Community councils report development disputes, water-quality outreach, and local wins in round-robin updates
Summary
Bonner Milltown reported a rezoning approval for the Blackfoot Crossing development and community opposition to a proposed gravel pit; Clinton described water-quality outreach and E. coli testing; East Missoula secured a zoning change for the Aspire subdivision and is preparing for a fire levy; Lolo celebrated a new ice rink funded earlier by a rural grant.
During the meeting’s round-robin updates, community councils reported local issues and events affecting residents across Missoula County.
Bonner Milltown (Jane) said members discussed the Blackfoot Crossing project near West Riverside and that the Planning Board rezoned the site, a decision that has generated community controversy; she also said the council will continue to monitor discussion about a proposed Blackfoot River gravel pit.
Clinton (Bonnie) reported that the environmental health manager spoke to the council about water-quality regulations and shared E. coli and coliform testing kits; Bonnie said attendees were able to ask property-specific questions and that testing bottles were distributed to residents, with particular note that some areas (e.g., Wallace Creek Road) may have higher arsenic levels.
East Missoula (Lisa) said the city council accepted two amendments to the UDC affecting the Aspire subdivision, which was rezoned from Urban Residential High to Limited Use Residential 2, a result community members have advocated for amid annexation concerns tied to the 2045 land-use plan. Lisa also noted an upcoming fire-levy re-submission that will figure into future agendas.
Lolo (Danica) said an ice rink installed using a prior rural grant and later operated by Missoula Parks and Recreation is now open and popular with residents, particularly children. West Valley (Reagan/Kelly) said their recent special meeting focused on bylaw review and included discussion about a local Town Pump issue.
These brief reports highlight a mix of development issues, environmental concerns and small-scale community projects that were discussed locally and noted to the county staff for follow-up where appropriate.
