09/30/2024
“Helena This Week” is reported and written By JoVonne Wagner. Send your Helena news and tips to jwagner@montanafreepress.org.
Commission Closes Meeting, Settlement in the Works
The Helena City Commission held a closed meeting last week to discuss a pending lawsuit over street maintenance assessments from 2011 to 2021.
The mayor’s office did not disclose specifics, but court records suggest a settlement is in progress.
Filed in 2022, the lawsuit claims Helena’s street maintenance district violated city and state codes. Plaintiffs, including RGB Investments and the Blatter Family Trust, seek refunds, legal fees, and the invalidation of assessments.
The city filed a motion on Sept. 11 to pause the lawsuit for settlement talks, with a status report due in 60 days if no agreement is reached.
Public Notice
Ballot info session: The League of Women Voters and Lewis and Clark Library will host a session on upcoming ballot initiatives on Monday, Oct. 7. Former representatives Frank Garner and Matthew Monforton will speak, along with Betsy Brandborg. The session is in person and on Zoom, starting at 5:30 p.m.
City board vacancies: Helena seeks applications for several city boards, including the ADA Compliance Committee and Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board. Deadline for applications is Monday, Oct. 7, at 4 p.m. Contact Alyx Montiel at amontiel@helenamt.gov for more details.
5 Things to Know in Helena
Fire mitigation funding: The city accepted two grants for fire reduction at Mount Helena City Park, totaling $122,475.
Fire tower restoration: The city approved a $385,803 bid for fire tower restoration but needs to find an additional $152,897 in funding.
Solar panels for golf course: Onsite Energy Inc. was approved to install solar panels at Bill Rogers Golf Course for $181,573.
Administrative staff raise: School board officials approved a 1.5% wage increase for administrative staff, costing around $44,000.
New BID director: Alycia Ryan was hired as the new director of the Business Improvement District. Plans are underway for the walking mall’s holiday decorations and Festival of Lights.
3 Questions For
Jordan Evertz will replace Bruce Day as Helena Food Share’s executive director starting Nov. 1. Evertz, who has lived in Helena for nine years, discussed her plans for the nonprofit with MTFP.
MTFP: What’s your professional background and why did you want to work with Helena Food Share?
Evertz: I currently work as the clinical director for residential services at Youth Dynamics. I’ve volunteered with Helena Food Share and admire their community impact. This position aligns with my values and experience.
MTFP: The nonprofit is set to open a new resource center in October. What can the public expect from you as the facility opens?
Evertz: Operations will start on Oct. 7. Bruce and I will work closely to ensure a smooth transition. The new center will allow us to expand and improve food distribution services.
MTFP: How will you contribute to the nonprofit as the next executive director?
Evertz: I bring strategic planning and leadership skills. My experience in developing and sustaining programs will complement the services offered by Helena Food Share.
Comings and Goings
Construction began on a 72-unit apartment building aimed at providing below-market-rent options. The project is supported by Helena’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, federal tax credits, and state loans.
“This is exactly why we created the affordable housing trust fund,” Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins said at the groundbreaking ceremony. The building will offer one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, including units for extremely low-income residents. The project is located off Dorothy Street, near the Ford and Honda of Helena dealerships.
Might Be Fun
Tickets are on sale for country music artist Clint Black’s concert in Helena on Feb. 12 at the Helena Civic Center. Tickets start at $50 and are available on the civic center’s website.
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