35,000 from funds associated with the former consolidated Central Helena Urban Renewal Area for a fundraising feasibility study for the Helena Symphony’s proposed Ming Opera House/Light & Traction Building project. Maestro Scott spoke in support and noted prior state-funded studies. After public comment and commissioners’ remarks, a motion to table the allocation until Commissioner Reid returns was approved 3–0; staff will bring the item back at a future meeting called by the city manager.

Votes at a glance - Appointment: Michael Higgins to City–County Parks Board — approved 3–0. - Consent agenda: claims and Shopko Minor Subdivision preliminary plat extension (to March 2028, certificate of survey 3171732) — approved 3–0. - FY26 ADA ramp contract (All Around Construction) — awarded, not to exceed $350,000 — approved 3–0. - Downtown TIF to Stockman Financial Corporation for demolition at 1020 N Last Chance Gulch — $31,925 (50% of $63,850) — approved 3–0. Predevelopment costs reported by applicant: >$2,100,000 (as of application). - Downtown TIF to Stornella/Strinella Square LLC for historic façade work at 316 Fuller Ave — $20,323 (50% of $40,646) — approved 3–0. - Allocation to Helena Symphony for fundraising feasibility study ($35,000) — tabled until Commissioner Reid can participate — tabled 3–0.

Staff and presenters who appeared on these items included Transportation Director Kanopke, Community Development Director Brink, Senior Planner Ellie Ray, and Maestro Scott (Helena Symphony). The commission took no additional substantive actions at the meeting.